Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: Right faith or intentions, right knowledge and right conduct
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
Jainism is one of the ancient religions of India and places great emphasis on non violence, self discipline and liberation of the soul from the cycle of birth and death. A central doctrinal concept in Jainism is the Triratna or Three Jewels. These are considered the three essential paths or pillars that every seeker must follow to attain liberation. This question tests your understanding of basic Jain philosophy and your ability to correctly recall the standard formulation of these Three Jewels.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
According to Jain doctrine, the path to liberation consists of three interrelated elements known as Samyak Darshan, Samyak Jnan and Samyak Charitra. These are usually translated as Right Faith or Right View, Right Knowledge and Right Conduct. Right Faith means having a correct and sincere understanding of reality and trust in the teachings. Right Knowledge refers to accurate comprehension of the soul, karma and the nature of existence. Right Conduct is the practical application of these insights through ethical behaviour, self control and observance of vows. The combination of these three is what Jain texts call the Triratna or Three Jewels.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the traditional Sanskrit terms Samyak Darshan, Samyak Jnan and Samyak Charitra.
Step 2: Match these with their English meanings: Right Faith or intentions corresponds to Samyak Darshan, Right Knowledge to Samyak Jnan and Right Conduct to Samyak Charitra.
Step 3: Examine the options and look for the set that clearly includes faith or intentions, knowledge and conduct together in one group.
Step 4: Option A explicitly states right faith or intentions, right knowledge and right conduct, which lines up perfectly with the Jain formulation.
Step 5: Confirm that no other option contains this exact threefold combination and then select Option A as the correct answer.
Verification / Alternative check:
By consulting any standard introduction to Jainism, you will find the Triratna defined as Right Faith, Right Knowledge and Right Conduct. Many texts emphasise that all three must be present. Right Knowledge without Right Conduct is incomplete and Right Conduct without Right Faith lacks a firm foundation. This threefold path is repeatedly described as the core of Jain spiritual practice, which confirms that the formulation in Option A is correct.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Right action, right livelihood and right effort: This set more closely resembles part of the Eightfold Path in Buddhism rather than the Jain Triratna.
Right thoughts, non-violence and non-attachment: While these are important values in Jainism, they do not form the standard classic Three Jewels formulation.
Right speech, right thinking and right behaviour: These again sound ethical but do not mention knowledge and faith, which are essential components.
Pure devotion, pilgrimage and ritual worship: Jainism values devotion and pilgrimage but liberation is not defined primarily through ritual in this way, and this set does not match the doctrinal Triratna.
Common Pitfalls:
Because many Indian religious traditions use phrases such as right action or non violence, students sometimes confuse the Jain Three Jewels with parts of the Buddhist Eightfold Path or general moral teachings. Another pitfall is to assume that any three attractive sounding virtues must be the Three Jewels. For exam purposes, always fix in your memory that in Jainism the Three Jewels are Right Faith, Right Knowledge and Right Conduct, and that other virtues flow from this central triad rather than replacing it.
Final Answer:
The Three Jewels or Triratnas of Jainism are right faith or intentions, right knowledge and right conduct.
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