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

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According to acharya Akalanka, upadhyaya is one who observes vows, practices meditation and preaches the Jain revelation.221 Upadhyaya also expounds the fourteen sciences (vidya) preached by the Jina and gives guidance for meditation.22 Panchadhyayi discusses the important distinction between acharya and upadhyaya.223 An upadhyaya cannot issue commands but can give guidance. But, acharya has to command and regulate the four fold order with respect of religious virtues. He, the practitioner of the divinity, engaged in preaching the religious truth, high among the Jain sages is saluted.224 An upadhyaya, a divine man possessed of Ratnatraya, is offered obeisance. 225 5. THE SADHU
The word sadhu (variants are Shramana, Muni, yati and yogi etc.) generally means righteous, virtuous, an ascetic, saint, a sage, a monk. A sadhu is one who is always active in attaining the right conduct and practices the renunciation through austerities. It is he who practices to be free from mundane knots and ties, (bondage).226 He concentrates on the soul towards the path of liberation.227 He has a right faith that stops transmigration and will lead to eternal bliss, full of glory.228 It is worthwhile to note'Neither sovereign nor God of gods, can possibly attain to that happiness which a monk detached from worldly activities acquires in this life itself".229
Sadhu is one who observes five great vows and upholds eighteen thousands ethical excellences and is endowed with eighty four hundred thousands religious virtues.230 Practically he engages himself in act of purification of his own soul. A sadhu, practitioner of the divinity, free from worldly desires devoid of evils and without knots (free thought) meditates for destroying the karma.231 A sage on the path of salvation is paid obeisance.232 Realisation of Divinity: The Essence of Jainism
The Panchanamokara mantra is the essence of Jain faith.23 The recitation of mantra is a form of puja (adoration) of the five
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THE CONCEPT OF DIVINITY IN JAINISM