Introduction To Jainism

Author(s): Gunvant Barvalia
Publisher: SKPG Jain Philosophical and Literary Research Centre

Page 47

SIXMISASA. INTRODUCTION TO JAINISMUSASISRENSA
91SISISSA. INTRODUCTION TO JAINISM SKAISTAS
(sapta Dhatu) formed in body & internal glands get chemical transformation. This leads to adverse effects both Physical & Mental. As a result, mind gets perverted, Unsteady mind (chanchalya), adverse change in mind (Chit Vikar) kashayas (Anger, Pride, Deceipt Greed) and such other, feelings like Jealousy, reaction in form of violent behaviour (Prakop), Severe temptation, sleep tendency of unnatural type, etc. and because of these perversion, human beings get affected externally & internally, upset mentaly. Natural wealth get spoiled because of Non vegetarian diet. Over and above this, environmental loss, is caused due to imbalance. Vibrations on earth, İ.e. earth quake, Tsunami, Floods, Cyclones and such other type of disturbances are caused, possibly, due to violence and riots.
The thought of Vegetarian diet, with due implementation, is not just to feed stomach but to stop outright "Bloodshed". Instead of cruelty towards living beings, need of the time is to spread message of love & affection, feeling of compassion and such other cultural transformation by developing merits and quality to lead peaceful & happy life of not only individual family but also for National & International peace, prosperity & happiness in real sense of the terms. Also to make present life full of spiritual happiness and in turn protect interest of life in next birth, with ultimate aim of Moksha i.e, "Eternal happiness" as accepted Goal of Jainism through Liberation, more to say GODLINESS in perfect stage. (In absolute form and TOTALITY).
Even in vegetarian Diet, Jains consider "Unconsumable, Items like Onion, Potato, Garlic, Carrots, Raddish etc. since they fall under "roots" category (Kandamool) where infinite germs type 'one sensed living beings form the contents of these items. "Anantakaya" is technical word for these roots in Jain terminology. This type of non consumption of roots etc. helps increased purity (satvikta) and quality of mercy towards living beings. True & Real Jains ban these items from their diet list with avowed commitment not to consume such diet, harmful to spiritual progress. Jains, at all India level, operate thousands of Gaushala, Panjarapoles and Animal welfare centres and thereby protect their quality of mercy towards living beings.
81
JAIN ORGANISATIONS IN INDIA & ABROAD AND
CONTRIBUTION OF JAINS In the field of Trade, commerce & Industry in India, Jains have a unique contribution. In foreign countries also wealthy & Prosperous Jains run their businesses. Jains are leading in Payment of Taxes. Jains have great contribution in several social, educational, Religious, (Spiritual), Medical & allied Institutions. In establishing Hospitals, colleges, schools, Town Halls, Dharamshala, etc. Jains have kept flowing their donations on an ongoing basis. Jains have in all fields, charitable Donations in whole of India irrespective of Provincial, Linguistic or Religious discrimation. Most of the "Jeev Daya" (Mercy towards Living beings) Institutions Panjarapoles and Gaushalas are maintained by financial contribution in way of Donations by Jain community. Whenever there were problems like challenge to National Sovereignty, Problems relating to National Defence, Earthquake, Famine Floods, or cyclone or any other National calamities, the Jains residing in India and abroad have contributed substantially and in best manner by way of donation in cash and kind and also providing manpower to serve the affected persons. Institutions having widespread Network for activities in India &
road run by Jain Community include at the Top, Social organizations like, 'Jain Social Group' and Jain Jagruti Centre are considered as leading. Conferences of Swetambars & Digambars, Jain Maha Sangh, Upashrayas, Dharma Sthanakas, Derasars are other Religious Organisations. Besides, Institutions like "Anandji Kalyanji Pedhi" are organizations administering & Managing Jain Tirthas (Pilgrimage Places). Over and above these, Tirth Samrakshan Samities, i.e, committee for protection of Tirthas, Sadhu Samrakshan samites, i.e. regulate protection of Tirthas as also of 'Diksha' of Male & Female Saints called Sadhu - Sadhvies have also formed. Each and every Sangh, provide Religious refinements to their children by running Jainshala or Pathshala. There are publications, on regular basis, in various languages amounting to more than 350, in the form of Magazines, periodicals, leaflets on weekly, Fortnightly, Monthly, Bi Monthly basis in India and abroad.
• 82