Concept of Divinity in Jainism

SR No.: 001637
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: P Ajay Kothari
Publisher: Prakrit Bharti Academy
Publication Year: 2000
Total Pages: 248
Language: English
Classification: Book_English, Religion, & Devotion
File Size: 15 MB

Page 180

In Niyamasara we observe, Arhat is disassociated with eighteen kinds of doshas:
i) Hunger, ii) Thirst, iii) Fear, iv) Anger, v) Attachment, vi) Illusion, vii) Anxiety, viii) Old age, ix) Diseases, x) Death, xi) Perspiration (sweat), xii) Sorrow, xiii) Pride, xiv) Indulgence, xv) Astonishment, xvi) Sleep, xvii) Birth, xviii) Ennui, 174
Thus, he is totally disinterested, dispassionate175 and free from evils or defects.176
To sum up, Arhat is worthy of adoration," conqueror of passions, released from the process of transmigration,178 destroyer of impurity and shedding of Ghati karmas and He on destruction of Aghatikarmas becomes Siddha, the Supreme Divine.
Devotion to Divine-Arhat
182
Acharya Hemachandra Suri observes the mercy aspect of Arhat: "Salutation to the Arhat who possesses infinite faith, infinite knowledge, infinite energy or power and infinite bliss, is the saviour, being the embodiment of mercy and being the bridge to righteousness.' ."180 Amritacharya pays homage to Jina and declares "O Jina, when you are seen in the world, endowed with your wonderful glory, then do all enemies (karma) instantly vanish." In Prashamaratiprakarana, homage (obeisance) is paid to the twenty four Tirthankaras as the knowers of tenfold dharma.18 Dhanapala Mahakavi observes that one has to worship the Tirthankara to burn off the karmas through dhyana and that is to be treated as boat to cross the world of passions. 183 In Bhaktamara Stotra -Acharya Manatunga salutes, “O Jina! with devotion I have made up this string (panegyric) of your virtues. I have decorated it with charming and multicoloured (words) flowers (sentiments). The devotee who always wears it in the neck (memories and chants) attracts the goddess of success (attracts highest honour), the goal of liberation. 184 Acharya Haribhadra Suri pays homage
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THE CONCEPT OF DIVINITY IN JAINISM