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Jain Digest. Winter 2007
remove the differences pertaining to the nature and type of idol?
Jains worldwide. If we continue to fight among ourselves, we are going to be weaker. The new generation is not likely to nurse the trivial differences that have led us apart. Would it not therefore be wise if the present generation buries the superficial differences and gives a call for unity for all Jains? We have been holding Jaina conventions, youth conventions, Pathshälä сonferences and hosting other such events. It would be appropriate to turn such occasions into opportunities calling for the unity of all Jains.
FEATURE
JAINA AN EXAMPLE OF UNTY: by Pravin C. Shah, Long Island, New York It is worth mentioning that it is a matter of great pride that in spite of our internal dispute and differences world over, JAINA is a unique and premier organization in North America. It has stayed unified with inspiration and blessings of late Shri Acharya Sushil Kumar Ji, Gurudev Chitabhanuji and because of hard work of dedicated Sadharmik Leaders, with over 65 Jain Centers/unified Jain temples representing many traditions out side of India. It is well known world over for its humanity-related work. On the lines similar to the work performed by JAINA, each one of us too needs to play an important role in securing and sustaining our ancient Jain heritage In 2606h Birth Year of Bhagwan Mahavir, let us arise and join hands
Idols are made of stone, metal, or other lifeless material and we ascribe therein the attributes of Arihants. The Lords were totally detached and introverted. In homage to these characteristics, the idols are carved unclad and in meditative postures. As one perspective might suggest, is it not therefore unbecoming to decorate such idols with crowns or any other ornaments? Such decorations are justified on the grounds of presenting the external splendor of the Lords. But that amounts to insulting their image of being detached; we decorate them with what the Lord had discarded forever. In the same way, displaying them in a manner in which they are staring at us is unbecoming with their meditating posture. Would it not be worth it for Shwetambars to consider these aspects and to adopt the idols without crown or other ornaments and with their eyes closed or looking elsewhere? Would that not give a more representative image of the detached Lords? From another perspective., Digambar idols in a stark naked position happen to hurt the sentiments. It is against the norm of social acceptability. Would it not be possible for Digambars to do away with the standing posture of the idols and adopt only the seated one? Similarly, the eyes of Digambar idols look as if they are without sight; many people are led to believe that Digambar idols are blind. Why should there be any objection in adopting the idol with eyes looking askew, as is the case in meditating posture. If that is adopted, Digambar idols would be similar to those narrated in the previous paragraph. In this way, these idols might be acceptable to all Jains. It would thus be seen that the gap between the two sects is not insurmountable. If we emphasize the similarity prevailing in all the basic aspects, we can conceive of a common approach for the idols to be worshipped. What we need is an open, unbiased mind and an unconventional approach. The differences between the two sects are superficial and can easily be done away with. But unfortunately, most of Jains prefer to stay tradition-bound. They are not aware of the basics of Jainism and therefore do not know the similarities prevailing in the basic concepts. They know about the superficial aspects of the religion, such as the physical modes of worship and the subsequent rituals created and followed for those purposes. Those features of the religion happen to be different and emphasis on these differences seems to be perpetuating dispute. We have lost a great deal by resorting to in-fighting. How can we afford it? Numerically ours is a small community. At the most, there are, perhaps 10 million
JAIN UNITY SEMINAR AT 2007 JAINA CONVENTION Nirmal Dosi, Chairperson JAINA Scholars Visitation Program stated that Jain unity is utmost important. We need to make palm out of five fingers (Swetamber, Digamber...etc). All the monks and scholars participating in the seminar echoed the same sentiment Samani Rohit Pragvai asked. What do we mean by unity? Do we want uniformity in rituals and spiritual practices? If so, then it is the narrowness of our thoughts. His holiness Acharya Mahapragyaji says “Diversity is the beauty of the world." We all are the branches of one tree. If we really want to do something we should not be entangled in small things. We have a power of Anekant, which can unite not only the Jain people but the whole world too. To do the work on a broad level, each branch of Jainism should take a particular project and pay attention on it. This effort will make us able to create a new world.
Jal
a tion Intemational
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