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A.10.2 The Gītā is believed to be the work of Veda Vyas and, since Lord Króna had propounded this teaching to Arjuna, He is said to be its real author. This may be true. The work is indeed great and whatever teachings are contained in it those come down to us from eternity, but it is not possible that these same verses have existed from the beginning of time. Nor is it likely that they were composed by God who does nothing. They have to be composed only by an embodied soul, who acts. In light of the above discussion, there is no harm, therefore, in saying that a perfectly illuminated person is God, and that a Šāstra taught by him is one revealed by God.
Q.11.0 Does any merit accrue from the sacrifice of animals or other things? A.11.0 It is always sinful to kill an animal whether to give it as an offering in sacrifice or to injure it in any way, even if this is done for the purpose of a sacrifice or living in the very abode of God. The practice of giving gifts at the time of a sacrifice does earn some merit, but since this is accompanied with violence it, too, deserves no commendation.
Q.12.0 If a claim is put forward that a particular religion is the best, may we not ask the claimant for proof? A12.0 If no proof is required, or if any such claim is made without proof in its support, reason and unreason; then both Dharma and Adharma will have to be accepted as the best”. Only the test of proof can show what the best is and what is not. That religion alone is the best and is truly strong, which is most helpful in destroying the bondage of worldly life and can establish us in the state which is our essence (realizing pure and peaceful state of being).
Gandhi & Jainism
Pg. 291
