Jainism in a Global Perspective - Collection of Jain papers of 1993 Parliament of World Religions, Chicago

SR No.: 014010
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Sagarmal Jain, Shreeprakash Pandey
Publisher: Parshwanath Vidyapith
Publication Year: 1998
Total Pages: 402
Language: English
Classification: Seminar & Articles
File Size: 23 MB

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Jainism in a Global Perspective
for their parents and grandparents, and I can understand why some youths feel that the religion is confined to the middle-aged and elderly. This is unfortunate, since the Jaina philosophy exists to guide people throughout life, and it perhaps is during the teenage years that such guidance is most needed.
It is indeed commendable that Jaina studies are going to be introduced into school curricula and degree courses. But my approach to spread the message of Jainaism would have been different. I do not believe that Jainism can be studied in the same way as we study History, Maths, Geography, or other subjects which culminate with a written examination at the end of a short course. Ideally, I would like to see Jainism being taught not in classrooms, but in study circles, which one can continue attending throughout life. The examination of this life-long course shall not be a written paper, but one's conduct in everyday life.
Such study circles or Satsargas are a common practice among the middle-aged and elderly Jainas. There is no reason why such study circles cannot be created for the youths as well.
There would be about a dozen people attending each study circle. Each group would have as its leader a learned Jaina, who would be able to explain the philosoplhy. The study would last for a couple of hours each week, being comprised of a study of the scriptures, followed by a discussion of that particular week's study. In this way there will be a continual reinforcement of what has been learnt. As the philosophy is gradually revealed, the whys and wheres of life will become clearer.
Study circles are not a novel concept. Many faiths adopt them, and I personally have attended and led Satsangas. I have found that spending just a couple of hours each week in intense contemplation of the Ultimatewill be a source of relaxation and comfort, away from the unnecessary worries of the world. It will rejuvenate you to face boldly the challenges of the coming week.
My request to the community leaders is that. Jainism is dying, and will not live to see the 21st century unless we awake and act immediately. The ambassadors of Jainism into the 21st century are the