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Jain Concept of God (Jin): Not believing in a creator God does not mean that Jainism is an atheistic religion. Jains believe in different type of God. Our God is Jin. The word Jin literally means "the Victor" or "the Liberator". One who has freed himself from the bondage of Karma by conquering räg (attachment - deceit and greed) & dvesha (aversion - anger and ego) is Jin. Bhagawan (Lord) Mahävir was the last reformer of Jainism. He should not be mistaken as the founder of Jainism. Jains believe there has been an infinite number of Jins (Gods) who are self-realized omniscient individuals who have attained liberation from birth, death, and suffering. Each time cycle has two half cycles, Utsarpini (progressive) and Avasarpini (regressive). There have been infinite time cycles before time without beginning) and there will be infinite time cycles (without any end) in future. On this planet, we have 24 Thirthankars each half cycle. The word Tirthankar means one who lays down the spiritual order to help all living beings cross over the worldly sea of sufferings and misery.
What is Jainism?: The followers of Jin are called Jains. The teachings of Jin constitute the philosophy of Jainism. In ancient times Jainism was known by many names such as the Saman tradition, the religion of Nirgantha, or the religion of Jin.
The Sanskrit word for religion is Dharma. The meaning of Dharma is very own nature of the thing. For all living beings, the soul is the real thing. It means that "to see, to know and to realize" - the true nature of the soul is our religion. In other words, the laws of nature in the truest and purest form are the religion. The true nature of the soul can be realized when it is disassociated from karmas. Therefore, the ultimate goal of Jainism is to get rid of all karmas and attain liberation (Moksha). We acquire Karmas because of attachment and aversion. Therefore, the path of liberating the soul from attachment and aversion is Jainism. Since the fundamentals of Jainism are essentially the laws of nature, Jainism existed as long as the nature existed. Therefore, we believe that Jainism is the eternal philosophy which always existed and will always exist. Based on the recent research, many scholars believe that Jainism is one of the oldest religions of the world.
All Tirthankars have shown the same path of purification (liberation). However, they preach according to the substance, place, time and spirit of that period. Currently, we follow Bhagawan Mahävir's teachings. We, Jains rely on our own initiatives and efforts for our worldly requirements and our liberation. We do not believe that there is any supernatural power that does favor to us if we please him. Jainism, as explained by Jins (Tirthankars) can stand scrutiny of reason. We do not have to believe in the things that do not appeal to the common sense.
We, Jains, are unable to accept the concept of "divine grace". When a living being destroys all his/her karmas, he/she attains perfect knowledge, perception, power, and
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