________________
families living an individualistic lifestyle). The third need is truly traditional, a subset of migrants in any given metropolitan have grown-up with strong traditional roots and would like to continue their personal life in the same traditional way. These fundamental needs coupled with the professional outlook (some may say American outlook) which the migrant Jains have picked up from the American society in many respects influence the nature, operation and the model of the Jain centers of NA.
Jain Center of Northern California - a classic example of multi-tradition under one roof.
The exact operating model differs from center to center, some centers are more sect or tradition based while others try to be more tradition and language-agnostic, by encompassing all traditions under one roof. No matter which model has been selected, it has enabled the teaching of Jainism to young and old, as well as provided an opportunity for the community to come together as a sangh and participate in social and cultural activities. The approach of a unified model of practicing all traditions under one roof has seen good amount of success, especially among the centers where no single group or sect dominates the events of the center. These centers normally also play the larger role of a Jain Community center. The strength in numbers derived from this unity can be crucial for the long-term survival of Jainism in North America. However, this brings to mind a few questions: Do temples following multiple traditions (within Jainism) or centers dilute the message of spirituality and focus more on the "sansaric" community needs? Jains believe (almost all traditions) that the path to Moksha is through a compassionate guidance of a guru. How will Jains of NA find their spiritual guru?
Jain Education International
26
JAIN DIGEST.. May 2011
Challenges
Jain Community of North America has successfully established the symbol of the essence of Jainism in building Jain Centers across the continent. In spite of all various activities and utilizing modern methods of bringing people together, the community mostly follows the traditional modes of imparting and acquiring knowledge. But looking at future, there are challenges that it will have to address. A substantial challenge that all Jain temples of North America will face is the same challenge that Jainism as a whole has faced over the last 2600 years, and successfully tackled. When challenged by other faiths, by environmental conditions etc., how will Jains of NA adapt while staying true to the essence? In the past, diverse opinions resulted in the breakup of the community in multiple groups or traditions, but each of these groups maintained and passed down the core essence of Jainism imbibed in their traditions and at the same time it offered spiritual aspirant the complete guidance and opportunity for selfpurification. Will Jains of NA as a community become leaders for Green change, like the Jain Acharyas in the past brought about positive social changes (the changes that the society of the time was in dire need of)? How well will the NA Jain community preserve the core Jain message over generations? How will individuals take their first baby-steps towards their ultimate salvation? The social environment of North America, the globalization effect due to rapidly changing technology, and the mostly materialistic Jain community of NA presents a challenge to staying true to the essence of Jain spirituality.
New generation's challenge The challenge lies ahead, when the new generation takes over the leadership of the community. Will this leadership predominantly be of the traditionally conscious new migrants from India (as has been the case so far, and more will continue to come), or traditional liberal youths brought up in a different social environment? Over the past few decades, people who came from India and grew up in different, albeit, structured, and traditional environment have run Jain Centers of North America. They may have more modern outlook, but their roots are still traditional. When the new generation takes over the leadership of the community, will this leadership predominantly be of those traditionally
For Private & Personal Use Only
