Jains Today in World

SR No.: 001794
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Pirre Paul AMIEL
Publisher: Parshwanath Vidyapith
Publication Year: 2008
Total Pages: 360
Language: English
Classification: Book_English, History, Religion, E000, & E005
File Size: 24 MB

Page 44

Their Long History : 15 In 2002 and 2003 numerous Jain sites appeared on the Web, giving precious information in different languages to all people interested by this religion. A new Web site, called “Ahiṁsā Foundation”, publishes every month in “Ahiṁsā Times” news for the adepts on the events concerning Jainism. It is the same with a Jain Web site within the BBC. We give in annexe 5 some of these Web sites.
In 2004, especially mention the contribution of Jain delegates to the Parliament of World Religions in Barcelona and the laying by the Oshwal community of the foundation stone of a large Jain centre at Potters Bar (Hertfordshire) in England.
The new temple, built in the traditional Indian style, has been consecrated, after ten days celebrations, on the 19th of August 2005.
In February 2006, at Shravana Belgola in Karnataka state (India) took place the great ablution of the head (Mahamastakābişeka) of the huge statue of Bāhubali. This rite is normally practiced, essentially by Digambara section, every twelve years at the conjunction of specific planets. For several days, thousands of devotees celebrate this occurrence with a large display of extremely spectacular fervour.
One can see that Jainism is far from being a dying religion. For many centuries it has remained alive in India and has now spread widely outside, through the will of its adepts to uphold and propagate the tenets that constitute its greatness.
According to the last formal census made in India in 2001, the total number of Jains was 4.225.053 but, as we have said, many of them declared they were Hindus to have no problem. In fact, they consider they are near about 10 millions in India and 200.000 abroad. It is not very much, compared to the population of India and of the world, but these men, women and ascetics, who preach eternal values, should not be neglected.