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PRABUDDH JEEVAN
JUNE 2016
JAIN ETHICS
ENLIGHTEN YOURSELF BY SELF STUDY OF JAINOLOGY
LESSON - TWELVE
O DR. KAMINI GOGRI The association of the soul with karmic matter three fold path of liberation. Hence, it is necessary to cripples the inherent powers of the soul. Jain see the appropriate characteristics of these "Three philosophy, therefore, asserts that a person obtains Jewels" which constitute that path. everlasting happiness only when karma is completely It is pertinent to note that these three are not removed from the soul. Jainism firmly believes that it severally considered as different paths but are is quite possible for one to rid oneself of the karma thought to form together a single path. That is why it associated with the soul by one's personal efforts, is firmly maintained that these three must be present without any help from an outside source. The highest together to constitute the path to salvation. happiness lies in securing emancipation from the cycle
In view of this firm conviction in Jainism, the Jaina of birth and death, thus attaining liberation. The central works always strongly emphasize that the three theme of Jainism holds religion as a science of ethical must be simultaneously pursued. This conviction practices. The conduct of the present life should be is brought home by some effective illustrations. For aimed at attaining Moksha, the state of eternal bliss example, it is contented that to effect a cure of a from which there is no return to the cycle of life and malady, faith in the efficacy of a medicine, death. Each soul can attain liberation, a supreme knowledge of its use, and actual taking of it, these spiritual state, by realizing its intrinsic purity and three together are essential; so also, to get perfection. The question arises regarding the ways to emancipation, faith in the efficacy of Jainism, its achieve that objective. Tattvārtha sutra, a sacred text knowledge and actual practicing of it, these three of Jainism, emphatically states in its first aphoristic rule: are quite indispensible. Similarly, the Moksamārga, Samyag Darshan Jnān Charitrāni Mokshamärgāh i.e, the path to salvation, is compared in Jaina works
Samyag Darshan (Right Faith or Perception), to a ladder with its two side poles and the central SamyagJnān (Right Knowledge) and Samyag Chăritra rungs forming the steps. The side poles of the ladder (Right Conduct) together constitute the path to are right belief and right knowledge and the rungs liberation. These three basic components are called or steps of the ladder are the gradual stages of right Ratna Trayi, or the three jewels, in Jain works.
conduct. It is obvious that it is possible to ascent Since all three are emphasized equally, it is obvious the ladder only when all the three, i.e. the side poles that Jainism does not admit any one of these three, and the rungs, are sound. The absence of one individually, as a means to Mokshamarga i.e. the path makes the ascent impossible. to liberation. In fact, in Jain works, Mokshamārga, is Thus a simultaneous pursuit of right belief, right compared to a ladder with two side poles and central knowledge and right conduct is enjoined upon the rungs or steps. The side poles of the ladder are Right people as the only proper path to salvation in the Faith and Right Knowledge and the rungs or steps of Jaina scriptures. Further, the ethical code prescribed the ladder are the gradual stages of Right Conduct. It by Jainism for both the house-holders and the is obvious that it is possible to ascend the ladder only ascetics is based on this three-fold path of liberation. when all three components, the two side poles and the Hence it is quite necessary to see the main steps, are sound. The absence of one makes the characteristics of these Jewels' which constitute ascent impossible.
that path. Right faith or Perception creates an awareness of 1. Samyak Drasana reality or truth, Right Knowledge impels the person to (1) Meaning Right action, and Right Conduct leads him to the It is clear that out of the three jewels, mentioned attainment of liberation. They must coexist in a above, right belief comes first and that it forms the basis person if he is to make any progress on the path upon which the other two jewels, viz, right knowledge of liberation.
and right conduct, rest. Hence it has been laid down Furthermore, the ethical code prescribed by Jainism that one must, by all possible means, first attain right for both house-holders and ascetics is based on this belief, i.e. the basic conviction in the fundamentals of
