Core Principles of Jain Philosophy: Right Faith and Seven Elements

Core Principles of Jain Philosophy

Right Faith and the Seven Elements

According to the Tattvartha Sutra, the path to liberation is defined as:

"सम्यग्दर्शनज्ञानचारित्राणि मोक्षमार्गः"

(Samyagdarshan Gyan Charitrani Mokshmargah)

This means that Right Faith (Samyagdarshan), Right Knowledge (Samyagjnana), and Right Conduct (Samyagcharitra) together form the path to liberation.

Further, Right Faith is explained as:

"तत्त्वार्थश्रद्धानं सम्यग्दर्शनम्"

(Tattvartha Shraddhanam Samyagdarshanam)

This means that having faith in the seven fundamental elements (Tattvas) is the essence of Right Faith. These seven elements define the core philosophy of Jainism.

The Seven Elements (Tattvas) Explained

1. Jīva (Living Beings): All living beings, from the tiniest insect to humans, have a soul.

2. Ajīva (Non-Living Substances): Everything without a soul, such as water, air, and objects.

3. Āsrava (Influx of Karma): The actions that attract karma to the soul, like bad habits.

4. Bandha (Bondage of Karma): The attachment of karma to the soul, like dirt sticking to wet hands.

5. Samvara (Stopping the Influx of Karma): Efforts to prevent karma from sticking, like using an umbrella in the rain.

6. Nirjarā (Shedding of Karma): Removing past karma through discipline, like cleaning mud off clothes.

7. Mokṣa (Liberation): The ultimate goal, freeing the soul from karma and the cycle of birth and death.

The Drowning Man Analogy and the Role of Punya and Papa

Imagine a man drowning in a pond:

• The man represents Jīva (Living Beings).

• The water represents Ajīva (Non-Living Substances).

• The waves pulling him down symbolize Āsrava (Influx of Karma).

• The mud clinging to him is Bandha (Bondage of Karma).

• A strong rope stopping more waves represents Samvara (Stopping Karma).

• Efforts to remove the mud symbolize Nirjarā (Shedding of Karma).

• Reaching the shore safely represents Mokṣa (Liberation).

By practicing good actions, self-control, and discipline, we can stop the inflow of karma, cleanse our soul, and eventually attain liberation.

Punya and Papa as Part of Āsrava

In Jain philosophy, Punya (Meritorious Deeds) and Papa (Sinful Deeds) are considered part of Āsrava (Influx of Karma). When a person performs good deeds like helping others, speaking truthfully, and practicing non-violence, they attract Punya karma, which brings happiness in future lives. On the other hand, bad actions like harming others, lying, or being greedy attract Papa karma, leading to suffering.

These concepts are detailed in Navatattva Prakarana and Nav Padarth Adhikar, where Jain scholars explain how Punya and Papa function as causes that bind the soul to the cycle of birth and rebirth.

Are Seven and Nine Elements Different?

Although some Jain scriptures mention seven elements (Sapta-Tattva) and others mention nine elements (Nava-Tattva), both describe the same reality. The only difference is that in the Nava-Tattva system, Punya and Papa are separately mentioned, whereas in the Sapta-Tattva system, they are included within Āsrava.

Thus, the explanation remains the same: all these elements describe how karma affects the soul and how liberation is achieved. Understanding them helps us walk on the path of self-purification and spiritual growth.

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Exercise

Think and Answer:

1. What does "सम्यग्दर्शनज्ञानचारित्राणि मोक्षमार्गः" mean?

2. How does "तत्त्वार्थश्रद्धानं सम्यग्दर्शनम्" define Right Faith?

3. Name and explain the seven elements (Tattvas) in simple words.

4. How does the drowning man analogy help us understand Jain philosophy?

5. What can you do in your daily life to prevent the influx of karma (Samvara)?

Activity:

• Draw a diagram of the drowning man analogy and label the seven elements.

• Write a short paragraph on why Right Faith is important in Jainism.

• Discuss with your family how Jain teachings can be followed in modern life.

Heya, Gnyeya, and Upadeya in Jain Philosophy

In Jain philosophy, the nine elements (Nava-Tattva) are categorized into three parts based on their role in spiritual progress:

1. Heya (To be discarded) – Elements that hinder liberation and must be given up.
2. Gnyeya (To be known) – Elements that need to be understood to gain true knowledge.
3. Upadeya (To be accepted and followed) – Elements that help in spiritual growth and should be practiced.

These categories help in understanding how different elements influence the soul’s journey toward Moksha (liberation).

Classification of the Nine Elements

• Heya (To be discarded): Āsrava (Influx of Karma), Bandha (Bondage of Karma), Papa (Sinful Deeds)
• Gnyeya (To be known): Jīva (Living Beings), Ajīva (Non-Living Substances)
• Upadeya (To be accepted and followed): Samvara (Stopping the Influx of Karma), Nirjarā (Shedding of Karma), Moksha (Liberation), Punya (Meritorious Deeds in Vyavahara Naya)

Punya: Upadeya in Vyavahara Naya, Heya in Nishchaya Naya

In Jain thought, Punya (meritorious deeds) is viewed differently from two perspectives:

1. Vyavahara Naya (Practical Viewpoint): Punya is considered Upadeya (worthy of acceptance) because good deeds like charity, non-violence, and truthfulness lead to better future births and spiritual progress.
2. Nishchaya Naya (Absolute Viewpoint): Punya is Heya (to be discarded) because even good karma binds the soul to the cycle of birth and death, delaying ultimate liberation.

The Chain of Gold Analogy

To understand why Punya is ultimately Heya in Nishchaya Naya, Jain philosophy gives the Chain of Gold analogy:

• Imagine a person chained with iron—this represents Papa (sinful karma), which brings suffering.
• If that chain is replaced with a golden chain, the person may feel more comfortable, but they are still bound—this represents Punya (meritorious karma), which brings temporary happiness but still binds the soul.
• True freedom is breaking free from all chains, whether gold or iron, which symbolizes Moksha (liberation).

Thus, while Punya is helpful for worldly happiness and spiritual progress (Vyavahara Naya), it must also be transcended to attain liberation (Nishchaya Naya).

Exercise

Think and Answer:

1. What do Heya, Gnyeya, and Upadeya mean in Jain philosophy?

2. Why is Punya considered Upadeya in Vyavahara Naya but Heya in Nishchaya Naya?

3. Explain the Chain of Gold analogy and how it relates to Punya and Papa.

4. How does understanding Gnyeya elements help in spiritual progress?

5. What are the three elements under Heya, and why should they be discarded?

Activity:

• Draw a chart categorizing the nine elements into Heya, Gnyeya, and Upadeya.

• Write a short paragraph explaining why Moksha is always Upadeya.

• Discuss with your family or friends how applying Upadeya elements in daily life can bring positive change.

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This section introduces the core philosophy of Jainism, explaining Right Faith and the Seven Elements in a way that children can easily understand. 

Thanks, 

Jyoti Kothari (Jyoti Kothari, Proprietor, Vardhaman Gems, Jaipur represents Centuries Old Tradition of Excellence in Gems and Jewelry. He is adviser, Vardhaman Infotech, a leading IT company in Jaipur. He is also ISO 9000 professional)