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 207

188
Jain Theism
(11) The philosophy of soul, existence of soul, soul in different states, the holy pentad all these make Jainism a sound ethical system with theistic pesuppositions.
(12) Jain theology which contains prayer, rites, and rituals, temple worship, fast and festivals, holy pilgrimage etc. Opens the facets of religiousness and conception of God in Jainism, it gives a path or a way for Sadhanā, or Bhakti. The “ devotee-deity” relationship or the 'I- Thou' relationship through Ahimsā, (non-injury to living beings) Samyama (restraint) and Tapa (penance) are noteworthy characteristics of Jain theism.
(13) The concept of absolute is derived through the philosophy of non-absolutism, through the concept and nature of pure soul, from Jain faith and religiousness. Worship of the absolute proves to be of a very high rank.
(14) Through the concept of the holy pentad, concept of omniscience, concept of Moksa and ethical doctrines of Jainism for right conduct, we have seen the theistic elements and theistic presuppositons that are there behind these concepts.
(15) Even the doctrine of Karma, and the philosophy of soul also unfold the theistic approaches. It talks about the changeless behind the change, the absolute behind the non obsolete, the one behind many and the pure and perfect behind the polluted and imperfect.
(16) Again the Jain worship, Upăsanā or Sādhanā, the popular belief, the Jain literature and scriptures also lead us to a typical Jain way of life. That life reflects the full theistic spirit quite in accordance with the philosophy and religiousness of Jainism.
The above mentioned are some of the important noteworthy points that supports the Jain Theism. It will definitely pinch my heart if at this stage I fail to make a mention of some of the issues, which I have found, either unexplored or ambiguous or controversial and they need sincere attention. Amongst such issues, as per my choice of course, I would like to put the religious experience in Jainism in the perspective of Jain mysticism as very important. Moreover, if distinct clarity regarding the theological aspects like creation activity, nature of Siddhasilā as mundane place, the Siddhas and their ultimate moral unity leading to monism etc. should be brought before the masses. Even the concept of modes or change (Paryāya) in the state of salvation,