________________
In fact "God is not as traditionally conceived the first cause and creator, but the last emergent in the series of emergents."
Depending upon above discussion and evidences one may say at best that it is unfair to call 'Jainas' as 'Nastika'. Every liberated self is regarded as 'God'. "The Thirthankaras, Arihantas and Siddhas, who have lived the mortal lives like us, but obtained liberation through personal efforts, are always there to inspire us. We are all potential 'gods for what man has done, man can do." The attitude of the Jaina-devotee is expressed in the following sloka - "Him who is the leader of the path to salvation, who is the dispeller of mountains of 'Karmas' and who is the knower of all reality Him I worship in order that I may realise those very qualities of His." Therefore, Gods of Jainas are not supposed to watch and control true-discipline or bear and answer the prayers of devotees.
Mere presence of them in Universe ennoble us to prepare for our Destiny. Our destiny and our ideals can well be illustrated in the following verses of wordsworth a famous English-poet :
Jain Education International
"Our destiny, our being's heart and home. Is with infinitude and only there: With hope it is, hope that can never die, Efforts and expectation and desire, And something evermore about to be."
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org