Three Jewels Of Jainism

Three jewels of Jainism are right faith (Samyak Darshan) , right knowledge (Samyak Gyan) and Right conduct (Samyak Caritra). These three collectively are called as Ratnatraya. Jainas are expected to have Ratnatraya because these together constitute the path of salvation.

Right Faith

Believe in the seven aspects of Reality (Tattvas) as described by Jina or Arihanta is right faith. So, Jainas belive in Supreme Soul- Arihanta and Sidha (Deva) , in their teaching (Sastras) and towards those Munies who practice the teachings of Jaina religion(Gurus) as a cause of right faith . In simple words , right faith is a spiritual awakening of one’s self.

If we attain right faith , abstain from misconception and refrain from pride , equality of our lives would improve considerably. The main cause of a soul wandering in this world is the lack of right faith. So, the right faith is the first step on the path of salvation. Right faith gives us a proper attitude by which our knowledge and life style acquire the quality of righteousness.

Right knowledge

The right knowledge is one by which the person becomes free from attachment and his soul is purified. We can achieve the Right knowledge by strong faith in the teaching of aritantas and through the study of their scriptures.

Right conduct

Withdrawal from the immoral conduct and devoting one’s self to the moral conduct is the right faith. Without moral observance, the spiritual practices can not be sustained. The practice of right conduct has been described as of two kinds- the partial and the complete.

House holders (sravakas) start practicing the right conduct partially and in due course of time, if they becomes monks, they practice it completely. The right conduct is based on the practice of Ahimsa, Satya, Acaurya, Brahmcarya and Aparigraha. It should be emphasized that the Right Conduct also includes all religious and spiritual practices like worship, prayer, charity and so on.

Thus we can achieve salvation only through the three jewels of Right Faith, Right Knowledge and Right Conduct.