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What role do the three jewels (Ratnatraya) play in Samayasāra’s teachings?
In Acharya Kundakunda’s Samayasāra, the Ratnatraya—right faith (samyak darśana), right knowledge (samyak jñāna) and right conduct (samyak cāritra)—acts like a three-legged stool that keeps the soul firmly balanced on its journey toward liberation. Each “jewel” carries its own weight:
• Right Faith (Samyak Darśana)
It’s the spark that lights up the inner landscape, dissolving doubts about the soul’s true nature. Much like a GPS recalibrating after taking a wrong turn, clear vision of reality aligns perception with the eternal, untouched self.
• Right Knowledge (Samyak Jñāna)
Once that inner flame burns steady, accurate knowledge pours in—discerning the pure from the impure, the permanent from the fleeting. In today’s age of information overload—when a viral video or headline can steer millions off course—cultivating genuine wisdom becomes as crucial as choosing fact-checked sources over clickbait.
• Right Conduct (Samyak Cāritra)
Theory and insight mean little without consistent action. Here, ethical living, non-violence and restraint translate philosophical ideals into everyday habits. It resembles the discipline of modern mindfulness apps, where routines cement fleeting insights into lasting transformation.
Together, these jewels aren’t standalone tokens but interlocking guideposts. Right faith sets the intention, right knowledge lights the path, and right conduct paves each step toward self-realization. In the midst of 2025’s whirlwind—AI disruptions, social media echo chambers and a collective thirst for authenticity—the Ratnatraya still rings true. They encourage a shift from external validation to an inner compass, turning dusty doctrines into a living, breathing roadmap for anyone seeking freedom from karmic weights.