Samkit Faith Practice Liberation

Author(s): Amit B Bhansali
Publisher: Amit B Bhansali

Page 216

held firmly by the roots of samyaktva. If the roots are firm, no act by demigods or demons or humans can affect the tree adversely. Even the most adverse circumstances and climatic conditions cannot destroy the tree as long as its roots remain strong. If the tree of dharma, whether ascetic dharma or layman's dharma, has developed strong roots of samyaktva, the fruit of liberation shall arrive quickly!
This is the first contemplation.
2. Samyaktva is the gateway to the city of dharma
Using the analogy of a city, samyaktva is the gateway into the city of dharma. Just as a city needs very solidly constructed unbreakable doors for its own protection, one's dharma needs the protection
of firm samyaktva. Very solidly built strong gates of a city deter her enemies from attacking the city. Similarly, firm conviction in the teachings of the Jinaas and unshakeable samyaktva deters the enemies of delusion-causing karmas, false faith-causing karmas and indolence from entering the city of dharma. This metaphor may be used in another way as well. One can only enter the city of dharma through the gateway of samyaktva. Either way one looks at it, samyaktva makes a fine gateway for the city of dharma!
This is the second contemplation.
3. Samyaktva is the foundation of the palace of dharma
Using the analogy of a palace, samyaktva is the strong foundation of the palace of dharma. Just as a physical palace needs to be constructed on very strong foundations, the palace of dharma needs to be constructed on the strong foundation of samyaktva. Just as a palace with a strong foundation can remain for hundreds of years and endure the brunt of the forces of nature without falling apart, the seeker who is firm in his samyaktva can withstand the vicissitudes of life without compromising his samyaktva. When samyaktva is strong, the seeker is strongly motivated to be true to his vows. When samyaktva is weak, the seeker may not be able to remain firm in his vows.
This is the third contemplation.
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