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RIGHT UNDERSTANDING - SOME AURDLES
T. G. Kalghatgi
I. Right understanding ( Samygdarśana ), right knowledge (Samyagjñāna) and right conduct ( Samyagcāritra ) constitute the triple path towards self-realisation.1 There is need to a harmonious blending of the three paths. Right understanding is the basis; it leads to right knowledge. This is faith rooted in intuitive grasp of the truth and not related to superstitious uncritical acceptance of truth. It is looking inward and it may be referred to as the "mental set" in the psychological sense.
a Ācārya Samantabhadra has mentioned 8 characteristics of Samyagdarśana : 1. Nihsarkita is the deeprooted faith in the persons who are authorities and in the validity of the sacred texts. 2. Nihkārksita spirit of non-attachment towards the fruits of
Niḥkārkṣā. It should be purely spiritual craving. 3. Nirvicikitsă : is to be free from illusions and stupor. 4. Amūdhadrsti is to be free from the perversity of beliefs.
which may be called amūdhatva. 5. Upagūhana refers to the emphasis on the right aspect of
the samyagd?ssi in the sense that we should discourage to
aim at partial and half-hearted right-mindedness. 6. Sthitikarana is to secure steadfastness and to lead towards
rightness of understanding. The 'fallen angels' in the path
have to be restored to the path of right direction. 7. Vātsalya emphasises that we should have love and kindness
towards those leading the path of righteousness, without of course showing iil-wiil towards the fallen. "Those who
hunger and thirst after righteousness shall be filled.”3 8. Prabhāvanā is to kindle the light of right understanding,
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