Pristine Jainism

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

Page 58

Cyclic Changes not Creation
Gītā also states similarly: ऊर्द्धमूलमधः शाखं अश्वत्थं प्राहुख्ययम् | Gita-15.1 न कर्तृत्वं न कर्माणि लोकस्य सृजाति प्रभुः :
न कमेफल संयोगं, स्वभावस्तु प्रवर्त्तते || Gīta-5.14
God is not creator of universe nor he designs actions of substances. These happen because of their inherent properties.
: (55)
Concept of Godhood in Jainism:
Such illogical concept of one creator, controller, destroyer almighty God is not accepted in Jainism. According to Jainism all liberated souls, Arhats and Siddhas on attaining salvation are adorned as Gods and worshipped only because they have shown the world ideal path, prescribed a code of conduct they themselves practised and lived and attained the ultimate goal, the salvation and inherent eternal happiness. Arhats clearly and unequivocally said that neither they nor anyone else could give anything to anyone. It is one's own karmas (actions) good and bad alone that bring pleasures or miseries. One can mitigate the past bad karma by one's own efforts, penance and good deeds, none else can help in this. The idols of Arhats, Tīrthankaras are worshipped only as an instrument and object for concentration to reflect, recall and remember their preachings to be followed and practised. We are grateful to them for their benevolence to have shown us the ideal path for salvation. In Jainism it is sinful (Mithyātva) to beg worldly things, wealth, health, successes etc.
Aberrations Galore:
It is unfortunate that most Jains even ninety nine percent do not know these fundamental tenets of Jainism. Obeisance in temples, pilgrimages are generally to beg worldly things and not to reflect and follow the teachings of Arhats. Most unfortunate is that many Jains also subscribe to this creator one God theory and even some saints also speak in this tone. Rejection of one God theory is distinctive mark of Jainism but most of its followers do not know it. Arhats preach till they attain salvation and become Siddhas who live in eternal peace and do not do