Book Title: Aspects of Jaina Religion
Author(s): Vilas Sangve
Publisher: Bharatiya Gyanpith

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Page 149
________________ Jainism and Other Religions :: 137 their high ideal and attained Godhood to themselves; in Hinduism worship is performed of many forms of one God who is the creator and the ruler of the world. (4) Purpose of Worship The significance of worship in Hinduism is also not the same as that in Jainism. In Jainism, there is no offering of food and the like, nor is a prayer made to the deity for boons. On the other hand, in Hinduism the attainment of the desired object is by the will of certain divine beings who are to be propitiated. (5) Practice of Sacrifices As Hinduism is a sacrificial religion, the performance of several secrifices for a variety of reasons and for different durations has got an important place in it. This is not the case with Jainism and especially the animal sacrifices practised by the Hindus have absolutely no place in Jainism. (6) Attainment of Salvation While the Hindus believe that Gods alone can attain salvation, the Jainas consider that it is the right of human beings only. (7) Path of Salvation The path of salvation prescribed by Jainism is only one and it is known as Ratnatraya-inārga, i.e., the threefold path of Right Belief, Right Knowledge and Right Conduct, which is to be simultaneously pursued by all persons. But in Hinduism, there is no prescription of one single, definite and clear path of salvation. Instead, in Hinduism different ways have been laid down for the attainment of salvation by various religious preachers in different periods of time. (8) Idea about Karma The Hindus regard Karnia as an invisible power but the Jainas think it as a form of matter which can stick to the soul.

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