________________
13
4. To study the social customs among the Jains and remove all social evils that stand in the way of the progress of the Community.
5. To provide relief to the distressed Jain families. 6. To propagate Jain Religion.
It is true that all the Jains will not be one with us in our views But it is a fact that there are some at least in every sect who will co-operate with us whole-heartedly for the common good of the Community. It is no reason why the vital items in the programme should be wiped off simply because some members or even many members will not join us. It is enough if we have, in the beginning, some members representing each sect. Let us go on with the work and we can be sure of success in the long run. What is the use of repairing and decorating an inside room when the whole house is surrounded by flames. Let our leaders calmly think. Let us care for the educational, social, and economic progross of our Community as a whole. Sectarian Panchayats are good in their own way for certain matters. But let us make the All-India Jain Association the biggest Jain Panchayat to discuss matters affecting the whole Jain Community.
If the Jains of the three sects should unite and work for a common cause, their views should be liberal. They should care for the whole Jain Community first and then for their own sect.
HOW TO WORK. 1. Propagation of Religion. The Association should have equal regard for the scriptures of the three sects of the Jains. It should publish with English Translations all the important religious books of the three sects. Let the public read them and follow whichever teaching they think to be the best.
2. The Converts. The Association should recognise the converts as equal to born Jains and admit them as members. The converts should be allowed to follow the teachings of any of the three sects. Shree Sudharmaswami Gyanbhandar-Umara, Surat
www.umaragyanbhandar.com
