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Scriptural and other Arguments for Theism in Jainism
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Lord. Worship of the Lord. We have dealt the issue of Jain prayer separately in the previous chapter. But then to bow down with reverence expresses the faith of the devotee. The acceptance of the Lord, as our master, and faith in Him, is expressed with reverence through the act of bowing down (Vandanā). In chapter 29 of the Uttarādhyayan Sutra Lord Mahāvira explains the significance and benefit of such acts as bowing (Vandana), singing eulogy (Stuti), confession (Prayascitta), forgiveness (Kșmāpanā), concentration and meditation (Anupreksā and Dhyāna), penance (Tap) etc.42 The complete explanation as given by Lord Mahāvīra is simply impossible and unconceivable if Jainism is atheism. On the contrary it presupposes theism and has all theistic implications. Again, here in this scripture also, we find at number of places Mahāvira has been addressed as Lord or God.
At the end of the Uttaradhyayana Sätra i.e. after the last chapter no 36, in reply to Sri Jambusvāmi's question, his Guru and the 5th chief disciple amongst the eleven of Lord Mahāvira, Sudharmā gañadhara, gives an eulogy after Mahăvira (Virathui). It is composed of twenty-nine verses expressing the attributes of Lord Mahāvīra, He says, "Mahavira was omniscient. has unlimited (absolute) knowledge, was a great master who was steadfast in his own self, devoid of all passions and having no acquisitions or possessions, fearless, timeless, perfect knower of all the objects of the world. He possessed great wisdom, and was unobstructed though active; he was the saviour, liberator and emancipator having great peace and serenity; he was the destroyer of ignorance and illuminator, his wisdom was pure and unfathomable like that of the ocean; he was devoid of all passions and was beyond Karina, always shining; he was the best amongst all souls and was the creator of happiness and bliss in all living beings; he performed the highest meditation known as Sukladhyāna, and attained the state of tiberation which has beginning but no end. He understood and carefully considered all the isms or philosophies of action and non-action; of agnosticism, etc. and showed an utmost control and equinonimousness. The entire eulogy (Virathui) is an example of the Jain conception of God and its theistic approach towards life and reality.
42. Uttaradhyayan Sutra Ch. 29, 10 to 23 43. to 52. Read U.S. Ch. 29 no. 10 to 23 53 to 68. Read U.S. Ch. 36 “Virthui"
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