Outlines of Jainism

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

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THEOLOGY : SACRED PERSONS.
gods to have created the Universe. Creation implies volition, a lesire to create. A desire can only relate to some thing or fact which is not, but ought to be: therefore it implies imperfection. And God cannot be imperfect. This is the most common sense argument against the theory of God as the creator of the universe. In a ord, believers in the creation theory make God a man, bring him down to the level of need and imperfection; whereas Jainism raises man to Godhood and inspires him to reach as near Godhood as possible by steady faith, right perception, perfect knowledge, and, above all, a spotless life. .
In Jaina hagiology sixty-three persons are preeminently spiritual. They are
24 Tirtharkaras. 12 Chakravartins. 9 Nārāyaṇas or Vāsuderas. 9 Prati-nārāyaṇas or Prati-vasudevas. 9 Balabhadras.
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These are not all “saints”, i.e. sādhus, but spiritually great souls. Besides these a few other important classes are recognized, e.g.
9 Náradas. 11 Rudras. 24 Kāmaderas. 24 Fathers of the Tirthankaras. 24 Mothers of the Tirthankaras. 14 Kulakaras. 106