Scriptures & Spiritual Texts  Tattvartha Sutra FAQs  FAQ

What roles do right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct (the three jewels) play in the Sutra?

Right faith ignites the spark on the path laid out in the Tattvartha Sutra. It’s like switching on a lighthouse beam, guiding the soul away from stormy seas of attachment and ignorance. Anchored in nonviolence and compassion, this belief reshapes perception—turning everyday routines into opportunities for inner growth. Amid today’s surge in mindfulness apps and compassionate business practices, right faith quietly empowers each choice with purpose.

Right knowledge builds the framework. Imagine constructing a house: faith is the vision, knowledge becomes the bricks and mortar. The Sutra breaks reality into seven tattvas—substance, motion, rest, and so on—offering a clear map of existence. By understanding how karma adheres like layers of dust on a mirror, one learns to polish away misconceptions. In a world buzzing with misinformation—AI deepfakes included—this jewel shines as a bulwark against confusion, demanding rigorous inquiry and honest self-reflection.

Right conduct bridges the gap between theory and transformation. Actions echo beliefs; ethical behavior turns wisdom into living art. Practices like non-absolutism (anekantavada) and truthful speech (satya) become daily habits—akin to adopting eco-friendly routines or volunteering at community gardens. With each compassionate gesture, karmic bonds loosen, letting the soul taste freedom. Contemporary movements toward sustainable living and social justice echo this ancient call to act in harmony with all beings.

Together, these three jewels form an interwoven tapestry: faith sets the direction, knowledge reveals the terrain, and conduct lays each step. Modern seekers finding solace in meditation retreats or ethical investing unwittingly echo the Sutra’s blueprint. This trio doesn’t just decorate philosophy; it underpins liberation itself, ensuring that inner transformation resonates outward, one mindful breath, one truthful word, one compassionate deed at a time.