Pristine Jainism

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

Page 25

(22) : Pristine Jainism Siddhas. It appears Jains have lost faith in teachings of Tīrthankaras, the action-reaction, cause and effect principle (Karma Siddhānta) which clearly states that no one can do good or bad to anyone except being catalyst (Nimitta) when good or bad deeds fruitify. Even idols of other gods and goddesses like Kșetrapāla, Padmāvatī, Bhawānī, Kālī are worshiped by Jains with more fervour than for Jaina idols. More and more Jains are indulging in irrational and superstitious beliefs and rituals, relying more on astrologers, mantra-tantra than on preaching of Arhats. If principle of Karma as propounded by Tīrtharkaras is true then mantra-tantra and astrology have no relevance.
Occultism:
There are several historical and practical day to day instances relating to immense harm done to the country and individuals by irrational, unscientific claims of practitioners of occultism and astrologers. Advisors of Rana Sanga of Chittorgarh, the formidable brave warrior cautioned him not to wage war against Babar without proper armoury of canons at least matching with that of the adversary. But tāntrikas (practitioners of occultism) misled him by assuring that they would seal, stop canons by their occult powers. It did not happen and Rana Sanga lost the battle in spite of his ten times bigger army. The history of our country was irretrievably changed for slavery over next millennium. Like wise Marathas were superstitiously misled by astrologers not to attack Ahmed Shah Abdali for two months and the result was gradual shortage of rations and defeat of famished though superior army. This also changed the fate of country. The astrological predictions distract people from rational duties and measures. One eminent astrologer calculated his death at a certain point of time after six months and he lived in fear and agony. Somehow the date and time passed. He burnt all his books. Astrology and occultism have done more harms than good. Many people die because of superstitious beliefs in occult practices without proper treatment of several otherwise curable diseases. Snake bites claimed to have been cured by tāntrikas are only of non-poisonous snakes. Tāntrikas claim that they cure eight out of