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68
J. S. Conference Herald.
April.
Let each follow his own way so far as his particular religious beliefs are concerned. No discussion upon the several sectarian perceptions ought to be allowed. It would only be destroying rather than producing, harmony. Leaving aside this particular branch of discussion, we have still much before us to think upon and if we agree upon those points, we would be relieved of the heaviest burden that now lies upon the shoulders of the whole Jain Community.
In the first place, we may create several sectarian. Panchavets of a certain number of respectable persons of broad and enlightened views and make it a rule to refer any and every matter of dispute among themselves, for their decision which ought to be final. Then we ought to form a Common Jain Panchayet of persons of social position and culture selected from among the members of the several sectarian Panchayets, to whom. matters concerning temples, images, sites of temples, Dharamsallas.. Upasras &c. &c. which are a bone of contention either in the major or minor divisions and which have not been amicably decided by tlie several sectarian Panchayets may be referred for decision. Their decision ought to be final. They ought to meet once a year or at any interval of time which may be conveniently fixed. This General Panchayet as well as the Sectarian Panchayets ought to be registered and recognised bodies.. Social questions of vital importance and general utility may also be discussed and decided.
By so doing we will honor ourselves and the wliole coinmunity and will be pecuniarily profitted. The object of worship will also b from desecration. Divided we fell but united we would rule the destiny of the future generations.
We are glad to note that our Digamber Brothers have taken the initiative in this matter, and during the annual meetings of the Jain Young Men's Association of India at Umballa Cantonment in December last they have specially adopted a resolution to this effect. We hope our Swetamber Brothers will not lack in the zeal shown by Digambers and will try to any how unite the two jarring elements of the day. By so doing they will be only following the footsteps of their religious preceptor and by sowing the seeds of union they will reap a good harvest the like of which has never been witnessed in the immediate past.
The Prohlem of the day. (Mr. Kalyanji Padamji Shah B. A. Radhanpur.) It is a piece of good luck that we the Jains are lately attempting to solve a problem vitally affecting us and our sacred religion. Happily we are thinking of rising from a long period of lethargy during which we have suffered a heavy loss in all ways. It is a matter of deep regret that a Jain of to-day differs from his forefathers of a few centuries back in every phase
