Jaina Gazette 1928

Author(s): Ajitprasad, C S Mallinath
Publisher: Jaina Gazettee Office

Page 84

WHOM DO THE JAINS WORSHIP?
175
of all these conditions is the Jiva itself, the other things being only the Nimit Karan (secondary cause). In reality, Atman and Parmatman are one, the real nature of Atman being the Parmatman Svarup (Godhead). But in Samsar, Atman is from eternity intermingled with matter and hence its real nature is hidden and Atman is forgetful of its own nature, that is, of Parmatman Svarup. The curtain of ignorance is dropped over its eyes. The Atman cor.siders the external objects as its own. It loves one thing and hates the other. This Raga Dvesha (love and hatred) is Bhava Karma on account of which subtle matter of various kinds called Dravya Karma, is attracted towards and becomes attached to the soul, and the previous Dravya Karma having fructified itself, becomes detached from it. And in enjoying the fruits of previous karma, the soul entertains the feelings of love or hatred towards the objects of enjoyment and this newly-created Raga Dvesha attracts new Dravya Karma towards the soul which becomes attached to it. The most prominent teaching of Jainism is that one, while enjoying pleasures or suffering pains afforded by previous karmas, should not indulge in love and hatred. He should rather taste the fruits, whether good or bad, of his previous karmas with Shant Parnama (calmness) Vitragta (having no love and hatred towards . the objects) and Samabhava (equanimity). In adversity, you ought not let sorrow take hold of your mind. You must rather reason in this way, “I have, in my previous life, done some bad deed which has caused me this pain. But this pain can do me no harm. I am Chaitan Atman (conscious soul or pure intelligence) my Svabhava (real nature) is to know all things,-within and without, of all times and of all places. The sword cannot kill me, nor can fire burn me. Worldly pains, if they can injure at all, can injure matter only. But matter though intermingled with me, is not myself. My essential nature consists in Parmatman Svarup. Worldly pains and sorrows cannot touch me." In like manner, when you meet with success and good fortune, do not be elated. When you get some good object, do not entertain too much love for it, but think in this way. “I have, in past times, done some good work on account of which I have got this desired
object. But my nature and the nature of this object are quite Shree Sudharmaswami Gyanbhandar-Umara, Surat