________________
JAINA CONCEPT OF GOD IN JAINA THEISM
171
conduct they themselves practiced and lived and attained the ultimate goal, the salvation and inherent happiness.
VI. (vii) God is not Responsible for Creation of the World
Questions, answered by Muni Ātmārāmaji prepared for “The Parliament of World Religions” held in 1893 Chicago USA, published in London. 89
Following questions and their answers by Muni Ātmārāmajī, were prepared for 'The Parliament of World Religions' held at Chicago U.S.A. in 1893, based on the commentaries of Guņaratna and Mallișeņa respectively on Haribhadra's Şaļdarśana-samuccaya and Anyayoga-vyavacchedikā of Hemacandra for its polemic against the doctrine of God as creator of world, especially against the Nyāya-Vaišeșika' arguments.
Muni Ātmārāmajī began answering questions by invoking salutation to Him who is devoid of all blemishes and full of all virtues whether He be Brahmā, Vişnu, Śiva or Jina (Lord of Jaina)
Following questions and answers given by Muni Ātmārāmaji are regarding God and He being creator of the world.
(1) Question was given: God has created the universe out of His own power or nature. The material cause of the world is therefore God's power.90
Muni Ātmārāmaji answered:
89 Muni Ātmārämaji, “Chicago Praşnottara i.e. Questions & Answers on Jainism” for the Chicago Parliament of World Religions”, 1918 published by Shri. Atmanand Pustak Pracharak Mandal, Roshan Mohalla, Agra
Muni Atmārāmaji, “Chicago Praşnottara i.e. Questions & Answers on Jainism” for the Chicago Parliament of World Religions”, 1918 published by Shri. Atmanand Pustak Pracharak Mandal, Roshan Mohalla, Agra. Q.No. 11, P-23
Jain Education International
For Personal & Private Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org