The Jain 1998 07

Author(s): Amrit Godhia, Pradip Mehta, Pravin Mehta
Publisher: UK Jain Samaj Europe

Page 66

10th anniversary pratishtha mahotsava
underprivileged, indifference to those, who do not listen to them or other enlightened individuals, and should be free from egoism or pride in any form.
Right Knowledge Any knowledge which facilitates spiritual progress is by definition Right Knowledge. Right Faith and Right Knowledge are closely related as are cause and effect, an analogy of which might be similar to a lamp and light: One may have a lamp without light, but not light without a lamp, similarly, one may have Right Faith without knowledge, but not knowledge without Right Faith.
The scriptures describe Right Knowledge as 'that knowledge which reveals the nature of things neither insufficiently, nor with exaggeration, nor falsely, but exactly as it is and with certainty. It has also been stated that Right Knowledge consists in having full comprehension of the real nature of living beings and non-living things, and that such knowledge should be beyond doubt, misunderstanding, vagueness or uncertainty (Sanghave 1990: p.40).
Jain seers assert that knowledge is perfect when it does not suffer from the above three defects of insufficiency, exaggeration and falsehood, as these pervert both one's understanding and one's mental and behavioural attitudes. The Jains have developed a systemic theory of knowledge and five forms of knowledge: Sensory knowledge (
mati jnaana): is knowledge of the world acquired by means of any or all of the five senses and the mind. Scriptural knowledge (sruta jnaana): is derived from the reading or listening to the scriptures, and mastery of such knowledge may make one a 'scriptural omniscient'. Clairvoyant knowledge (avadhi jnaana): is a form of direct cognition of objects without the mediation of the sensory organs. This knowledge apprehends physical objects and events, which are beyond the normal grasp of the sensory organs, and is acquired in two ways: (1) Inherent in both celestials and infernals and acquired in the case of humans and animals. Celestial beings possess a higher quality of knowledge than their hellish counterparts. (2) One can acquire clairvoyant knowledge by progressing on the spiritual path, but its degree differs according to one's spiritual progress. The soul of the tirthankara is born with an extensive type of clairvoyant knowledge.
. 'Telepathic' knowledge (manahparyaaya jnaana): is
direct cognition of the mental activity of others, and can be acquired by those who are spiritually far advanced; some call it 'mind reading knowledge, although the terms 'telepathic and
'mind-reading' are inadequate translations. . Perfect knowledge or 'omniscience' (kevala jnaana):
is full or complete knowledge of all material and non-material objects without limitations of time or space. It is the knowledge possessed by all souls in their pristine state and its acquisition is the goal for
a human life. Right Knowledge has eight requirements:
The reading, writing and pronouncing of every letter and word of the religious texts should be
undertaken correctly with care and faith. . Reading should be directed towards understanding
the meaning and full significance of the words and phrases of the texts. Mere mechanical study without understanding the meaning serves no purpose. For Right Knowledge, both reading and understanding the meaning are essential, as they together complete the process and the purpose of knowledge. Study should be undertaken in quiet places regularly and at times when one is free from worries and anxieties. Humility and respect towards the scriptures and the
teachers should be cultivated. • If one encounters difficult expressions and ideas
while studying, one should not jump to hasty conclusions that may lead to an improper understanding. Enthusiasm for mastering of a subject is essential to sustain an interest so that one continues to study. One must keep an open mind and attitude so that prejudice will not hinder a proper understanding and the completeness of knowledge.
Thus, Right Knowledge is acquired by studying the scriptures through understanding their full meaning and significance at appropriate regular times, imbued with zeal, with a correct attitude and an open mind.
The Uttaraadhyayan (28: 30) states that without Right Faith there is no Right knowledge; without Right knowledge there is no Right Conduct and without Right Conduct there is no liberation. For liberation, perfection in Right Faith is the necessity, whereas it is unnecessary
Prayer is the most powerful form of energy one can generate... prayer is a force as real as terrestrial gravity. It supplies us with a flow of sustaining power in our daily lives.
- Alexis Carrel, French Nobel Prize Winner.
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