Samyag Jnana (Right Knowledge)

Introduction to Samyag Jnana

Samyag Jnana (Right Knowledge), also known as Pramana, is one of the essential pillars of Jain philosophy. It is the correct understanding of reality, as described by the Tirthankaras. Right Knowledge is meaningful only when accompanied by Samyag Darshana (Right Faith) and that leads to Samyak Charitra (Right Conduct). Together, these three form the Three Jewels (Ratnatraya), which lead a soul towards moksha (liberation).

Definition of Samyag Jnana

Samyag Jnana is the knowledge that is free from doubt, misconception, and ignorance. It aligns with the real nature of substances (Dravyas) and is gained through proper sources, such as Jain scriptures, direct experience, and logic.

A knowledge that lacks Samyag Darshana (Right Faith) is considered Ajnana (false knowledge), because it may be influenced by wrong beliefs, assumptions, or misinterpretations.

Importance of Samyag Jnana

1. Path to Liberation – Right Knowledge helps in identifying what is good for the soul and what leads to karmic bondage.

2. Elimination of Wrong Beliefs – It removes ignorance and superstitions, guiding an individual towards truth.

3. Foundation for Right Conduct – Without proper knowledge, ethical behavior is not possible.

4. Differentiation Between Truth and Falsehood – It enables a person to distinguish between reality and illusion.

Types of Jnana (Knowledge) and Their Ajnana (False Knowledge) Forms

Jainism classifies knowledge into five types:

1. Mati Jnana (Sensory Knowledge) → Mati Ajnana (Sensory False Knowledge)

2. Shruta Jnana (Scriptural Knowledge) → Shruta Ajnana (Scriptural False Knowledge)

3. Avadhi Jnana (Clairvoyance Knowledge) → Vibhang Jnana (Distorted Clairvoyance)

4. Manahparyaya Jnana (Telepathic Knowledge) → No Ajnana Form

5. Kevala Jnana (Omniscience) → No Ajnana Form

Each of these types is explained in detail below.

1. Mati Jnana (Sensory Knowledge) → Mati Ajnana (Sensory False Knowledge)

Mati Jnana is the knowledge acquired through the senses (eyes, ears, nose, tongue, skin) and mind. It is also called empirical knowledge because it comes from observation and inference. When it lacks Samyag Darshana, it becomes Mati Ajnana, leading to wrong interpretations of reality.

Example:

• Seeing a mango and recognizing it as a fruit is Mati Jnana.

• Believing in superstitions based on sensory perception, such as thinking an eclipse brings bad luck, is Mati Ajnana.

2. Shruta Jnana (Scriptural Knowledge) → Shruta Ajnana (Scriptural False Knowledge)

Shruta Jnana is the knowledge gained through scriptures, teachings of the Tirthankaras, and learning from Acharyas (spiritual teachers). When accompanied by Samyag Darshana, it leads to correct understanding. However, when it lacks Samyag Darshana, it becomes Shruta Ajnana, where scriptures are misinterpreted or misunderstood.

Example:

• Learning about karma theory from a Jain monk is Shruta Jnana.

• Using scriptures for personal gain or interpreting them incorrectly is Shruta Ajnana.

3. Avadhi Jnana (Clairvoyance Knowledge) → Vibhang Jnana (Distorted Clairvoyance)

Avadhi Jnana is the ability to perceive objects or events beyond ordinary senses, without using external means. If it exists without Samyag Darshana, it is distorted and called Vibhang Jnana, leading to an incomplete or misleading vision of reality.

Example:

• A celestial being (deva) seeing events happening far away is Avadhi Jnana.

• A person with Vibhang Jnana perceives only partial truths and misinterprets them.

4. Manahparyaya Jnana (Telepathic Knowledge) – No Ajnana Form

Manahparyaya Jnana is the power to know the thoughts of others. It is possessed by highly advanced monks who have purified their soul. Since it can be attained only in the presence of Samyag Darshana, there is no Ajnana form of this knowledge.

Example:

• A Jain Acharya understanding what a disciple is thinking, without the disciple speaking.

5. Kevala Jnana (Omniscience) – No Ajnana Form

Kevala Jnana is the highest form of knowledge, where a soul attains complete omniscience and knows everything about the past, present, and future. Only Tirthankaras and liberated souls (Siddhas) possess this knowledge. Since Kevala Jnana is possible only with complete purity, there is no Ajnana form of it.

Example:

• Lord Mahavira attaining Kevala Jnana and preaching the ultimate truth.

Why Knowledge Without Samyag Darshana is Ajnana?

If knowledge is not based on Right Faith (Samyag Darshana), it becomes Ajnana (false knowledge). This happens because:

1. Lack of True Understanding – Without faith in Jain principles, knowledge remains incomplete and misleading.

2. Tainted by Wrong Beliefs – A person may learn Jain teachings but still hold on to incorrect views.

3. No Spiritual Growth – Knowledge without faith does not lead to the purification of the soul.

Example:

• A person may know the principle of Ahimsa (non-violence) but still believe in harming insects for convenience.

• Someone may read about karma but not believe in its consequences.

Exercise Section

A. Fill in the blanks:

1. _______ Jnana is the knowledge gained through the five senses and the mind.

2. Shruta Jnana refers to knowledge gained through _______.

3. The highest form of knowledge in Jainism is called _______.

4. _______ Jnana allows one to perceive distant objects without physical presence.

5. Knowledge without Right Faith is called _______.

6. Kevala Jnana is attained by _______ and _______ souls.

B. Match the following:

1. Mati Jnana → (c) Sensory knowledge

2. Shruta Jnana → (b) Scriptural knowledge

3. Avadhi Jnana → (e) Clairvoyance knowledge

4. Manahparyaya Jnana → (a) Telepathic knowledge

5. Kevala Jnana → (d) Omniscience

C. True or False:

1. Mati Ajnana is knowledge free from false beliefs. ( )

2. Kevala Jnana has an Ajnana form. ( )

3. Vibhang Jnana is a type of false knowledge. ( )

4. Knowledge without Samyag Darshana leads to Moksha. ( )

5. Manahparyaya Jnana can be attained without Samyag Darshana. ( )

Thanks, 

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