Samyaktwa and Mithyatwa

Samyagdarshana (Right View) and Mithyadarshana (Wrong View)

Samyagdarshana (Right View) – The Foundation of Spiritual Progress

Samyagdarshana, also known as Samyaktva, is the foundation of spiritual growth in Jainism. It is the correct perception and unwavering belief in Tatvas (fundamental truths) and the teachings of the Tirthankaras. A person with Samyagdarshana follows the path of righteousness and remains dedicated to Jain principles.

Samyag darshan is associated both with perception and faith. Samyaga Darshana always associated with Samyaga Jnana. Faith with right perception is considered right faith, otherwise a faith may lead to superstition. A person with Samyag Darshan has unwavering faith in Deva-Guru-Dharma and in the preachings of Arihant/ Kevali. 

Eight Virtues of Samyagdarshana (Right Faith)

The eight virtues (gunas) of Samyagdarshana are:

1. Nisshankita (Doubtlessness) – A person with Right Faith has unwavering confidence in Jain philosophy. They do not entertain doubts about the truth of the Tirthankaras' teachings.

2. Nihkankshita (Desirelessness) – True faith is selfless and free from material expectations. A person does not seek personal rewards or social recognition for following Jain principles.

3. Nihvichikitsa (Absence of Disgust) – There is no aversion toward Jain teachings, Tirthankaras, ascetics, or ascetic practices. Faith is embraced with a pure heart.

4. Amoodhadrishti (Freedom from Delusion) – One is free from false beliefs and superstitions and does not follow misleading ideologies that contradict Jain principles.

5. Upavrinhana (Protecting Jain Principles) – A person with Samyagdarshana safeguards and upholds true Dharma, ensuring that it is not misinterpreted, criticized, or misused.

6. Sthirikaran (Steadfastness) – The devotee remains firm in their faith despite hardships, distractions, or societal pressure. They also inspire others to strengthen their faith.

7. Vaatsalya (Affection for the Faith) – A person with Samyagdarshana develops deep love for Jainism and fellow followers, offering guidance and support.

8. Prabhavana (Spreading the Faith) – A person actively promotes Jain teachings and takes joy in strengthening their own faith and that of others.

Mithyadarshana (Wrong view) – The Path of Ignorance

Mithyadarshana, also known as Mithyatva, is the opposite of Samyagdarshana. It is an incorrect understanding of reality, leading the soul further into karmic bondage and worldly suffering. Mithyadarshana is caused by Darshana Mohaniya Karma, which distorts true perception.

Eight Opposite Traits of Mithyadarshana (Wrong view)

1. Sankitva (Doubtfulness) – A person with Mithyadarshana constantly doubts Jain principles, leading to spiritual instability.

2. Kankshitva (Desire for Material Gain) – Unlike Nihkankshita, a person follows religion expecting material benefits, success, or social recognition.

3. Vichikitsa (Disgust or Aversion) – One feels aversion toward Jain teachings, Tirthankaras, or ascetic life, considering them impractical.

4. Moodhadrishti (Deluded Vision) – A person believes in false doctrines, superstitions, or misleading ideologies, diverting from the true Jain path.

5. Anupavrinhana (Neglect of Jain Principles) – Instead of protecting Jain values, they may ignore or even mock fundamental teachings.

6. Asthirikaran (Lack of Steadfastness) – A person frequently shifts their beliefs, being influenced by worldly pleasures and social trends.

7. Vairasya (Lack of Affection for the Faith) – There is no emotional connection or love for Jain principles, and they remain indifferent to the teachings.

8. Aprabhavana (Failure to Spread the Faith) – Instead of promoting Jain teachings, a person with Mithyadarshana either discourages others or spreads falsehoods.

Results of Samyagdarshana (Right view)

A person who attains Samyagdarshana experiences several positive transformations:

1. Purification of the Soul (Atma Shuddhi) – Removes doubts and misconceptions, allowing the soul to perceive reality as it is.

2. Reduction in Bondage of Karma (Karma Nirjara) – Avoids wrong actions and reduces karmic accumulation.

3. Strengthening of Right Knowledge (Samyak Gyan) – True faith leads to a deeper understanding of Jain philosophy.

4. Development of Right Conduct (Samyak Charitra) – Inspires ethical and moral living according to Jain vows.

5. Birth in Higher Realms (Uttam Gati) – Leads to rebirth in superior existences, such as human or celestial realms.

6. Progress Toward Liberation (Moksha Marg Pravesh) – Right Faith ensures progress toward moksha.

7. Inner Peace and Contentment (Shanti and Samadhi) – Brings peace of mind and detachment from worldly matters.

8. Removal of Delusion (Mohakshaya) – Eliminates Mithyadarshana, clearing ignorance and misconceptions.

Results of Mithyadarshana (Wrong Faith)

A person trapped in Mithyadarshana faces several negative consequences:

1. Continued Bondage of Karma (Karma Bandhan) – Accumulates excessive karma, prolonging the cycle of birth and death.

2. Hindrance in Attaining True Knowledge (Mithya Jnan) – Wrong Faith prevents understanding the true nature of reality.

3. Decline in Morality and Conduct (Durachar Vrittis) – Leads to unwholesome actions and attachment to worldly pleasures.

4. Rebirth in Lower Realms (Adhogati) – Leads to rebirth in hell, animal life, or lower existences.

5. Strengthening of Delusion (Moha Vriddhi) – Misguided beliefs increase, making spiritual progress difficult.

6. Increased Suffering (Dukh Vriddhi) – Wrong perceptions lead to greater mental distress and dissatisfaction.

7. Prolonged Cycle of Birth and Death (Samsara Pravritti) – Keeps the soul bound to endless rebirths, delaying liberation.

8. Lack of True Happiness (Anand Rahitata) – Seeks happiness in temporary material gains, leading to frustration.

Comparison of Samyagdarshana and Mithyadarshana

Aspect	Samyagdarshana (Right Faith)	Mithyadarshana (Wrong Faith)
Karmic Effect	Reduces bondage of karma	Increases bondage of karma
Spiritual Progress	Leads to moksha	Leads to endless rebirths
Mental State	Brings inner peace and clarity	Causes confusion and ignorance
Future Birth	Higher realms or moksha	Lower births (animals, hell, etc.)
Relationship with Jain Dharma	Follows Jain principles with devotion	Neglects or opposes Jain teachings

Conclusion

Samyagdarshana is the gateway to moksha, bringing peace, wisdom, and spiritual progress, while Mithyadarshana is the greatest obstacle, leading to karmic bondage and suffering. To attain moksha, one must cultivate Samyagdarshana, abandon Mithyadarshana, and walk the path of Right Knowledge and Right Conduct.

Exercise 

A. Fill in the blanks:

1. _______ is the foundation of spiritual progress in Jainism.

2. A person with Mithyadarshana follows _______ beliefs.

3. _______ means unwavering confidence in Jain teachings.

4. The opposite of Samyagdarshana is _______.

5. A person with Samyagdarshana experiences _______ and inner peace.

6. Mithyadarshana leads to rebirth in _______ realms.

7. Nihkankshita means freedom from _______ desires.

8. Prabhavana refers to _______ Jain teachings.

B. Match the following:

1. Nisshankita → (a) Deluded vision

2. Moodhadrishti → (b) Freedom from doubt

3. Prabhavana → (c) Spreading Jain principles

4. Sthirikaran → (d) Steadfastness in faith

5. Vichikitsa → (e) Aversion towards Jain teachings

6. Vaatsalya → (f) Affection for the faith

C. True or False:

1. Samyagdarshana is necessary for liberation. ( )

2. Mithyadarshana helps in reducing karma. ( )

3. A person with Samyagdarshana is free from superstitions. ( )

4. Upavrinhana means neglecting Jain principles. ( )

5. Mithyadarshana results in inner peace and contentment. ( )

D. Answer in one sentence:

1. What is the primary cause of Mithyadarshana?

2. Name any two virtues of Samyagdarshana.

3. What is the main effect of Mithyadarshana on karma?

4. Define Nihvichikitsa in simple words.

5. Why is Samyagdarshana considered the gateway to moksha?

E. Short Answer Questions:

1. Explain how Samyagdarshana helps in the reduction of karmic bondage.

2. Describe two key differences between Samyagdarshana and Mithyadarshana.

3. How does Vaatsalya strengthen Jain faith among followers?

4. What role does Sthirikaran play in maintaining spiritual stability?

5. How does Mithyadarshana lead to suffering in future births?

F. Think and Answer:

1. If a person follows religion only for material benefits, can they have Samyagdarshana? Why or why not?

2. How can someone develop Samyagdarshana if they are born into an environment where Mithyadarshana is dominant?

3. Why do you think Prabhavana (spreading faith) is considered an essential part of Samyagdarshana?

4. In modern times, what challenges do people face in attaining Samyagdarshana?

5. Imagine you have a friend who doubts Jain principles. How would you help them understand Samyagdarshana?

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)