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CONFLUENCE OF OPPOSITES
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painless, and avidya-less (ignorance-less), and endowed with Omniscience, Eternal Bliss, Immortality and Veerya (Irresistibility or Unconquerability). As such, there is no further continuation of Sruti in the absence of matter, the medium of sound (speech). The Tirthamkaras and the other Holy Ones who have attained nirvana have no desire to be worshipped by men; nor do they undertake to grant boons for a sacrifice or song. They are above the reach of desire and want. Their perfections are immeasurably greater than language can praise; Their virtues transcend all that can be described by words. Their worship is not idolatry but idealatry; They are models of perfection for us to copy and imitate and to walk in the footsteps of.
Such is the description of Divinity in the pure language of Religion, the Science of all Sciences.
I can now imagine you asking the question, how is it that this pluralistic teaching about Gods is not to be found in other religions? But do not be surprised if I tell you in reply that you have not looked for it where you should have, and that this is the true basis of all religions, except of those that have spring up, like mushrooms, in recent times, purely on the error-heap of others. These last-named religions are neither founded on revelation, nor on a philosophic inquiry, nor even on anything like a true insight into the arcava of ancient dogma and myth. I shall vot, tiierefore, refer to them in the course of these lectures; but leave you to form your own opinion about them. Only one observation I need
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