Pristine Jainism

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

Page 32

Samyaktva (Rationality) : (29) compromised and as of now is more Vaishnavite and Vedic than Jain. It is necessary to examine the epistemology of all rituals, abandon them or modify them according to the fundamental concepts of Jainism. It is unfortunate that the modern pseudo-saints are adopting and copying the rituals from other sects as such. These saints from Brahmanical background have introduced “Navarātra” of Śakti (Durgā) cult as such and even sweets are offered to Padmāvatī idol and distributed to devotees in night. In Jainism even rational (Samyaktvī) householder is on a higher pedestal than these gods and goddesses, the Kșetrapālas, Padmāvatī, etc. Saints are on a much higher pedestal. Saints worshipping and decorating such inferior beings is really a travesty. The very identity of Jainism, its rationality is being obliterated systematically by these pseudo saints.
Abysmal Degeneration:
There is so much degeneration because of rituals that the ritualist Jains even justify their violent actions of killing insects while dancing before idols and doing Arties, burning open lamps and incense by asserting that the insects thus killed will be benefited because of death in temples. This is the height of irrational arguments and insolence. Jains by and large are so much entangled in the whirlpool of rituals that they have almost drifted away from the fundamental vows and code of conduct and even do not know about them. Usual scenes at ‘Digambara Jaina Atiśaya Kșetra, Śrī Mahāvīrajī' are most revealing. It is the most frequented pilgrimage by Jains not only from all over India but from the world over. Pilgrims perform rituals only for ritual's sake and beg material things from deity though forbidden in Jainism and without any concern or commitments to teachings of Tīrthankara Mahāvīra. Most people do not take good, hygienic breakfast and meals at restaurants run by the management though at highly subsidised rates but prefer at market places at double the rates late at night to satisfy the lust of tongue (Rasna Indriya). Disciplined way of life is the main sermon of Jainism but pilgrims behave in most undisciplined manner, spreading garbage not at specified places but all over, in rooms, paths, varandas, spit pan and guľkhā on walls,