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Without any doubt, samyaktva or true perception or true faith is the first means on the path of liberation, whether the seeker is a monk or a layman. Accompanied by samyaktva, the seeker's laymanship or asceticism brightens. Hence, in order to progress on the path of liberation, it is necessary to first attain samyaktva.
Samyaktva is the basis for increase in good qualities
Compassion, pity, unselfishness, straightforwardness, truthfulness, gentleness, self-control, penance, renunciation, chastity, equanimity and satisfaction are the good qualities in the life of a seeker.
Question: What is the basis for the purification and enhancement of the above qualities?
Answer: Samyaktva is the basis of purification and enhancement of the above qualities.
Only through samyaktva can the above qualities become more refined and enhanced. It may be noted that samyaktva does not give birth to these good qualities, which are intrinsic to the nature of the soul. They are preserved in the soul. But samyaktva polishes these qualities and cleanses them of their flaws. It is like alum, which cleanses water when inserted in it.
Samyaktva is a spiritual trait which, when developed completely (through annihilation of the karmas that impede samyaktva), lasts forever. In the presence of samyaktva, all other qualities turn from downfall to upward journey. With the advent of samyaktva, a person's focus shifts from material things to spiritual goals. Friendship, amity, wisdom, equanimity, compassion, forgiveness, pity - all these qualities become meaningful in the presence of samyaktva. They are fruitful and lay result in the attainment of liberation. All these qualities help the soul purify and cleanse itself. Hence, it can be stated with certainty that samyaktva is the basis of the purification, enhancement and protection of all good qualities.
Samyaktva is the gateway to the temple of saadhanaa {diligent efforts
Samyaktva is the gateway to the temple of diligent efforts towards self-purification. Samyaktva is the one and only doorway to the temple of diligent efforts towards self-purification. Just as you need one or the other door to enter a temple or a palace, samyaktva is the only door to enter the temple of spirituality. The soul is the chief deity of the temple of spirituality. First and foremost, samyaktva describes the true nature of the soul. There after, samyaktva demonstrates how one should worship the soul-deity and how to enhance its good qualities.
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