Introduction to Jainism

Author(s): Rudi Jansma, Sneh Rani Jain
Publisher: Prakrit Bharti Academy

Page 22

20
INTRODUCTION TO JAINISM
Modern times
Modern Jains are, like everyone else, confronted with the developments of our modern age, and they reflect deeply on them. In contrast to what we have so often seen elsewhere in the world, where the older generation looks down with severe faces on the splurges of those whose souls are now occupying youthful bodies, with all their modern technological gadgets, many Jains understand that their ethics are universal, and apply as much today as they did in the past or will do in the future. They may tell their children to investigate the experiences the world offers – adding that they should return to their roots as soon as they feel that they are getting entangled or attached to these things. What could be a sounder psychology than this: teaching children the spiritual basics of reincarnation, karma and ethics from the youngest possible age, but leaving them to judge and choose for themselves when they reach the age of discernment? This basis is still missing in the western world, the result being that adolescents have no reference basis and often indulge in life experiences that, unless they possess extraordinary inner strength cause them irreparable damage - psychologically, spiritually and even physically - and often lead to life-long attachments and instability.
Every living being is an expression of the soul essence, and therefore equal in value. One is always trying to bring to birth the best within humans of every level of society, whether rich or poor, male or female, born into a high or low caste, young or old, and to inspire them to be nonviolent, honest and pure. Not with the whip, of course, but by gentle persuasion. The reward or correction in all its details and combinations will come about naturally, either in the form of happiness or suffering, due to the karmic operations of nature.
An example of this age-old approach is found in numerous modern movements, a good example being the