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

Page 181

162
Jain Theism
He defines God as one who has perfectly known all the objects, all the places, all the times in their all the modes; and one who has completely destroyed his passions and attachments. 125 To have full faith in God, according to Śrimad, is a happy path.26 Such a God, the Tirthankara or Siddha is omnipotent (Samartha) and be prays, to him for the solution.127 He even praises the Lord and his infinite power and other attributes by saying that “where there is God the blinds regain their vision and the deals start listening, the cripples start walking and those who totter speak fluently. Lord is simply fantastic."128
Worship : Srimad advocates for worship (Bhakti) and that too of Arihanta Bhagvān. He says that "the worship of Lord Arihanta is useful to cross the ocean of the world.... capable enough to destro four states of embodiedment existence (Gati). 129 He, at one place says; “Ultimately I want the absoluteness (Sünya), if not that at least the saint, if not that at least religious-discourse (Satasnga), if not that at least right conduct (Āryācareņa), if not that then full concentration with complete purity in the Jain worship. If even Jain worship (JinaBhakti) is not possible, I want nothing,"130 Śrimad Rajacandra has discussed about the worship, its meanings and benefits at so many places. He, very emphatically, says that worship has very definite place in Jain religion and thought, According to him the liberated souls : the Tirthańkars and Siddhas should be worshipped which brings a lot of wonderful benefits to the devotee.!!! Even he talks about the absolute worship i.e. Parābhakti and uses the phrases like the savior of the world.132 (Jagaupakāraka), the base of the three world, 133 (Tribhuvana Adhāra), and 'beneficial as the sun'. 134 (Hitakāri); as 'the light and so without the lord it is all darkness. 135 In one of his poems he says, "practise the worship of the Jina, make your incarnations end by
125. Hemcband Tokarshi Mehta, : 'Srimad Rajcandra Atmakatha' (1989), p. 101 126. Ibid., p. 15 127. Govardhandasji Tr., 'Srimad Rajcandra Vachanamrata' (1952), p. 20 128. Ibid., p. 201 129. Govardhandasji Tr., 'Srimad Rajcandra Vachanămasta' (1952), p. 204 130. Mehta H. T., : 'Srimad Rajcandra Atmakatha (1979), p. 20 131. Shah M. C.: Pub., "Moksamālā (1961), p. 19 to 22
See Lesson 13 & 14 on 'Jineśvarni Bhakti'. 132. Govardhandasji, Prajñāvabodha, (1966), ) 7 & p. 549 133. Ibid., P. 609 134 Ibid., P. 611 135. Ibid., p. 609