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JAIN JOURNAL : Vol-XXXI, No. 1. July 1996
The unique fourfold order of the Sangha is not found in other religions. It has been the strength of Jainism in India. There is no reason to suppose that it could not form the basis for a Jain community outside India. In order to create the conditions necessary for the development of the Western Jain community (perhaps to be called the Western order of Jainism) we must address the questions posed earlier in this paper.
Let us begin by recognising an important point. Whatever is created outside India, no matter how pressing the need or how lofty the motives, it is the situation in India which presents us with our ideal. As a matter of principle, there should be as few digressions as possible from the prevalent practice in India. Any adaptation of practice in the West should take place only with the support and blessing of the Sangha, and in particular the ācāryas, in India. Given these principles, we can turn to consideration of practical issues :
(a) General
Infrastructure of Western Order, Management structure, The leadership International head quarter and regional offces Resources and staffing
Promotion of Jainism (b) Ascetics
Travel and movement Accommodation, Residence, Food and Gochari Activities (e.g. teaching, spiritual practices, appropriate leadership) Contacts with househoders and relation with lay leadership Possessions, clothing, medical care Observing expected Western conventions (e.g. toilets, showers, electricity) Contacts with members of opposite sex Renunciation and initiation of ascetics Status of ascetics sent from India by ācāryas and Sangha Status of ascetics who travel to West on their own initiative Ascetics and social functions of the community
(c) Other Issues
Jain 'priests' (non-celibate scholars/leaders) Functions and duties of lay people and the promotion of Jain values Spiritual development
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| SR No. | 520123 |
| Book Title | Jain Journal 1996 07 |
| Original Sutra Author | N/A |
| Author | Jain Bhawan Publication |
| Publisher | Jain Bhawan Publication |
| Publication Year | 1996 |
| Total Pages | 58 |
| Language | English |
| Classification | Magazine, India_Jain Journal, & India |
| File Size | 4 MB |