________________
284
JAINA GAZETTE.
[October
each. The independent tone of the articles and the practical standpoints from which the various subjects have been dealt with by the eminent contributors of this excellent journal show how keenly the Editor-in-chief appreciates the real present needs of the Jain Community and how strongly he feels on account of its deplorable weaknesses and prejudices. Want of space forbids us from entering upon an exhaustive review and we would content ourselves with a brief notice of the Editor's own contribution on page 506 of this periodical. The legislation "for the better protection of male minors " taken in hand by the Jodhpur State, following in the wake of the famous bill introduced in our local counsel by the Hon'ble Lala Sukhbir Singh, is only natural and proper. The opposition of some Jain periodicals and conferences to such an obviously beneficial piece of legislation, however, comes upon us with a sudden surprise. The Jain scriptures nowhere lay down the investiture of a minor with the high discipline of a Jain Sadhu (Monk). The word Bal Brahmchari wherever it occurs in the sacred traditions does not mean a Boy-saint, but only signifies a religious recluse, who has never entered upon married life. The Jaina historical or pre-historical scriptures abound with many an instance in which the Guru (preceptor) is found dissuading the young enthusiast, entering upon the path of discipleship, from adopting the rigorous discipline of the Higher Orders and it is only when the earnestness of the disciple is established beyond all possible doubt that he is taken into the order of Sadhus. The compulsory initiation of minor Sadhus is certainly an offence against religion and it should indeed be declared to be an offence against the state and society. The prevalent custom of inducing minors, of immature intellect by temptations of certainly a temporal nature to become Sadhus (Monks) deserves the highest condemnation and no true Jain would ever think of supporting it. The shameful spectacle of a girl of 8 years being turned into a nun would in itself be sufficient to condemn the Jaina religion in the eyes of all sensible and thinking men; and Mr. Vadi Lal was himself as he says a witness Shree Sudharmaswami Gyanbhandar-Umara, Surat
www.umaragyanbhandar.com
