Outlines of Jainism

Author(s): J L Jaini, F W Thomas
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Page 48

OUTLINES OF JAINISM
can intervene between the actions which we do and the fruits thereof. Once done, they become our masters and must fructify. As my independence is great, so my responsibility is coextensive with it. I can live as I like; but my choice is irrevocable, and I cannot escape the consequences of it. This principle distinguishes Jainism from other religions, e.g. Christianity, Muhammadanism, Hinduism. No God, nor His prophet or deputy, or beloved, can interfere with human life. The soul, and it alone, is directly and necessarily responsible for all that it does.
A tabular account of classes of souls in Jainism may now be given :
Souls are
liberated and in nirvāna
or
mundane, or entangled with matter
SIDDHAS
Ascetics
Non-ascetics
Tirthankaru. Sāmānya. siddhas, siddhas, ARIATS,
Others those who all other preached liberated
souls, Jainism souls.
which ACHARYAS, UPADHYAYAS, SĀDIIUS, in their
await their heads of teaching all other embodied
going to groups of saints or saints or condition.
nirvūna after ascetics. ascetics. ascetics. shedding the kārmana body.
As compared with most other religions, it is important to notice that Jainism has a very definite and uncompromising attitude towards the conception of God. It is accused of being atheistic. This is not so, because Jainism believes in Godhood and in innumerable gods; but certainly Jainism is atheistic in not believing its