Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v1.c7.s7.t8.63

v1.c7.s7.t8.63

This particular Jain theory is actually aligned with the traditional Indian religious theories that had emerged since the advent of the Upanishads, all of them emphasising that human actions produce Karma which is an invisible force or a small particle that will exert influence on one’s afterlife and lead to painful reincarnation. To exit the cycle of reincarnation one must try and suppress his or her actions. *Tattvarthadhigamasutra* 1.1 states that “*Samyag Darshan* (Right Belief or Perception), *Samyag Jnan* (Right Knowledge) and *Samyag Charitra* (Right Conduct) together constitute the path to liberation.” The so-called *Samyag Darshn* means to understand and uphold such basic Jain theories as Seven *Tattvas*; the so-called *Samyag Jnan* means to acquire wisdom or right knowledge by means of the last two of the Jain Five *Jnana*; and the so-called *Samyag Charita* means to observe and abide by such Jain code of discipline as the Five Vows, including its rules of ascetic practices. Taken altogether, this theory is similar to the liberation theory advocated by other Indian religious sects and can be described as a “wisdom-based liberation” theory.