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JAINISM: A THEISTIC PHILOSOPHY "GOD IN JAINISM"
means spiritual dragging. Life is not for enjoyment but for exertion. Deep spiritualism was the characteristic of the age of Mahāvīra. It is not for an improved life that exertion is recommended, but it is for a transformed existence that penances are prescribed. Jaina attitude is not in the least pessimistic, but it is realistic and optimistic. Suffering is as much an evil as worldly pleasures. Deep faith in spiritual freedom inspires self-imposed suffering.
The Jainas believe God to be omniscient, unchanging and holy. The popular belief and the strong faith with which Jainas follow their creed are far away from the metaphysical or ontological technicalities. To them Tīrthankara and Siddhas are Gods. Their temple (Jaina Prāsāda) is the seat of such idol-worship."
A Jaina layman who aspires to follow the path of Jaina and spiritual progress required to do scriptural study or svādhyāya, and to deal with the conception of devotion in Jainism. Four types of scriptures have been recognized- 1) Prathamānuyoga, 2) Karaṇānuyoga, 3) Caraṇānuyoga, 4) Dravyānuyoga. (1) Prathamānuyoga- depicts one man's character or portrays
the characters of sixty-three great personalities or
concerned with both. 132 2) Karaṇānuyoga- speaks of the Universe (Loka) and the
beyond (aloka), the vicissitudes of times and the four conditions of transmigratory existence.133 Caraṇānuyoga-dwells upon the conduct of the householders and that of Muni with a view pointing out its evolution, development and maintenance." Dravyānuyoga- investigates the nature of Jiva and Ajīva, Punya and Pāpa, Bandha and Moksa."
13°Dr. Nathmal Tatia, “Studies in Jaina Philosophy" (1951), P-21 15 Pt. Dalsukhbhai Malvania, “Jaina Dharma Cintana” (1965), P-116 132 Ratanakaranda-śrāvakācāra, Comm. II.2 and Dr. K. C. Sogani"
Ethical Doctrine in Jainism”, (EDJ) (2001), P-187 (EDJ) 133 Ibid. 44 134 Ibid. 45 135 Ibid. 46
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