Jain Theism

SR No.: 006509
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Hemant Shah
Publisher: Hemant Shah
Publication Year: 1997
Total Pages: 218
Language: English
Classification: Book_English, Philosophy, & Religion
File Size: 10 MB

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Jain Theism Srimannāgasenācārya; and does not merely accept God but categorically asserts the real existence of God." It also defines good conduct as one where sinful activities (by mind, speech and body) are given up.112 At the end of the work it describes the nature of a liberated soul that has attained Siddhapada- Godhood'. Thus we find here in this scripture the entire approach to the subject is not merely religious but theistic. Nothing is being discussed without considering the supreme or the God. This is a definite theistic presupposition on which the content of the treatise rests.
We have seen some of the quasi-canonical scriptures of the Jain literature. What we saw is the acceptance of the conception of God or the supreme or the absolute. Moreover, one finds a belief in the concrete and effective existence of the absolute. We have also seen how almost in all these works, the nature of Jain God (Arihanta and Siddha) is described, which virtually does not differ from the theistic concepts of the other systems of Indian philosophy. One of the most striking characteristics, commonly found in all the treatises is its beginning. All these scriptures begin with a prayer and the prayer is invariably to Lord or Tirthankara (Mahāvira or Rsabhdeva) addressing him, as his God. The spirit is highly devotional and the feeling with which God is approached is full of humility and submission. The prayer reflects the faith and reverence and thus becomes an act of worship (Bhakti). In short, all these scriptures, have an underneath current of strong theism which is not unnoticable. 7.5 Argument from Non-Canonical Literture Introduction
We have seen some canonical as well as quasi - canonical scriptures to show the Jain theism as being reflected through them. But then we have also with us the non-canonical literature on Jain philosophy. The writers of these texts are of two kinds : Jain and nonJain. To us what is important is the view that affirms our thesis that
111. 31 aranasi: poriafurafen: 1
घातिकर्मक्षयोद्भूतस्पष्टानन्तचतुष्टयः ॥ ९२ ॥ - T.S.S. 2
Buddhisāgarji ed. Anandaghanapadasamagraba (1954) pada : 84 P. 281 112. a aa aar, qarga chafia: 1
Trufaruri : Helferqafar tal 16 - T.S.S. 27