Samyak Shraddharahit Gyanni Asarthakta - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Samyak Shraddharahit Gyanni Asarthakta" (The Futility of Knowledge Without Right Faith) by Punyavijay, based on the provided text:

The core argument of this Jain text is that true fulfillment and a righteous life are impossible without "Samyak Shraddha" (right faith or conviction), even if one possesses vast knowledge. Knowledge without right faith is ultimately futile and even detrimental.

Here's a breakdown of the key points:

1. The Primacy and Difficulty of Faith:

Faith is harder to attain than knowledge. Knowledge can be acquired even for worldly gains, but worldly desires act as obstacles to gaining right faith.
The text cites the example of individuals with extensive knowledge (9.5 Pūrva) who lacked faith, and others with limited knowledge but unwavering faith in the teachings of the Jinas, who achieved success in both worlds.
Faith is difficult because it requires detachment from worldly desires to some extent, whereas knowledge can be acquired by those deeply engrossed in worldly ambitions.

2. The True Measure of a Person:

A person's true worth is not measured by how much knowledge they possess, but by the quality of their faith and what they hold dear (their 'ruchi' or inclination/preference).
Even a highly knowledgeable person with base inclinations (like attachment to wealth) will not be considered excellent in the world. Conversely, an ignorant person with an inclination towards Dharma can lead a pure life.
The deciding factor in being sinful or pure is not knowledge itself, but the inclination or preference (ruchi) that guides one's life.

3. The Role of Inclination (Ruchi):

Knowledge is truly beneficial when it refines one's inclinations. Knowledge that corrupts inclinations is destructive.
Individuals with base inclinations often oppose those with noble inclinations because their "ruchi" is different. This opposition will persist as long as these conflicting inclinations exist.
To eliminate such opposition, one must first bridge the gap in inclinations. It's futile to try to unify opinions without first unifying inclinations.

4. The Futility of Universalism Without Underlying Faith:

Attempts to create a unified opinion in the world without addressing the differences in inclinations are childish.
Concepts like universal tolerance of all religions, philosophies, and scriptures are considered misleading if they lead people away from their specific faith inclinations towards irreligious ones.
As long as there are differences in inclinations, there will be differences in religion, philosophy, and scripture, and consequently, differences in knowledge. Similarly, differences in practice lead to differences in thought, ability, and ultimately, in sects and distinctions between genders.

5. Faith as the Foundation:

Knowledge is impossible without faith, and those who lose faith are destined for downfall.
Faith is the root of all virtues. Individuals lacking faith are considered incapable in both spiritual and worldly endeavors.
The easiest way to derail someone from their path of well-being is to first undermine their faith in that path.
Psychologically, changing thoughts is the primary way to reform or corrupt a person. Unless a person's thoughts are shaken, they cannot be moved from their path of conduct.

6. The Nature of True Faith:

Steadfastness of thought is called faith. True faith is a state of the soul's consciousness.
While knowledge shapes faith, not all knowledge strengthens faith. Just as knowledge can strengthen thoughts and faith, it can also weaken or destroy them.
Knowledge that shapes, stabilizes, or enhances faith is helpful and worthy of respect. However, knowledge that corrupts, uproots, or destroys faith is harmful and disrespectful.
The ultimate goal is to change one's thinking, and leaders in any field focus on this first.

7. Why Jainism Condemns Misguided Faith (Mithyatva):

The Jain tradition rightly considers "Mithyatva" (false or perverted faith) as the ultimate enemy because it leads thoughts astray.
Anyone intending to deviate from the Jain path will first attack the right faith of its followers.
Attempts to denigrate practices without undermining faith are unsuccessful in defeating the Jain teachings. Success in weakening faith is the prerequisite for success in other endeavors.
Some individuals actively try to shake the foundation of faith among Jain followers, which is akin to trying to uproot the very foundation of the religion.

8. Faith as Precious and Its Protection:

Faith, or the inclination towards the right path, is a precious asset for society and especially for the Jain community.
Protecting this invaluable asset is difficult, as there are many who seek to snatch it away or rejoice when it is lost.
The ultimate remedy for the destruction of misguided faith (Mithyatva) is the sincere and accurate worship of the true deities (Arihantas), gurus, and Dharma, who represent the single true path.

9. Distinguishing True Faith:

There's a vast difference between blind faith that relies solely on scriptural authority without personal effort to become detached, and faith that is firmly rooted in one's own spiritual experience and transformation.
Faith is not merely holding one or more opinions, no matter how correct they may seem.
Faith is the "eye of the soul." Just as physical senses perceive material objects, faith is the faculty by which non-material, spiritual realities are apprehended. This is true faith.