What is samyak?
In Jain Dharma, “samyak” means:
- right
- true
- pure
- proper / correct
It is used for a right or perfect spiritual state. Opposite of samyak is “mithyā” (wrong, false, deluded).
Some important uses:
- Samyak Darshan – Right faith / Right vision
- Having true belief in Tirthankars, soul (jīva), karma, liberation (moksha), etc. - Seeing reality without blind faith or wrong beliefs.
- Samyak Jñān – Right knowledge
- Knowing things correctly, without doubt or distortion. - Based on true understanding of Jain principles.
- Samyak Chāritra – Right conduct
- Living with ahimsā (non‑violence), truth, non‑stealing, celibacy, non‑possessiveness. - Controlling passions like anger, pride, deceit, greed.
These three together are called Ratnatraya (three jewels). So, whenever you see “samyak” in Jain texts, think of it as “spiritually right and pure, according to the path of Moksha.”