Pristine Jainism

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

Page 59

(56) : Pristine Jainism anything for anyone. The twenty-four Tīrtharkaras whose idols we worship are Siddhas now. Even Arhat are completely unattached (Vitarāga). They do not bestow favours. It is sinful to attribute such epithets to them. However many hymns, poems and songs are full of these attributes. 'द्रौपदी को चीर बढायो, सीता प्रति कमल रचायो'
( TETT 418) Lord you increased the length of Draupadi's garment to protect her from Duḥśāsana who was removing her clothing. You helped Sītā when she sat on pyre by turning fire into water pool and creating a lotus for her to sit on.
There are numerous such stanzas in various prayers, āratis etc. The argument given for these is that it is just a manifestation of Bhakti (devotion). Jainism does not subscribe to reincarnation (Avatāravāda) but in many prayers and äratīs there is mentioned of Tirtharkaras as avatāras. Bhakti (devotion) does not give licence to flout basic tenets. Jaina pilgrims generally tell they have come to pilgrimage centre on the call of deity. An eminent saint has put a written hoarding stating that he says what deity guides and people are benefited. Fact is that the deity does not do anything. These are only a few examples of contradictions, which have distorted the very identity of Jainism. In no other religion such blatant violation of fundamental principles is permitted and tolerated. There is dilution and distortion of Jaina tenets because of incursions of Brahmanical cult. Many Jaina saints were also from Brahmanical background and incorporated distortions. In addition, fewer and fewer Jains read even the few common treatises. Many saints yearn for recognition and obeisance from non-Jains and support non-Jaina tenets. Many Jaina saints also speak of one almighty, which is against Jaina tenets. केवलि श्रुतसंघ धर्मदेवा वर्णवादो दर्शन मोहस्य ।
Tattvārtha Sūtra VI Chapter-13