Jain Journal 2007 07

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

Page 10

Kanoko Tanaka: On the life-Centred Ethics ofZoroastrianism
and capable of attaining infinite power, infinite knowledge, infinite faith and infinite bliss, just as the jewels look more brilliant by taking more time to shine them with elaboration. It makes a clear contrast with the fact that the Buddha, who abandoned tapas, had no faith in Man's substantial and eternal Soul. In this sense, the Jaina people believe in the God-like within themselves, although it does not mean a sort of polytheism and pantheism, and even a belief in only one omnipotent Creator. Mahāvīra and other twenty-three Tīrthamkaras can be respected only as the great Souls and the spiritual leaders. The wide-open eyes of the Jina's statue inside the temple seem to tell us as the viewers: "Behold the gem within thyself!"
(2) God as the rational Law-holder and the natural Law of 'Life'
-- Life-centred ethics of the Iranian monotheism-
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Zoroastrianism based on the faith in Ahura Mazda (Mazdā-yasni Din; Religion of Mazda-worshippers), only one Creator God seems to be quite different from Jainism following the doctrines of karma, samsara, jñāna and mokṣa, but at least, there is one common point between the two in the fact that both of them would agree in supporting the Life-centred ethics. Zoroastrians may take the meaning of the Jaina vow of 'ahimsa' as "I shall not kill, because I mayself belong to life" according to the verses of Yasna 30.3~5, a part of the most important revelations from God through the words of the Prophet Zarathushtra.
Truly there are two primal Spirits, twins, renowned to be in conflict. In thought and word and act they are two, the good and the bad... And when these two Spirits first encountered, they created life and not-life, and that at the end the worst existence shall be for the followers of falsehood (drug), but the best dwelling for those who possess reghteousness (asha). Of the two Spirits, the one who follows falsehood chose doing the worst things, the Holiest Spirit, who is
12. This is one of the clear different points as compared with the Buddha image whose eyes are half-closed in meditation.