Compendium of Jainism

SR No.: 001202
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: T K Tukol, A N Upadhye
Publisher: Prasaranga Karnatak University Dharwar
Publication Year: 1980
Total Pages: 352
Language: English
Classification: Book_English & Philosophy
File Size: 17 MB

Page 79

CONCEPT OF GOD AND OF WORSHIP
belief at that time, mastery over spells or Mantra vidya was considered as a qualification for superiority. The Jain Acāryas claimed to be master Mantravãdins. Jainism had to compete with other Hindu creeds. Yakṣi form of worship must have been introduced in order to attract the common men towards Jainism, by appealing to the popular forms of worship."7
According to Jaina metaphysics, one of the four states of existence is the Deva-gati in which a soul may assume on account of its good Karmas the Deva-gati living in heaven like the Bhavanavāsi, Vyantaravāsi, Jyotiska and Kalpavāsi. These gods are subject to birth and rebirth and are unable to grant any favours to other beings. They are a stage higher than men but they must be reborn as men if they have to attain complete liberation from the cycle of births and deaths. Their abode is fixed as the celestial region where they live enjoying the fruits of their punya or meritorious deeds till the punya is exhausted. They have ranks amongst them either based on status or duration of life.
67
The Jainas recognise divinity in man, and godhood means the attainment of purity and perfection inherent in every soul. Tirthankaras are among those who have attained omniscience and perfection.
The Concept of Worship.
Why do the Jainas worship the Tirthankaras ? They worship them because they are liberated souls who have attained perfection and omniscience. They were mortals; they looked to no higher beings but looked within themselves. They are the prophets who held aloft the light of Jaina religion and culture. They preached the eternal truths of life, followed them and helped millions of other men to cross the hurdles of Samsara. They realised the divinity of their soul. In worshipping Tirthankaras, a Jaina worships the ideals followed and preached during their journey to self-realization. He seeks no