________________
79
presentation, the thing in its previous condition, and the thing itself.
JAINISM
The first method is by giving the name. The mention of the name is sufficient to bring to knowledge the idea of the object. The mention of names has a great deal to do with the rise and improvement of the mind; it is a great factor in those concrete activities which have to do with the progress of man.
The second method by which we cognize things or beings, look down upon, pay respect to, etc., is the picture, likeness, photograph, portrait, diagram, symbol, image, model, statue, etc. Absent persons can be worshipped by this means. The fact of the misuse of images does not disprove the philosophical truth that the image is an important factor, when its use is rightly understood. Photographs, etc., can be used as a means of insult or contempt (Guy Fawkes, for example); and they can be used for respecting and worshipping absent persons.
The third method is, when we wish to respect or worship a thing or person not yet in existence: we worship the previous state of that thing or person. By paying respect to the present person or thing, we can pay respect to the future being or thing. For instance, the Indian prince, Shrenika is believed to have been the soul, who is to be the first Master of the next cycle; so the first Master of the next cycle of time could have been worshipped by using Shrenika in that way.
The fourth method of knowing a thing or paying respect, is by using the actual person or thing.
When a person has an ideal, he respects it; and the idea of the ideal is much strengthened by worship. Wor
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
Jain Education International
