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56 :: Aspects of Jaina Religion
demonstrate and propagate the greatness of the Jaina tenets and scriptures. One should try to wean people from wrong practices and beliefs by establishing to them the importance of the true religion
by arranging religious functions and charities. (3) Avoidance of Superstitious Beliefs
It is also laid down in Jaina scriptures that right belief should be free from the following three kinds of mūdhatās, i.e., superstitious beliefs:
(i) Loka-mūdhatā is the false belief in holiness. It relates
to taking baths in certain rivers, jumping down the peaks of mountains and entry into fires under the supposition of acquiring merit for themselves or for
their kith and kin. (ii) Deva-mūdhatā is the belief in false gods. It accepts
the efficacy of village gods and goddesses who are endowed with ordinary human qualities and attempts to propitiate them. This superstition consists in believing in gods and goddesses who are credited with passionate and destructive powers, willing to oblige the devotees by grant of favours they pray
for. (iii) Pākhandi-mūdhatā is the belief in and respect for
dubious ascetics. It shows regard for false ascetics and considers their teaching as gospel of truth. It refers to entertainment of false ascetics and respecting them with a hope to get some favours from them through magical or mysterious powers exercised for
personal gain or show of power. Thus the mind must be freed from such superstitious beliefs and any doubts so that the ground can be made clear for the rise and development of right belief. (4) Freedom from Pride
Besides the avoidance of these three kinds of superstitious beliefs, the mind must be made free from the eight kinds
