________________
JAINA CONCEPT OF GOD IN JAINA THEISM
175
This universe is like show of a juggler and God acts like a juggler. By the creation of this universe God simply amuses Himself by His tricks. There are no such things as heaven, hell, virtue and sin.
• Muni Ātmārāmaji replied:
If the God created this world simply for His amusement, the results thereof ought to be simply like the effects of juggler's performance. But in this world there are men who are sick, leprous, grief stricken, penniless, and infirm and extremely wretched wallowing in the depths of squalor and misery. The very sight of these persons evokes our compassion and excites our horrification. Does not the sight of these miserable creatures move God with pity? If God is not moved with pity, He cannot be God. The performer of a trick is like a foolish child full of passion and animosity. If He is affected by passion and hatred, He is full of all defects. When He is full of all defects He cannot be God. He can only be a worldly man. He who has passion and hatred cannot be omniscient and He who is not omniscient can never be called God.
(6) Another question:
God rewards or punishes men according to their actions therefore He is not to blame. As one sows so does he reaps? Muniji answered:
Your statement proves that world is beginning less and God is not creator. Bravo! You have undermined your own position yourself. You are coming to the position that whatever condition the
94 Muni Atmārämaji, “Chicago Prasnottara 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. 21, P-36 "Muni Ātmārāmaji, “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. 22, P-37
Jain Education International
For Personal & Private Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
