Hello, I'm Dr. Priya Sharma, a scholar specializing in Indian religions with a focus on Jain philosophy. I've dedicated my life to studying and teaching about Jainism, and I'm happy to answer your question about their beliefs.

## Do Jains Believe in God?

This is a question that often causes confusion, and the answer is nuanced. To understand, we need to clarify what we mean by "God."

If by "God" we mean a creator deity, an omnipotent, omniscient being who controls the universe and dictates human destiny, then the answer is no. Jains don't believe in such an entity.

Jainism is considered a nāstika tradition, meaning it doesn't accept the authority of the Vedas, the ancient Hindu scriptures. This sets it apart from Hinduism, which largely accepts the concept of a creator God. Instead of a creator deity, Jainism emphasizes the principle of anādi, meaning without a beginning. The universe, according to Jainism, is eternal and uncreated. It functions according to its own cosmic laws, known as dharma.

However, this doesn't mean that Jainism is atheistic. While Jains don't believe in a creator God, they do believe in the existence of souls (jīva) and liberated beings (siddha). These liberated beings, having achieved moksha (liberation from the cycle of birth and death), possess perfect knowledge, perception, and bliss.

Here's where it gets fascinating: while siddhas are not "God" in the traditional sense, they are considered worthy of devotion. Jains often offer prayers and reverence to these liberated souls, seeking inspiration and guidance on their own spiritual path.

Therefore, the Jain concept of the divine is quite unique. They believe in:


1. The potentiality of every soul: Every living being, no matter how small, possesses a soul (jīva) with the potential to achieve liberation (moksha) and become like the siddhas. This principle of inherent divinity within all beings is central to Jainism.


2. Self-reliance on the path to liberation: Unlike some religions where the grace of God is sought for salvation, Jainism emphasizes karma and individual effort. You are responsible for your own spiritual liberation, achieved through ethical living, spiritual practices, and the pursuit of ratnatraya (right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct).


3. Reverence for liberated beings: While not worshipping siddhas as Gods, Jains respect and revere them as embodiments of spiritual perfection. They serve as beacons of hope, demonstrating the possibility of liberation from the cycle of suffering.

In conclusion, Jainism offers a distinct perspective on the divine. It rejects the notion of a creator deity but affirms the existence of liberated souls who serve as guides and inspirations for spiritual seekers. The ultimate goal is not to appease a God but to attain liberation through personal effort and ethical conduct, ultimately realizing the divine potential within oneself.
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Hence Jainism does not believe in God as a creator, survivor, and destroyer of the universe. However Jainism does believe in God, not as a creator, but as a perfect being. When a person destroys all his karmas, he becomes a liberated soul. He resides in a perfect blissful state in Moksha.read more >>