YJA Convention 1996 07 San Francisco CA Second

Author(s): Young Jains of America (YJA)
Publisher: Young Jains of America YJA USA

Page 72

Topic
Worship:
Creation of the Universe:
Indian Religions
Worship is individual, highly ritualistic, and meditative. Centers around the temple and home shrine. All days of the week
Exists in endless cycles of creation, preservation, and destruction. No absolute end to the world. No duality of God and world but a unity.
Summary:
Indian Religions:
Western Religions:
Western Religions
Worship is congregational, simple in its rituals. Centers around the church, synagogue, or mosque. Mostly on a Sabbath day (Moslems 6 times a day)
Created by God at some point in time. In future it will be forever destroyed by Him. He is separate from it, and rules it from above (dualistic nature).
Philosophy of Karma
Continuity of Life (Reincarnation) No Eternal Hell/Heaven
Liberation (Moksha)- Eternal
Human Suffering due to Soul's Ignorance
No Judgement Day
Freedom to choose God(s)/no-God(s)
Individual
Mystical (Human Experience)
Self Realization (Direct contact with God/Self)
Scripture has a Limited/No Authority
Worshiping - At all times
Universe Exists in Endless Cycle
One Life and Eternal Judgement Judgement Day
Eternal Hell/Heaven
One God
God's Message Revealed Through Prophets Non-mystical (God chooses Prophets) Congregational (Society is essential) Scriptures have Ultimate Authority Human Suffering - Disobedience of God's Will Worshiping - Sabbath Day
Universe was Created By God
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