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Celebrating Jain Society of Houston Pratishtha Mahotsav 1995
In India the Shwetambaras and Digambaras happen to have different traditions for their idols and temples. But in America, Jains of all denominations have been putting their heads together and organizing under one umbrella. This is not without reason. Despite the outward differences, Jains of all the sects subscribe to the same common principles in all major areas, whether they be in the realm of six Dravyas, nature of soul, its state under the bondage of Karma and its potentiality for liberation, eight types of Karmas, nine fundamentals, 12 categories of austerities and of restraint, Syadvad etc.. Similarly they hold identical beliefs about the nature of universe, four states of life, time cycle, names of 24 Tirthankaras five Kalyanakas etc. Differences that exist are at the surface and are more or less at the superficial level. Thus, it is time that all the Jains here cast aside outward differences and converge on the major issues.
Ideally, this should cover the issue of worshipable idol as well. In our temple, we are therefore going to have separate idols as per Shwetambara and Digambara traditions. This reflects tolerance of sect views, and is in conformity with the theory of syadvad. The Idols have been prepared at Jaipur. Installing the Shwetambar and Digambar idols side by side also is a sign of progress towards unity. That will provide exposure of Shwetambar traditions to Digambara and Digambar traditions to Shwetambar and will give them opportunity to better understand each other. This, too, is not a small gain.
Installation ceremony is a great occasion for all of us. The importance of this occasion cannot be overestimated. Our tradition considers such an installation as wholesome enough to lead to the state of Tirthankara, because it amounts to raising of Tirth. Installation here is specially important because we are raising a Tirth on foreign soil. In fact, people from far and wide have already started visiting our Center. There is therefore hardly any exaggeration to state that after the installation, our Center is going to be a place of pilgrimage. It is now incumbent upon all of us to celebrate this occasion appropriately and with utmost enthusiasm. We therefore implore all the Jains and other well wishers to treat this occasion as their own and contribute their physical, mental and economic capabilities to the extent befitting the ceremony.
"A true friend is he who dispenses a dose of bitter advice solely to see our healthy success"
(Swami Pradipananda)
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