Jainism and World Problems

SR No.: 006708
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Champat Rai Jain
Publisher: ZZZ Unknown
Publication Year: 1934
Total Pages: 240
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 10 MB

Page 235

CORRESPONDENCE
Nirvana or was a Tirthamkara, but the question is of evidence on which such a statement may be founded. Now what evidence can you point out in support of the assumption that certain persons whom you had in your mind had obtained Nirvana? I think if you will dispassionately look into the circumstances of their lives, you will find not only no evidence of their having attained divinity, but also no pretension that they were aspiring to divinity and no true conception of what divinity is. No one said about any of the Catholic saints that they had attained to Omniscience, Immortality and Godhood.
Pardon me if I offend you by criticising your views in my letter. I do so merely to draw your attention to a phase of belief which is not helpful to clear thinking or to the advancement of the soul. My dear friend, do not be offended with me, and forgive me if I have said anything which hurts or tends to hurt your feelings in the least degree. You know that I am writing this merely to elucidate certain points raised in your letter and not with a view to offend you, or to convert you to my ways of thinking. Of course, I shall be very happy to welcome you as a brother in faith should you be inclined to accept the Jaina teaching, but the request for admission into the Jaina Culture must proceed from you and not from me.
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The number of Tirthamkaras, you will notice, is 24; we cannot add even one to that number. Read again the chapter dealing with the 24 Tirthamkaras in the book 'Jainism, Christianity and Science', which you already possess, and you will find even the Bible acknowledging their number as 24. No prayers are addressed to the Tirthamkaras. Jainism is opposed to prayer and begging for boons which none can grant.