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Group 6 Winning Essay
Sheily Shah
Sheily is a group 6 student of study class. She is 9th grader from Novi High School.
Women in Jainism
Introduction
"If you cannot see that divinity includes male and female characteristics and at the same time transcends them, you have bad consequences. We must fight the patriarchal misunderstanding of God."
Religion has existed for as long as man has. Men and women have followed religious beliefs to explain the unexplainable ever since the birth of mankind. Today, we have many different religions. Each religion has its own way of expressing the roles of men versus women. In most religions, men have more rights to worship God than women do. Men are also allowed to do more rituals. In most religions, women are inferior to men. However, in Jainism, things are quite different. Most rights are the same for men and women. Although there are some challenges, Jainism goes beyond gender. There have been many famous women in Jainism in past and present. As a young girl following Jainism, I am greatly influenced by the women around me.
community. In fact, women's service to the Jain Community speaks louder than that of men. Women cook all the food during Paryushan, Ayambil Oli, and other big occasions such as Diwali. Women are primarily the ones to decorate the temple during the major events. Also, women have taken part in the Board of various Jain communities around the world. In fact, the recent president of JAINA (Jain Association in North America) was a woman, Lata Champsee. In fact, the role of women has grown so much that sadhvis are leaders in the Jain congregation. Sadhvis and Samnijis have created a great impact on the Jain religion.
Role and Participation
The role of women in Jainism does not drastically differ from men. In most religions, it is the man who is the priest. Only a man can perform certain rituals, pujas or kriyas. However, in the Jain religion, things What is more important to realize is that Jainism are quite different. Men and women both perform goes beyond gender. We believe that the soul is what matters. The soul which is freeof karma is the one the Ashta Prakari Puja, Nav Ang Puja, Snatra Puja, Pakshal Puja, Shantikalash, and Chaityavandan. we should worship, regardless of gender. Jainism Women have even taken lead in these. Not only considers both women and men to be equal. The that, but women can also do the various tapasyas. true meaning of Jainism is about eradicating your In our temple, there is a large percentage of women karmas. The true meaning of Jainism is about your tapasvis, who do atthai, maun vrat, etc. In addition nature in every life. It is about loving others, being to these achievements and participations, women in kind and respectful to others. It is about not having Jainism are known widely for their service to the anger, ego, deceit or greed. In Jainism, this is what Jainism: The Global Impact
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