Jain Dharm Ka Trividh Sadhna Marg

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jain Dharm ka Trividh Sadhna Marg" by Sagarmal Jain:

The book "Jain Dharm ka Trividh Sadhna Marg" (The Threefold Path of Practice in Jainism) by Sagarmal Jain explores the core principles of Jain spiritual practice aimed at achieving moksha (liberation). The central theme is the emphasis on a threefold path of practice, which encompasses Samyak Darshan (Right Faith/Perception), Samyak Gyan (Right Knowledge), and Samyak Charitra (Right Conduct).

The Threefold Path and its Significance:

• Foundation: The text begins by establishing that Jain philosophy posits a three-pronged approach to liberation. It references the Tattvartha Sutra, which defines Samyak Gyan, Samyak Darshan, and Samyak Charitra as the mokshamarga. While the Uttaradhyayana Sutra also mentions Samyak Tapa (Right Austerity) leading to a fourfold path, Jain acharyas have subsumed austerity within the framework of Charitra, thus upholding the threefold path as the primary and most accepted one.
• Psychological Basis: The author explains that the emphasis on this threefold path is rooted in a profound psychological understanding of human consciousness. Human consciousness is viewed as having three aspects: knowledge, feeling/attitude, and resolve/will. The three components of the mokshamarga are designed to develop and align these aspects:
  • Samyak Darshan guides the emotional/attitudinal aspect.
  • Samyak Gyan guides the cognitive/knowledge-based aspect.
  • Samyak Charitra guides the volitional/resolve-based aspect.

Comparison with Other Traditions:

The book highlights that this threefold approach is not unique to Jainism, drawing parallels with other spiritual and philosophical traditions:

• Buddhism: The Buddhist Eightfold Path, comprising Sila (Ethics), Samadhi (Concentration), and Prajna (Wisdom), is presented as equivalent to the Jain threefold path. Sila is comparable to Samyak Charitra, Samadhi to Samyak Darshan (due to the absence of mental wavering), and Prajna to Samyak Gyan.
• Bhagavad Gita (Hinduism): The Gita also presents a threefold path of Gyan (Knowledge), Karma (Action), and Bhakti (Devotion). The Hindu concept of Satya (Truth), Sundar (Beauty), and Shiva (Auspiciousness) achieved through knowledge, feeling/faith, and service/action, respectively, is also seen as a parallel. The Gita also mentions Pranipaata (devotion/surrender), Pariprashna (inquiry/knowledge), and Seva (service/action) as corresponding to faith, knowledge, and action.
• Upanishads: The Upanishadic practices of Shravana (listening), Manana (reflection), and Nididhyasana (meditation) are also viewed as related, with Shravana akin to faith, Manana to knowledge, and Nididhyasana to action.
• Western Tradition: The Western ideals of "Know Thyself," "Accept Thyself," and "Be Thyself" are equated with Samyak Gyan (knowledge of the self), Samyak Darshan (self-acceptance/faith), and Samyak Charitra (self-realization/conduct), respectively.

The Role of Each Component:

• Samyak Darshan (Right Faith/Perception):
  • The meaning of Darshan in Jainism is complex and debated, encompassing various interpretations like intuition, wisdom, perspective, faith, and devotion.
  • Historically, Darshan initially referred to the "correct viewpoint" distinguishing oneself from others' incorrect viewpoints.
  • Later, it evolved to include Tattvartha Shraddhan (faith in the true principles).
  • The text emphasizes that Samyak Darshan involves a realistic perspective, ideally free from attachment and aversion (Vitaraga), but acknowledges that in the initial stages, faith in the teachings of the enlightened beings (Buddha and Jina) is essential until one attains self-realization.
  • It argues that a correct perspective (Yatharth Drishti) is crucial; without it, even seemingly correct knowledge and conduct can be misguided.
  • The relationship between knowledge and faith is discussed, with some advocating for faith first and others for knowledge first. The text suggests that if Darshan is understood as a correct perspective, it should precede knowledge. However, if it means faith, it can arise after knowledge.
• Samyak Gyan (Right Knowledge):
  • The book clarifies that not all knowledge leads to liberation; it must be Samyak Gyan.
  • Samyak Gyan in Jainism involves understanding the distinction between the self (soul) and the non-self (matter, body, etc.). This bhed vigyan (science of discernment) is the core meaning.
  • It also emphasizes Anekant (non-absolutism) and freedom from rigid doctrines or attachment to one's own views. One-sided views (Ekant) obscure truth.
  • Samyak Gyan is about developing an unbiased perspective that recognizes truth can be found in multiple viewpoints, not just one's own. Attachment and aversion act as colored lenses that distort reality.
• Samyak Charitra (Right Conduct):
  • Samyak Charitra has two aspects: Vyavahar (external/conventional) and Nishchaya (internal/essential).
  • Nishchaya Charitra is the internal core, focusing on achieving equanimity (Samatva) and self-awareness, particularly in the apramatta (non-heedless) state where passions are subdued. This is considered the ultimate foundation for spiritual development.
  • Vyavahar Charitra encompasses the outward observances, such as the five great vows (Pancha Mahavrata), threefold control (Trigupti), and other ethical rules.
  • While Nishchaya Charitra is crucial for individual spiritual growth, Vyavahar Charitra plays a significant role in social life.

Interrelationship and Priority:

• Darshan and Charitra: There's no dispute in Jain tradition that Samyak Darshan is a prerequisite for Samyak Charitra. Without the right perspective or faith, right conduct is not possible.
• Gyan and Charitra: Jain philosophy generally places Samyak Gyan before Samyak Charitra, stating that one cannot practice right conduct without understanding the nature of reality. However, it stresses that knowledge alone is insufficient for liberation; it must be integrated with right conduct.
• The Analogy of the Blind and the Lame: The text uses the analogy of a blind person (representing knowledge without conduct) and a lame person (representing conduct without knowledge). Neither can reach their destination alone. Liberation is achieved only through the combined effort of both knowledge and conduct.
• The Role of Faith (Darshan) vs. Knowledge (Gyan): The book delves into the debate on whether faith or knowledge should come first.
  • If Darshan is understood as "correct perspective," it should precede knowledge.
  • If Darshan is understood as "faith," it can arise after knowledge.
  • The text references sources that suggest faith is crucial for acquiring knowledge and that knowledge without faith can lead to doubt, while faith without knowledge can lead to blind faith.
  • Both Buddhism and the Gita acknowledge the importance of faith. The Gita prioritizes faith, believing the object of devotion can illuminate the heart with knowledge. Buddhism, while valuing faith, ultimately emphasizes wisdom and sees faith as a companion to wisdom.

Conclusion:

The book emphasizes that while all three – Samyak Darshan, Samyak Gyan, and Samyak Charitra – are essential for moksha, they are interconnected and must be cultivated in a balanced way. Jain philosophy avoids extreme positions, advocating for a holistic approach where faith, knowledge, and conduct work in synergy to guide the aspirant towards liberation. The text underlines that Samyak Darshan (in its broadest sense of correct perception and faith) is foundational, providing the right direction for both knowledge and conduct.