Ratnatraya

The ratnatraya are the three jewels of Jainism, namely samyak darshana (right faith or view), samyak gyana (right knowledge), and samyak charitra (right conduct), which constitute the path to liberation.

The path to liberation

The spiritual goal in Jainism is to reach moksha for ascetics, but for most Jain laypersons, it is to accumulate good karma that leads to better rebirth and a step closer to liberation. Purification of soul and liberation can be achieved through the three jewels (ratnatraya): samyak darśana, right vision or faith in the Jain teachings or scriptures, more specifically the seven tattvas; samyak gyana, right knowledge and understanding of the Jain teachings, more specifically of self (jiva) and non-self (ajiva); and samyak charitra, correct conduct, behavior consistent with these teachinngs and the five vows. Jain texts often add samyak tapas (correct asceticism) as a fourth jewel, emphasizing belief in ascetic practices as the means to liberation (moksha). The four jewels are called Moksha Marga (the path of liberation).

Right faith

Acharya Umaswami states in Tattvārthasūtra (1-2) that "Belief in substances [tattvas] ascertained as they are is right faith." According to the Digambara, there are seven tattva:

1. jīva — the soul which is characterized by consciousness.
2. ajīva — the non-soul
3. āsrava — inflow of auspicious and evil karmic matter into the soul.
4. bondage (Bandha) — mutual intermingling of the soul and karmas
5. Samvara (stoppage) — obstruction of the inflow of karmic matter into the soul.
6. Nirjara — gradual dissociation of karmic matter from the soul
7. Moksha (liberation) — complete annihilation of all karmic matter (bound with any particular soul)

Right conduct

Right conduct is the application of the knowledge developed, so as to exercise control over our inner desires and reach a stage where there is no attachment or aversion.

Right conduct includes:

• Five kinds of spiritual purity

1. Sāmāyika (equanimity),
2. penalties for faults arising from inadvertence, or negligence, on account of which one loses equanimity,
3. refraining from himsa (injury),
4. control of passions, and
5. contemplation of one's own soul

• Observance of Mahavratas (five major vows):

1. Ahiṃsā, not to hurt any living being by actions and thoughts
2. Satya, not to lie or speak what is not commendable.
3. Asteya, not to take anything if not given.
4. Brahmacharya, chastity / Celibacy in action, words & thoughts
5. Aparigraha (Non-possession), detachment from material property.

• Seven supplementary vows:

Guņa vratas, merit vows

1. digvrata, restriction on movement with regard to directions.

2. bhogopabhogaparimana, vow of limiting consumable and non-consumable things

3. anartha-dandaviramana, refraining from harmful occupations and activities (purposeless sins).

Śikşā vratas, disciplinary vows

4. samayika, vow to meditate and concentrate periodically.

5. desavrata, limiting movement to certain places for a fixed period of time.

6. upvas, fasting at regular intervals.

7. atihti samvibhag, vow of offering food to the ascetic and needy people

See also

• Three Jewels of Buddhism

Notes

References

Sources