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Siva
Kunti Sheelavti Nalashya Dayeeta, Chula Prabhavatyapi
to the next generation. It has been used to share the traditions of our ancestors to the next generation. Lastly, this sense of giving has been used to really
Padmavatyapi Sundari Pratidhinam, Kurvanto vo impart and propagate a good foundation in the Mangalam
How it impacts me
next generation for a better future ahead. Even when I think of great tirthankars or Acharyas - their foundation comes from their mothers. For example when we talk of Mahavir Swami we think of Trishla Mata and her contribution. When we talk of Rishabdev we think of Marudevi mata and her sacrifice. In Jainism, we follow "Behind every successful man there is a great woman" in true sense of the word.
I have been impacted both religiously and practically by women more than men. Most of my study class teachers are women and it gave me immense opportunity to learn Jainism with their eyes. My mom, teachers and aunties have all taught me the bulk of what I know today.
My mom has been there every day to teach me how to apply Jainism in my daily life. She has taught me practical applications of non-violence, forgiveness, and karma. She taught me how to apply anekaantvaad everywhere I go. Mom has really sculpted my lifestyle to fit religion in my life.
My teachers of Jainism have also impacted me a lot. They have taught me the bulk of all the sutras, stutis and pujas I know today. They have taught me Jainism from a religious standpoint, a philosophical standpoint, and a practical standpoint.
The women in Jainism are not just knowledgeable, but they have a sense of giving in them. This sense of giving has been used to share all this knowledge
Challenges for women
These women have selfless service, and volunteer greatly in the temple. They have created a bright mark on today's generation. They have impacted me in many ways. In spite of all of this, they have also been discriminated in the past and continue to be discriminated today. Women have more obstacles reaching leadership position in Jainism. Digambars
believe that women cannot attain salvation. They
also believe that Mallinath was man and not woman. In Jainism, women are always separated from men in pratikraman and lectures. A lecturer in Jainism is usually a sadhu, sadhvi, saman, or samaniji. When it is a sadhu or saman, a woman must ask any questions she has on paper or through a man. Basically, there are some things women can't do. They haven't been able to do them ever since the roots of Jainism. Even though this discrimination is there, there has always been more to look up to.
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