________________
180
JAINISM: A THEISTIC PHILOSOPHY "GOD IN JAINISM"
(11) Another question:100
It is for his own entertainment or amusement God sends one to heaven, and another to hell, makes one a crawling snail and another a man. When these beings skip and jump for merriment or weep or beat their breast for sorrow, God derives enjoyment from spectacle of his own creation. It is for this purpose that the world created.
Muniji answered:
If this is the case, God is certainly not wise. What is a mere amusement to him, involves infinite suffering to the created beings. It is unwise to call God merciful. One who is compassionate and all knowing; never enjoy the fun consequent upon sufferings of others. God has been said to be without passions, but now you say that He creates the world for His own enjoyment and amusement. Is amusement consistent with dispassion? If God is dispassionate, it is impossible that He feels pleasure in such a show.
(12) Another question: 101
If an omniscient and passionless God is not creator of the world, how has the world sprung up of itself? It is evident nothing is made without a maker just a clock, etc.
Muniji answered:
O, Enquirer, you do not seem to fully understand my argument and it is therefore you call God the creator of the world. We also hold that the finished articles that we see were made by
Muni Ātmārāmajī, “Chicago Praşnottara i.e. Questions & Answers on Jainism” for the Chicago Parliament of World Religions", 1918 publi by Shri Atmanand Pustak Pracharak Mandal, Roshan Mohalla, Agra. Q. No. 47, P-72 10 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. 58, P-85
Jain Education International
For Personal & Private Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
