Key of Knowledge

SR No.: 006702
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Champat Rai Jain
Publisher: ZZZ Unknown
Publication Year: 1919
Total Pages: 1204
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 25 MB

Page 966

RECONCILIATION.
945
ableness, fury and power. There is, surely, not much to boast of in this form of worship.
As to the second great advantage which the images of the Blessed Ones possess, it suffices to say that they not only represent the great Ideal of wholeness and holiness which we are all anxious to attain, but also teach us that that is the only true and practical Ideal to be entertained. The pratibimbas (images) of the Iloly Bhagwans* teach us the great lesson of Life that it is men and no better, then surely, it is time for us to look somewhat closely into their credentials, and to accept none but conclusive evidence of their existence.". Science and Hebrew Tradition,' by T. Huxley, p. 258.
* The following somewhat lengthy article, reproduced here from the “Digambar Jain" (Special number for October-November, 1918), will be found to throw further light on the worship of tho Tirthamkaras :
It would undoubtedly be a great surprise to many of our nonJaina friends to be told that Jainism is not an idolatrous creed and is as bitterly opposed to idol-worship as the most iconoclastic religion in the world, yot the fact is as stated. The attitude of Jainism towards idolatry is evident from the following from the Ratna Karanda Sravakachara, a work of paramount authority, composed by Sri Samantabhadracharya, who flourished about the commencement of the second century A.D. :"Bathing in the so-called sacred] rivers and oceans, setting up heaps of sand and stones (as objects of worship), immolating oneself by falling from a precipice or by being burnt up in fire (as in sati] are some of the common murhatas (follies). The worshipping, with desire, to obtain favour of deities whose minds are full of personal likes and dislikes is called the folly of devotion to false divinity. Know that to be guru murhata which consists in the worshipping of false ascetics revolving in the wheel of samsara [births and deaths, i.e., transmigration), who have neither renounced worldly goods, nor occupations nor himsa (causing injury to others.]"
This is sufficient authority for the view that Jainism strongly coul83