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 219

JAINA CONCEPT OF GOD IN JAINA THEISM
,,174.
way (marga) to Mokṣa is three-fold combination of "Samyakdarśana, Samyak-jñāna and Samyak-caritra" i.e.; Right faith, Right knowledge and Right conduct of which ahimsa or non-injury is the corner stone. On this point Jainism differing from other system of Indian philosophy. Some emphasize only faith, some knowledge and some conduct. Faith or act of devotion or bhakti alone is considered not enough to lead to salvation."175
154
,,176
Jainism advocates duties of householder, which are simpler and are in miniature those of a monk. This exhibit ideology entirely different from the Vedic philosophy." Jainas attitude in practicing its creed and doctrine is found "remarkable for their originality, acuteness and subtlety." To achieve goal, the practitioner is not to depend upon outside agency or grace are the chief fundamental aspect that lead to a Jaina way of Life and liberation. Not God or any divine agency but individual's sincerity of purpose is the way to liberation for Jains.
Hence, Jainism thus on one side excludes the need for divine grace or any divine agency for liberation and on other side immensely emphasize solely on emancipatory self-efforts of individual to all perfection and mokṣa.
203
177
VI. (xii) Why Jainism is Theism
The meaning of speculated theism, especially in western philosophy carries a great burden on God to create world, whereas in Hindu philosophy, God has to create universe, sustain it and destroy it. In comparison to these philosophies, Jainism do not bestow upon God, (Arhatand Siddha), any responsibility of creation of universe or sustaining it or destroying it.
174
Tattvärtha-sūtra, - 1.1
175 Prof. A. Chakravarti, "Mahāvīra and his Teachings", P-47
176
Dr. S. N. Dasgupta, forward, Mukharjee, "Jain Philosophy of Nonabsolutism, PP VII (HS-15)
177 Ibid (HS-15)