Pristine Jainism

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

Page 45

KALPAVRKŞAS (FORESTS) IN JAINISM
Myth or real:
In the next chapter while discussing cyclic changes it would be observed that the role of Kalpavřkşas, their protection and destruction by people is central in ascending and descending, progressive or regressive (retrogratory) processes. It is therefore, important to know more about these Kalpavrkșas (Forests) as mentioned in Jaina literature. Both mythological and canonical literature of almost all ancient religions of India are replete with miraculous benevolence of Kalpavskņas. Generally with the exception of Jaina literature, the term 'Kalpavěkşa' is for a particular tree namely Adansonia digitata (the bread tree). What actually was nomenclature for good poly-culture forests comprising variety of trees, yielding various products catering, satisfying needs of people, became, through passage of time, with superstitious superlatives, attribute for this particular tree species, being worshipped as supernatural one, believed superstitiously as bestowing favours, fulfilling requested wants of worshippers. This is fallacious and a travesty of human mind. It so happens that some one starts worshipping any object on heresy or under influence of vested interest, pseudo saint or else and gets benefited because of fructification of past or present good deeds (Karmas), he starts propagating, advocating which spreads and gradually gets acceptance from larger numbers. The fact is that all worshippers or devotees do not get their wishes fulfilled. Only whose Karmas fructify, get benefited. But even if ten percent benefit the multiplier effect is overwhelming. Every body knows that all devotees going to Vaishnodevi, Tirupati or elsewhere are not benefited but instead many suffer losses and even meet death in accidents. Jainism in principle does not subscribe to any sort of superstition but unfortunately more and more gullible Jains are succumbing to false temptations. This is because of ignorance of even the principal tenets of