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Scriptural and other Arguments for Theism
in Jainism
145
into an infinite number of the chief disciples known as Gañadharas. They wrote twelve Angas (Āgamas) of which the very first one is Acārānga Sūtra which discusses the five main rules of conduct (ācāra) for the monks. It also discusses the Jain metaphysics and specially the nature of Jiva (soul). The Acârânga Sõtra provides number of instances where Mahavira has been addressed as God.''! Moreover, in its 24 th chapter, it describes Mahavira attaining omniscience and thus attaining Godhood. He is the Jain God being worshipped by Devas, human beings and others. He is the Lord (Bhagawana), the Arihant (one who has destroyed all his weakness), the Jina (the conqueror) The Kevali (Omniscient) and the Sarvajna (Having all knowledge)"16 Even if we read all the four sub-sections (Uddes) of its 9th chapter under the title Upadhāna-Sūtra it narrates all about Lord Mahāvira and we find the conception of God the Almighty and Lord of the world in him. (2) Arguments from Śri Upăsakadašāåga Satra
This Agama describes the conduct and character of ten householders (Śrāvaka). It contains beautiful discourse and dialogues between Lord Mahavira and his chief disciples. Here we find aphorisms like 'super human being' ('Maha-Manava) progenitor of great religion' or great regulator' (Mahā Dharmikathi)'a mystery to us (Mahāgopa) etc. Moreover at number of places Mahvira has been addressed as Lord,”18 This Agama deals with many aspects related to the theistic
15. Acaranga Sutra 991-92-93. 16. से भगवं अरहा जिणे जाए केवली सवण्णू सत्वभावदरिसी सवगणु यासुरस्स लोयस्स पज्जाए जाणइ, तंजहा: आगति, गति ठिति चवणं उववायं, भुत्तं, पीयं, कई, पडितेविये, आवीकम्मं, रहकम्मं रहोकम्मं लवियं, कहियं, मणोमाणसियं, सव्वलोए सव्वजीवाणं, सव्वभावाइं जाणमाणे पातमाणे एवं च ण विहरई ।
जण्णं दिवसं तमणस्स भगवओ महावीरस्स णिव्वाणे कसिसे जाव समुप्पुण्णे तण्णं दिवसं भवणवइवाणमंतर-जोइसिय-विमाणवासि देवेहि य देवीहि य उख्खयंतेहिय जाव अप्यंजलगभूर यावि होत्था । 17. "समणे भगवं महावीरे महागोवे" ।
"सदालपुत्ता । समणे भगवं महावीरे महासत्यवाहे" "समणे भगवं महावीरे महाधम्मकही" । "समणे भगवं महावीरे महानिज्जामए" ।
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