Concept of Divinity in Jainism

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

Page 77

asavas viz. sensuality (kama); individuality (bhava); delusion (dittha) and ignorance (avijja) are annihilated. Arhathood is divineness. The term “arhat is derived from ‘ari', meaning enemy (passions), and it means one who has conquered the enemies. Arhantahood is attained by annihilation of these ten fetters?' :
1. Idea of self eternity (Sakkaya Ditthi) 2. The idea of efficacy of. purification by ritualistic acts as well as penance (Vichikiccha) 3. Dependence on works (silabbata paramasa) 4. Sensuality (kama) 5. Malice or Hatred (Patiga) 6. Lust of earthly life, having form (Rupa raga) 7. Desire of heavenly life having no form (Arupa raga) 8. Pride (mano) 9. Self righteousness (Uddhacca) and 10. Ignorance (Avijja).
The stage of arhat is the culmination of both the complete annihilation of ignorance and attainment of Nibbana, the divinity. The sage (arhat) is unconcerned about reports fair or foul; his heart is very light. Of course he can never be guilty of self praise.?? Having no mental propensities of his own, the sage can hardly be characterised as this or that; he is absolutely unique. His freedom from theories regarding the ultimate nature of things is very often stressed. 73
In detachment, he is likened to lotus in water. He has destroyed all knots.73 Prof. L.M. Joshi observes that the knot (gantha) referred to is of four types namely, covetous (abhidhaya); ill will (vyapada); indulgence in rite and rituals (Silavrataparamasa) and adherence to one's pre-conception as truth (idam satya bhinivesa).
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