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1st INTERNATIONAL JAIN
CONFERENCE
without perpetually craving for more and more!
It is heartening to note that due to Mahatma Gandhi the principle of Non-violence has become a household name, or precept, these days but the equally important notions of Non-possession' (which is in fact abstinence from excessive consumerism) and 'Non-absolutism" (which is to regard the variant or even opposite views of others with equal respect) has not got wide circulation, nor acceptance, although the world needs it most urgently.
The best way to propagate these three fundamental tenets of Jainism which are a sort of 'sine qua non for the existence and progress of humanity, would be to open a number of Jain Cultural Centres (a la Goethe Institute, Institut Francais or Confucious Centres ) in all the major cities of the world where simple lectures on the importance of these, and similar subjects pertaining to the Jain perspective and its World-view are regularly arranged for common people of that country. These cultural centres may also offer courses on Jainism and its practice, on its philosophy and literature and even on Prakrit language). The so called 'secular' Govt. of Indian Union is not going to do it. For this the affluent community of the Jainas has to come forward.
In the course of the past few years, many munificent philanthropists have donated considerable sums to create chairs of Jain studies at several American Universities which is a happy development. But not everybody
ford university education and to go there to learn Jainology. Such cultural centres as I propose will go a long way to increase awareness about Jainism and its basic principles which are in urgent need today if we want to have a peaceful and happy world, today and tomorrow
