Pristine Jainism

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

Page 24

Samyaktva (Rationality) : (21) requires efforts to do good deeds (Karma) and if people are mislead that they will get their wishes fulfilled only by performing rituals and spending money they succumb to the temptation. There are people who will not even perform rituals themselves but give money to professional performers (Purohitas) as if religion is a marketable commodity to be purchased by money. Singing of devotional songs, reading Ramāyana, Hanumana Cālisā, Mokṣa Śāstra, Bhaktamara or others is of little consequence if the intent is only to read or recite as a mere ritual and not to follow the good preaching and code of conduct mentioned in them. Inaction (Pramāda):
It was because of vicissitudes and repercussions from barbarous invasions in medieval period that India's core philosophy of action (Karma) got subdued and pseudo-devotion (Bhakti) became dominant, resulting in slavery for several centuries. Adi-Tirthankara Rṣabhadeva even before he attained omniscience guided his people by teaching various professions for livelihood viz., Asi (weaponry), Masi (writing), Kṛṣi (planting of trees or agricultural crops), Vanijya (business), Vidya (knowledge), Śilpa (art). The first of these is weaponry for protection of self, family, country and culture. Without capability to protect, all other things are meaningless. History is replete with gallantry of Jaina warriors. Non-violence does not mean cowardice. We should not attack but should be able to defend if attacked. Violence in defence is permissible for laity (householders). Jains have long since forgotten this teaching of AdiTirthankara and are not capable to protect mothers, sisters, daughters, families and their culture. Though Jainism strictly forbids such pseudodevotion to any gods and goddesses and emphasises action (good deeds) for coveted gains, yet Jains too fell prey to it. According to Jainism the liberated souls Arhats and Siddhas, who are worshipped, are completely detached (Vitarāga) and do not do any good or bad for anyone and it is irrational (Mithyātva) and sin to attribute action to them, beg favours etc, Yet most Jains indulge in this. Many prayers and songs contain stanzas attributing action and begging material favours from idols of Arhats and