Jain Spirit 2003 06 No 15

Author(s): Jain Spirit UK
Publisher: UK Young Jains

Page 24

FEATURES
UNITY AND DIVERSITY
Amar Salgia points us towards constructive education on the sectarian divergences within Jainism
U
NDERSTANDING THE JAIN TRADITION requires us to appreciate its various manifestations. In its own unique way, each legitimate sect of Jainism has preserved a certain philosophy as well as the Four-fold Order (Chaturvidhi Sangha), set forth by Lord Mahavir and comprising of male monks (sadhus), female nuns (sadhvis), male listeners or laymen (shravakas) and female listeners or laywomen (shravikas).
We live in times far removed from Asia's past. People of all ages can enjoy opportunities to survey and experience the complete landscape of the Jain tradition. Aided by examples, we will outline the principles by exploring practical insights for Jain teachers and educators.
THE NATURE OF JAINISM
Just what is this thing called 'Jainism"? There can be a variety of answers. As with anything else, every concept of Jainism derives from a unique perspective (naya). Whatever they may be, our definitions need to be informed by three basic realities: Throughout its history, Jainism has been a diverse tradition.
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In Jainism there is no one true tradition' nor has there ever been. Lord Mahavir's message has been preserved for our times not by one sect alone but by several parallel traditions such as the Digambara, Shvetambara, Sthanakvasi, Terapanthi and ancient Yapaniya. This is simply a fact of history. When we think of 'Jainism' we cannot think of just one uniform but several ways of worship or practice. In keeping with the Jain approach to different viewpoints, we may regard each of these traditions - each by itself as a treasured manifestation of the Tirthankara's path by which Jains strive to live. Jain diversity has preserved a great unity.
Amazingly, all sects are basically identical in philosophy. All use the same basic liturgies and mantras in the Prakrit languages (such as the Namokar Mantra). After more than 2500 years since being codified, this doctrinal uniformity is a credit to Mahavir's genius. The sects do differ slightly on certain points of interpretation, which are minor from a lay perspective.
Each unique sect of Jainism has emphasised different aspects of Lord Mahavir's teachings in special ways. Why deny those differences of interpretation, sweep them under the rug or forget about them? Each interpretation helps us understand the Jain message more thoroughly. Each unique idea from each sect is a vital lesson in Jain philosophy and practice. Such an attitude toward the differences comes from the Jain spirit of anekantvada, which we shall explore further below.
Jain Spirit June - August 2003
The growth and tolerance of differing sects is anekantvada in action.
The diversity of emphasis found among the sects does not mean that Jains as a whole have not been following anekantvada. It is misleading to suggest that the very existence of different sects shows that Jains or Jain families who devote themselves to one sect are narrow-minded or
張金
COORG Jopoos
The royally adorned Shvetambar murti, with eyes open, represents the Jina as sovereign victor over all inner enemies and the five senses
divisive. Jains have never fought each other in any manner akin to the Catholics and Protestants, Sunnis and Shi'ites, or Shaivas and Vaishnavas.
Nothing should keep us from understanding the different manifestations of Jainism just as they are, or appreciating what wonders they each bear. Rather than making an issue of our sectarian diversity, speaking as if it were a burden or defeat, we should foster an admiration for each sect's distinct contributions.
PHOTOS: JAMES MATURIN-BAIRD