Jainism a Theistic Philosophy

SR No.: 006918
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Krishna A Gosavi
Publisher: Parshwanath Vidyapith
Publication Year: 2012
Total Pages: 358
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 6 MB

Page 179

JAINA CONCEPT OF GOD IN JAINA THEISM
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bliss and infinite power. This purified soul (self) is called as Paramātmā or God in Jainism."
Though Jaina religion negates the existence of God who causes creation and destruction, still Jaina ethics accepts the existence of that pure form of soul, which has become enlightened because of its excellent qualities. Jaina religion has recognized a number of such enlightened souls who have been called “Arhat and Siddha'. They have realized the real form of self by winning over senses. These Siddhas are far more above gods or deities. They neither create nor destroy any thing. They have conquered once for all, their nescience and passions, and cannot be molested by them again.
(d) Definitions of Jaina God, Paramātmā, (Arhat, Tirthankara
and Siddha) 1. Paramātmā
Etymological meaning of Paramātmā is (Parama = supreme, ātmā = soul or jīva) supreme jīva or soul. English translation of paramātmā is not god; because god is one of the categories of worldly soul in Jainism, above human beings. Paramātmā is superior to gods. Jaina theology and scriptures described Paramātmā as Jaina's God," but not as construed by western theology that He is creator or ruler of the universe. Jaina God or Paramātmā is not creator, ruler or destroyer of the universe. Paramātmā is the highest reality, self-manifesting in pure qualities and modes, pure and free from karmas both material and psychical and without any material body."
"Dr. Jitendra B. Shah, “Concept of God in Jainism, in “Jainism in a
Global Perspective”, PV, Varanasi (1998), P-218 "Umāsvāti, Tattvārthādhigma-sūtra, 1/5 74Dr. Ramesh Chand Jain, “Sudhā Sāgara”, Jaina Dictionary 1999,
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