Jainism in a Global Perspective - Collection of Jain papers of 1993 Parliament of World Religions, Chicago

SR No.: 014010
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Sagarmal Jain, Shreeprakash Pandey
Publisher: Parshwanath Vidyapith
Publication Year: 1998
Total Pages: 402
Language: English
Classification: Seminar & Articles
File Size: 23 MB

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Jainism in a Global Perspective.
Theory of Incarnation
Avatāravāda or theory of incarnation is a very old term used in Indian philosophical and religious literature. The term avatára etymologically means a descent of divinity or gods crossing over from the celestial regions to the earth. In other words it is the manifestation of the power of the deity19. In religion the term avatārasignifies both the descent of the divinity from heaven to earth and his appearance in animal or human form.
As it is defined in Vedic theism, the main objective of God's incarnation is to propound the Dharma and demolish the devils. Lord Krsna say in Bhagavadgitão "Whenever the evil forces raise their heads then I do generate myself of earth for protection of God, establishment of Dharma and destruction of evildoers. I come into being age after age."
Jainism does not hold any theory of incamationor Avatāravāda. The question, as to why God creates such periodical crisis and then comes down to solve them through special manifestastions of His unique power? Why in His cosmic plan he has left room for the growth of forces which threaten to destroy the harmony of this world process? Why in His original design, He had not exercised his omnipotence and omniscience as such way as to produce a harmonious world free from devils and sinners?
Atheism and Jain Dharma
Jainism is regarded as a atheistic religion since it falls in three major heterodox systems of Indian Philosophy. But acceptance of God is not an essential criteria to be recognised as orthodox, because Mimānsā, one of the six orthodox systems of Indian philosophy does not accept God as creator. It very much stands by Jainism with regard to refutation of the postulate that God is in the root of everything which exists. Jainism is happy to be called as a atheistic one if the term theism consists of only with the God as creator. Actually "Theism is a type of religion or religious philosophy which incorporates a conception of God as unitary being", The unitarians, follower of unitarianism hold only - the highest regard for Jesus but refuse to bind that regard to a trinitarian (creator, sustainer and destroyer), metaphysics.22 The same is with Jainism they regard Mahāvīra as 'Siddha'or God but not as a creator of the Universe. So if God is the