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the religions of the world. In this context the author has quoted Schubring, the German Indologist as "In Jaina system there is no place for creator or regulator of the universe." The divinity in Jainism is the attainment of infinite knowledge, infinite faith, infinite bliss, and infinite power, i.e. the fourfold infinities.
The second chapter, The Concept Of Divinity In Hinduism, puts forth the attributes of Vedic and Upanishadic gods. The concept of divinity in Hinduism rests on gods known as Devas. Maxmuller explains Devas as originally bright and nothing else. The author has described the concept of God very elaborately in case of Hinduism.
The third chapter reviews the concept of divinity in Buddhism, the fourth and fifth chapters are devoted to the concept of divinity in Jainism, and the last one is the conclusion. Each chapter is comprehensive and is a model of clarity and brevity.
Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism all the three religions originated in India and have some common principles but they differ in the concept of divinity. Hinduism believes that the world has been created by the Supreme God from his own body and external material. Jainism believes that the universe has always existed and no God has created it. Buddhism does not believe in God, the Supreme Being but believes in a state of godliness, nirvana which any person can achieve. Later on Buddhism seems to have accepted the Buddha himself as God. The author has also discussed the concept of divinity in some other religions namely Zoroastrianism, Sikkhism, Christianity, and Islam.
I heartily welcome the publication of this book.
20.04.2000
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Jain Education International
Dr. M. R. Gelra Founder Vice-chancellor, Jain Vishva Bharti Institute (Deemed University), Ladnu, [Raj]
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