International Jain Conference,
11-12 January 2025, Ahmedabad
Author: Jyoti Kumar Kothari, Jaipur
First of all, I would like to extend a warm welcome and greetings to all of you at this prestigious International Jain Conference. It is a matter of great joy and pride that we have gathered here today to discuss the rich tradition of Jainism, its contributions, and its bright future.
As a social worker among international Jain scholars, I have witnessed firsthand the social changes within the Jain community over the past 50 years while holding various responsible social, religious, and scholarly positions. My study of Jain Agamas and other scriptures has provided me with a perspective to view these changes. In this context, I would like to share my thoughts today.
Jainism an ancient religion
The Jain community and Jainism has played a significant role in the development of India's civilization and culture. Numerous kings, emperors, ministers, generals, warriors, merchants, scholars, social workers, philanthropists, and freedom fighters have hailed from this community. Even during the Islamic invasions and British rule, the Jain community held a dominant position. The community also made significant contributions to the Indian independence movement and maintained its dominance in independent India. Through their philanthropy, Jains have made substantial contributions to education, health, and family welfare, and continue to do so today. However, in recent times, their political and commercial dominance has waned, and there has been a decline in their cultural influence.
Considering these contexts, what should be the direction of the Jain community today? How can it regain its former glory?
- What should be the roles of revered Acharyas, sadhus, sadhvis (renunciants), and 2. householders?
- What should be the roles of 1. youth, 2. children, 3. women, and 4. parents?
Jainism: A Glorious History
Jainism is not only an ancient and great spiritual tradition of India but of the entire human civilization. Jainism, an eternal and ancient religion, has a history spanning thousands of years. This religion is not merely a path of worship but also guides a scientific, ethical, and philosophical lifestyle.
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Ancient Times: The Tradition of Tirthankaras According to Jain tradition, 24 Tirthankaras preached religion in this world. The first Tirthankara, Bhagwan Rishabhdev (Adinath), taught human society about agriculture, trade, and governance. The name of India is derived from his son, Bharat Chakravarti. The 16th Tirthankara, Shantinath, specifically preached the message of compassion for living beings and peace. The 22nd Tirthankara, Neminath, taught about the environment and non-violence.
Contribution of Bhagwan Mahavir Swami: The last Tirthankara, Bhagwan Mahavir Swami (599-527 BCE), spread the message of non-violence, non-possession, and anekantavada to the masses. He modified the four vows of Parshvanath's religion to suit the times and propounded five great vows - non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, celibacy, and non-possession. His teachings on the six substances continue to amaze physicists today. The analysis of beings from nigoda to Sarvarthsiddh is a unique example of biology. Mahavir's theory of karma is also unique. The Acharanga Sutra, uttered by him, advocates non-violence and gives an important message of environmental protection. By stating that caste is determined by "karma, not birth," he played an incomparable role in social reforms.
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Emperor Chandragupta Maurya (322-298 BCE) embraced Jainism in his final days and attained Samadhimarana by taking diksha under the guidance of Bhadrabahu Swami in Shravanabelagola (Karnataka).
Emperor Kharavela is primarily mentioned in the "Kharavela Inscription", found in the Udaygiri and Khandagiri caves in the Kataki (Kakatika) region of Odisha. This inscription provides information about his great works, military victories, and religious objectives.
4. Gupta Period: The Golden Age The Gupta period is considered the 'Golden Age' of Indian history. Jainism was widely propagated during this period. The Jain scholar Vaachka Umasvami wrote important texts. Umasvami's text 'Tattvarth Sutra' is considered the foundational text of Jain philosophy.
5. Middle Ages: Kings, Merchants, and Philanthropists Kings like Kumarapala became followers of Jainism and made significant contributions to its propagation. King Kumarapala, under the inspiration of Acharya Hemchandra, patronized Jainism. Hemchandracharya's role in the unification of Gujarat is as significant as Chanakya's role in the unification of India. Acharya Hemchandra systematically propagated Jainism and authored great works like 'Hemchandra Vyakaran'. Kings Amoghvarsha (Rashtrakuta dynasty) and King Mahendrapal also contributed to the rise of Jainism. Marvels of Jain architecture such as the Dilwara Temples (Mount Abu) and the Ranakpur Temple were built during this period.
6. Islamic Invasions and the Struggle of the Jain Community:
During the Islamic invasions, many Jain temples were destroyed, but the Jain community maintained its faith. Jain saints and Acharyas performed many important tasks to protect the religion. The contributions of Jin Dutt Suri, Manidhari Jinchandra Suri, Kushal Suri, Jin Prabh Suri, Heer Vijay Suri, Jin Chandra Suri, etc. are memorable in protecting the religion during this period. During this period, valiant warriors like Hemu and Bhama Shah, and influential businessmen like Virji Vohra, Seth Shantidas, Jagat Seth, Amichand, etc., played a significant role in preserving Jain's religion and culture. Rani Chennamma's struggle against the Portuguese in South India was India's first war against European invaders. The Jain community in South India, Gujarat, and Rajasthan preserved their cultural and religious heritage even during the Islamic invasion.
7. British Rule and Contribution to the Freedom Struggle
During the British period, many wealthy businessmen earned immense wealth through their business skills and maintained their dominance. The families of Bafna of Kota, Rampuria, and Dhadda of Bikaner, Lunia of Hyderabad, Dugad, Dudhodia, Nahar of Azimaganj, and Rai Badridass of Kolkata, etc., are noteworthy.
Who can forget the hanging of Amar Chand Banthia and the contributions of Lala Lajpat Rai in the freedom struggle? Mahatma Gandhi himself was inspired by Shrimad Rajchandraji, and Veerchand Gandhi raised the flag of Jainism on the world stage.
Acharya Vijay Vallabh Suri awakened the spirit of Swadeshi and contributed to the freedom struggle. Colonel Kasliwal, a close associate of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, was in the Azad Hind Fauj. Individuals like Purnchandra Tunklia, Siddhraraj Dhadda, and Jawaharlal Jain, who were proponents of the Sarvodaya movement, also hailed from the Jain community.
8. Contributions in Independent India and the Modern Era
Following India's independence, the Jain community took the lead in the fields of education, health, and family welfare. Renowned scientist Vikram Sarabhai was a pioneer in Indian space research. The Kasturbhai Lalbhai family established IIM Ahmedabad. Jain philanthropists established thousands of schools, colleges, universities, research institutions, and medical centers, making significant contributions to education and healthcare, thereby aiding India's development. The Bhagwan Mahavir Viklang Sahayata Samiti (Jaipur Foot) is the world's largest organization of its kind.
Whether it was Balwant Rai Mehta in the Constituent Assembly or Prakash Chand Sethi as India's Home Minister, the Jain community has been at the forefront of national consciousness and politics since independence. Takhtmal Kothari, Virendra Saklecha, Sundarlal Patwa, Vijay Rupani, etc., served as Chief Ministers of Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat. Vijay Singh Nahar served as Home Minister and Deputy Chief Minister of West Bengal. Currently, Gulabchand Kataria is the Governor of Punjab, and before him, Sundar Singh Bhandari also held the position of Governor. In addition, many have contributed to politics as central and state ministers, assembly speakers, MPs, and MLAs.
Dalveer Singh Bhandari became a judge of the International Court of Justice. Rajendra Lodha became the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. Laxmimal Singhvi served as India's Attorney General and Ambassador. Gumanmal Lodha and Manish Bhandari served as Chief Justices of High Courts. Many other judges have served in high courts and the Supreme Court, bringing pride to the Jain community.
Daulat Chand Kothari was a pioneer in modern education, while Devendra Raj Mehta served as Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank and Chairman of SEBI, shaping India's economic activities. Arvind Panagariya served as Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog and is currently the Chairman of India's Finance Commission. A large number of Jain officers are continuously serving in the Indian Administrative Service. Wing Commander Abhinandan Jain, along with many other brave Jain soldiers, holds high positions in the armed forces.
The Jain community has been at the forefront of environmental protection, cow protection, and water conservation.
Current Challenges
However, it is also a bitter truth in the present time that the political and business dominance of the Jain community is gradually declining. Along with this, a decline in cultural and moral values is also being observed.
Here we need to do self-analysis - where are we going wrong? In which direction do we need to move forward?
Future Direction: Role of Acharyas, Sadhus-Sadhvis, Householders
The revival of Jain society is possible only when all sections of society fulfill their responsibilities properly.
"Jain Society: Role of Acharyas, Sadhus-Sadhvis and Householders"
The wonderful characteristic of the Jain religion is that it provides a clear direction to every aspect of life - renunciation, spiritual practice, and household life. The roles of Acharyas, Sadhus-Sadhvis, and householders are extremely important in the upliftment of society. Let us understand the roles of these two groups in detail.
1. Role of Acharyas, Sadhus-Sadhvis:
In the Jain religion, Acharyas, and Sadhus-Sadhvis are considered the spiritual guides of society. They not only practice self-improvement but also inspire society to walk on the right path. Their role has become even more important in the present time.
(i) Inspiring society to walk on the path of morality, religion and non-violence:
Acharyas and Sadhus-Sadhvis strengthen the foundation of morality in society. They inspire people to adopt the principles of truth, non-violence, and non-possession. Among increasing materialism, corruption, and violence in society, their teachings are like a lighthouse. Through sermons and discourses, they not only provide religious knowledge but also explain the difference between right and wrong in life.
(ii) Organizing society and promoting Jain principles in the modern age:
Jain Sadhus-Sadhvis travel on foot. Therefore, they are directly connected with society. They reach every village. Padvihar (walking) is a unique power in the modern technological age that they can use to organize society and promote Jain principles.
The Gochari (Alms/ food collection) of Sadhus is also a powerful medium to unite society and impart moral values. Jain Sadhus going for Gochari in families of upper, middle, and deprived groups spread the message of social harmony and play an important role in threading society together.
Uniting different sections of society – children, youth, women, and elderly – and making them aware of religion is an important task of Acharyas, Sadhus-Sadhvis. Instead of merely religious rituals and ostentatious programs, they can make society morally and spiritually superior by teaching real Jain values, principles, and conduct.
(iii) Connecting youth with the real meaning of religion:
Today's youth is in a state of confusion. It is very important to explain to them the real meaning of religion. Acharyas and Sadhus-Sadhvis need to establish a dialogue with youth and generate interest in religion in their minds. It is necessary to present the logical and scientific aspects of the Jain religion to youth and resolve their questions.
Religion should not be limited to worship only but should be inspired to be adopted as a lifestyle.
(iv) Strengthening the Shramana tradition:
Acharyas and Sadhus-Sadhvis need to maintain their tradition. Renunciation, penance, and discipline hold the highest place in the lives of Jain monks and nuns. Their character and behavior provide an ideal to society, which every householder can emulate.
(v) Role of Jain Acharyas in society's unity:
The fundamental principles of the Jain religion are one where there is the practice of the path to liberation in the form of right faith-knowledge-conduct. For this, there is an exposition of nine elements /substances (Navtatwa). The theory of karma is included in the nine elements. The system of six substances (Shatdravya) is given to understand the arrangement of the universe. Natural disposition is called dharma (Vastuswabhava), in its arrangement ten dharmas like supreme forgiveness, etc. are described. For conduct, five great vows and twelve vows for householders are described. For worship, there is the provision of five supreme beings (Parameshthi) or nine padas (Siddhachakra) as worshipable. There is the eternal Navkar mantra. All Jains are unanimous on all these fundamental things. There is no difference of opinion in any community regarding these. This is the fundamental principle of unity of Jain society.
Diversity in communities is in some matters related to conduct or in traditions, and rituals, not in fundamental principles. Therefore, those should be considered secondary and unity should be strengthened by discussing fundamental principles more.
Acharyas of different opinions and sects should focus on these fundamental principles leaving the insistence of their own community/sect/tradition. While following their own traditions within their community, they should avoid allegations and counter-allegations on each other and respect each other and each other's opinions, then the unity of Jains can be strengthened.
2. Role of Householders:
In the Jain religion, householders are considered the 'pillar of religion'. Householders have a special contribution to running religious and economic systems smoothly in society.
(i) Householders need to understand their responsibilities:
They should fulfill their duties towards religion, society, and family with complete dedication. They should give a portion of their income to religion, education, and social welfare. They should make their lifestyle according to Jain principles – non-violence, truth, non-possession.
Every householder should make the 'three jewels' – right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct – a part of their life.
(ii) Contributing wealth, knowledge, and time in society:
The history of the Jain religion testifies that Jain householders have made countless contributions in the fields of education, health, and social service. Today there is a need for every householder to dedicate a portion of their income, knowledge, and time to the upliftment of society.
The role of householders is very important in the construction and operation of temples, educational institutions, hospitals, and orphanages. It is also necessary that they take time for the promotion of religion and spread awareness in society.
Jain society was originally a society of Kshatriyas but over time it became a society of Vaishyas (merchants). Now Jain society is becoming a group of service-class people. The warrior spirit needs to be rekindled in society and householders have a primary role in this. Currently, the role of Jains in politics is declining. It is necessary to pay attention to this.
(iii) Following Jain principles in trade and business:
Jain society has a glorious history in trade and business.
Every Jain businessman should follow the principle of 'non-violence is the supreme religion'. Honesty, transparency, and justice with customers should be given priority in business. Along with business profit, one should also understand their responsibility towards society. Environmental protection, cleanliness, and judicious use of resources should be made part of their business.
"Role of Youth, Children, Women, and Parents in Jain Society: A Thought-Provoking Perspective"
The history of the Jain religion teaches us that every class, every age, and every person has their own special role. Today when society is facing many challenges – materialism, moral degradation, and cultural disintegration – in such times youth, children, women, and parents will have to understand their responsibilities.
1. Role of Youth:
(i) Excellence in education and employment:
Youth should reach the highest peak of education and skill in their field. Knowledge has been given the highest place in the Jain religion. Lord Mahavir's 'right knowledge' emphasizes this. Youth should use their knowledge and skills for the upliftment and welfare of society.
Family life with values:
High-value dignified household life is the goal of Jain society. Currently, it is being eroded due to Western influence. It needs to be re-established. Family is the first unit of society, so without strengthening it, the upliftment of society and nation cannot even be imagined.
Social and Political Role
Youth need to be active in social and political fields. Job and business are just means of livelihood, this is not the completeness of life.
(ii) Adopting Jain principles in life:
Youth should not limit themselves to just participating in religious programs but should imbibe Jain principles in their lives. 'Non-violence is the supreme religion' and 'multiple viewpoints' are not just principles, but the art of living life.
Youth should incorporate self-control, compassion, and truth in their conduct while taking inspiration from the life of Lord Mahavir.
(iii) Use of modern technologies:
Today's era is of technology and globalization. In such times, modern means should be used for the promotion of Jain principles. Youth should use social media, digital platforms, and technological means for the promotion of the Jain religion. Religious education should be spread to every corner of the world through online schools, webinars, and mobile apps.
Religious teachings can reach more and more people using means like social media, online sermons, webinars, and digital platforms. The new generation needs to be made proficient in leadership ability and business ethics by participating in various religious, social, political, and business organizations.
(iv) Social and environmental responsibility:
Youth should play an active role in environmental protection, water conservation, and cleanliness campaigns. The principle of 'non-possession' in Jain religion teaches that resources should be used judiciously.
2. Role of Children:
(i) Sowing of Jain values:
Children should be familiarized with Jain's religious values from childhood. Religious stories, life stories of Tirthankaras, and moral stories should be told to children. Participation of children in Jain schools (Pathshala) and Jain youth organizations should be ensured and encouraged.
(ii) Importance of non-violence, self-control, and truth:
Children should be made to understand the importance of non-violence. Non-violence is not limited to just staying away from violence, but non-violence in thoughts, words, and actions is also necessary in the Jain religion. Children should also be taught the values of self-control and truth through games and stories.
(iii) Moral education:
No society can be progressive and esteemed without moral education. Honesty, compassion and the feeling of helping others need to be developed in children.
3. Role of Women:
(i) Pillar of the society:
Women are the foundation pillar of family and society. In the Jain religion, women like 'Chandanbala' and 'Shrimati' have made important contributions to religious education. Even in modern times, women need to lead in the fields of education, health, and social service.
(ii) Connecting family with Jain values:
Women are the most powerful medium to connect family with religion. They need to ensure that they follow Jain values, adopt high family values, and make the youth and children of the family aware of religion. Women need to maintain the importance of Jain traditions, vows-fasts, and religious events in the family.
(iii) Education and awareness:
Women should pay attention to their education and be aware of their duties along with their rights. The feeling of rights without duties gives birth to arbitrariness and indiscipline and promotes the tendency of arrogance. Along with religious and social education, they may also become economically self-reliant.
(iv) Service and helping others:
Women should come forward in the service of Jain society. Active participation should be taken in hospitals, educational institutions, and service organizations.
4. Role of Parents:
(A) Parents have to teach moral values to children from childhood. They should practically explain Jain principles – 'non-violence', 'multiple viewpoints', and 'non-possession'.
(B) Creating a religious atmosphere in the family:
Create a religious atmosphere in the family so that children are naturally attracted to religion.
Organize regular prayer, pathshala, and religious discussion in the family.
(C) Becoming an example of themselves:
Parents will have to follow the principles of religion themselves. 'As they see, so they will learn' – parents are the first teachers of children.
Conclusion:
The history of Jain religion is not just stories of rituals, but a precious heritage for humanity. Even today, if we adopt Jain principles – non-violence, non-possession, and multiple viewpoints – in our lives, not only our society but the entire world will move towards happiness, peace, and prosperity.
Jain religion is not just a sect, but an enlightened method of life. If renunciates use their wisdom, youth their energy, children their curiosity, women their compassion, and parents their education in the right direction, then Jain society can again achieve its glorious past.
Sadhus-Sadhvis and householders are strong pillars of Jain society. If these two classes perform their roles properly, not only can Jain society regain its old glory, but can lead the entire world on the path of non-violence, truth, and morality.
Let us all move forward with this resolution that we will fulfill our roles with complete dedication and commitment.
Let us all take this resolution:
"We will adopt the principles of Jain religion – non-violence, non-possession, and multiple viewpoints – in our daily routine and give society a new direction."
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NB: While traveling to build a powerful and unified organization of Jain society, I got the opportunity for direct conversation with many revered Acharyas/Muniraj. Received their blessings and guidance. Based on their suggestions, there are some points on which all of us Jains can come together on one platform. I have got suggestions for which all are unanimous.
Suggestions of revered Acharyas/Muniraj regarding the objectives of the powerful, and unified organization of Jain society:
1. Consideration of declining numbers of Jains
2. Actual census of Jains
3. Instilling good values in Jain families especially youth/children and marriage-related matters
4. Stopping the increasing trend of addiction among youth
5. Stopping the increasing trend of alcohol and meat consumption across the country
6. Protection of Jain pilgrimage sites - from a legal perspective
7. Protection of Jain pilgrimage sites - from the influence of other people
8. Protection from government attacks on Jain religious principles
9. Promoting self-study and meditation among revered Sadhus and Sadhvis. Establishing such a tradition where more of their time is spent on these
10. Protection of revered Sadhus and Sadhvis during travel etc. in Bihar and other places
11. Avoid commenting on other communities. Differences in opinion should not become differences in heart
12. Re-establish meditation practice of the Jain religion
13. Regular conferences of revered Jain Acharyas should be held where revered Acharyas of different communities forgetting their mutual differences discuss for the benefit of the larger Jain community
14. A quality Jain education system should be established and a Gurukul system should be created"
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