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Theism, Atheism and Jaini
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which, by themselves generate energies that bring to him agreeable or disagreeable experiences." Thus the entire emphasis is to thwart and annihilate the force of the karma "and in this way to effect a gradual spiritual evolution leading to the ultimate goal, the very Godhood, whence there is no return to the samsara.
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2.2.5 Conclusion
We may conclude, therefore that according to jainism it is the human soul alone which can reach the highest degree of perfection. And that all souls are possessed of fullness and perfections. "The infinite is inherent in the finite. That is why the finite is ever struggling to break down its finiteness and reach out to the fullest freedom''47 Moreover, it maintains that "God is only the highest, noblest and fullest manifestation of the power which lie latent in soul.' What one requires is to put utmost self-efforts to see that attachments cease, and personal love is "burnt in the glow of asceticism." It insists that every one, like a true victor, should defeat one's own enemies, his own passions and sense cravings. "Fight with yourself. Why fight with external foes? He who conquers himself, through himself will obtain happiness.
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This fundamental acceptance and approach is reflected in the discussions, explantations and solutions of issues which are metaphysical, ethical, epistemological or logical. Dr. S. Radhakrishnan says "strictly speaking there is no room for devotion or bhakti in the jain system... The liberated have no longer any connection with the world and exert no influence on it."49 This central current or stream of thought operates even when the issue of vedic authority or ritualistic sacrifice is there or even when the issue of karma or emancipatory self-effort or Divine grace is there. The extreme insistence on one's own effort, the uncompromising nature of Low of karma and the soul posessing all fullness and perfection in its pure form, put Jainism to a unique position whether it does not need to claim any nonhuman or Divine source. These could be considered as some of the roots of jain Atheism where atheism means rejection of a belief in World-Creating God, or rejection
45. Dr. Hiralal Jain Article 'What is Jainism' in 'Jainism' pub. Sr. Vallabhsuri smarak samiti pp. 12-13.
46. Dr. J.P.Jain Religion and culture of Jains, pp.42
47. Dr. Radhakrishnan Indian Philosophy, Vol. I pp. 399
48. Uttaradhayayana sutra Ix. 35
49. Radhadrishnan, Indian Philosophy Vol I, pp.-331.
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