JAINA Convention 2005 07 JCNC

Author(s): Federation of JAINA
Publisher: USA Federation of JAINA

Page 84

JAINA
2015
78
existence as a revolt against certain practices and rituals within a Jain sect.
MODEL 2: ACCOMMODATION OF DIVERSITY (INCLUSIVENESS)
"In the second model for unity", Malaiyaji explains, "diversity of rituals and practices is accepted. This is the model that generally prevails in USA. The temples in USA have not only both Shvetambar and Digambar idols but also rooms for the Sthanakavasi/Terapanthi monks, even a room for Srimad Rajachandra meditation. In this model various Jains all join together for common objectives. They attempt to accommodate the diversity of practices". At an institution level, JAINA is close to this model. Through inclusiveness, JAINA has emerged as a non-sectarian leader among Jain institutions with a strong international stature. Certainly, there are many challenges in implementing this model. JAINA as well as many Jain centers in North America are feeling pressures from fundamentalist groups who are unwilling to accommodate diversity of views, and practices. They use their political power or majority status to impose their sectarian views on others through rules and restrictions. Thus strong leadership is necessary, also for the success of this model.
Role of Leadership
As we have seen, for both models of unity, the leadership plays an important role. For the "inclusiveness" model, there are some additional considerations for the leadership. Leader's own biases based on their background should not influence their decision making. A leader or leaders must truly imbibe the Jain principle of anekantvad in their thinking and accommodate diversity in views as well as in practices within the organization. It may be argue that for the unity and smooth running of an organization, we must impose a unified set of rules and rituals. "Forced rule/forced discipline is fundamentalism" says Prof. Michael Holquist of Yale University. "Historically it has always succeeded in polarizing the society and giving the appearance of unity in the short run. However its' long term effects are quite devastating. When the rights and views of the minority are suppressed, ultimate result is greater division and sectarianism".
"Trying forced loyalty to a unified vision, however noble, ends up suppressing individual rights, civil liberty and human rights" Prof. Nur Yelman, Harvard University.
One may argue that in a democracy, majority rules...and sway the organization in the direction of the majority (Digamber/Swetamber or Gujarati/Marwadi etc...) At first glance, this sounds like a logical argument, however, let's look at it closely. When the majority decisions encroaches upon the rights of the minority, what is the role of the leadership? Should the leadership impose their own rules in the name of morality? "When the leadership takes the position of moral authority, the leader becomes a despot" - Thomas Jefferson.
"Religion should serve equally to the rights of ALL its members and not just that
Extending Jain Heritage in Western Environment