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to attain supreme status. The Jina/Arhat/Siddha is not an active factor. It does not directly interfere this way or that way. As a matter of fact he (Jina) is indirectly instrumental in showing or leading to the path of liberation and inspiring his devotees to that effect. Achārya Samantabhadra has mentioned it in one of his verses. The same thing has been explained by Mahākavi Dhananjaya.
Devotion to God is not a means to an end; it is an end in itself. The right type of devotees or true devotees never expect anything in return, by way of compensation or consideration. They rather want more and more devotio nothing but devotion. That is why Mahākavi Dhananjaya, in "Visāpahār-stotra" says, The devotee who follows you, obtain pleasure because of his devotion to you and the person who believes adversely (i.e. against your directions) gets involved in miseries, your position is that of a mirror, which is effluent/lustrous and which remains so forever and which faces the two (i.e. the devotee and the otherwise), looking into which both can realize themselves and know the truth. In case you so desire or you insist upon me to pray for any boon, my praye. would be "Let me remain (or may I be) devoted and absorbed in you" I believe that you would oblige me by conferring that boon upon me. What learned teacher does not favour his taught, who is worthy to support him (teacher).
Such devotion is very effective; and it gives the devotee, all he wants. Such a devotee is already non-attached and does not nourish any desire. He is absolutely desireless. His devotion further strengthens his desirelessness, leading him to salvation. According to a western thinker, Prayer must never be answered; if it is, it is not prayer. It is correspondence. Some Sufi saints has pointedly said, and explained this idea, in a verse, which says, "I am not prepared to accept the pleasures of heavens, as a consideration or compensation of my devotion to God; as I am a devotee and not a labourer or a merchant, who indulges in give and take."
Gems of Jaina Wisdom-IX
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