Jains Through Time

SR No.: 006591
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Shilapi Sadhvi
Publisher: Veerayatan
Total Pages: 282
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 16 MB

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of the Jain religion brightened up even the darkest night with its dazzling light. In order to add to the illustrious pages of Jain history, Jain shramans must actively work in the provinces, where the spark of Jainism has never wavered.
Bihar, the land of the twenty two Tirthankars, is virtually bereft of Jain shramans and their influence. There is practically no Jain community in the province today. Animal sacrifices are carried out at the very site where Mahavir was born, and also near the hallowed area of his attainment of nirvana. Bihar, the place of the samavasarans (a holy assembly of the Jinas), is badly neglected, and their glorious memory is now dimmed. Sammet Shikharji, the holy place where twenty two Tirthankars gained nirvana, is not looked after properly. It has become a subject for dispute among the different sects. If the Jains show such indifference to the fate of their pilgrimage spots, how can Jainism flourish? What will be the future of these holy places?
I have alluded to the manner in which the
The Jains through Time
Buddhist monks have, on their powerful shoulders, lifted Buddhism up to the status of a world religion. There are probably only a few countries in the world that Buddhism has not penetrated and then attracted the masses with its ideas. I have said that Buddhism has declined in India, but the presence of their historical sites, stupas and other archaeological artefacts reflects their strong past. Buddhist monks from other nations are taking energetic steps to protect their wealth of history in India. In Bihar too, they work to protect and glorify their holy sites.
If the Jain community wants to see its religion grow and develop again, I entreat its members to go to the different provinces and scatter the fragrance of their strength and the sweetness of their presence everywhere, so that Jain society, through its inexhaustible vitality, can create a new chapter of Jainism where a glorious past and promising future can meet.
Conclusion
I have been almost overwhelmed in
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