The threeshikhar (top) of aJain temple representsRatnatraya (three jewels)
Theratnatraya are the three jewels ofJainism, namelysamyak darshana (right faith or view),samyak gyana (right knowledge), andsamyak charitra (right conduct), which constitute the path to liberation.
The spiritual goal in Jainism is to reachmoksha for ascetics, but for most Jain laypersons, it is to accumulate good karma that leads to better rebirth and a step closer to liberation.[2][3] Purification of soul and liberation can be achieved through the three jewels (ratnatraya):[4][5]samyak darśana, right vision or faith in the Jain teachings[6] or scriptures,[7] more specifically the seven tattvas;[8][9][a]samyak gyana, right knowledge and understanding of the Jain teachings,[7][11] more specifically of self (jiva) and non-self (ajiva);[8] andsamyak charitra, correct conduct, behavior consistent with these teachinngs and the five vows.[7][12] Jain texts often addsamyak tapas (correct asceticism) as a fourth jewel, emphasizing belief in ascetic practices as the means to liberation (moksha).[11] The four jewels are calledMoksha Marga (the path of liberation).[4]
AcharyaUmaswami states inTattvārthasūtra (1-2) that "Belief in substances [tattvas] ascertained as they are is right faith."[1] According to theDigambara, there are seventattva:[13]
jīva — thesoul 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 andkarmas
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 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.
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