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closely tied up with each other” and that there is “a continuous and ever-increasing stress on the path of purification among Digambar Jain householders” (Jain, R. K. 1999: 51), which manifests in hierarchical differentiation of laity in the form of brahmachari, kshullak and ailak (collectively called tyagis). Along with tyagis, Jain pandits (teachers and scholars) form a significant intermediate layer between the ascetics and the laity in Bundelkhand region. The sectarian context thus puts the moksh-marg ideal and ascetic-laity interaction in some perspective. However, Cort's thesis cannot be dismissed lightly. Indeed, it provides deeper insight into the world of Jain laity as rightly argued by Peter Flügel (2006) in his review article of Jains in the World. Undoubtedly, more studies are required on the issue before we discover the underlying sociological patterns.
On-going social change and modernization in India has been exerting considerable pressure on the moksha-marg ideal which can be seen in the laxity in observance of prescribed codes of conduct for ascetics and laypersons. It has affected the daily life of a large segment of the Jain community, particularly those who have been living in large cities and metropolises. The emergent value system reflected in contemporary cinema, television and mass media is adding to this impact. There have been significant changes among the Jains in their daily routine, food habits, religious and life-cycle rituals, inter-personal relations, structure of the family and even that of the community. In most of these spheres one can notice a certain amount of moral dilution in the orthodox Jain way of life.
Increased individualism, competition and consumerism in the context of the growth of capitalism in India have disturbed the equilibrium of the traditional Jain way of life as indeed all other traditional ways of life. Increased incidences of economic crimes, corruption, dowry demands, and female foeticide, use of alcohol and non-vegetarian food, and general disinterest in religion in the young generation have given rise to concern in the Jain community leadership to arrest these trends. Emigration and diasporic experience of the Jain communities in Europe and North America have also thrown up somewhat similar concerns that address the core issue of retaining the Jain identity in the face of emergent liberal value system.
Jains in India and Abroad
