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 184

Scriptural and other Arguments for Theism in Jainism
165
discusses the worship and chanting (Japa) of the names and hymns of Lord Tirthaņkaras. He comprises the entire worship into four sections : (i) chanting (Japam) (ii) worship (Pūjā, Darśana) (iii) listening (Kathā Śravaņa), and (iv) practising what is preached. (Palana)
In his another book “Tattvadohana! he explains asceticism (Vairāgya) and worship (Bhakti) as two paths for the self-realization. But then while asceticism or Vairagya stops from the worldly attachments, worship or Bhakti diverts the soul towards the absolute.151 Bhakti on one hand removes the passions and attachments and on the other hand helps in attaining and experiencing the innate qualities of the soul.152 Śri Bhadrankaravijayaji says that, “the firm conviction that the total release of the soul from the bondage of the Karma is possible and right vision (Samyak Darśana) etc. are its available remedies, is the base of Jain theism,''153 He gives an additional, but quite necessary, importance to faith; and the six locations of faith.154 He beautifully explains the three modes of worshiping God. Worship or Upāsanā is through an image (murti), through religious hymns (mantra) and through penance or practice (Agama Ajña).155 He also discusses the Jain prayer and the pure form of a prayer. Here he discusses the subject and object (the divine and devotee) of the prayer as well as the content of the prayer. He very logically convinces us that the prayer is most essential. 186 He also discusses Jain Sadhana and Isvarabhakti in his another book “Parame-sthi Namaskāra and Sädhanā' written in Gujarati language, Thus in Śri Bhadrankaravijayaji's writings we find one more source that comes before us with the theism that is there in Jain principles and practices. (5) Śri Vijayendrasori
The Jain God is also found being discussed by one more Jain monk Vijayendrasūri. In his book 'Jagat and Jain Darśana' he has discussed Ishvara (God) in Jainism, '57 He quotes Hemachandrācārya's
150. Ibid., p. 82 151. Bhadrankarvijayji, : "Tattvadobana' (1980), p.65 and p.161 152. Ibid., p. 71-72 153. Bhadrankarvijayji, : 'Tattvadohana' (1980), p.76 154. Ibid., 77-78 155. Ibid., p. 157
156. Ibid., p. 277-278