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Roots are the key to the growth and strength of a tree. The roots draw and absorb nutrition for the tree. If the roots wither away and die, all the water in the world shall not bring them back to life. Even life giving sunshine and healthy breeze cannot save that tree. Nothing can save that tree from storms and whirlwind because its roots are dead.
It has been said in the Dashavaikalika Suutra that,
"Muulaau khandhappabhavo dumassa khandhaau pacchaa samuvinti saahaa. Saahappasaahaa viruhenti pattaa taosi puppham cha phalam raso a"
~Dashavaikalika Suutra, Verse 9.2.1 (Page 249, Author: Aachaarya Swayambhavsuri, Publisher: Akhil Bhartiya Sudharma Jain Sangh, Jodhpur (Rajasthan), year V.S.2066)
The roots of a tree give rise to its trunk. Later, from its trunk emerge the branches. From the branches and sub-branches emerge leaves, flowers and fruits and flavours.
This applies to the tree of dharma as well. The tree of dharma has innumerable branches. Truthfulness, non-violence, compassion, mercy, forgiveness, service to others, satisfaction, chastity, non-attachment to worldly goods, non-stealing, etc. are branches of the tree of dharma. The branch of non-violence has innumerable sub-branches. The branch of truthfulness has innumerable sub-branches. The branch of chastity has several sub-branches. Good qualities are the flowers of the tree of dharma. Self-immersion and Liberation is the fruit of the tree of dharma. But this concerns the abundance of the tree of dharma. The question that arises is that what has given such abundance and excellence and perfection to the tree of dharma? What is the basis of this verdant affluence?
Aachaarya Kundakunda answers this:
"Dansanamuulo dhammo uvaittho jinavarehim sissaanam.
Tam souuna sakanne dansanahiino na vandivvo"
- 'Darshana Prabhrita", "Atthapaahuda" Verse 4 (Auhtor: Aachaarya Kundakunda, Publisher: Shantiveer Digambar Jain Mandir, Mahaveerji, (Rajasthan) year V.S. 2494)
The Jinaas taught their disciples that samyak darshana is the root of dharma. Hear this with your ears and never pay obeisance to those who lack samyaktva.
Samyak darshana (enlightened perception) is the root of dharma. If samyaktva is present, the tree of dharma shall keep growing. And dharma shall remain constant, alive and strong.
The tree of dharma, which is upheld by strong roots of samyaktva is impervious to the storms and whirlwinds caused by bad thoughts, false doctrines and bad company. Till the time the roots of samyaktva are firm, the branches of truthfulness, non-violence, self-control, penance, etc. shall
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