The concept of god in Jainism distinguishes it from all the other faiths. It is an idea that defies all conventional notions of divinity. Mahavir’s belief and confidence in the individual is insurmountable. So, he goes to the extent of declaring that every “Atma” (individual/soul) is “Parmatma” (supreme being/God) — “Appa so paramappa”. What makes Mahavir worthy of worship is not control over the world. It is not his capability to create, preserve, destroy, and recreate. But it is his ability to destroy his own karma, to know himself, and break free from the endless cycles of death and rebirth. Hence each one of us has to walk on our own paths.
Jain texts continuously mention the need to think about Dharma critically, to test Dharma. Mahavir does not demand faith for himself. But he demands that each one of us go through the same journey he embarked on. Discover the knowledge hidden within ourselves. Hence, Mahavir concluded his every sermon with the words “Ti Bemi”, which literally mean according to my Atmagyan (self-realisation).
Knowing oneself is the greatest freedom. Few of us, especially in these modern times seem to know ourselves. All spiritual values are a form of self-realisation. For example, Mahavir insists that true ahimsa only arises when one realises that in the place of every living creature is a consciousness just like themselves. Ahimsa is not an outward directed action but a realisation and compassion that arises from knowing that “every creature feels pain in the same way as I do”.
This divine insistence of solving every uncertainty by one’s own efforts is the key to the Jain path of liberation — “Panna samakhiye dhamam”. God is nothing more than our own higher selves, guide or Guru; until we manage to become gods ourselves.
On that path, oh! Bhagawan Mahavir, please guide me.
Rushil Khajanchi
