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Jain Digest. Summer 2007
'The first choice is just a positive rhetoric, the second one is positive action. I too believe in being positive, and would take the second choice every time. Some of our traditional practices and rigid thinking are like these weeds, they are destroying the inherent beauty of Jain way of life and contribute to the disharmony and fragmentations in our community. We all know this, we have seen it time and again. As long as we remain in denial, even with noble intention of not disturbing societal norms, the recovery is not possible. The challenge now is to accept the facts and do something about it before it defaces the entire garden. Young Jains, must be vigilant and forward thinking. They must analyze our strengths, our weaknesses, our opportunities and our threats and be willing to deal with them. We all know that the basic principles of Jainism are scientific and the truths' presented in the scriptures are universal, however, their interpretation and thus the application have to be made in the context of time and space, which we find ourselves in. Jainism does not teach us to follow things blindly and dogmatically in the name of God or so called "Jinvani". Mahavir said "Accept not what I say as truth because it is backed by tradition, or because it is the law of the land, or because it sounds good, or because it comes from your teacher. Accept as truth only that which is sagaciously acceptable to reason as well as sentiment". In his last sermon (Uttaradhyayan Sutra) he also said "Appanna Sachame Suche" meaning - find truth for your self.
"That which is old has become so only with the passage of time. That which is new is also going to become old. Old does not mean stable or irrefutable" -Acharya Siddhasen "I do not favor Mahavir nor I am prejudiced against Kapil, I would accept anyone's statement provided I find it true on the scale of logic" - Acharya Haribhadrasuri "Would the systems established by our ancestors hold true upon examination? In case it does nor, I am not here to justify it for the sake of saving the traditional grace of the dead, irrespective of the wrath I may have to face" - Acharya Siddhasen (Dwarrishinka) Need I give more examples? We need logic and evidence to govern our decision making and not blind faith or emotions. The latter may win you popularity but only former will ensure long-term health and growth of the community.
Being involved in Jain education, I constantly evaluate many Jain practices and the philosophical, spiritual, health or social justification behind them. The challenge of incorporating changes while continuing basic principles is enormous and requires tremendous amount of patience and commitment. Despite of these challenges, I believe that it is a necessary step in achieving our desired objectives. Today, let us all commit to becoming change agents.
"Jain religion is not blind faith
Nor it is emotional worship inspired by fear or wonder.
It is the intuition of the inherent purity of consciousness, will and bliss of the self"
-Dr. Nathmal Tatia
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