Samyak Darshan First StepTowards Dharma

Author(s): Jayantilal Jain
Publisher: Jayantilal Jain

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SAMYAK DARSHAN THE FIRST STEP TOWARDS DHARMA
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Dr. Jayanti Lal Jain
Introduction A thousand mile journey begins with the first step. Likewise, the journey to moksha begins with the attainment of right faith. Understanding this is very important because it is regarded as a first step to the path of Dharma and Moksha. Samyak Darshan or Right Belief is very commonly used by almost all Jains and a popular term to indicate one's belief in Jain Philosophy. However, this is also a concept which is most commonly misunderstood by many Jains except a few of them who have really applied their mind to understand it. Some think that to be a Jain or follow basic Jain conduct is having Samyak Darshan, while some others believe that to follow a particular Guru, sect, certain religious practices or read certain scriptures automatically mean Samyak Darshan. In brief, every follower of Jain Religion has one's own view about right belief. It is a cap which everyone wants to wear it without knowing what it really means. Moreover, some people have even total dislike for others if they do not follow his or her own concept of Samyak Darshan and there are acrimonious debates over the subject without knowing the reality. One group takes pleasure in declaring the other person as having false belief or Mithya Darshan.
An Overview There are infinite souls in this universe and each of them is frightened by misery and unhappiness. In spite of striving for happiness, they are unaware about the right solution or remedy to become like the God, completely happy. Liberation is the only solution of their problems and nothing else.
The path of liberation lies in Samyakdarshana (Right perspective), Samyakgyana (Right knowledge) and Samyakcharitra (right conduct).
These three together constitutes the path to liberation. These are known as the triple jewels of Jainism (Ratnatraya). These three are essential for the soul to move up spiritually. Those who have attained Godhood or liberation have done so by taking shelter of soul and experiencing own self or soul.
Samyakdarshan, root of Jainism, brings true world vision. One who possesses it will view the things with a matured vision. He would make a balanced judgment through his improved vision but the more significant effect of this is self-realization. On meditating upon nature of soul, the mind gets rest and relaxed. After ascertainment of the self and by frequent/continous engrossment in the soul, spiritual bliss is experienced. Such an experience is called the state of self-realization. TattvarthasraddhanamSamyak-darsanam refers to the determination to find out the meaning of the essence of reality known as the right vision. The true believer has firm conviction and intensive faith in nature of the soul which is necessary condition and a first step for launching upon the path of liberation. The framework of right view in Jainism consists of seven fundamentals given below.
All living beings are called Jivas. Jivas have consciousness known as the soul, which is called by different names like Chetan, Atma, Trikali, Samaysar etc. The soul and body are two different entities. The soul can't be reproduced or destroyed because this was never born. It is described as a sort of substance which is indestructible, invisible, and shapeless. Jivas are divided into five categories ranging from one-sensed beings to five-sensed beings. The body is merely a home for the soul but at the time of death, the soul leaves the body to occupy a new one. This simply means that soul has no causal relationship with other substances. Anything that is not a soul is called Ajiva. Ajivas do not have consciousness, knowledge or vision. Ajivas are divided in five broad categories: Pudgal (matter), Dharma (medium of motion), Adharma (medium of rest), Akash (space) and kala (time). The