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Study of Jainism
CHAPTER-5
Right understanding (Sumyagdarśana), right knowledge (Samyagjñana) and right conduct (Samyagcaritra) constitute the triple path towards self-realisation. 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.
Acarya Samantabhadra has mentioned 8 characteristics of Samyagdarśana.”
1. Nihsankita is the deeprooted faith in the persons who are authorities and in the validity of the sacred texts.
2. Nihkankşita spirit of non-attachment towards the fruits of Nihkankşa. It should be purely spiritual craving.
3. Nirvicikitsa : is to be free from illusions and stupor.
4. Amūdhadssti is to be free from the perversity of beliefs, which may be called amūdhatva.
5. Upaguhana refers to the emphasis on the right aspect of the Samyagdęsti 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 Vatsalya emphasises that we should have love and kindness towards those leading the path of righteousness, without of course showing ill-will towards the fallen. “Those who hunger and thirst after righteousness shall be filled.3
8. Prabhavana is to kindle the light of right understanding, by removing many misconceptions, inadequacies and deficiencies.
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