Anuvrat Movements Theory and Practical

Author(s): Shivani Bothra
Publisher: USA Florida International University

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intoxications, alcoholism and addictions."
Such consumables are legal or illegal in the
United State depending on the state, but according to the movement, undertaking a vow
raises one's consciousness about the dangers they pose. Meditation is emphasized by Jain
diaspora as being an important value, and my respondents were very aware of
Mahapragya's promotion of Preksha Meditation as a technique with potential to help
aspirants in renouncing such intoxicants.
Nonsectarianism and Interfaith Activities
While observing Jains of Los Angeles throughout my stay, I noticed they are
more inclined to the ritualistic worship of the image of Tirthankaras than they are to
attending the explanatory discourses. So I asked Vikash Mehta an active coordinator of
the Jain Pathshala in JCSC how would the diasporic Jain, so profoundly involved in the
ritualistic practices and ceremonies, respond to a movement based on the concept of
vows? In response he said: "Definitely people are more engaged in ritualistic practices,
but this does not mean they will not do anything else. If they find value in something
else, then they will accept it.":!32 He continued, "The movement is independent of any
religion, and is related to everyday ethics. It can make a great impact on the Western
societies."|33
Another Jain commented in an informal conversation in Los Angeles: "The
Anuvrat Movement is like the Yoga Movement; even Yoga had faced many challenges in
its initial stages of expansion. Any creative program which is good for humanity will be
131 Tharar, interview.
132 Vikash Mehta, interview by Shivani Bothra, September 23, 2012.
133 Ibid.
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