The Jain 1992 04 Special Issue

Author(s): Natubhai Shah, Vinod Kapashi
Publisher: UK Jain Samaj Europe

Page 68

Back of Gabhara, Jain Centre, Leicester. Janism was already an ancient religion in the days of Mahavira some 2,500 years ago. Historians agree that this ancient faith was already in existence at the time of Parsva, the 23rd Tirthankara, 250 years before. Jain tradition would trace the line of the Prophets (to be more exact, Tirthankaras) of Jainism back through countless ages. Yet Jainism has a base in logic and science which makes it strangely modern even now. We can express the teachings of Mahavira in the language of modern times and see that they are as relevant to our own day as they were two and a half millennia ago. The social teaching of Jainism, individual freedom and equality regardless of race, sex, caste and colour, strikes a chord in the hearts and minds of modern men and women. It teaches love and brotherliness to all living creatures: malice and hurt to none. Jainism provides a sensible, acceptable explanation of the great problems of existence, where we came from, where we are going, the nature of our immortal soul and its relation to our temporary body. Jainism provides a code of conduct which is relevant to the troubled world in which we live, a way of life which rejects violence and self-seeking and dishonesty. It is the duty of all Jains, those living in India and those in the West, to keep the torch of knowledge of this great philosophy burning. This is particularly important for the Western world. If Jains neglect their own faith, the children will know nothing of their precious heritage and will turn to different, and probably less noble, paths of life. This is the belief which lies behind the efforts of all who are working to make the Jain Centre a true centre for the Jains of Europe and a place from which knowledge of the great contribution which Jainism can make to the modern world can spread throughout the West. The completion of the building and Pratishtha was the first step; the creation of a museum to explain and promote the history, philosophy, architecture, art, culture and way of life of Jains is currently underway; also being organised is a Jain Academy offering undergraduate and post-graduate courses of Jain studies and teaching for children and adults within the community. Jain Samaj Europe also is involved in the promotion of Jain values, especially ahimsa, by stimulating other communities and individuals through such organisations as the JainChristian Association, Leicestershire Ahimsa Society for the Care of Nature, and others. These are endeavours which deserve and demand your support. We hope most earnestly that your donations to these causes will be generous for they are dear to all who value the Jain faith. Published by Jain Samaj Europe, 69 Rowley Fields Avenue, Leicester, LE3 2ES, U.K. Tel: (0533) 891077 Jain Centre, 32 Oxford Street, Leicester, LE1 5XU, U.K. Tel: (0533) 543091 Price PS2.00ary.org