Pristine Jainism

Author(s): S M Jain
Publisher: Parshwanath Vidyapith

Page 17

(14) : Pristine Jainism
miracles, mantras, etc because the principle of karma, intrinsic in Jainism clearly lays down that one reaps the fruits of one's own karma (actions) good or bad. The bad karmas can be mitigated or even neutralised by one's own efforts i.e. good deeds, penance etc. None else can help in this. The role of Arhats and other enlightened saints is only to preach the good path they themselves tread. Begging worldly benefits from the idols of Jaina deities is Mithyātva (wrong) and sinful. The liberated souls, the idols of which we worship do not do anything. The only object of worship is to remember their teachings and try to follow them.
Majority of Jains at present does not know these fundamentals and beg worldly benefits from Jaina deities. Jainism lays stress on one's own efforts (Puruṣārtha) and not inaction (Pramāda) or predetermined destiny by some one else. Our Tirthankaras opposed mere rituals, yajñas etc but these are now common in Jains. The wrong and superstitious practices are becoming more and more popular. Like others, Jains are also succumbing to false concepts that sins will be removed and good luck will dawn just by performing rituals. Ill-earned money is wastefully spent as if 'Dharma' is marketable commodity and can be purchased by money. It requires efforts, sacrifices, penance and good deeds which Jains have started shirking more and more and taken an easier path of rituals which only require money under the patronage of modern pseudo saints who are also now more concerned with personal fame, comforts and money for their various trusts. More and more gullible Jains are taking to rituals than practice of ideals under the illusion that good fate can be purchased by money. Good conduct and rationality have been superseded by rituals and superstitions.
It is unfortunate that Jains, who till recently, only 6-7 decades back, were known and respected for their good and exemplary character, have now almost lost their very identity. Simple practices like meals before sunset, drinking only filtered water have almost been lost. Earlier it was unthinkable that Jains would ever be non-vegetarian, wine-drugaddicts, gamblers, adulterers, tax-evaders (evading tax is theft as per