PECULIARITY OF JAINISM
Jainism more than
any other creed gives absolute religious independence and freedom to man.
Nothing can intervene between the actions, which we do and the fruits
thereof. Once done, they become our masters and must fructify. As my
independence is great, so my responsibility is coextensive with it. I can
live as I like, but my choice is irrevocable, and I cannot escape the
consequences of it. This principle distinguishes Jainism from other
religions; e.g. Christianity, Muhammadanism, Hinduism. No God or his
prophet, or deputy or beloved can interfere with human life. The soul, and
it alone is directly and necessarily responsible for that it does. __Jugmander
Lal Jain, Outlines of Jainism, pp. 344.
RIDDLE OF THE
CREATION
The first
question, which arises in connection with the idea of Creation is, why
should God make the world at all ? One system suggests, that he wanted to
make the world, because it pleased him to do so; another, that he felt
lonely and wanted company; a third, that he wanted to create beings who
would praise his glory and worship, a fourth that he does it in sport and
so on.
Why should it
please the creator to create a world where sorrow and pain are the
inevitable lot of the majority of his creatures? Why should he not make
happier beings to keep him company?
(It is really a
most unchallengable argument. ---written by Barrister Champat Rai Jain,
Key of Knowledge p. 135)
SUPREME JUDGMENT
"In conclusion
let me assert my conviction, that Jainism is an original system, quite
distinct and independent from all others and that, therefore, it is of
great importance for the study of philosophical thought and religious life
in ancient India"-- Dr Harman Jaikobi, read his paper in the 3rd
International Congress of the History of Religions.
FRUIT OF AHIMSA
"The complete and
flawless practice of Ahimsa raises the man to Godhood. It gives
light, provides delight and bestows might to its faithful and honest
aspirant."
Gandhi ji aspired
to practice highest type of Ahimsa by becoming a nude Jain Monk (Muni).
When Churchill had rebuked Gandhi ji by calling him 'A Naked Fakir',
he had informed Churchill 'I would love to be a naked fakir, but I
am not one yet'.--The life of M. K. Gandhi, L. Fisher, p. 473.
