Ratnatraya

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: • jīva — the soul which is characterized by consciousness. • ajīva — the non-soul • āsrava — inflow of auspicious and evil karmic matter into the soul. • bondage (Bandha) — mutual intermingling of the soul and karmas • Samvara (stoppage) — obstruction of the inflow of karmic matter into the soul. • Nirjara — gradual dissociation of karmic matter from the soul • 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 • Sāmāyika (equanimity), • penalties for faults arising from inadvertence, or negligence, on account of which one loses equanimity, • refraining from himsa (injury), • control of passions, and • contemplation of one's own soul • Observance of Mahavratas (five major vows): • Ahiṃsā, not to hurt any living being by actions and thoughts • Satya, not to lie or speak what is not commendable. • Asteya, not to take anything if not given. • Brahmacharya, chastity / Celibacy in action, words & thoughts • 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 ==