Book Title: JAINA Convention 1993 07 Pittusburgh
Author(s): Federation of JAINA
Publisher: USA Federation of JAINA

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Page 118
________________ 116 be interpreted in broader sense in the light of the present. Thirdly, Minor rules and regulations prescribed for monks and householders would require reconsideration and restructuring, basic structure of Jainism remaining unchanged. augmenting day by day. Strict vegetari- anism which was considered sole iden- tity of Jain community is losing its ground particularly in younger generations. There is not much interest in Jaina community to promote Jain studies. Being a business dominated community, it donates enormous amounts for public purposes, but they ultimately become money-earning sources. The general public do not get much benefit and as a result, their wealth becomes a subject for severe criticism. Likewise, Sadhu institution is also fallen under question for one or the other reason. Temples and Tirthaksetras are the points where both the sects Digambara and Svetambara are clashing with teeth and nail. However, it is a solace that Jaina community is still involved in contributing a lot to the development of nation and building up national integrity Considering the present situation, it is a big question as to how the Jaina community will take its shape in the future. We Jains have been working hard for making our community more and more prosperous materially and spiritually. Jaina community will have to evaluate its own heretical culture under the latest scientific researches. The Jaina literature, its philosophy and culture should be brought to the attention of scholars and academics so as to draw larger benefits for all humans. Standard Jain literature in English is essential in this regard. For this purpose, the Prakrit and Jain studies should be popularized at the University and college level. Secondly, ethical principles will have to be seriously observed and made known to the public with a new systematic approach. Jain tenets, if followed, will assist in bringing ecological balance and nourish the spiritual mentality, universality and brotherhood in the society. Its concept of Ahimsa will have to WA 22 We Welcome you to Pittsburgh Let me help you, Northwestern Mutual Life* now and in the future The Quiet Company A Tough Act to Follow Life... Best in Bests, First in Fortune Health... For Permanent Life Insurance Disability... and Disability Income Insurance. For sincere professional advice Get to know the money-saving facts before you buy. in planning your family's future. *An exclusive franchise unavailable to brokers or any other Indian agent in the Tri-State area. Group Insurance. Annuities NAYAN H. SHAH Single Premium Whole-Life Name People Trust IRA's Pension Plans 850 USX Tower • 600 Grant Street Visitors Medical Plan Pittsburgh, PA 15219 (412) 288-2351 (Bus.) For your business, pleasure or vacation travel (412) 331-5634 (Res.) call for domestic and international tickets (All Airlines) Note: Represents in excess of 40 different Life Insurance Companies since 1978. "Jainism is really neither Hinduism nor Vedic dharma. It contributes to the advancement of Indian culture and study of Indian philosophy." -Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru 7TH BIENNIAL JAINA CONVENTION - JULY 1993 For Private & Personal Use Only Jain Education Intemational www.jainelibrary.org

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