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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THE CONCEPT OF DIVINITY IN JAINISM - I
FUNDAMENTALS
Jainism is one of the most ancient religions of the world. Its evidence is found in Vedas, which means that it is older than Vedas.' Therefore, before speaking about the fundamentals as a base of the concept of divinity, a brief note on the historicity of Jainisr is essential.
Jainism literally means the noble path and the faith propounded and preached by Jina or Tirthankara (the perfect omniscient divine being). Jina is one who has conquered the passions (kashayas). There had been many Jinas or Tirthankaras (omniscient) according to the Jain faith, In Jain literature, we observe the names of present, past and future Tirthankaras of Avasarpini and Utsarpini kalas.? The names of Tirthankaras of Jambudiva of Bharata Kshetra of the present Avasarpini kala are :
1. Rishabhadeva, 2. Ajit Nath, 3. Sambhav Nath, 4. Abhinandan, 5. Sumati Nath, 6. Padmaprabh, 7. Suparshva Nath, 8. Chandraprabh, 9.Suvidhi Nath, 10. Shital Nath, 11. Sreyamsa Nath, 12. Vasupujya 13. Vimal Nath, 14. Anant Nath, 15. Dharma Nath, 16. Shanti Nath, 17. Kunthu Nath, 18. Arah Nath, 19. Malli Nath, 20. Munisuvrata, 21. Nami Nath, 22. Arishtanemi Nath, 23. Parshva Nath, and 24. Mahavir.
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THE CONCEPT OF DIVINITY IN JAINISM