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(It is probable that the concept of theirs might be with historical perspectives. They have, generally forgotten central, eastern and western India (Mumbai,
Ahmedabad, Delhi, Jabalpur, Calcutta, Dimapur etc.) 3. The Svetambara have been stated to be more liberal and popular (on
the basis of some of their tenets) than the Digambara (stated as conservative). 4. It is only women who undertake religious fastings. Also, it is only the
males who participate in bidding. 5. Generally, there is no mention of holy places in terms of salvation and
miraculous places. However, Pavapur, Sammedshikhar (and Kailash also)
find rare mention. Of course, Mount Abu and Shatrunjaya (Sharvanabelgola • also) find mention due to their art/architectural valus. 6. Dr. Kaufman has stated that the Jaina images are different from and unattractive
than Buddha images. These do not express the compassion and softness
on their faces. When they are adored and ornamented, they look fierce. 7. Almost all authors have expressed holy death process as 'self starvation'. . 8. The Jainas have abandoned the theory of nakedness for salvation and
many Digambaras have adopted cloths while monks. 9. The Jainas do not have harsh spiritual practices like the Hindus. However,
the practices of hair plucking, harsh postures, meditation under heat, fastings (Mahavira had approx. 4000 fasting days out of 4380 days in 12 years) and the like are extremes and non-conscientious activities. Rev. Murray
opines that alms - begging and tasteless foods are also such activities. CONCLUSION:
It will be clear from the above as to what type of lop-sided and denatured concepts about Jainism are there in the Western academic world even at the end of 20th centrury. About 70% basic tenets of Judaims and Christianity are negative in charecter but they are not taken in that way. However, the Jaina tenets are called negative and secondary. Similarly, it is not proper to call Jainism as a religion of monks only on the basis of some earlier texts. Many of its texts contain liaty practices for worldly welfare. The male and female liaty are the important components of four-fold order of the Jainas and it is on them that the institution of monks and the order has become so much long - lived. The Jainas are also credited for their non-violent professions (like banking, textiles, transport, computers, jewellery etc.) and rigid spiritual practices.
It is therefore, necessary to prepare a book through the serious Jaina scholars to scholarly refute the above mentioned (and many others involving
Arhat Vacana, July 2000
