________________
138
JAINISM: A THEISTIC PHILOSOPHY "GOD IN JAINISM”
along with austerity and compassion. In reference to animal sacrifice for the rituals, Lord Mahāvīra said, “Know it for certain that as you dislike pain, the other animals also dislike, knowing this show compassion to other Jīvas (souls)”. "So did Buddha. He preached, “I do not approve of sacrifices, for I do not care for happiness which is sought at the price of other's suffering.”
VI. (iii)Concept of God (a) Early Vedic Concept of Polytheism
Vedas are the highest authority in Hindu religion. The word 'Veda' comes from Sanskrit “vid', it means in English “to wit” that is realization or experience of Divinity. There are four Vedas: Rg, Yajur, Sāma and Atharva. These Vedas are the earliest documents of the human mind that we possess. Bloomfield observed that the hymns of Rgveda are sacrificial composition of primitive race, which attached great importance to ceremonial rites'."
Aurobindo Ghosh, the great Indian scholar-mystic, is of the opinion that Vedas are replete with suggestions of secrete doctrines and mystic philosophies. He looks upon the gods of hymns as symbols of the psychological functions. Sūrya signifies intelligence; Agni will, and Soma feeling. The gods are also called deva. 'Deva is one who gives to man'. The sun, moon and sky are devas because they give light to all creation?. 18
Prof. Keith observes that the divines are kind to their worshipers and they do not deceive. Further, they give blessings for which offerings are bestowed on them. Besides, boons many a times
's Encyclopedia Britannica (11'"Ed), Vol. XXII, P-777
(Also Dr. Hemant Shah, “Jain Theism”, 1997, P-13 Dr. Radhakrishnan, Reader, 1988, P-361
Ibid, Vo. 1, P-68 18 Ibid Vo. 1, P. 72 "Max Muller, India what it can teach us? P-18-19 (See Dr. Ajay Kothari “The Concept of Divinity”, 2000, P-23)
Jain Education International
For Personal & Private Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
