Jainism emphasises that ratnatraya (triple gems of Jainism) — the right faith (Samyak Darshana), right knowledge (Samyak Gyana) and right conduct (Samyak Charitra) — constitutes the path to liberation. These are known as the triple gems (or jewels) of Jainism and hence also known as Ratnatraya
The Path to liberation
According to Jainism, purification of soul and liberation can be achieved through the path of three jewels: Samyak darśana (Correct View), meaning faith, acceptance of the truth of soul (jīva); Samyak jnana (Correct Knowledge), meaning undoubting knowledge of the tattvas; and Samyak charitra (Correct Conduct), meaning behavior consistent with the Five vows. Jain texts often add samyak tap (Correct Asceticism) as a fourth jewel, emphasizing belief in ascetic practices as the means to liberation (moksha). The four jewels are called moksha marg. According to Jain texts, the liberated pure soul (Siddha) goes up to the summit of universe (Siddhashila) and dwells there in eternal bliss.
The very first sloka (aphorism) of the Sacred Jain text, Tattvartha sutra reads:
Ācārya Pujyapada writes in Sarvārthasiddhi (translated by Prof. S. A. Jain):
The Three Jewels
Right Faith
Acharya Umaswami has written in Tattvārthasūtra that Tattvarthasraddhanam Samyak-darshanam (1-2), which means "Belief in substances ascertained as they are is right faith."
These seven substances also called tattva are:-
jīva- the soul which is characterized by consciousness. ajīva- the non-soul āsrava – inflow of auspicious and evil karmic matter into the soul. bondage (Bandha)- mutual intermingling of the soul and karmas Samvara (stoppage)– obstruction of the inflow of karmic matter into the soul. Nirjara– gradual dissociation of karmic matter from the soul Moksha (liberation)- complete annihilation of all karmic matter (bound with any particular soul)
Many disciplines of knowledge are developed based on certain fundamental givens, or axioms. For example, Euclidean geometry is an axiomatic system, in which all theorems ("true statements given the axioms") are derived from a finite number of axioms. Special theory of relativity bases itself on one of the fundamental principles called "The Principle of Invariant Light Speed". It takes it as given that light in vacuum propagates with the constant speed in terms of any system of inertial coordinates, regardless of the state of motion of the light source. These seven fundamental concepts, provide the metaphysical structure of Jain philosophy.
In the human state of existence, right faith acquired from destruction as well as from destruction-cum- subsidence. An intelligent conviction and profound faith in the essential nature of the soul, of matter, and of their mutual relationships, actions and reactions, is a necessary condition for launching upon the path of liberation. Jainism declares that a person with the right faith will have spiritual calmness (Prasanna), desire for liberation from the endless birth-life-death cycles (Samvega), without any attachment or aversion to anything (Nirveda), kindness (Anukampa), and belief in the tattvas (fundamental principles) described just above (āstika).
Jatismaran Jnana
As per the first Anga of Jainism, the Acharanga Sutra, and the Uttaradhyayana Sutra, knowing the soul at experiential level and the ability to know about the past lives (jatismaran gyan) are important characteristics of a person who has attained Samyak darshan, at 4th Gunasthana. Some of the main causes of jatismaran-jnana are: Uvasantmohanijjam - due to suppression of mohaniya karma (illusionary karma) as was the case with Nami Rajarishi. Ajjhavasansuddhi - due to purification of attitude and improving leshya (the colour-code indicator of purity of soul) as was the case with Mrigaputra. Some individuals acquire jatismaran-jnana through outside influence and others in natural course due to kshayopasham (the process of extinction-cum-suppression) of karmas obstructing that knowledge. By listening to the discourses of arihant Tirthankars or kevlis, accomplished sages possessing Avadhi jnana or Manahparyay jnana, or the scholars of 14 purvas. Any of the above means may trigger the awareness of earlier births. This, in turn, reveals with certainty that what transmigrates from and to the said directions is none else but 'I' (the soul that is me). This awareness enhances the spontaneous feelings of right faith in dharma, samveg (yearning for liberation), and vairagya bhavana (detachment from the mundane) and induces the knowledge of separation of soul and body (bhed-gyan).