Gems of Jainism

Author(s): Hemant Shah
Publisher: Academy of Philosophy

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Gems of Jainism
the necessary branches"24 of philosophy, theology, mythology, cosmology, each one rich in its dogmas and literature. This big bulk of literature is primarily and essentially religious in character. Leaving here all the discussions about the names and number of canonical and quasi-canonical literature and the indological issues related to each of these scripture, I would only concentrate to give few references from some of the high ranked, authentic and non-controvertial scriptures as well as authors to prove that Jainism has never discarded the belief in Supreme state of Spirituality or belief in Theism. Jaina believes the canons or scriptures or "Āgam" as they call it to be the ultimate source of knowledge. Let us have some scriputral arguments as supportive reference to the statement that Jainism believes in God : (a) Argument from Sri Ācaranga Sutra:
This is one of the important scriptures of Jainas. It provides a nurnber of instances where Mahavir has been addressed as God.25 Moreover in its 24th Chapter,it describes Mahavir attaining Godhood. He is the Jaina God being worshipped by Dévās, Human beings and others. He is the Lord, the “Arihanta" (one who has destroyed all his weaknesses), the Jaina (the conqueror), the Kevali (Omniscient) and the Sarvajna (having all knowledge). (b) Arguments from Sri Upāsakadasāngsa Sutra :
This scripture desribes Right Conduct of a householder through a beautiful discourse and dialouges between Lord Mahavira and his disciples. Here we find aphorisms like “super human being (Mahāmānava), “progenitor of great religion", or "great regulator” (Mahā Dharmikathi), “a mysterious" (Maha Gopa), etc. 26 This canon deals with many aspects related to theistic aspects of a religious life e.g. it tells how Lord Mahavira is praised and worshipped by others. (C) Arguments from Nandi Sutra :
The Nandi Sutra is known as the “Balance-sheet of all the Āgamas (traditional canons).”27 It contains the detailed description of the Worship of Lord, the charateristic of the Community, the