From October 1987 Issue:
by Seema Singhvi Jain
Some discrepancies between the teachings of religion and its practice are not unique to the Jain society. However, we Jains are the followers of JINs, those who conquered their weaknesses such as ego, attachment, aversion and pride. Bhagwaan Mahaveer taught us that performing certain activities in the temples is not enough. Our thoughts, feelings and the activities of our daily lives are of the utmost importance with regard to our practice of Jainism. Therefore, it is imperative that we do some soul searching and reform our religious practices.
What we do too frequently is contradict our so-called "beliefs". On the one hand we say that we believe in the principles we have been taught but on the other hand, we do not practice them faithfully. For example, we Jains consider nonviolence to be the supreme religion. Thus, vegetarianism is the cornerstone of our practice of Jainism. I realize that many people find it is difficult to remain vegetarians especially after coming to this country. Yet, if we believe in nonviolence, we should practice it and keep our family vegetarian no matter what obstacles present themselves. There are many people who call themselves Jains and who eat meat, fish or eggs. Some serve non-vegetarian food to their friends. This is hypocritical. It is very well-established that smoking and drinking alcoholic beverages is unnecessary, habit-forming and injurious to one's health. Many Jains would not want their children to smoke or drink but they themselves smoke and drink. Even if they themselves do not drink, they serve alcohol to their friends. Non-vegetarian food involves killing. Non-vegetarian food and alcohol are not good for our health. Thus serving non-vegetarian food and alcohol constitute indirect violence, which all Jains should avoid.
Next let us consider our vow of non-possessiveness (APARIGRAH). We, the householders, are expected to partially practice non-possessiveness. We must however work to support our families. But must we worship goddess Lakshmi on DIWALI (the festival of lights)? Earning money for the welfare of one's family is necessary but does it justify having limitless desires and greed? Even our religious institutions are seen to exhibit greed for money and adopt some undesirable tactics.
Another practice which affects us youngsters is poor religious education. Our society severely lacks a good system of education - suitable textbooks, schools and well-trained instructors. Many so-called scholars are totally ignorant and unaware of the intellectual and educational level of the youngsters of today. They have mostly traditional, unreasonable and incoherent answers to our intelligent questions. Moreover, most of the time, we youngsters do not understand what is happening. Two glaring examples are SAMVATSARI and SNAATRAPOOJA. During both occasions, I sit there not knowing what is going on. Youngsters should be aware of not only what is happening but also why it is being done.
Among Jains, we see two extremes. There are Jains who simply do not care about Jainism and who do not do anything about their religion. They are too busy with their jobs or business. Their children are busy with their studies and friends. Like many others, a few years later they will realize their need for religion and for some support from their community. They are at one extreme. At the other extreme, there are people who emphasize only one or a few aspects of religion. Some indulge in fasting only. Others will go to the Jain Centers or temples and sing devotional songs. Yet another group talks only of religious teachings and education. A little thought will point out that our practice of religion should be a proper mix of prayer, worship, fasting, celebration and religious education. We do not have to be inflexible. We should be open to suggestions and adopt suitable ideas put forth by others.
No matter what we do, we should eliminate the gap between our principles and practice.
A biased person tries to justify whatever he has already accepted while an unprejudiced person accepts what he feels is logically justified.
- Acharya Gunaratna Suri