Portrait of Jain Religion

Author(s): Narendra Jain
Publisher: Prakrit Bharti Academy

Page 34

Jnanavarniya (knowledge obstructing) karmas, Darshanavarniya (perception obscuring) karmas, Mohaniya (deluding) karmas and Antaraya (obstructing) karmas. These karmas are called Ghati or destructive because they deviate from the true nature of the soul. When these karmas are destroyed, the state of infinite knowledge (Anant or keval Jnana), infinite perception (Anant or keval darshan), and infinite conduct (Anant charitra), and infinite energy (Anant virya) is attained. The Tirthankars acquire the above mentioned unique attributes called 'Atishaya' on attaining enlightenment (Omnicience). Additionally they are celestially endowed by eight other attributes (Pariharyas) reflecting their divine aura. They are Simhasan (divine seat), Bhamandal (halo), Chamar (angels waiving fans), Chhatras (three tier divine umbrella), Ashoka tree (under which Tirthankars sit in Samosharan), Pushpavrushti (auspicious shower of flowers), Dev-dundubhi (celestial heralding), and Divyadhwani (celestial music accompanying Tirthankar's sermons. Having attained enlightenment after renunciation followed by intense introspection, meditation and arduous penance, they took to preaching what they had practiced. In short, the message was that if one wants lasting happiness and bliss, one has to become soul-centric and self-reliant and through one's own dedicated efforts seek liberation of one's soul from overpowering materialistic attachments. There is no God sitting in heaven to bestow mercy or perform miracles. Jainism believes that every soul has the potential to upgrade itself through its own efforts to the status of a divine soul (Parmatma). The miracle lies in the steady upliftment and purification of one's soul following the path shown by Tirthankars- the perfected human beings. When Tirthankars attain Nirvana, they become formless completely liberated souls called Siddhas. In addition to the four ghatti karmas (destructive karmas) already shed on the eve of becoming Tirthankars, the remaininbg four aghati karmas (nondestructive karmas) are shed to become Siddhas. These are Nam
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A Portrait of Jain Religion