रत्नत्रयThe whole path in one line
Acharya Umaswami opens the Tattvarth Sutra with the entire path to liberation in a single sutra:
A firm faith in the true nature of the soul and the seven tattvas. It comes first.
Knowing things as they truly are.
Living by that belief and knowledge.
All three together are the path. These are the three jewels, ratnatraya.
जिन और तीर्थंकरWho is a Jina? Who is a Tirthankar?
One who has conquered the inner enemies: anger, pride, deceit and greed, and attachment and aversion. Jain dharma is the teaching of the Jinas.
The highest Jina, who shows the path (the tirth) to the whole world.
पंच व्रतFive vows for a peaceful life
Turning away from violence, untruth, stealing, unchastity and possessiveness is called vrat.
Nonviolence
Truth
Not stealing
Chastity
Non attachment
Monks keep these five vows fully. Householders keep them in part.
छोटा सा क्विज़Test yourself
1. Which three together make the path to liberation?
Right belief, right knowledge and right conduct (Tattvarth Sutra 1.1).
2. How many Tirthankars were there in this age? Who was the first?
24. The first was Bhagwan Rishabhdev (Adinath), the last Bhagwan Mahavir.
3. What does aparigraha mean?
Non attachment: turning away from possessiveness.