What are the marks of the true God (deva), and what is the manner of worshiping Him?
The one who has attained victory over all internal enemies, who is omniscient, who is honored in the three worlds, and who expounds the true meaning—whoever fits this is the true God (Isvar). His names include Visnu, Brahma, Mahadeva, Sankara, Jina, Kevalin, Arhat, and Tirthankara. The worship (puja) of God (Paramesvar) involves reciting his name, worship (darsan) of his image, remembrance of his biography and virtues, and praising him. From these four kinds of worship (puja) the soul becomes itself the very form of God (Bhagavan). [RIP, 602] What is the worship of God (Tirthankaradev) for? God (Tirthankaradev) is your ancestor. It is not the same as worshiping the emperors of great kingdoms. There is only one reason for worshiping the Tirthankaras: they have shown you the path to liberation. They have traveled this path themselves, and have also taught you how to travel this path. Therefore you should worship them. You worship their virtues. If you do not think those virtues are the m
