ISJS Jainism Study Notes E5 Vol 01

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

Page 170

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He extended the four fold vows (i.e. Ahimsā, satya, acaurya and aparigraha) to five fold i.e. bifurcate aparigraha into aparigraha and brahmacarya. He realized the importance of stressing celibacy as the men and women were becoming more prone to sexual attractions and indulgences. Making vegetarian and simple food in minimal quantities for sustenance as essential for spiritual and social uplift. Thus he rejected animal sacrifice or wanton killing of animals or destroying environment for physical pleasures or likes.
4.0 Jain statistics and demography Jains total less than 5 million in India and another 200000 or so overseas. So Jains form a miniscule of Indian population and yet they manage and contribute tremendously to the economic, social, cultural, educational and professional activities of the country. They are mostly concentrated in the states of Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab and national capital territory even though Pārsvanātha and Mahāvīra hailed from eastern UP and Bihar. The last census of India showed that the literacy rate amongst Jains is almost 100% while more than fifty percent have undergraduate or higher university degrees. They believe in self effort; are religious, peace loving, philanthropic, non violent in nature and generally support the rulers of the day (e.g. Cāmunda Rāi in 10th century AD in Karnataka and Bhāmā Sāha in 16th century in Rajasthan and ministers of Jaipur from 15th century till 19th century AD). They follow the opportunities for worldly and spiritual uplift. In a way Jain community can be considered as a social model for enhancing economic and social well-being of all based on irrefutable moral and ethical values.
5.0 Social engagements of Jains The basic constituent of Jain society is community. We find small communities of Jains, each centered on a specific temple which serves as a hub for people of same lineage or following (teacher & sect). Such people visit temple daily for religious duties (one of the essential duties of the householder) as well as building social network (e.g. there are over 500 Jain temples and prayer halls (sthānakas) in Delhi and over 300 in Jaipur). The temple provides the catalyst for building small communities, primarily by women, for religious social and family development. The men folk generally build specialized trade bodies for supporting each other and external interface with other societies and the government. Then the institution of monks and nuns (over 10000 in India) play an important part to ensure that the followers are aware of their religious and social duties and learn more about them along with
STUDY NOTES version 5.0
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