Current State of Jain Dharm and Feature Challenges for Feature Generations

SR No.: 269155
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Dharmraj Khot
Publisher: Dharmraj Khot
Total Pages: 6
Language: English
Classification: Article & 0_not_categorized
File Size: 236 KB

Page 4

slowest population growth among all major religions. Even with such a small population, we are already beset by sectarianism between Digambara and Shwetambara. There continues to be further divisions, sub-sectarianism, internal bickering, power struggle, lack of empathy for fellow Jains etc. We are surely making it easier for our great religion to decline even further by our own behavior. It is understandable to have differences, however, when those differences become the cause of our decline, then we have no one but to blame ourselves for the current state of affairs. We do not have the wisdom among ourselves to unite in one cause when our religion and religious places of worship are under attack from external threat. It is simply pathetic that we are fighting among ourselves to claim Shri Sammed Shikhar, when the only goal there should be is the worship and adulation of the Jinas. When we are not united among ourselves, we will be unable to protect the glory of this religion from external threats.
Let us find out way to co-exist with our differences. In this regard, the Jains residing in North America are certainly leading by example and are creating a future model of coexistence wherefrom our larger fraternity in India can learn. Let us co-exist in a manner that is respectful of each other's macro and micro traditions and by creating an environment where we celebrate our commonalities.
Potential Solutions
I am advocating for us to live as an "enlightened", educated and forward-looking society whose roots are firmly grounded in Jain Principles, whose actions and behaviors are influenced by Jain Principles and whose collective activities strengthen our religion and help our future as a community, and to the extent possible help other fellow human beings in need irrespective of their religious affiliations.
As the saying goes - "Charity always begins at home", we must begin to change ourselves in order to see changes in others and then will we be able to see and expect resultant changes in the community at large. Simply stated, we need to go back to the basics. When a successful corporate firm is failing, one of the ways to fix it is to go back to the basics that made it great in the first place. I suggest we do the same here, i.e., go back to our basics. The revered Acharya Shri Umaswami provides us the basic framework - "Samyakdharshanjnancharitranimokshamargah:"6 - The trinity of Rational Perception, Rational Knowledge and Rational Conduct forms path to liberation. Consider this as a path, an order, or a salvo of a Jiva in the pursuit of ultimate happiness. If we focused on improving our commitment to the trinity as an individual, as a family and as a society, I sincerely believe we can vastly improve ourselves and those around us as well. So how do we go about it?
Be Aware and Self-enlightened (Personal):
A learned man like Sir George Bernard Shaw once said "I like the doctrines of Jainism greatly. If I were to be reborn, I wish to be born as a Jain.7" We need to be aware of who we are and what our true identity is through the eyes of Jain Scriptures, for they alone have the potential to awaken our consciousness. Jain Dharma states that we are living embodiment of infinite faith, knowledge, bliss and power. We need to commit to learn
5 Census of India 2011 (http://www.censusindia.gov.in)
Shri Tattvarth Sutra, Chapter 1, Sutra 1 A Handbook of Jainology, May 1987 Edition by Shri Vishvakalyan Prakashan Trust, Gujrat