Concept of Divinity in Jainism

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

Page 49

The supremacy lies in the reality of prakriti and purusha which are eternal, — beginningless and entirely independent of each other in as much as they are irreducible to each other. Thus, there is a controversial attitude towards theism among the commentators and interpreters of Sankhya philosophy. 4. Yoga System :
Yoga system, a theistic system, is a valuable contribution of great sage Patanjali. Devotion to the Supreme Divine being is necessary to restrain the mind in yoga philosophy. It is a methodical physical and psychical effort to attain perfection through the control of vrittis by which one can attain salvation or emancipation. One who devotes to the Supreme Divine being, in its entity with sincerity, can meditate and concentrate the mind."13 By devotion (Prema or Bhakti) Ishvara is drawn towards the devotee through his nirmala chitta of pure sattva."14
The grace of God can work wonders in one's life. One must make himself deserving and receptive to it through love and charity, truthfulness and purity, constant meditation of and complete resignation to God."15 Bhagvad-Gita, the sacred work, signifies the importance of yoga and Sankhya system. God is the Supreme Being above all individual selves away from affliction, action and karma.116 Ishvara never had or will have, any relation to these bonds. He, is ever free, ever the Lord."7 It is God only who is eternally free from all defects or imperfections. God, necessarily a teacher of high perfection, is teacher of teachers irrespective of time. 118 I.K, Taimini states that Ishwara (Paranidhana) can lead to samadhi.!19 He is the superior (guru) even of the former ones, being himself not limited by time. 120 God is the omniscient with utmost excellence.121 The concentration or meditation is done keeping the mystic syllable 'OM as Supreme Divinity. 122 5. Purva Mimamsa System :
Purva Mimamsa or Mimamsa, propounded by Jaimini, defends and justifies the Vedic ritualism. It has belief that fruits of ritu
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