Portrait of Jain Religion

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

Page 84

'Nihsankita' implies elimination of all fears and apprehensions about the fundamental truths; ‘Nihkanksita' implies steering clear of succumbing to material temptations and attachments mistaking them for happiness; 'Nirvicikitsa' implies focusing on the virtues of others and not their shortcomings; 'Amudhadrsti' implies not deviating from the true path of religion by pinning faith in preachers of false perceptions; 'Upaguhana' implies respecting and learning from virtuous persons and rejecting overtures of illintentioned and selfish persons; 'Stithiikarana' implies adhering to the path of righteousness even in the face of difficulties; ‘Vatsalya’ implies nurturing friendly feelings for the virtuous and avoiding egoistic behavior towards others; ‘Prabhavana’implies assiduously promoting in a noble and self-less manner adherence to true faith among people. SAMYAK JNAN Samyak darsana is the essential prerequisite and crucial step in developing a rational mind-set and vision. Without it, it is not possible to move on the ladder to Samyak jnan.Lord Mahavir observes (Mulachar 5/71): “That which subdues passions leads to bliss and fosters friendliness is called right knowledge.” Rational knowledge is devoid of doubt, misapprehensions, misconceptions, delusions and prejudices. Objective approach inherent in it stems from the doctrine of manifold truth viz., SYADVAD and ANEKANTVAD. Truth is and cannot be absolute. It is always relative since it is seen from different angles and attitudes by different persons at different time and place settings. One needs to develop appreciation of different viewpoints and arrive at a synthesis, which would promote harmonious perception of multifaceted aspects. This would provide an objective basis for getting to the core truth. Comprehensive knowledge is definite and determinate, but may not be absolutely perfect, or complete. It is relative.
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A Portrait of Jain Religion