Jain Spirit 2003 10 No 16

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

Page 66

Modernising Jainism
MODERNISING JAINISM
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VIEWPOINT
One of the most prominent Jain media leaders, Mrs. Indu Jain recommends new thinking and action
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HE OLDEST PRINCIPLES of spirituality that we now know as Jainism still have a wide acceptance. The principles, laid down by those who desired to attain salvation, took the form of a rulebook. These practices were unaffected by the changing times. This can be one reason why they are sometimes not taken seriously today. Rapid advances in technology and their impact on society have given rise to differences in the people's attitude towards religion. If the common man's interest in the faith is to be sustained, then changes are imperative.
There is also the need to put Jain material onto the World Wide Web. This will go a long way in granting access to the common man to Jain wisdom. Another factor that needs to be addressed is donations. Devotees are willing to meet temple-based expenses incurring in pooja, flag hoisting or temple building. But there is also the need to ensure a systematic and continuous flow of donations to other cultural activities like education. There are many Jains engaged in business activities that may not get the approval of the community at large. Instead of disregarding such businesses, alternatives and incentives should be provided that would automatically help Jains better themselves in the long run. This applies to products as well. For example, the issue of banning leather is a complex one and does affect some of our businesses.
The system of imparting knowledge needs to be adapted to the changing times. New innovations are paying dividends. Take for example the 'Art of Living' courses. More people have been converted to vegetarianism through this than by any other means. 'Preksha- dhyan', which is all about meditation, has made significant strides. Mobile courses, which take the message to the people in a creative way, have become more popular and effective than religious discourses. We should have similar courses for imparting Jain wisdom.
JAUN
Since Jain monks and nuns are not allowed to travel outside India, spiritual and knowledgeable leaders need to make an effort to promote Jainism elsewhere. Mrs. Indu Jain, Chairman of Times Foundation Moreover, the younger generation does not find the discourses and the CH U standardised lectures attractive enough. A different form or methodology is called for in the changed circumstances. While retaining the essence, a new language or idiom ought to be employed to convey old truths to the new generations. The ways of society, its customs and methods that existed in ancient times do not interest the modern youths. Today the routes to right thinking and right living need to be illustrated with contemporary examples and true stories in a form that is easily intelligible. This also means that some outdated expressions and norms should be suitably amended.
Shravakas and shravikas (lay Jains) need to discuss all these with the Jain saints. Laypersons and Jain monks need to communicate frequently. Everyone, whether rich or poor, needs true spiritual guidance. There are many, especially nonJains, who are drawn to the faith and are keen to have more information. The media can play a pivotal role in making such information freely available to one and all. Much of the Jain wisdom still has to be translated into local and other languages. In particular, English is very quickly becoming the language of global communication. If this translation work is speeded up, it will help many people appreciate the greatness of Jainism.
64 Jain Spirit September November 2003
I am very impressed by the initiative taken up in the UK by Jain Spirit magazine to promote the best of Jain wisdom in such a professional and creative way. This is a fountain of ideas and inspiration, which is charting a new dawn for Jainism.
Mrs. Indu Jain is Chairman of The Times of India and The Times Foundation, a leading educational charity promoting
TIMES
FOUNDATION Indian spirituality.
Photo: James Maturin-Baird