Gems of Jainism

SR No.: 001803
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Hemant Shah
Publisher: Academy of Philosophy
Publication Year: 2008
Total Pages: 142
Language: English
Classification: Book_English, Articles, & Religion
File Size: 8 MB

Page 35

26
religion & rituals. All these canonical, quasi-canonical and other literature all leading to some very important conclusions regarding Jain Theism. The most general concluding remarks could be summed up as:
*
Gems of Jainism
that Jainism is not atheistic,
that Jainism does not believe in a creator God, but does believe in God, as the Supreme, Pure, Perfect and Powerful Spirit.
the Jainas have their own concept of God & Godhood. God to them is a liberated soul or souls.
Inspite of emphasis on self-effort the scope of prayer & divine grace is there in Jainism - prayer in Jainism is more a source of inspiration & devotion. Divine Grace, though not directly from God, becomes part of Jain rituals.
In Jaina mode of worship, the relationship between "I and Them" or "Devotee and Divine" or "Soul (Atmā) and Super Soul (Paramatma)" is quite evident.
Jainism is quite rich in its Theology as well as mythology, based on principles which are Theistic in nature.
Jainism, as religion and thought, is theistic as it provides a unique variety of theism.
From the above discussed and referred citations from canons, literatures and authors, we could see Jainism has quite sufficient elements to be called a religion as well as Theism. We find the Jaina God all Powerful, having infinite apprehension, infinite knowledge and infinite bliss. Besides He is pure in the sense, He is free from all the defilements and is worshipped by all. Such a Pure and Liberated soul - God is our saviour & protector. His grace, His teachings and His worship can lead us to tracscend our ordinary empirical self to a higher spiritual level. William James says, "Theism, whenever has erected itself into a systematic philosophy of the universe, has shown a reluctance to let God be anything less than