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Q.14. How do Jiva and Ajiva function?
A14. Jiva's effort is to get away from the association of Ajivas. Jiva is clouded by Pudgalas and Karmic veils. Therefore its luminosity is blurred. Its natural tendency is to go up. Even when it appears to be going down, it gets the experience of the undesirable things of life, and after knowing that these things do not bring happiness it leaves them and tries to progress on right lines. (Ref: pg 71-72)
015. Do Jains believe in a personal God” or an "impersonal divine authority which shapes and guides the Universal scheme?
A15. No. Jainism does not believe in any authority outside the authority of Atman as shaping our own or universal destiny. (Ref: pg 47-48)
016.
Is Jainism an atheistic religion?
If yes, how? If no why?
A16. It is not atheistic though it does not believe in personal or impersonal God, it does believe in Godhood of Atman (soul) which has attained full liberation. This godhood has all the attributes of what others know as God. For this reason as well as for the reason that Jainism believes in Ahimsa, Truth, Non stealing, restriction of possessions and chastity, it can not be called atheistic.
Q17. If Jainism does not believe in God, how does it explain the functioning of the universal scheme?
A17. Refer to answers to questions 10 through 14
018. What is the cause of human happiness and misery according to Jainism ?
A18. The cause of our happiness and misery is in our passions such as anger, avarice, attachment, pride and prejudices. They are not outside but within ourselves. All the ups and downs in life are to be sought in ourselves. Mahavira has observed that Atman is its own friend and foe, and enjoys the fruits of its own actions. Every effect has its own cause which is to be found within ourselves.
019. What is the difference between the "Jiva” in a blade of grass and the "Jiva" of a Tirthankar" ?
A19. The only difference is that the former is in the process of evolution at the lowest rung of the ladder, while the later is at the highest rung.
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