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belong to three classes depending upon Procedure of Donation the level of their rationalism, which
The procedure of donation has eventually leads to salvation: those who
been described in considerable detail in possess rational perception but do not
the Jain scriptures. Most of the practice any vows, householders who
discussion centers on the ways food is practice the minor vows, and monks
offered to the monks and nuns. who practice the major vows.
Commenting on the procedure of Does this mean that we should
donation, Pandit Phool Chandra Jain help only those who belong to the Jain
Siddhantacharya writes:5 The donor community? Well, Jainism can not
accords reception, seat, washing the condone discrimination on the basis of
feet, worship (praise) and respectful religion or creed. We should help all
gestures (bowing) appropriate to the regardless of their religious beliefs. By
recipient. The donor makes the donation saying that the recipient should have
with purity of mind, speech and body. rational perception, Acharya Amrit
He/she offers food and other materials Chandra Suri implies that we should not
beneficial to the recipient. The support individuals who spread
appropriate reception, seating, irrationalism, delusions and superstition,
respectful gestures and materials such and who mislead their unsuspecting
as food, water and books are determined followers to fulfill their ulterior designs.
according to time and place, and We should not help unscrupulous and
considering the nature and capability of antisocial elements includinginstitutions
the recipient. that indulge in circumventing the teachings of religion and government
Concluding Remarks regulations. We should help individuals
The Jain religion teaches that our who are spiritually advanced. Individuals thoughts, speech and actions should be who have rational perception refrain rational. However, many times some from spreading irrationalism and individuals and institutions exploit the delusion. They do not exploit the masses sentiments of credulous people and for achieving name and fame, procure donations to fulfill their own recognition and titles. They have no interests and ambitions. Sometimes, material goals and lead a virtuous life. donations are used improperly. A variety They enjoy contentmentand equanimity. of schemes are employed in collecting Thus they epitomize the path to real donations. All this goes on in the name happiness. Ordinary people who lead a of religion. In the light of the teachings of clean and virtuous life also deserve our our scriptures, we Jains should not support.
indulge in such practices. 5. TATTVAARTH SUTRA, Hindi exposition by Pandit Phool Chandra Jain
Siddhantacharya, published by Varni Granthmala, Varanasi, 1950, page 365.
રજતજયંતી વર્ષ : ૨૫
તીર્થ-સૌરભ દે
૧૮૧
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