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
So that was a short resume of the previous chapters and their main contents. But still I do not claim to have made concept completely clear by complete arguments. In fact as I have visualized, during the course of this research work, two important aspects, very significantly discussed by William James, to be noted. First, I felt, in the light of the present day world and in light of the development of science and philosophy there is a strong need of the identification of religion and theism. And the second significant aspect that I noted is the fact that for certain issues in religion or theism the evidence lies not in logical interpretations or metaphysical discussions but into the inner personal experiences'. 9.2 Jain Theism
A reader on listening the phrase 'Jain theism, at first, might feel as swimming against the current. But then, after having gone through the contents of the previous chapters, I am sure, the reader will agree that the current is 'so-called' and not real, the current is conventional and not substantial. If this work, at least awakens the reader to think on the problem before making any categorical statement which could mean Jainism to be atheism, I think, I have achieved something. In fact, to convince the rational mind I have discussed the theistic implications and theistic presuppositions of the Jain metaphysics, ethics and logic. This could satisfy a rational mind. But then, as I felt, this won't be enough. In society, and specially amongst Jain community, there is a very big number of those to whom testimony (Sabda Pramāņa) is more forceful than inference or reasoning. I have also taken care of such conventional minds. The scriptural and other arguments comprise of the canonical, quasi- canonical and non-canonical arguments, all affirming the truth that Jainism is all-in-all theistic. The following are the main arguments that strengthen the thesis that Jainism is not atheism but theism
(1) Relativism is not possible without absolutism, We find absolute in Sangraha Naya - a generic standpoint. The 'Sāmānya' becomes Sat or Mahāsat.
(2) From Syädvāda point of view truth is partial and relative. It is relative with reference to absolute, The 'absolute' is the 'Sat' of the Saṁgraha-Naya.
(3) Jainism believes in absolute knowledge (Nirvikalpa Jñāna).