Jain Digest 1990 11

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

Page 13

Dear Editor:
The Jain Digest has got a new face and a new look under the new management. This will give a new impulse to the magazine. Congratulations.
I wish that the Jain Digest should not be just a mouthpiece of JAINA but also a journal like Reader's Digest, publishing articles and information of world Jain activities on a larger base.
Ajitkumar B. Benadi, Brandweg 5, 20191 Garstedt, West Germany
JAIN DIGEST and make certain sacrifices.
Editor's Note: The Jain Digest has published and would like to continue publishing news items relating to Jain activities around the world. The Jain organizations are requested to send their newsletters so that we may publish timely material for the community.
Dear Editor:
I read with interest Narendra Sheth's article on the innocent-looking ingredients in American prepared foods. When I became a complete vegetarian 12 years ago, I, too began to read labels seriously. But in discussing "Kosher gelatin," Mr. Sheth has missed an important distinction.
The Kosher gelatin used in any milk product never comes from animals, as it is against Jewish dietary laws to consume milk and meat together in the same meal. This gelatin is vegetable in origin, often from seaweed (agar) or vegetable gums (locust bean, carrageenan). I don't now of any Kosher gelatin that comes from animals, but not coming from a Jewish background myself, I can't be certain of this.
Another key to look for on packaging is the word "parve" and the letter "K." The "parve" means no meat or milk products used, so the item is safe under Jewish laws to consume in a meal with either milk or meat. (This is sometimes spelled "pareve.") Thus, we can deduce a product labeled "parve" is vegetable or mineral in origin. As for the "K," this signals the product meets Kosher dietary laws. If it appears on a dairy product, no meat-or-animal derived items can be included. An example of the ingredients listed is the Carmel Kosher Unflavored Gel-Dessert sugar, calcium carrageenan, adipic acid, potassium citrate. Thanks again for your efforts
keep up the good work.
- Rose Dereve, Liverpool, NY
Feature Article
Appeal for Jain Unity
By Dr. Dulichandra Jain, Editor Jain Study Circular, New York
igambars and Shwetambars, all are Jains" is a popu
Jain Education Intemational
Step 1: We Jains should understand the following Jain concepts:
a. All scholars agree that the doctrine followed by all Jain groups is one and the same.
b. Bhagwaan Mahaveer was neither a Digambar nor a Shwetambar.
c. Some minor differences in beliefs do exists between the various Jain groups. Jains believe that the absolute truth is known only to omniscients (Kevalis). In view of this belief, it is futile to make any effort to establish the validity of one belief or the other. Unfortunately, these minor differences are propagated and reaffirmed by socalled scholars and monks in an effort to establish the superiority of their own ideas. Rational, intelligent and educated individuals should rise above these notions of superiority.' d. During any religious celebration, it is our feelings and thoughts that are important. The time and procedure (VIDHI) of performing a prayer or worship have been prescribed only for the sake of organization. They have little significance. Thus, in the light of the spirit of the fundamental principles of Jainism, performing one type of worship is as good as another type of worship.
e. Understanding the meaning and thinking of the basic principles of Jainism is essential for having good feelings and thoughts. All prayers and worships essentially have similar meanings. Most people, Digambars as well as Shwetambars, do not understand the meanings of the prayers and worships. Thus, they are not aware of the similarities in them.
Step 2. Here are some constructive suggestions:
a. All Jains should rise above sectarianism. We should not try to establish the superiority of any belief. b. All Jains should revere and study all ancient Jain scriptures.
c. We should respect the monks and nuns for their inner qualities rather than outward physical appearances. We should respect a monk or a nun who does not indulge in community politics, who is not working for his/her name and fame and who has no anger, pride, ego and alterior motives.
d. Those of us who were born into a Digambar family should learn the religious practices performed by Shwetambars and vice versa. We should learn the literal meaning of our prayers and worships. We should also find out to what extent these prayers and worships conform to the basics of Jains. Our Jain centers should make a serious effort to provide such educational opportunity to the Jain community.
e. All Jains including the youngsters should participate in all Jain celebrations.
f. It is observed that each one of us makes an effort to "protect" one's own interests. Such practices lead to religious fanaticism and intolerance. All of us should make a genuine sacrifice by making a sincere effort to promote others' beliefs.
nobody is doing anything to bring unity among Jains. In fact, two constructive steps should be taken to achieve Jain unity. First, we have to understand the basic principles of the Jain religion.
Second, we have to rise above our individual preferences Page 10
We have brought some undesirable practices from India (Continued on Page 13) www.jainelibrary.org
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