Contemporary Relevance Of Triratna Ideal Of Jainism

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Contemporary Relevance of Triratna Ideal of Jainism" by Dr. L. K. L. Srivastava, focusing on its key arguments and contemporary relevance:

The text argues that the Jain ideal of Triratna (Three Jewels) – Right Faith (Samyagdarśana), Right Knowledge (Samyagjñāna), and Right Conduct (Samyagcāritra) – remains profoundly relevant in contemporary society, which is characterized by spiritual unrest and a questioning of traditional values.

Understanding the Triratna Ideal:

• Path to Liberation: The Triratna are presented as the fundamental path to liberation (moksha) in Jainism, as articulated in the Tattvārthasūtra. Liberation is described as a state of infinite bliss, knowledge, faith, and power achieved by a liberated being (kevalin) free from karmic bondage.
• Right Faith (Samyagdarśana): This is defined as belief in the fundamental principles (padārthas/tattvas) of Jainism, such as the soul, according to their true nature. It's an acquiescence in these principles, either naturally developed or through the guidance of a guru. It has eight components, including conviction, desirelessness, and veneration.
• Right Knowledge (Samyagjñāna): This is the accurate understanding of these principles, free from illusion or doubt. It encompasses knowledge of various realities in detail or concisely. Jainism categorizes this knowledge into five types: mati, śruta, avadhi, manahparyāya, and kevala.
• Right Conduct (Samyagcāritra): This involves abstaining from all actions that lead to negative consequences, guided by right faith and knowledge. It's described as the complete relinquishment of blameworthy impulses. The core of right conduct lies in the Five Vows (Pañca Mahāvratas/Aṇuvratas):
  • Ahimsa (Non-violence): Avoiding harm to any living being through thought, word, or deed.
  • Satya (Truthfulness): Speaking and acting truthfully.
  • Asteya (Non-stealing): Not taking what is not rightfully one's own.
  • Brahmacarya (Chastity): Practicing celibacy or fidelity in thought, word, and deed.
  • Aparigraha (Non-possession): Renouncing worldly possessions and attachments. These vows are practiced in their strictest form by monks (mahāvrata) and in a moderated form by householders (aṇuvrata).

Interdependence of the Three Jewels:

The text emphasizes that these three elements are interdependent. Right faith without right knowledge, or right knowledge without right conduct, is insufficient for liberation. They must be practiced in conjunction, akin to a patient using medicine with conviction for recovery.

Contemporary Relevance in a Modern World:

The author then pivots to the modern context, highlighting the disconnect between technological advancement and spiritual well-being:

• Spiritual Hostility of the Modern Milieu: The modern world, driven by rapid scientific and technological development, is seen as increasingly hostile to spiritual life. While science has brought prosperity and convenience, it has also challenged religious values and created a sense of unease.
• Secular, Restless, and Skeptical Man: The modern individual is portrayed as secular, restless, and skeptical about fundamental spiritual concepts like God, the soul, and life after death. Religion is sometimes perceived as a hindrance to inquiry and progress.
• Search for Meaning and Peace: Despite technological advancements, modern humans are experiencing a profound spiritual unrest, seeking peace, happiness, and meaning in a world filled with turmoil, war, and conflict. This is evidenced by movements like the "hippy movement" and the constant search for new leaders and spiritual organizations.
• The Danger of Technological Power: The immense destructive potential of modern technology, unchecked by spiritual development, poses a threat to human existence.
• The Triratna as a Solution: The Triratna ideal is presented as a crucial antidote to these modern challenges. It offers a path to:
  • Inner Peace and Harmony: Practicing the Triratna can lead to the eradication of selfishness, enmity, malice, conflicts, and clashes, fostering harmonious living.
  • Self-Realization: The ideal encourages individuals to understand themselves, which is foundational for genuine thought, affection, and action.
  • Perfect Human Being: The Triratna offers the ideal of a perfectly developed human being who embodies non-injury, selflessness, freedom from fear, and self-knowledge.
  • Addressing Modern Crises: The author argues that the crisis of modern man can only be solved by realizing spiritual potentialities, leading to qualities like generosity and world loyalty.

Conclusion:

The text concludes that even if the modern mind is not inclined to accept traditional religious doctrines like God or immortality, the peace and fulfillment promised by the Triratna ideal are universally appealing. By practicing Right Faith, Right Knowledge, and Right Conduct, individuals can achieve personal peace, contribute to a more harmonious world, and realize their true human potential, making the Triratna ideal exceptionally relevant for contemporary society.