Question

What is known as Triratna in Jainism?

ICSE Class 9 History Ch 4 India in the 6th Century BC :Rise of Jainism and Buddhism

Answer 1

Triratna :-

Jainism emphasizes that 'Trirtana' or 'Ratnatraya' (Triple Gems of Jainism) - the Right Faith or Right Vision (Samyag Darshana), the Right Knowledge (Samyag Gyana), and Right Conduct (Samyag Charitra) - constitutes the path to liberation. These are known as triple gems (or jewels) of Jainism and hence also known as 'Ratnatraya'. These three jewels are essential for the soul to move up towards spirituality.

1) Right Faith or Right Vision (Samyag Darshana) - Right Faith or many called it Right Vision, has been defined and described by various authorities in different terms. Most acceptable, broad and general definition is that Right Vision means to hold truth as truth and untruth as untruth. Right Vision requires rejection of untruth and skepticism. One should also not believe in false deities, false books and false teachers. Always have belief in true Prophets (like Jain Tirthankars), True Scriptures (like Jain Shashtra) and True Preceptors (like Jain Saints) 

2) Right Knowledge (Samyag Gyan) - The soul is a conscious being and as such is always in possession of some knowledge. But all knowledge is not Right Knowledge. The knowledge which the soul blessed with Right Vision possesses and which reveals with certainty (without exaggeration or inadequacy) exact nature of things and which leads to its spiritual development is termed as Right Knowledge.

3) Right Conduct (Samyag Charitra) - After having acquired the Right Vision and Right Knowledge, the spiritual seeker must proceed on the path of Right Conduct by practicing what has been learnt through the former to achieve success in obtaining self-realization and liberation from the cycle of birth and death. Just as a sick person, who has faith in his medicine as well as full knowledge thereof, will not be cured of the disease unless he takes his medicines according to the prescribed procedure, similarly, an individual possessing Right Faith and Right Knowledge shall be not successful in his efforts unless he necessarily practices Right Conduct. Broadly speaking, Right Conduct implies a life of self discipline through self-restraint as against life of self-indulgence. It requires control over one's desire.

Answer 2

Answer:

In Jainism the three jewels (also referred to as ratnatraya) are understood as samyagdarshana (“right faith”), samyagjnana (“right knowledge”), and samyakcharitra (“right conduct”). One of the three cannot exist exclusive of the others, and all are required for spiritual liberation.