Religious Problem in India

Author(s): Annie Besant
Publisher: Theosophist Office Adyar

Page 59

JAIXISM
51
being added for ascetics: “Learn the true road leading to final deliverance, which the Jinas have taught; it depends on fonr causes, and is characterised by right knowledge and faith. I. Right knowledge; II. Faith; III. Conduct; IV. Ansterities. This is the road tanght by the Jinas who possess the best knowledge."* By right knowledge and right faith and right condnct the Jiva evolves, and in the later stages, to these are added austerities, by which lie finally frees himself from the bonds of rebirth. Right knowledge is defined as being that which I have just said to you with regard to Samsāra ; and the difference of Jiva and Dravya, and the six kinds of substances, dharma, adharma, space, time, matter, soul; he must also know the nine trnths: Jiva, soul; ajiva, the inanimate things; bandla, the binding of the soul by karma; pnnya, merit; pāpa, demerit; ūsrava, that which causes the soul to be affected by sins; samvara, the prevention of ūsrava by watchfulness: the aumihilation of karma; final deliverance; these are the nine truths.t
Then we find a definition as to right conduct. Right conduct, which is Sarāga, with desire, leads to Svarga-or it leads to becoming a Deva, or it leads to the sovereignty of the Devas, Asuras aud men, but not to liberation. But the right conduct which is Vīțarăga, free from desire, that, and that alone, will lead to final liberation. As we still follow the course of the Jiva, we find him throwing aside Moha.
* Ibid, xxvii, 1, 2. + Ibid, 11.