Pristine Jainism

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

Page 98

Other Salient Features of Jainism : (95) so that readers are not confused. It is also difficult to understand the objective of learned-saints who though forbade the reading of pornographic literature being a serious transgression of the vow of celibacy, yet incorporated highly provocative passages in their writings. These should be deleted sooner the better. The exaggerated mention of ostentatious events on the occasions of conceiving, birth, renouncement, enlightenment and salvation of life-cycles of Tīrthankaras is also not convincing. There is a tendency in the followers to glorify their deities. The mention of continuous showers of precious stones for six months since conceiving of the Tīrtharkaras can not be a fact. Such descriptions should be omitted lest it would reflect adversely on the validity and scientific character of Jaina philosophy. In view of contradictions and objectionable passages, there is an urgent need for thorough epistemological scrutiny and necessary corrections and deletions. Another problem with mythological literature is that it is considered as real history and there is ingrained fear in the minds of devotees that expressing doubt on scriptures is sinful, which is unduly stressed by saints and scholars. The fact is that most of Purāņic literature is just stories and myths woven around some famous characters to explain principles, practices and tenets of Jainism. Upādāna-Nimitta (Innate Strength and External Factors):
According to Jainism every soul in whatever life form or body structure, micro-organisms, plants, animals or humans, has inherent capabilities to achieve the highest enlightened status of Godhood by its innate efforts (upādāna), availing the opportunities and congenial external environment and assistance. If a particular person intends to progress spiritually, he avails advice of saints, reads such literature, which assists him in his endeavour. These external factors of help are Nimitta. For example a seed of a tree will germinate and develop only if it has the capability (good quality) and also if the environment viz. soil, temperature, moisture are suitable. So both the innate capability (Upādāna) and external factors (Nimitta) are important. In modern genetics equal weightage (fiftyfifty) is given to innate genetic capability and environment. The innate