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JAINISM: A THEISTIC PHILOSOPHY "GOD IN JAINISM"
The Nyāya philosophy of Gautama does not aim at a (demonstration of the) universe; it only mentions the objects or subjects to be known but it is Kaņāda, the author of the Vaiseșika, who tries to analysis the things and then lays down the right understanding of things. Kaņāda divides substance in to nine classes - a) earth, b) water, c) light, d) air, e) ether, f) time, g) space, h) soul and i) mind. Of the nine substances, earth, water, light and air are considered eternal and non-eternal. The atoms of these substances are eternal but their different manifestations are not eternal. With regards to the creation of the universe the Vaišeșika supports the atomic theory and states that the material universe is created out of these four elements. The Vaišeșikas believe in a personal creator because they think that although the elements were here yet there must be someone to form them into different shapes. For the formation of a pot, although the clay is there, still there is the necessity of a potter. By the will of this divine power motion is imported to the atoms and evolution follows.
Besides, these four elementary substances, there are five other substances- ether, time, space soul and mind. These are eternal and all of them except mind are all pervading, i.e. they exist everywhere. This means that soul of every man exist as much in Chicago as in Bombay. The mind however is atomic and is connected with soul. When the soul becomes related with mind knowledge is the result; knowledge is a special characteristic of soul but it is mind, which receives the sensation of pleasure and pain. The different senses are only the instruments of knowledge. The effects of acts are stored in the mind and they manifest themselves as pleasures and pains in future incarnation. When by the grace of God the soul acquires the right knowledge of things all miseries vanish supreme bliss follows.
*YVRG, “The system of Indian philosophy", P-67 & 68
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