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NO MORE AUCTIONS
Sulekh Jain, Houston, Texas, writes:
I congratulate Sudhir Shah for expressing his views against Ghee Boli in the Dec 2001 - February 2002 issue of Jain Spirit Magazine. It is about time we debated this subject frankly and openly.
For many years I have shared similar views about this practice of Ghee Boli. For ethical and moral reasons, all my family members have constantly avoided participation in such practices. Also, over the years I have talked to many people on this subject. The following is what some of them had to say:
1. Jain banias are very smart in giving it a fancy name "Ghee Boli". Where is the Ghee? There is only Boli. So, why don't they just call it auction?
2. This tradition is outdated and not suited for Jains in the West. 3. This auction is mostly prevalent in the Gujarati Deravasi community. There is some auction in the Digambar community, but not for fund-raising all the time. The Jain community in North America consists of people of all the Jain sects, and from all parts of India and not just Deravasi Gujaratis. No other Indian (non Jain) religious community practices this ritual to raise funds and buy ego in the temple.
4. The community that has come to North America is professional, educated and open minded. It was not expected to bring baggage from India that does not suit its current environment. This practice of auction, instead of being reduced, modified or curtailed, has dramatically increased. Several people, who rarely visit the temple throughout the year, will visit solely for the purpose of Ghee Boli, on the day of Mahaveer Janam Vachan. during Paryushana. Even during Samvatsari Pratikraman, this ritual is now practiced prior to the start of the Pratikraman; instead of shedding the ego and attachments, many people participate in this practice of auction for reciting various Pratikarman Sutras. This goes against the very spirit and essence of Pratikraman.
5. Under the guise of raising funds, this ritual is also now being practiced throughout the year at every Aarti. In several cities, people will not do another Aarti because there was no bidder. What a shame?
GAP YEAR
Bansi Shah aged 14, Clacton, UK, writes:
PARATION
6. Many youths over the years suggested that let there be Ghee Boli of tapasyas like Namokar Mantra Maala Jaap, Samayak, Fasts, Community service etc. but the practitioners of this tradition are not willing to listen.
I was really inspired by Anish Shah's article entitled 'Jungle Adventure Proves Aparigraha' (issue 9 page 40). I have decided that I would like to take a year out after my A' Levels to travel abroad and work on a charity project.
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7. Our youths are against it. We say that we are building temples for them but I find it hard to believe that our walk does not match with the talk
May I suggest that in a future issue of Jain Spirit there is an open debate on this topic? It will be very useful.
Jain Spirit
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March May 2002
Jain Education International 2010 03
Brad Pouleson (issue 9, page 30) explains very clearly the need for Jains living in the west to share their culture with their neighbours and colleagues. We have inherited a beautiful set of values and beliefs and it would be a great regret to keep this to ourselves. Jain Spirit is fulfilling a unique vacuum and enabling all of
us to become more informed and thereby more equipped to share this heritage. It is true that as Jains we need to invest more effort in understanding our tradition and our children give us tremendous motivation for doing so.
OPEN DOORS
olium
Rajvee Punatar, London, writes:
ASPIRE TOWARDS PERFECTION Shanti Panchal, London, writes:
I enjoy Jain Spirit and share its mission to spread the awareness of this ancient tradition. As an artist I draw much inspiration from Jain art in my work and visit many temples in India. I very much enjoyed the gatefold picture of 'Cosmic Man' (Lokapurusha) in issue 9. I find that there is aspiration towards quality that is very central to this art form. I would like to encourage Jain Spirit to also embody this and not make compromises. I was disappointed by the colours and the presentation of my own paintings in the article 'Natural Colour' (pages 34/35). Even the photographs should be carefully selected and scanned to achieve the maximum impact. If this professionalism involves extra cost then I would like to encourage anyone with surplus wealth to help this unique enterprise retain the Jain tradition of perfection. In the history of Jainism the community has patronised art and artists and I hope that this tradition also continues in the present and the future.
It is indeed delightful to read the esteemed columns of Jain Spirit, which has embodied in itself the ways and means to propagate Jainism in its full spirit. The sections 'Youth' and 'History' are of immense value, to both the young and the old. The success of the magazine lies in its vivid presentation and social accountability. Further, I read with pleasure the columns of art and literature, embellished with charismatic writings. Jainism requires rejuvenation with newer and novel thoughts for its stability in future. The preachings of Tirthankaras should percolate the thoughts, moods and
JAIN SPIRIT-ISSUE 9
LOIN SPIRIT memories of the people. It should find its deep roots
No Culture, No Future
overseas and its strength and vitality in its native land. The young have a great responsibility for its revival and survival and I am very much confident that Jain Spirit will work in propagating and achieving these principles.
A GEM
Nitin Parshwanath, Mysore, India, writes:
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