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CONCEPT OF GOD AND OF WORSHIP
always salute him who is free from blemishes of anger, hatred etc., which haunt the mind like poison, who is full of compassion and who has perfected himself by all virtues, whether he is called by the name of Viṣṇu, Śiva, Brahma, Devendra, Sun, Moon, Bhagavan or Buddha."
Let me quote the following passage from J. L. Jaini who summarises the concept of God in Jainism in simple but forceful words: "Jainism, more than any other creed, gives absolute religious independence and freedom to man. Nothing can intervene between the actions which we do and the fruits thereof. Once done, they become our masters and must fructify. As my independence is great, so my responsibility is co-extensive with it. I can live as I like; but my voice is irrevocable, and I cannot escape the consequences of it. This principle distinguishes Jainism from other religions, e. g. Christianity, Muhammadanism, Hinduism. No God, or His prophet or deputy, or beloved, can interfere with human life. The soul, and it alone is responsible for all that it does".12
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In conclusion, Jainism does not accept the existence of a personal God who is at once the creator and protector. The real God is the soul which has attained perfection. Infinite perception, knowledge, power and Bliss which are the attributes of perfection are inherent in every soul. In the material world those attributes are hidden by the veils of the Karmas. The Tirthankaras who are the ideals of perfection have shown the way of liberation. He who follows the requisites of Right knowledge and Right conduct can attain divinity by the fullest realization of the powers which lie dormant in him.
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