Concept of Divinity in Jainism

Author(s): P Ajay Kothari
Publisher: Prakrit Bharti Academy

Page 18

the purely egoistic view, the seeker, after his own happiness, is interested in other persons only in so far as they serve his own purpose, whereas according to universalistic view, the goal to be reached is the happiness not only of an individual but also of the community at large.2
Fulfilment of desire brings the state of happiness. A desire is an interest, conscious impulse, passion, aptitude, lust, will, hope, yearning or aspiration for knowledge or liberation.3 A man has a number of desires which makes him restless and clamour for satisfaction or happiness. He strives hard to fulfil them. Despite tiresome labour, he fails to satisfy many of them. His frustration simmers in his heart and it grows more painful as their fulfilment becomes impossible. Many a time he does not perceive the expected quantum of satisfaction, which makes him more unhappy. The more intense the satisfaction, the lesser is its duration. The happiness or satisfaction, thus, derived is just fleeting pleasure which is never unmixed with pain and which is exhausted by enjoyment. Such of these pleasures are not eternal. These earthly pleasures are illusory and lead to suffering and pain. Suffering can be attributed to one's own sins or wrong doings. Effects of natural calamities and unknown causes lead to painful experiences, illusion, fear and cause a person extreme discomfort. Many a time the unjust social behaviour results into unpleasant feelings.
Thus, a man wanders in search of happiness and removal of suffering and misery and such search is continued till the last moment of his life. He struggles with his own emotion for the fulfilment of desire and will." He faces inevitable phenomena of conflicts in his pursuit of happiness. Consistent failure in achieving the desired objects and warding off the befalling miseries have compelled him to go in search of some sort of super human power. At last, under this belief, that super human power, namely the God, is the foundation and fountain of grace and mercy, he turns to the God for help, comfort, solace. He bows down to God,
THE CONCEPT OF DIVINITY IN JAINISM