Portrait of Jain Religion

Author(s): Narendra Jain
Publisher: Prakrit Bharti Academy

Page 82

CHAPTER -9
THE THREE JEWELS OF JAINISM
The concept of religion in the Jain philosophy is rooted in the realization of the intrinsic nature of the soul: "Vatthu sahavo dharma". The eternal or abiding nature of soul is 'chetana' (consciousness). Caught up in the ongoing cycle of birth and death (Samsara), it transmigrates from one life form to another and in the process becomes impure and corrupted through its constant interaction with non-living particles (Ajiva pudgal). It accumulates knowledge-obstructing particles of transient and illusory material attachments and passions. True happiness and bliss begins to elude the soul on account of the false perception of joy and sorrow, pleasure and pain.
Integrated pursuit of Rational perception (Samyak darsana), Rational knowledge (Samyak jnan), and Rational conduct (Samyak charitra) constitute the foundation of Jain philosophy and are reverentially called "RATNATTRAYA", the bejeweled trinity. This indivisible and logically-knit trinity reflects a uniquely articulated approach to strike a healthy and wholesome balance between logic and faith, reason and belief. The much-revered second century Jain scripture "TATTVARTH SUTRA" begins by emphasizing "rational world view, knowledge and conduct are the three essential elements for liberation." The very first verse of the Tattvartha Sutra reads:
"“Samyak-darsana-jnan-charitrani Mokshamargah”
"The trinity of Samyak darsana, Samyak Jnan and Samyak Charitra is the path to Moksha (liberation of the Soul)"
Hemachandracharya writes in Jain Yogashastra:
The enlightened consciousness or Self sees clearly its own Self with the light of its own Self, the moment it comes out of
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A Portrait of Jain Religion