Pristine Jainism

Author(s): S M Jain
Publisher: Parshwanath Vidyapith

Page 19

SAMYAKTVA (RATIONALITY)
Foremost Prerequisite:
न सम्यक्त्वसमं किंचितत्त्रैकाल्ये त्रिजगत्यपि । श्रेयोऽश्रेयश्च मिथ्यात्वसमं नान्यत्तनूभृताम् ।।
Ratnakaranda-śrāvakācāra- 1.34 [Rationality is most important and there is nothing more beneficial than rationality in belief and thought, knowledge and conduct. Its opposite Mithyātva i.e. Irrationality is most harmful]
Rationality (Samyaktva) is key word in Jainism, It precedes and is prerequisite in all actions and interactions, beliefs, thoughts and conduct of both laity (householders) and ascetics (Saints). It opposes all sorts of superstitious beliefs, thoughts and activity. Even worship or any other activity done without first inculcating rational attitude is considered useless in Jainism. Samyaktva or Rationality implies determination to follow right and rational path in all spheres of activity.
Rational person (Samyaktví) pays obeisance only to enlightened and liberated ones, arhats and siddhas who are completely unattached (Vītarāga), who never claimed to bestow any sort of worldly favours but have only taught the rational, right path they themselves have followed. He follows teachings of true saints only who do not perform any sort of miracles but only show the right path by following it themselves. He follows scriptures based on the preaching of Arhats and true saints.
श्रद्धानं परमार्थानामाप्तागमतपोभृताम् । त्रिमूढापोढमष्टाङ्गं सम्यगदर्शनमस्मयम् ।।
Ratnakaranda-śrāvakācāra 1.4 Umāsvāmi (Umāsvāti) in his treatise, “Moksa Šāstra (Tattvārtha Sūtra)" defines rational person as one who believes in the state of