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ન્યાયકુસુમાંજલિ.
(234fruit accruing from image-worship. (vi) The quiet form ( of the image ) gives happiness. (vii) Even this image-worship is an important function. (viii) People care for Chintamani though it is inanimate. (42)
Notes:- In the preceding verse the author has mentioned some of the objections raised against image-worship. Here he examines them and proves them to be ill-based. To believe that by worshipping the image of God one incurs sin is unreasonable; for, if it were so, it would be foolish even to worship-to look with reverence at the image-the photo of a preceptor or a great personage. To think that there is no benefit accruing from image-worship is unjustifiable, when the contrary result, viz., the attainment of Samyaktva-the advantage of immense value in as much as it leads to salvation, is achieved, To argue that by image-worship, there is a danger of achieving merit, merit that acts as a golden chain binding the soul to the world-is unsound; for, it shows the lack of insight on the part of him who advances the argument, when it has been distinctly stated that merit which is followed by merit (Punyaanubandhi-punya) does not come in the way of attaining salvation. It is unreasonable to believe that money spent in constructing images is wasted, when this distinct advantage is gained, viz., that several persons thereby get a chance of purifying their mind, ennobling their heart. It is true that in constructing an image, in worshipping it, etc., sin is incurred
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