________________
The Jains through Time
123
in an entirely new way. We should assess sort through the scriptures and separate truth on the basis of reality. As one separates from them the voice of Mahavir. What right milk from water, we ought to separate the do we have to decide on the subject matter words of Tirthankar Mahavir from those of the scriptures, or judge what is truly works compiled by scholars in the later ages. scriptural and what is not? We must have courage to do this today, for if we hesitate or shy away, the truth will be My reply to this is that we are the heirs of concealed from us. Our new age of Mahavir; his glory fills our hearts. Under no rationality demands a decisive answer, and circumstances can we allow the name of this answer will have to be provided by all Mahavir to be besmirched. We never did, who are well-versed in the scriptures. nor can we ever, believe that Tirthankar
Mahavir could preach a falsehood. I would I wonder whether you will ever be able to say that whatever has been clearly proved prevent Mahavir's omniscience from being false today or could at some stage be proved invalidated, when even today you cling to false, can never be a statement from a the illusion that the texts which you Tirthankar. Applying this same criteria, we recognise as scriptures are literally true in can then sort out the Tirthankar's words every respect. If we want to safeguard the from the so-called scriptures, then if anyone validity of Mahavir's omniscience, we need challenges these teachings, we can to ascertain in a discriminating way which counteract their accusations with the truth. parts of the scriptural works are the words of Mahavir i.e. the real form of the Shatter the Shackles of Inflexible scriptures. If we fail, the generations to Thought come will question Mahavir's omniscience. Spiritual advancement in life does not
depend on the number of scriptures or texts Sort out the Scriptures
traditionally handed down to one's sect. The The question you may ask is who are we to spiritual state of a person can be highly
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
