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Some Challenges before the four fold Jain community in modern times, their estimated repercussions and possible solutions as per my perspective • Dr. Nilesh Dalal
Dr. Nileshbhai is Jain Scholer & Ex. Prof. Emeritus Somaiya College, Ghatkopar -
Mumbai.
Some Challenges before the four fold Jain community in modern times, their estimated repercussions and possible solutions as per my perspective.
Like any other community, contemporary Jain community too faces a host of problems. Some problems are similar to those faced by other communities. They arise due to the innate nature of human beings, prevailing political social - economic conditions and the drastic changes that have occurred due the of the impact of scientific and technological revolution. On the other hand, certain problems are specific to Jain community due to its accepted belief system, culture and tradition.
(1) There is a sever dscordance between the religious aspect of life and that of pursuance of means of livelihood. Life has become compartmentalised. Hence the relious aspect of life is segregated from the routine life. The great ideals of compassion, non-possession etc remain restricted to the practice of a couple of religious rites and rituals while these ideals are grossly undermined while engaging in one's means of livelihood in particular and leading life in general. Such lack of integration results in a sort of split personality
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which is disastrous both for the individual and the society. (2) The Jain Sadhu sangh and sadhavi sangh have become lack lustre and are plagued by a number of stifling conditions. These two sanghas are the most important human resource of Jaina Community. In order to rejuvenate and empower the earnest members of these groups, first a thorough diagnosis of the maladies of members of these sanghas is a desideratum. The task is extremely delicate and needs utmost care lest it should disturb peace and harmony in the society. Dedicated teams of psychologist, counsellors, health care personal and such other experts need to be entrusted this herculean task of survey, analysis and suggestion of remedial steps to cure the maladies.
(3) Medicines, food products, cosmetics, ensembles, toiletries etc. procured from the market are more often than not such that in the production and distribution chain there is something or the other that is not conducive to the ideal Jaina way of life. What the Jain aspirant can do is to avoid such things as far as possible. If in case s/he needs to use any such goods s/he can utilize the information about the ingredients and processes involved in the production of such items so that s/he can avoid those that are contrary to a non-violent way of life.
(4) There is an excessive preoccupation with rituals in certain Jaina groups while certain other groups rest satisfied with intellectual discussions over philosophic and spiritual topics. Lopsided approach is degenerative and harmful
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