Navyugno Jain

This document contains the text of "Navyugno Jain" by Motichand Girdharlal Kapadia, published by Jyoti Karyalay. The book, written in Gujarati, discusses the future of the Jain community in a new era ("Navyug").

The text can be broadly summarized as follows:

Overall Theme: The book explores the anticipated changes and challenges facing the Jain community in a "new era," emphasizing the need for adaptation, reform, and a renewed focus on core Jain principles while integrating modern knowledge and practices. The author, Motichand Girdharlal Kapadia, aims to provoke thought and discussion among Jains for the betterment of their community and its future.

Key Areas and Arguments:

• Introduction and Premise: The author starts by stating that progress requires looking towards the future, and those who only dwell on the past will not survive. He emphasizes the importance of observing the current world with open eyes to understand the direction of the Jain community and prepare for the future. He acknowledges that his observations are a result of his reading and understanding of contemporary history. The author's intent is to gather resources that can guide future leaders and contribute to the collective wisdom of the community. He highlights that understanding public behavior depends on one's perspective and that the Jain community's issues in the new era will become increasingly complex.

• The Jain in the New Era: The book envisions a "new era" Jain as someone educated, aware of history, adhering to the pure essence of Dharma, discerning in understanding and discarding outdated practices, capable of independent thought, and courageous in making necessary changes. The author contrasts the "new era" Jain with the past, noting the vast differences in education, societal structure, and available resources.

• Historical Perspective and Conflicts: The text delves into historical conflicts within the Jain community, such as the disputes over the dates of certain festivals (Chauth-Pancham), the differences between Digambar and Shwetambar traditions (on topics like the Kavalina's food intake and women's liberation), and issues related to the usage of "Iriyavahiya" and idol worship. The author critiques these disputes as being often trivial, lacking in fundamental principles, and ultimately detrimental to the community's progress and unity. He suggests that the "new era" Jain will be able to reconcile these differences with a broader perspective and a focus on core principles.

• Emphasis on Core Principles: The author repeatedly stresses that Jain Dharma's fundamental principles are Ahimsa (non-violence), Samyam (restraint), and Tap (penance). The "new era" Jain will understand that these are the core goals and will seek paths conducive to achieving them. He asserts that the vastness of Jain philosophy, with its emphasis on Anekantavada (multiple viewpoints), should foster tolerance and understanding, not rigid adherence to one perspective. The author advocates for critical evaluation of traditions and practices, discarding what is detrimental and preserving what is beneficial.

• Social Reforms and Modernization: The book envisions significant social reforms.

  • Education: Education will be paramount, with a focus on critical thinking, scientific methods, and practical skills alongside religious knowledge. Student hostels will be established to foster a sense of community and nationalistic spirit.
  • Equality: Caste-based discrimination will be eradicated. All individuals, regardless of their background, will be treated equally within the community.
  • Marriage: Child marriage and forced marriages will be abolished. Marriage will be based on mutual consent, compatibility, and individual choice, with a greater emphasis on love and understanding.
  • Role of Women: The status of women will be elevated. They will be educated, empowered, and actively participate in social and public life, contributing to the community's progress. Women will be seen as equals and respected for their inherent strength and service-oriented nature.
  • Institutions: The establishment of various institutions like schools, libraries, hospitals, and social welfare centers will be crucial for community development.
  • Rethinking Traditions: Old rituals and practices will be re-evaluated in light of modern knowledge and scientific understanding, with a focus on preserving the essence while adapting the form. Practices that are detrimental or impractical will be discarded.
  • Economic Practices: Emphasis will be placed on ethical business practices, fair trade, and discouraging excessive wealth accumulation. The author critiques current practices that lead to wealth disparity and advocates for economic models that benefit the community as a whole.
  • Role of Monks and Nuns (Sadhu-Sadhvi): The author foresees a transformation in the role of monks and nuns. They will be highly educated, spiritually advanced, and dedicated to service and propagation of Jain teachings, rather than engaging in mundane activities or internal community politics. A distinction will be made between true ascetics and those who are merely in the monastic order. A "middle path" or "middle class" (Madhyam Kaksha) will emerge, focusing on practical service and spiritual guidance.

• Critique of Current Practices: The author is critical of certain existing practices that he believes are detrimental to the Jain community, such as internal disputes, vanity in rituals, economic mismanagement, and a lack of focus on core ethical principles. He advocates for a move away from blind adherence to tradition and towards a more rational, critical, and reformist approach.

• Call to Action: The book is essentially a call to the Jain community to introsrepect, adapt to changing times, embrace knowledge, and work collectively for the betterment and progress of their religion and society. The author urges Jains to be forward-looking, open to new ideas, and to actively engage in constructive activities for the upliftment of all beings, embodying the core principles of Jainism in their daily lives.

Structure: The book is divided into numerous chapters, each addressing specific aspects of Jain life, society, and their anticipated evolution in the new era. The table of contents provided at the beginning of the text outlines these chapters, covering a wide range of topics from the introduction and historical context to specific areas like education, Ahimsa, Samyam, Tap, the role of monks and nuns, temples, social organizations, and economic practices.

In essence, "Navyugno Jain" is a forward-looking treatise that seeks to inspire the Jain community towards a revitalized and relevant future by critically examining its past, addressing present challenges, and proposing a progressive vision grounded in its eternal principles.