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JAINA GAZETTE,
for even a small, portion of the 25% for, really speaking, this consideration has already entered into the calculation which gave us the average increase as 11.8%.
(2) Nerging into Hindus.-Social customs tend to unite the Hindus and the Jainas. That is only very fortunate that in spite of religious differences, we have here an example of two classes mixing together in social functions. But this has continued for centuries and there does not appear to be any special reason why within this particular decade this tendency should have considerably increased. Rather, on the other hand, as has been said above, more Jains have been returned as Jains in 1911 than in 1901. Moreover, if there has been an increase in this tendency it is not a fact that people give up their religion owing to such social customs—at least so far as the U. P. and the Punjab are concerned where inore than anywhere else such customs are prevalent.
(3) Joining the Arya Samaj.—This will probably be considered as the most annoying cause. But if proper thought is bestowed on this, it would seem that this is but natural. There is not the least doubt that many Jainas have become Arya Samajists especially in the U. P. and the Punjab ; the important question is why ? The reason is not far to seek. To be frank, there is no spirit of reform among the Jainas. Social reform, educational work, in fact any but the most orthodox methods of satisfying the craving of the soul to benefit mankind, to uplift the brethren are not only not appreciated by them but are positively discouraged. A young man with unbounded enthusiasın desires to sacrifice himself for bis brethren, in the cause of the DIotherland as a servant of the depressed classes ; and a whole host of his community rises up against him. Naturally he seeks a place where his voble desires cau be more easily satisfied. And the Arya Samaj is the living institution wherein he could go and do all this. For this credit is due to the Samaj and we, as Indians shall be wanting in gratefulness if we did not realise that most of the social and educational work in Upper India is due to this gallant band of workers. Yes, this
is thic real cause. In this twentieth century, religion has underShree Sudharmaswami Gyanbhandar-Umara, Surat
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