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MODERN JAINISM
The Jaina Young Men's Association of India has been formed with the object of promoting harmony between the three sects, and of furthering the cause of education and social improvement. They aim ultimately at the abolition of caste restrictions, the alleviation of the sufferings of child-widows and the introduction of other social reforms. But in these, as in all their other ambitions, they are much hindered by obscurantist priests and ascetics.
The pessimism which nvershadowed the birth of Jainism still seems inherent in it, and its more thoughtful followers are not only perplexed by the conflict between its teachings and the discoveries of Modern Science, but are also discouraged from active effort by their belief that Jainism is doomed to disappear at the end of the present era.
