________________
मार्च २०१०
१३७
colonial overlords, the relationship in which the social position of Jainas as bankers, traders, merchants etc. brought them into close association with the economic side of the British Rāj.
A later wave of Jaina migration begins in the second half of the 19th century. With economic opportunities becoming available in British colonial territories, many Jaina families moved abroad, mainly in Africa. In the 20th century Jainas migrated to the 'West'. Jainas are seeking to widen their activities through the creation of 'Inter-faith-links' such as Jaina-Christian Association, the Jaina-Jewish Association and the Leicestershire Ahiṁsā Society for the care of Nature. In U.S.A. and Canada Jainas have established many Jaina Societies and Jaina Centers. Some include temples, religio- social activities involving lectures and discussions for the spread of vegetarianism, non-violence and peace.13
This brief account of Jaina history suggests that Jainas are very adaptive in the changing circumstances. 'The Model of peaceful interactions with non-Jainas' is observed for the last two millenniums by Jainas but one cannot overlook the fact that the divide between Svetāmbaras and Digambaras and the number of lawsuits and public quarrels in recent years, shows that this is a powerful generator of a sense of otherness between Jaina Communities. During last two hundred years, there are many further divisions created, sometimes sharp and sometimes soft. D: The Model of Categorization.
When the Jaina thinkers select any aspect or important point for further elaboration, they divide it into various kinds, varieties and sub-varieties until they reach the logical end of the thought. They adjust and accommodate the non-Jaina views, objects or personalities among these categories. For instance, (i) Jainas present the ladder of spiritual progress with the help of 14 Guņasthānas. They place persons having wrong world view (Mithyātvins) on the first step of the ladder and name it as
Jain Education International 2010_03
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
