Pristine Jainism

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

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Pristine Jainism
could not believe that human beings could be so cruel. The pessimistic concept that none is ours also has its genesis in these situations. It is against the principle of symbiosis enshrined in tenets of Jainism. The defence system was completely broken, as different small and big rulers were fighting amongst themselves and rather helping the invaders against each other. People at large were so aghast that they did not think of any possible remedy and became so passive and inert that they could not think of doing anything but indulged in pseudo superstitious devotion of various gods and goddesses, praying that these super human being would come and help them. Some individuals or groups of valiant young men who took courage and fought were later on deified and worshipped e.g. kşetrapālas being worshipped almost in all villages must have been such brave young men who would have come out of villages to fight invaders and died at outskirts. There are several recent examples of such deification. Karnimata of Bikaner was a pious lady who helped poor and down trodden, ailing persons, succeeded in reconciliation between two warring states. After her death people started worshipping her not to emulate her good qualities but in illusive hope that she will come and help them. Rani Gangabai, Jeen Mata, Bhatiani Rani etc. are all such examples. The earlier good personalities Rāma, Hanumāna, Krşņa, Durgā, Vaišnavadevī, and others were likewise really good persons who did a lot for society. To worship these personalities out of reverence is justified only if it is to remember their good deeds and ideals they practised and preached but it is gross superstition if worship is done in hope that they will come to eradicate miseries of people or help or bestow worldly favours. Any student may recite devotional songs of Hanumāna, Räma or Krşņa all twenty-four hours but he will not succeed in examination unless he studies his textbooks. But people by and large are superstitious that they want good fortune in life with out good deed and action (Karma). The pseudodevotional rituals are getting more and more popular because of inert attitude and misconception. There are vested interests of selfish pseudo saints and scholars who mislead gullible people and encourage rituals. It