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Rather than worshiping people, the Jain faith worships qualities. Jains believe in 'guna pujaa {adoration of the qualities of a person) rather than 'vyakti pujaa' (personal worship). This is why, Jains recommend that each and every soul which has attained viitaraaga (supreme detachment} and kevalgyaan (omniscience} is worthy of worship because of these two qualities. Owing to these qualities, all omniscients teach the same thing. This is because the truth is eternal and unchanging. And those who are supremely detached have no reason to hide things or lie. And those who are omniscient know the truth. Hence, they always speak the truth, the complete absolute truth. They may express it using different viewpoints because language itself as a medium of communication has its own limitations. But the truth is one and the Jinaas know it and try to communicate it through their divine sermons known as 'divya dhvani'. The Jinaas only give these sermons after attaining omniscience. Hence, their teachings are accurate and unblemished. This is why it is recommended that the seeker should have firm, unshakeable faith in the teachings of the Jinaas. Then, the seeker will not be troubled with doubts over who is the true god, which is the true scripture and who is the true preceptor. All Jinaas enjoy the same supreme detachment and omniscience. Hence, their teachings are the same. All of them related the reality of the universe and showed the path of liberation. Hence, one must have faith in them; in their teachings and in the path they follow. The Jinaas and their path are present. It is for the seeker of liberation to have faith in them.
Jainism attaches equal importance to faith and intelligence in the path of progress. Intelligence and wisdom help locate the true path and faith gives one the courage of conviction that helps one remain steadfast on that path without deviating.
Faith should not be mistaken to be blind faith. Once you learn something, it is important to first evaluate it with your intelligence and then keep faith in it. This type of faith will lead one towards success and will keep developing stronger from within.
For the novice, faith in the preceptor is invaluable. It is extremely important to have the guidance of a truly detached teacher for a newcomer. Just as one lamp lights another when it is kept close to it, one enlightened soul can help another. The newcomer's journey on the path of self-emancipation becomes less intimidating and arduous if the path is lit by his spiritual master's wisdom.
Faith in lots of different gods, and lots of different gurus cannot be considered 'samyaktva".
Lots of people claim to have deep faith in their deva (god), guru (religious preceptor} and dharma (religion). But that is not sufficient for attaining samyaktva. The followers of other religions also claim to have faith in their own deva, guru and dharma. But, firm conviction in their soul being a unique eternal entity, separate from the body and capable of attaining eternal bliss, is missing. This is why their faith is not tantamount to samyaktva.
