________________
2005
INTRODUCTION TO JAIN UNITY
by JCNC Editorial Team
Ever since the advent of civilization, we have faced the questions of unity and diversity, conformity, and plurality. History has shown us various successful approaches to this age old dilemma. Democracies in countries like India and United States have shown that accepting diversity among different regional and cultural groups of people, while at the same time striving for national unity can be successful; the minorities, barring some issues, can receive fair representation, maintain their identities and uniqueness and even thrive. At the other end of the spectrum, we have seen nations like China or Indian states like West Bengal and Kerala succeed quite
Democracies in well with unity through uniformity and conformity.
countries like Here we include views from different individuals with different approaches to India and achieving unity amongst various sects of Jains. The views are varied, the approaches are different, but the aim is the same. And as history suggests, different approaches
United States can be successful. We as followers of Mahavir should decide which approach will have shown that work best - for our immediate local Jain community as well for assimilating with other Jain communities across the globe as the world gets smaller. Our primary aim accepting should be spreading the message of compassion and equanimity.
diversity among JAIN UNITY
different
regional and by Nirmal Dosi,
Chairperson, Jaina Scholars Program Acharya Bhadrabahu was the last Jain monk to lead an undivided Jain
of people, while Community. Being a Shrut-Kevali, he had complete knowledge of all scriptures, at the same time known collectively as the twelve Angas. Unfortunately, there was a famine in North India which lasted for 12 years during the reign of Jain Emperor Chandragupta
striving for Maurya (322-298 B.C.) According to one account, a large number of saints migrat
national unity ed to South India with Acharya Bhadrabahu as a result of the famine. The remaining saints in North India stayed under the guidance of Acharya Sthulibhadra who was can be disciple of Bhadrabahu. Under this situation in the North, the saints put on a white cloth. Those saints who migrated to the south stayed naked. Thus, the groundwork successful... was laid for the great Swetambar-Digambar schism, although the actual division did not occur until 1st century A.D. However, this split may be due to another account. As knowledge was getting lost because of the inability to memorize Bhagwan Mahavir's Original teaching (scriptures containing 12 Angas), a meeting was called to assemble all the monks in Patliputra (modern Patna in Bihar province). Due to rea
ending Jain Heri
in Heritage in Weste
? Western Environm
Vironment
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