Jains Through Time

Author(s): Shilapi Sadhvi
Publisher: Veerayatan

Page 83

The Jains through Time
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we can't even see it at all. But those forests has been asked, even by lay people, to accept and groves of trees, where even the tiniest or observe the commandments of Jainism. rays of sunshine can break through and warm the surroundings, will keep on Jainism Loses its Hold growing and gaining strength. In the same Jainism has held up its shramans as its heroes way, wherever the influence of Jain shramans for the last 2,600 years. They have been at has been felt, however fleeting, Jainism has the helm during the triumphant journey of remained alive.
Jainism's expansion. Even today the duty of
protecting and nurturing Jainism falls on Jainism is the coral isle of my inner sea, their powerful shoulders. In the future too which is why I sing such eulogies about it. they will remain the axis in the wheels of The story of Jainism that I have presented to the chariot of progress, as they are the you is memorable indeed, but there is a pivotal point for the development of society. shadow over my paradise island - despite all this community of renunciants in its their virtues and praiseworthy deeds in many excellence has opened the gate for universal areas, the number of Jains has not increased progress, given me the invaluable gift of its by any appreciable amount. We all know that divine personalities and enriched me Jainism's spiritual profundity and universal greatly. Why go further? I have just altruism has inspired many to live their lives presented you with a stupendous in accordance with its teachings, but the fact composition of a thousand golden years of remains that Jain acharyas and shramans never Jain history in South India, a symphony pressurised those who came to them for sung with the purest of notes by the Jain guidance to convert to the Jain religion. shramans, which still echoes in my memory. True, countless people have received help in However, I have to add, that pleased as I am understanding life's real purpose, not to about the accomplishments of the Jain speak of help with life's other basic shramans, I am disappointed as well because necessities, but in return for this help no-one it was their own short-sightedness and laxity