Pristine Jainism : Occultism

There are several historical and practical day-to-day instances relating to immense harm done to the country and individuals by irrational, unscientific claims of practitioners of occultism and astrologers. Advisors of Rana Sanga of Chittorgarh, the formidable brave warrior cautioned him not to wage war against Babar without proper armoury of canons at least matching with that of the adversary. But tantriks (practitioners of occultism) misled him by assuring that they would seal, stop canons by their occult powers. It did not happen and Rana Sanga lost the battle inspite of his ten times bigger army. The history of our country was irretrievably changed for slavery over next millennium. Likewise Marathas were superstitiously mislead by astrologers not to attack Ahmed Shah Abdali for two months and the result was gradual shortage of rations and defeat of famished though superior army. This also changed the fate of country. The astrological predictions distract people from rational duties and measures. One eminent astrologer calculated his death at a certain point of time after six months and he lived in fear and agony. Somehow the date and time passed. He burnt all his books. Astrology and occultism have done more harm than good. Many people die because of superstitious beliefs in occult practices without proper treatment of several otherwise curable diseases. Snake bites claimed to have been cured by tantriks are only of non-poisonous snakes. Tantriks claim that they cure eight out of ten cases is fictitious because only two who are not cured are cases of poisonous snakes. Sacrifice of mute helpless animals, children of neighbours and even one's own are horrendous horrifying practices by gullible people under the influence of tantriks. Harassing of women even killing them because of hidden economic reasons on the pretext that these women practice witchcraft, are also examples of superstitious beliefs. The frivolous claims and tricks of these people are being exposed now by devoted rationalist scientists. It is most unfortunate that eminent Jain saints are also now practising occultism, alluring gullible people by claiming occult powers (Mantra-tantra), although they are forbidden to do such things.