Deva, Guru, Dharma

Deva, Guru, Dharma – The Nine Supremes (Navapada)

Introduction

Jain philosophy reveres Deva, Guru, and Dharma as the three fundamental principles guiding a soul toward liberation. Together, they form the essence of Navapada, or the Nine Supremes, which help an individual attain moksha (liberation). This concept is often represented as Siddhachakra, a sacred symbol that destroys worldly bondages, much like a powerful weapon.

Deva Tatwa – The Supreme Beings

The Deva Tatwa refers to those who have attained spiritual excellence and are worshipped in Jainism. These beings are free from attachments, aversions, and impurities.

1. Arihanta – The Enlightened One

Arihantas are omniscient beings who have destroyed all four Ghati Karmas but still have all four Aghati Karmas and a physical body. They preach the true path of Right Faith, Right Knowledge, and Right Conduct to guide others toward liberation.

Example:

• Lord Mahavira attained Kevala Jnana and became an Arihanta, preaching for the welfare of all beings.

2. Siddha – The Liberated Soul

Siddhas are pure, formless souls who have completely destroyed all Ghati and Aghati Karmas and attained eternal bliss. They reside forever in Siddhashila, at the top of the universe, free from birth and death.

Example:

• Once Lord Mahavira shed his mortal body, he became a Siddha and attained liberation.

Guru Tatwa – The Supreme Teachers

Guru Tatwa refers to those who guide others on the path of spiritual upliftment. They are the torchbearers of Jain Dharma, spreading the teachings of the Tirthankaras. They have the right faith, right knowledge and right conduct. They are in the highest spiritual order, but Arihanta and Siddha; follow Jain principles with utmost dedication to purify remaining impurities of the soul. Their primary goal is to purify their own mind and soul to attain Moksha (Liberation), and secondarily to preach as told by the Arihant.

3. Acharya – The Spiritual Leader

Acharyas are the heads of the Jain Sangha (monastic order), responsible for maintaining discipline among the four-fold Jain Sangh, and spreading Jain teachings. They guide Jain ascetics and lay followers on the path of Right Conduct.

Example:

• Acharya Kundakunda, a great Jain scholar, wrote scriptures like Samayasara, guiding seekers toward true spirituality.

4. Upadhyaya – The Teacher

Upadhyayas are Jain ascetics who are learned in scriptures (Holy texts or Agamas) and teach others about Jain philosophy and discipline. Upadhyaya also helps and supports in the administration of Acharya to manage the fourfold Jain Sangh. 

Example:

• A Jain ascetic who teaches the Agamas (Jain scriptures) to disciples is an Upadhyaya.

5. Sadhu – 

Sadhus (Male ascetics) and Sadhvis (Female ascetics) renounce worldly life and dedicate themselves to austere living and self-purification. They practice strict discipline to attain spiritual growth.

Example:

• A Sadhu follows the Mahavratas (Five Great Vows), including Ahimsa (non-violence) and Aparigraha (non-possessiveness).

Dharma Tatwa – The Four Pillars of Spiritual Progress

Dharma Tatwa consists of the four key elements necessary for attaining liberation.

6. Samyag Darshana (Right Faith)

Right Faith is the correct perception of reality and unwavering belief in Jain principles. It is the foundation for spiritual progress.

Example:

• A person who believes in Tatwa (seven or nine elements) without any doubt possesses Samyag Darshana.

7. Samyag Jnana (Right Knowledge)

Right Knowledge is true understanding of reality, free from delusions and misconceptions.

Example:

• Learning the Tattvas (fundamental principles) of Jainism from an enlightened guru and then retaining it is Samyag Jnana.

8. Samyag Charitra (Right Conduct)

Right Conduct means living according to Jain ethical principles, avoiding sinful actions, and practicing virtues.

Example:

• A person who follows Ahimsa (non-violence) in thought, speech, and action demonstrates Samyag Charitra.

9. Tapa (Austerity)

Tapa refers to self-discipline and penance, which help in purifying the soul and eliminating karmic bondage.

Example:

• Observing fasting (Upavasa) and meditation to control desires is a form of Tapa.

Navapada – The Nine Supremes

By combining the Pancha Parameshthi (Five Supreme Entities) and the Four Dharma Tatwas, we get the Navapada (Nine Supremes):

1. Arihanta

2. Siddha

3. Acharya

4. Upadhyaya

5. Sadhu

6. Samyag Darshana

7. Samyag Jnana

8. Samyag Charitra

9. Tapa

These Nine Supremes are depicted in Siddhachakra, a powerful symbol of Jainism. The Siddhachakra serves as a spiritual compass, guiding a person toward moksha by eliminating karmic bondage, just as a mighty weapon Chakra destroys enemies.

Conclusion

Navapada is the highest path of Jainism, leading a soul toward liberation. Worshiping these Nine Supremes brings peace, wisdom, and purity, ultimately helping one become a Siddha, free from the cycle of birth and death.

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Exercise Section

A. Fill in the blanks:

1. The five supreme beings are collectively called _______.

2. The combination of Pancha Parameshthi and Dharma Tatwa is known as _______.

3. The symbol that represents Navapada is called _______.

4. _______ are the enlightened beings who preach the path of liberation.

5. Siddhas reside in _______.

6. _______ is the supreme leader of Jain monks and nuns.

7. Right Faith, Right Knowledge, and Right Conduct together form _______.

8. The practice of fasting and meditation is known as _______.

B. Match the following:

1. Arihanta → (a) The Omniscient Teacher

2. Siddha → (b) The Liberated Soul

3. Acharya → (c) Head of Jain Sangha

4. Upadhyaya → (d) Teacher of Scriptures

5. Sadhu → (e) Monk following strict discipline

6. Samyag Darshana → (f) Right Faith

7. Samyag Jnana → (g) Right Knowledge

8. Samyag Charitra → (h) Right Conduct

9. Tapa → (i) Austerity and Penance

C. True or False:

1. Siddhas have physical bodies. ( )

2. Acharyas are the highest spiritual leaders in the Jain Sangha. ( )

3. Tapa refers to practicing meditation and self-discipline. ( )

4. Navapada consists of only the five supreme beings. ( )

5. Arihantas have completely destroyed all their karmas. ( )

D. Short Answer Questions:

1. What is the significance of Siddhachakra in Jainism?

2. Define Pancha Parameshthi and list its members.

3. How does Samyag Jnana help in spiritual progress?

4. Why is Tapa important in Jainism?

5. What is the ultimate goal of following Navapada?

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)