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An Island Jain Unity
Dilip V Shab
JAINS OF NORTH AMERICA
Amidst the calls for unity among Jains, it is often forgotten that to a large extent, Jains in North America are united. Here there are many Jain Temples that provide opportunities for all the Jains to pray in their own tradition under one roof. Temples with both Swetamber and Digamber Moorties and Sthanaks (Swadhya halls) are a common sight here but to my knowledge do not exist in India or any where else. This is one solid achievement of JAINA, an umbrella organization of 67 Jain centers that has strived to serve all the Jains without discrimination based on sect, state of origin or languages. More progress on this front will occur as JAINA goes forward. We can take pride in the fact that JAINA's education committee has created one set of integrated Pathshala books in English which are used by so many Jain centers for their youngsters; Many Jain centers celebrate both: Paryushan and Das Laxana. YJA (Young Jains of America) and YJP (Young Jain Professionals) spread the message of Jainism without any reference to the sects or language divides. Annual JAINA Pilgrimages cover both Swetamber and Digamber Teerths. JAINA Conventions held every two years draws monks, scholars and visitors of all traditions in a festive and learning environment where thousands of North American Jain families proudly celebrate their heritage. Scholars of all traditions are regularly invited by Jain centers and their members are exposed to more than their own traditions. JAINA Calendar committee publishes a unified calendar that is mailed to 9,000 households every year. JAINA recently published the book "Jain Way of Life" a simple guide for healthy and compassionate life for new generation with emphasis only on the core principles of Jain Dharma. These are examples of how JAINA has archived a state of Unity that is unique in the Jain world.
This unity is a tribute to the two visionaries - Late Acharya Shri Sushil Kumarji and Gurudev Shri Chitrabhanuji who inspired creation of JAINA in 1981. From a handful of centers at the beginning, today there are 67 Jain centers through out USA and Canada that are members of JAINA.
History of immigration of Jains to this continent is also a factor in Jain unity. First generation of the Jains migrated to this country in 1960's as students or young
Jain Education International
Jain Digest Winter 2007
professionals. There were no Jain organizations or
temples at that time. By early 70's informal and formal
Jain groups started forming. Gurudev Shri Chitrabhanuji and Acharya Shri Sushil Kumarji arrived in America and flag of the Jain Dharma has been rising over the North American continent ever since. Visiting scholars have also contributed immensely by their preaching: adding to the unity movement of JAINA. Now, our first generation has reached retirement age. Our second generation will soon be leaders of the Jain community here. They are proud to be Jains. Just Jains. They are also united by a common language - English. They are focused on "Jain Values" and not on any sectarian adherence. Golden age of Jainism will rise all over again!
JAINA has gained world wide reputation as a model of unity for Jains. YJA has inspired similar organizations in India and UK. It is a matter of pride that JAINA Pathshala textbooks are sought by teachers in India, Singapore, Kenya and UK. Recently I have learned of a group in Mumbai who is planning a unified Jain Temple. Indian diaspora has contributed immensly to the Mother India. India's freedom movement and the IT revolution
both came from sons and daughter who had migrated overseas. Maybe a tidal wave of Jain unity from this shore will also someday reach the shores of India. I am an optimist. When it comes to the discussion of Jain Unity, I choose to see the glass as half full.
WATCH YOUR THOUGHTS, THEY BECOME YOUR ACTIONS.
WATCH YOUR ACTIONS, THEY BECOME YOUR HABITS.
WATCH YOUR HABITS. THEY BECOME YOUR CHARACTER
An
WATCH YOUR CHARACTER, IT BECOMES YOUR DESTINY.
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