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

Page 78

Western Perceptions of Jainism : Misconceptions, Achievements and Current Expectations
49
Probably some Jainas conformed and in due time enriched Islam even as Theresa of Avila and John of the Cross, grandchildren of Jews, enriched Christianity. The strange feature is that we get no sign of armed or violent resistance, of protests or even of a theology of vicarious suffering. The upshot of this study which I am trying to summarize is to show that in every age for over 3,000 years, no matter what the challenge has been the Jainas have maintained their self-being, integrity and constancy in their own distinctive stance and message. At the same time they have been willing to reach out and co-operate with the incoming or surrounding traditions however alien or indeed hostile those were. They have been willing to use the language and thought-forms of the day so as to play their part. Despite smallness in numbers and disadvantages of status, they have been able to bring benefit to all. They continued this achievement even under British imperial rule to which we now turn.
As one leafs through the pages of the Census of India, or the leading Indian English language newspapers of the day or some cases involving religion in the records of the High Courts, it is possible to gain some idea of the evolution of the self-perception as well as the western concept of various groups. In some cases it is fairly easy to grasp an outline of Western views concerning for example, the Sikhs of the Punjab or the Khojas of Bombay, but the distinctive self-being, beauty and subtlety of style of the Jainas has been harder to pick out. The Jaina way in twentieth century British Indian politics is already hinted at by Mr. Virchand Gandhi during his stay in America. He does not bring up a direct confrontation with British policy in India but makes it clear that the British are enforcing economic policies and raising taxes in India without representation. The point would not be lost on the heirs of the revolution of 1777. The Jaina community took a full and "Loyal" part in the best of the educational humanitarian, philanthropic and development side of the British Empire, yet did not become sychophants, or compromise or betray its Indianness. Their relationship to the movement led by Mahatma Gandhi excellently illustrates some other points about them and their way of working.
The Mahatma was born in an area and into a family thoroughly permeated by Jaina thought. His great principle ahimsā (positive nonviolence) and his practice of poverty and vegetarianism were intrinsic to