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 218

202
JAINISM: A THEISTIC PHILOSOPHY "GOD IN JAINISM"
automatically leads to the succeeding stages of spiritual development. If the descent of Divine Grace were interpreted as a necessary result of spiritual preparation, the Jaina philosopher would have no objection to this interpretation in spite of its mystical appearance."
170
In Jaina conception of emancipation the soul realizes its own four infinites, and at that stage soul is totally pure devoid of the karmic veil. There is, however, no realization of one's unity with Paramātmā (God), as it is in Vedanta philosophy. Thus in Theism of Jaina we find neither God, as an outside agency, nor God's grace is required to attain salvation. On the contrary one is led to conclude, as said by Dr. Ramjee Singh "apart from theoretical difficulties of introducing God in the realm of nature and his occasional intervention etc. this leads to fatalism and pessimism. The doctrine of Grace is indeed a disgrace to the idea of man as maker of his own destiny. This loss of ethical autonomy takes away the very basis of own moral life."
171
(h) Theism of Jaina Emphasis on Emancipatory Self-efforts:
The ultimate purpose of everyone's life is to get complete release from pain and suffering, attainment of wisdom and Joy. "Moreover, all Indian system of philosophy, except Cārvāka, accepts the idea of "Liberation (Mukti or Mokṣa) as the highest of goal of life. "172 In Jainism the soul is in state of bondage i.e.; cycle of birth and rebirth and its consequent miseries. The root cause of bondage and miseries in life, according to Jainism is karma, Soul (Jīva) is essentially a knowing substance and is potentially omniscient, omnipotent etc. So in the state of Mokṣa or emancipation when there is a total destruction of all karmas and the consequent installation of soul in its state of essential purity i.e.; as a being having the four infinites of immediate apprehension, cognition, Joy and power, is its mokṣa or final emancipation. Jainism believe, "the
170 Studies in Jaina Philosophy, P-218
Dr. Ramjee Singh, "The Jaina Concept of Omniscience" (1974), P-107 &108
17266
173
Radhakrishnan Reader", 1988, P-361 (HS P-13)
Dr. Ramjee Singh, "The Jaina Concept of Omniscience" (1974), P-26