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CHAPTER-V
193
Jinadeva is supreme. Moreover, there is contrariety in the Saraaga Bhava (passional dispositions). So, both are not praiseworthy but in these only one is beneficial and that is passionlessness (VeetaraagaBhava) only, by evolution of which, owing to immediate end of perturbedness one becomes adorable. Not only we but even people following other faiths agree that passionlessness is the basis of future happiness also. On the other hand, on evolution of Saraaga Bhava (passional dispositions) perturbedness is caused immediately; the person becomes censurable and future also becomes miserable. Therefore, the Jaina-faith wherein the purpose of Veetaraaga-Bhava (passionless conduct) alone is supported is only benedictory (beneficial). The other faiths wherein the purpose of Saraaga-Bhava (passional dispositions) are supported and fostered - such kinds of other non-Jaina faiths are harmful; how could these be treated as equal?
Further, they say that this is true but by criticizing other faiths, the followers of other faiths will feel afflicted, dissension will be caused, therefore, why should you criticize others?
Our answer is that if we criticize any body out of passion and hurt others feelings, then we are certainly sinners. But knowing that due to faith in other (non-Jaina) religions Jivas'belief in wrong Tattvas or wrong principles will be reinforced and because of that the Jivas will suffer miseries in the world, out of compassion, we have described the truth. What could we do if someone is hurt and dissension results without our fault? For example - by censuring use of wine the vintner feels unhappy, by condemning adultery the the whores, etc. become unhappy and by describing the method of differentiating between wrong and right things, the swindler gets hurt, what could then we do? Similarly, if due to the fear of sinners, the religious discourses are not given, how could then the benediction of Jivas be possible? There is no such discourse by virtue of which everybody will feel happy and if they create dissension then disharmony will result when we too partake in it; but we will not indulge in any quarrel; so, they will themselves become calm, we shall reap the fruit of our own thoughts and actions.
Further, if someone says that by erroneous faith in purposeful Jiva etc. Tattvas the wrong belief, etc. are caused; how would the wrong belief, etc. be caused by faith in other religions?
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