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Jaina Scholarship: Decline or Growth : (263)
scholar that the Digambaras developed the concept of the loss of Mahāvīran canons lest the people may not read their works! Of course, this is not correct but it is a deep satire. In view of all this, I would suggest the Digambara institutions and Jaina philanthropists to initiate the translation project, and try to make this available to the west as early as possible. This author is doing his best to send available literature there (up to the tune of Rs. Three lacs by now) and trying to translate Dhavalā, Rājavārtika, etc. without any encouragement from any corner.
3. It is also necessary that Digambara scholars should be sent in related international conferences where they could present different aspects of Digambara Jainism.
4. Currently, many Digambara monks have encouraged many multi-dimensional and multi-crore projects, which are under comments from the intelligentsia. However, they may be requested to initiate the above project also in view of the global promotion of Digambara Jainism. In Svetāmbaras consecration ceremonies, the 15% of the income is set apart for academic and literary purposes. Is it possible that Digambara monks may encourage the community to utilize at least 10% of this type of amount in a similar activity? If we presume 100 such functions every year with the average income of five lacs each, it will bring about Rs. 50 lacs per year for this purpose.
This author had indicated this point in his article in Jaina Gazette, Oct. 2000. These two articles confirm the ideas presented therein. The article suggested a scheme also. But, the Digambaras are after all Digambaras- flying in upward direction or staying above the ground realities. Dr. Dundas states that Jainism is inward-looking and individualistic. Why it should care for what others say about it? However, an example of R. P. Jain of Delhi has come to me who encouraged an US scholar to study Digambara Jainism. He has worked on Pujas of Dyanatrai in Jaipur (Mahāvīra Jayanti Smárikā, 2001). However, it should be taken as an exception. Should we hope that our saintly and social network would take up lead in this direction in this 2600th Mahāvīra's birth year?
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