5.6. Place of Deities

Will negating the existence of god falls into the category of pessimist or perfectionist? As in Jain philosophy a perfect human is at the centre of all theories.

‘Jainism does not acknowledge the possibility of blemished divinities as controlling powers, individual Jiva can possibly ascend to a condition of pure reason and knowledge. Jains are accordingly less pessimists as perfectionists.’^[1]

As many people have seen miracles after visiting a particular deity–deities are karma bound too, hence they are pleased at their adoration and use their supernatural powers to solve the devotees’ problems. But one must not forget that even they have their limitations. It is not bad to respect/greet any being, be it a deity or a human, but it’s not good at all to bow one’s head out of fear or selfish desire in front of whomsoever.