________________
Chapter
SOME CUSTOMS & TRADITIONS IN THE JAIN COMMUNITY
T very community has its customs and traditions. Many
of the customs vary and change from country to
country, within the same country, over time and with the prevailing environment and circumstances. Some customs and traditions develop over a long period of time and have a long life cycle, while some customs come and go. The Jain community is no different. Being part of the larger Indian community, it is but natural that Jains follow quite a few traditions and customs in common with many non-Jains. Still, there are a few traditions which are followed by Jains only. In this chapter, I will describe some prevalent traditions followed by Jains also which most probably may have the foot prints of himsa. Since nothing is cast in concrete, and nothing is permanent, an Ahimsak person should examine each and every tradition that smells or tastes like himsa. Then, after such examination he should take necessary steps to avoid, amend or curtail such practices.
THE TREATMENT OF DOMESTIC SERVANTS & FACTORY WORKERS Being members of an affluent class in India, many Jains employ people as servants in their homes (domestic servants) and in
An Ahimsa Crisis: You Decide
173
