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Can Jainism Survive in the 21st Century
youths of today, but how can they be envoys of a faith that they themselves do not appreciate. It is therefore our duty to teach them. Many youths have misconceptions that learning about their religion will strict their liberty. Little do they know that their religion provides a key to free them from the bondage that currently enslaves them. We have no right to deprive the youths of their religion. So, arrange such study circles everywhere in the world that Jaina communities flourish. There are many people well-versed in the Jaina philosophy who would be more happy to share their knowledge, and become leaders of such study circles.
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We were not made for Jainism, but Jainism was made for us. We are obliged to save our religion from extinction by giving to our children this rich spiritual heritage, the only true wealth we can pass on. We alone have the power to determine whether or not Jainism can survive in the 21st century. Time is running out and unless we act now, there is no doubt that the days of Jainism are numbered.
My message to the Jaina youths is that moment has come to rise above the maze of aimless actions. We have in our midst a real jewel. To let it slip out of our hands would be suicidal. Be open-minded. Within a few hours you will discover that it is in your religion that you are able to find what you have been seeking all your lives. The future of Jainism depends on you. Neglect it, and neither it nor you will be able to see a peaceful 21st century.
I have so far discussed a method by which Jainism can survive in the 21st century. But is there need for Jainism to survive in the 21st century? What does Jainism have to offer in the 21st century that makes it worthy of preservation.
Although I was born to a Jaina family, it was not until a few years ago that I began to understand what the religion was actually saying. Throughout life we are constantly going back and forth, here and there in search of happiness. This is because it is our true nature to be happy.
Jain Education International
But the veil of Māyā- (illusion), makes us waste our time on external things, from which we derive only split-second satisfaction. Krodha (anger), Lobha (greed) and Mana (Pride) are among the destructive
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| SR No. | 014010 |
| Book Title | Jainism in a Global Perspective - Collection of Jain papers of 1993 Parliament of World Religions, Chicago |
| 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 |