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 5

little bit more about ourselves - to create, develop and nourish the right belief about our own nature of existence, that we are full of conscious energy (Chetan Atma), that we are seer and knower, that we are responsible for our own destiny, that we are capable of achieving everlasting bliss. This type of firm belief in the Jain Scriptures will in turn unleash a wave of positive energy, positive action, and enlightened understanding of the self and of the world around us. This will put an individual on the right footing to be a change agent for compassion, love, kindness, equanimity, forbearance, forgiveness, and nobility. Such person would constantly seek to understand and be understood for happenings around oneself. This would help to control and manage our passions (Kashayas) resulting in a positive model behavior. This can happen and will only happen when we sincerely seek the refuge of the passionless Vitraag Jain Scriptures.
Foster Jain Micro Value System (Family):
The families must take as much effort, if not more, to build, nurture and sustain the religiosity and piety (Dharma) within children as they teach their children how to become smart in the worldly affairs. We take great pains to ensure our children become successful in worldly life by providing them with good education, setting high expectations and following through by being involved in their life. And we must do all these things and do it well. However, the problem starts when we do this ONLY at the expense of ignoring to help them build a true affinity towards Dharma. There is so much strength in Dharma that it has the capacity to make their life truly meaningful, rewarding and rich. Yet, we help, teach and encourage them to pursue worldly riches only. It is primarily so because parents themselves have not understood the place and importance of Dharma in their lives. If they have not understood that, how can they pass this on to their children? We only teach those things that we ourselves truly value. Therefore, if parents truly valued Dharma, such parents will go the same extent to teach the value of Dharma as they would teach the importance of worldly smarts. Sending children to Pathashala only will not solve the problem, but it is a mere starting point. Parents must take proactive and deliberate efforts to inculcate a feeling of true affinity towards Dharma. And that begins with parents first.
If we, parents, become strong religious role models to our children, it is more likely that they will be influenced at an early age, and be more inclined to follow-through in their life. Regardless of the conditions and circumstances in which they will live, such children will place Dharma on their list of priority.
Make a Positive Impact on the Community at Large (Societal Impact):
An enlightened and aware individual and family will make a positive impact on the society around them. They will carry themselves in the most dignified manner with a feeling of obligation toward each other. They will unleash a positive force by constantly seeking to reconcile and understand the differences, and only work to the betterment of the community as a whole. They will avoid personal calculations, sect-specific selfish goals, and work as a whole community to spread the message of the Jina. Instead of squabbling over personal and sect-specific differences and issues, they will work to resolve those conflicts, establish boundaries of comfort and discomfort, and take those actions that benefit the community as a whole. If one sect is in danger or facing challenges, other sects would come to help, and above all genuinely respect the differences and treat fellow Jains with dignity, trust and utmost respect. If we can establish this type of fellowship among our own people, our problems as a community