Book Title: Account of Jainism
Author(s): Unknown
Publisher: ZZZ Unknown

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Page 135
________________ Jainism. stuggle with AKABAR. The story of PaNNaDar is known to as all. It is said that it was a Jain, by name Asasa, who gave refuge to that noble woman and the prince whom she had saved from Vanveer at the cost of her own son. At MaMDU or Mandapachal, a Jain served the Mohamedan king of the place as his Dewan. ARE THEY ATHEISTS? 135 There is a good deal of controversy as to whether Jainiam is atheistic or not. Shankaracharya and following him, many European orientalists answer the question in the affirmative. But to call the Jains atheistic is a misunderstanding. According to their view, the Karman and the Universe are unbegun, indestructible and everexisting. Whatever we do i. e. our karman is sure to produce its results on us. God will not interfere to undo these effects even if we prayed to the utmost. That God is omniscient, perpetually living and auspicious in nature, is admitted by the Jains. But that he will ever be kind to us beyond our deserts is denied by them. The Law of Karman is universally true. The soul of man elevates itself by the path of the three jewels i. e. True Faith, Knowledge and Conduct and after attaining Nirvana or Moksha (i. e. freedom from all bondage of passions) it becomes divine. The God is not the creator, protector and destroyer of the Universe. He is only the most perfect soul. So they believe in God but differ as to his work. On Jain Education International For Personal & Private Use Only www.jainelibrary.org

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