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Jainism in a Global Perspective
vitality to belief of others and create a spirit of religious tolerance. He taught not to indulge in war exploitation and not to snatch freedom from any one. These were the norms for self purification.
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Role of Puruṣārtha: (Self Effort)
Apart from the concept of Swarga (heaven) Jainism has given more emphasis on means to attain salvation. Salvation is annihilation of all karmas and to obtain it, one's self effort or Puruṣārtha is most important. Though Jainism believes in faith, fate and Adṛsta or destiny but these are useful only to the man who treads on the path of liberation. Soul possesses infinit power so it can shape its future, the way it likes. A soul may be a slave of its ignorance and inclinations but at the same time it is capable to reach at the extreme of knowledge and detachment. Once it determines to get liberated, faith and fate assist it. It is independent one. A man can get salvation only by his own effort, for which he is all capable, and need not beg assistance from others.
Worship and Prayer
In Jainism the concept of worship and prayer are not the means of demand of wealth or prosperity but the devotee draws inspiration from Tirthankaras and inclucates in himself those very virtues latent in him. Tirthankara, Kevali and Siddhas are objects of veneration, since they have attained perfection. By wroshiping one gets inspiration and happiness which culminates, in meditation, one of the means of attaining salvation.
The special Features of God in Jainism
1.
In Jainism the term God is denoted by the highest state of soul who possesses infinite knowledge, perception, bliss and power.
2.
Existence of God as a prime cause of the Universe or creator, has no place in Jainism.
3. Jainism admits the very existence of gods (celestial beings) residing in heaven or on this earth. But they are considered as mortal beings not eternal or immortal, even they have nothing to do with creation and sustenance of the world.
4. Jainism holds that transformation of Atmā into Paramātmā is the ultimate goal of soul, but the soul maintains its separate entity. It does
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Jain Education International
| SR No. | 014010 |
| Book Title | Jainism in a Global Perspective - Collection of Jain papers of 1993 Parliament of World Religions, Chicago |
| 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 |