Sambodhi 2018 Vol 41

Author(s): J B Shah
Publisher: L D Indology Ahmedabad

Page 83

Jitendra B. Shah
SAMBODHI
Ahmedabad. Jinashasan Aradhana Trust has about 400 rare books reprinted. Thus, Jainism believes in preserving and disseminating knowledge. A library in Kailassagarsuri Gyan Mandir at Koba has a large collection of printed books. With the advent of printing technology, books were available in printed form and more copies are at our disposal. This activity of printing books has increased in the last 25 years. Many books are published by Sangh. Books published by Sangh are gifted to various libraries in the city. There are about 80 libraries of Jain books in Ahmedabad. Newly published books are given to the readers. Sadhus are given any book from such library. They usually read these books and return to the library. This activity of printing books has been increased for the last 20 to 25 years and the books are published by Sangh. Books published by Sangh are gifted to libraries. Jainism has more than one lakh volumes. These libraries not only comprise of books on Jainism but also have volumes on literature, philosophy, art and architecture of other religions. Jain Sadhus and Shravaks are open-minded enough to respect scriptures of other religions. Pathshala of Jainism :
Jains have established a tradition of learning and teaching in special schools. The schools that teach Jainism in a traditional manner are called Pathshala. Pathshalas are set up, maintained and funded by Jain Sanghs. There are two types of Pathshalas: 1.Pathshalas for teaching Sadhu-Sadhvis, 2. Pathshalas for teaching children. Earlier, Sadhus were taught by Jain Pundits and Brahmin Pundits. With the course of time, this tradition was replaced by Pathshala. The Pathshalas also have facility to teach Sanskrit and Prakrit languages as well as Philosophy, Karmashastra and Jain literature. When Sadhus do not have have sufficient time for learning, they invite Pundits to Upashraya and learn Jain Shstras. There are Sadhus who have learnt Jain shastras in depth and have become prominent writers. Acharyashri Jambuvijayji, Shilchandrasuri, Pradyumnsuri are few such Sadhus. Presently, there are 15 Pathshala in Ahmedabad.
Pathshalas for Children :
Jain Sanghs establish Pathshalas to impart the basic knowledge of Jainism to the Jain boys and girls. The children go to these Pathshala one to two hours every day. Nowadays, Pathshalas also give knowledge of routine rituals also. These Pathshalas give Prabhavana to students as incentive. Students registered with these Pathshalas visit various Tirths once or twice a