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168
Jain Theism
not claim to be all exhaustive. Let us see what is the general approach of these authors towards the issue of this work. (1) Śr. J. L. Jaini
In his famous book 'Outlines of Jainism' he has devoted a chapter on 'Jain theology and gives a lot of information about the Jain theology, Śri J. L. Jaini is "convinced that in its (Jainism's) spirit and essential doctrines Jainism has that in it which satisfies the deepest and the most varied wants-mental and spiritual-of men and women of our age."!67 In the introductory pages of the book Śri J.L. Jaini says, “The greatest happiness of the greatest number is only a practical paraphrase of the Jain doctrine, absolute and eternal happiness for all living beings'. So in the highest ideal happiness and virtue are identified. The Jain God is the soul at its best, i.e. when, freed from all (Karmas), it has attained perfect knowledge, faith, power and bliss."168 He discusses Jain Metaphysics and ethics, but he also discusses the rituals and he says,
Jain rituals, like all priestly matters are very elaborate and complicated, but its principle is in confirmity with the simplicity of the whole creed Its practical aspects are two : the devotional and the ascetic,'*169 Regarding the Jain conception of God and its theism Sri As compared with most other religions, it is important to notice that Jainism has a definite and uncompromising attitude towards the conception of God. It is accused of being atheistic. This is not so, because Jainism believes in Godhood and in innumerable Gods."170 Regarding the Jain worship he says, “But it must never be forgotten that it is no one person in particular that the Jains worship. They worship the ideal and nothing but the ideal, namely, the soul in its perfect condition. This ideal may be Christ, Sankara, Vişnu, Brahmā, Mohammed, Jehovah or any other type of perfection; and this indicates at on the rational basis and the catholic breadth of the Jain doctrines."17)
Thus we find J.L. Jaini is very clear about the theistic position of Jainism and expresses his clear view that Jainism, as accused of being atheistic, is in reality not so. It has its God, its theology, its ethics, its rituals and definite mode of devotional worship.
167. Jaini J. L: : 'Outlines of Jainism (1979), preface p. XIV 168-169. Ibid., p. XXIV 170. Jaini J. L., Outlines of Jainism (1979), p. 4 171. Ibid., p. 75
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