A category of truth, the fundamental philosophical truth or principles.
In Jain philosophy, there are nine tattvas, the right knowledge of which is considered essential for attainment of samyaktva:
1
Jīva
soul or sentient-being
2
Ajīva
non-soul or non-sentient
3
Punya
merit (Results of Good Deeds)
4
Papa
demerit (Results of Bad Deeds)
5
Āśrava
cause of influx of karma
6
Samvara
cause of stoppage of influx of karma
7
Nirjarā
shedding off of karmas
8
Bandha
bondage of karma
9
Mokṣa
emancipation, liberation, salvation
Explained by Jain Scholars:
- A man rides a wooden boat to reach the other side of the river (!) - The man is Jiva, the boat is ajiva.
- Now the boat has a leak and water flows in. - That incoming of water is Asrava and accumulating there is bandh,
- Now the man tries to save the boat by blocking the hole. - That blockage is Samvara and throwing the water outside is Nirjara.
- Now the man crosses the river and reaches his destination, - Moksha.