Jaina Ethics

Author(s): Dayanand Bhargav
Publisher: Motilal Banarasidas

Page 39

Jaina Éthics
duality. If monism is based on scriptures and not on logic, dualism may also be said to be based on scriptures. Nothing is contradicted unless it exists ; and therefore non-duality, which contradicts duality, from this very fact accepts the existence of duality."
(iii) God : Many popular religions, together with some systems of philosophy, assert that there is an eternal Lord of the universe who creates, sustains and destroys it. It is He who sends us misery and happiness. Of course, according to some religions, He does so in accordance with the actions that we perform. Thus the idea of God is not always disconnected with the doctrine of karman in India. But Jainism does not hold it logical to believe that there is an eternal God ruling over the universe and sitting on us in judgment. Before we give reasons for it as forwarded by Jainism, let us examine what the popular religions like Christianity, Islam and Hinduism say about this interesting problem. Popular theories about Godblog : (A) Hinduism : The popular devotional approach of Hinduism towards God is best represented by the Gitā. God is all-in-all. We are just puppets in his hands. We should surrender ourselves unconditionally to the will of Almighty. Nothing can be done without His will. He is situated in every heart, moving every body according to His will. The fruit of every good or bad action must be surrendered to Him.
It is, however, repeatedly told by Hindu Scriptures that the consequences of an action performed by a man must be borne by him. So there is no denying the responsibility.
(B) Christianity : Coming to Christianity, the old Testament presupposes the existence of God. It does not consider it necessary to give any arguments to prove it. It teaches us to worship one and one God alone and not to pay any attention to lesser deities.
1. Aptamimaṁsā, 24-27. 2. Gitā, Madras, 1930. 18.66. 3. Ibid., 18.6r.