Jain Journal 1973 01

Author(s): Jain Bhawan Publication
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication

Page 43

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JAIN JOURNAL
Jaina thinkers do not agree with this idea. The rational mind is at a loss to understand why Good, Happy, Omnipotent and Omniscient God created the world which is full of sufferings, inequalities and barbarities as the lot of the majority of its creatures ?
The argument that every object has a creator is not of universal application. When the world-creator is believed to be self-existent, why not the same logic be applicable to other objects as well ? If the world was looked after by Benevolent, Merciful, Omniscient and Omnipotent Lord of the Universe, the harrowing and horrifying calamities like earthquake, destruction by flood and similar catastrophies involving the loss. of innumerable innocent and poor beings should have been easily averted. In view of the occurrence of such tragic incidents the rational mind has to admit that this sort of working of the universe does not depend upon the sweet wishes or directives of the Supreme, Benevolent and Merciful Lord. Therefore, we have to accept the selfexistent nature of the universe.
This does not mean that the Jainas do not believe in the existence of the God or Paramātman. They do believe in the existence of God of Paramātman—the Pure and Passionless Soul, who is Perfect and Blissful and who has no hand in the making or destruction of this world. It is a matter of regret that the Jainas are called Atheists by some people. The Chambers Dictionary meaning of the word is “one who disbelieves in the existence of God” (Gr. a, neg., and theos, God). Theist is “one who believe in God". Therefore, the appropriate nomenclature for a Jaina would be a "Theist" rather than "Atheist", because Jainas believe in God and worship the Lord in their own way. Worship of God is an essential daily duty enjoined upon a votary of Jainism. He is also expected to practise these fourfold virtues, that is, he must be Just, Affectionate, Introspective and Noble. The word 'Jaina' stands for these rules of good conduct, which are universal and nonsectarian.
Jainas worship perfect and passionless God for the sake of mental purity and spiritual advancement. This worship is, in fact, the 'Ideal worship’ rather than 'Idol worship’. The concentration and meditation towards the passionless and peaceful idol assisst the common man in getting release from the clutches of baser and evil propensities. The Jaina view of worship is a purely psychological process, whereby the aspirant develops himself and gradually attains the status of omniscience and bliss, the characteristics of God-hood.
The observations of Vivekananda are illuminating: “The Buddhists or the Jainas do not depend upon God but the whole force of their