ISJS Jainism Study Notes E5 Vol 01

Author(s): International School for Jain Studies
Publisher: International School for Jain Studies

Page 14

A.3.1
Uniqueness and Relevance of Jainism
Dr. Shugan Chand Jain
Who is a Jain? The term Jain is derived from Jina, spiritual victor who has conquered his sensual inclinations/urges and attained pure soul state i.e. infinite perception knowledgebliss-eternal energy. Followers of Jina are called Jains. Jinas doctrine is based on the concept of realizing the full potential of one's soul to achieve lasting peace. This state of soul is attained through the practice of non-violence, self-restraint and austerities/penance.
Statistics: Lord Mahāvīra, the 24th and the latest ford-maker of Jainism rejuvenated the ancient principles of Jainism in Eastern India some 2600 years ago. Today Jains are mostly in the northern western and central states in India. Jains have also migrated to USA, UK and other countries as well.
Jains constitute a religious, peace loving, non-violent community who value education and hard work to achieve their material and spiritual objectives. As per the recent census of Government of India GOI, more than 98% Jains are literate with more than 50% at least graduates. They are engaged in professions like medicine, law, engineering, IT and management while the others are in trade and business. Dean Deepak Jain of INSEAD, Ajit Jain CEO of Buffet group, Navin Jain the IT entrepreneur in USA, The Palanpurias in Antwerp controlling the diamond trade, Oswals, Patnis, Walchands, Adanis, Lalbhais, SP Jain etc. are just a few names who speak of Jains and their achievements. Even though they are less than 0.5% of total population of India, it is estimated that they contribute more than 5% of the GDP.
On the social front, they have set up more than 4800 schools and colleges in India, several thousand hospitals and dispensaries, research institutes, orphanages and homes for elderly and destitute. Jains have always contributed significantly towards the arts, culture and similar activities to India as well2. Shravanabelgola, Dilawara temple, Ranakpur, Jaisalmer, Soniji ki Nasiā in Ajmer, Deogarh, Gopachal in Gwalior, Ellorā caves, Elephantā caves in Orissa etc are shining examples of their contribution to Indian art, architecture and culture. Lal Mandir, opposite Red Fort in Delhi is another example of Jains being in the forefront of
1 Census of India 2005-6 2 Jains in India and Abroad, a sociological study by Prof. Prakash C Jain published by ISJS, New Delhi, 2011
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