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JAIN JOURNAL : Vol-XXXI, No. 1. July 1996
Proposals for Action
In order to meet the perceived needs of the Jain community, there are a number of questions to be considered.
1. What would be the rules of an ascetic order outside India? 2. What role would ascetics be expected to fulfill in the
Community? 3. In whom would authority in community be vested? 4. How would the material needs of ascetic orders be met by the
community? 5. What other forms of leadership could complement the ascetic
orders? 6. What representative bodies could be created to speak for the
community? 7. How could custom and ritual be adapted to circumstances of
life outside India? A series of discussions with the Jain community organisations, conferences and deliberations are required before such initiatives could be acted upon. The blessings from the ācāryas of all sects in India and their guidance should be sought and obtained wherver possible. (Hovever, Jain communities outside India must ultimately be prepared to accept the possibilty of autonomy).
If properly thought out and developed. the Western Order of Jainism may attract many non-Indian people to Jainism. For them, and for future generations of children born to Jains whose ancestors came from India, a different form of community may develop. These issues, and the tremendous possibilities presented by the fact of Jain migration from their land of origin, represent a substantial challenge for us to meet. The experience of other migrant and minority populations shows us that there is only one choice which is not open to us : to do nothing. If we do not act together the long-term future of our community will be threatened. Jain values and Jain teachings can only be preserved and transmitted to future generations if we act to ensure that this happens.
The Experience of Other Communities
(a) Christianity
In the West, the majority communities are largely Christians of one sort or another. Most of these groups have a long history of organisation based upon hierarchy. The most common of their religious professionals are the priests (Roman Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican or
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