Pardeshma Jain Dharm - Book Summary

This document is an excerpt from the book "Pardeshma Jain Dharm" (Jainism Abroad) by Vinod Kapashi, published by Shri Jaybhikkhu Sahitya Prakashan Trust. It details the spread and presence of Jainism in various countries, focusing primarily on the diaspora.

Here's a comprehensive summary of the key points covered in the provided pages:

1. Limited Historical Proliferation of Jainism Abroad:

Jainism is described as an "action-oriented" rather than a "preaching-oriented" religion. Unlike Buddhism, which had organized missionary efforts, Jain monks historically did not cross oceans for propagation.
The text mentions a rare exception of a Jain monk, Kalyan Muni (also known as Relinas Muni), who accompanied Alexander the Great and later died in Athens, with his samadhi (tomb) said to be there.
Another mention is of Prince Akkumaar from Emelia, who was a Jain and came to India, taking diksha (initiation) inspired by Abhaykumar.
Generally, the movement of Jains abroad or foreigners adopting Jainism has been rare in the past.

2. Ancient Roots and Migrations:

The text hints at ancient connections of Jainism to regions like Turkey, Mongolia, and China, with evidence of Jain temples found in Mongolia and among the "Tunavare" tribe in Peking.
The rise of merchant communities (Vaniks, also called "Panika") who traveled for trade is noted as a factor in their potential spread.

3. Modern Jain Diaspora:

The majority of Jains living abroad today are descendants of people who migrated from India. Foreigners adopting Jainism are very few, although interest in Jainism is growing.
The vegetarian ideal of Jainism is becoming more widespread, and there's an increasing desire to understand Jain principles.

4. Jainism in Britain:

Population: An estimated 25,000 to 30,000 Jains reside in Britain, with the majority in London.
Demographics: A significant portion of British Jains are "Oswal" community members who migrated from East Africa due to unfavorable conditions there.
Organizations:
- Osval Community: Has the largest organization, accepting only Oswals as lifetime members.
- Navnat Vanik Association: An organization for Vaniyas (merchants) from the Oswal and other communities. It is more inclusive and organizes various social and religious events. They have a dedicated building called "Navnat-Bhavan" with a hall and a combined Hindu-Jain temple.
- Jain Samaj (Europe) / Jain Centre, Leicester: Leicester is highlighted as a city with a significant Gujarati population (around 40,000). The Jain Samaj Leicester, established in 1973, has been instrumental in establishing the first Jain Derasar (temple) in Britain in Leicester. This center includes a derasar, upasray, Guruthana, library, auditorium, and dining hall. The project is extensive and cost millions of pounds. The center aims to be a place of pilgrimage for Jains and non-Jains alike.
- Osval-House, Potters Bar: A large property purchased for cultural and religious activities, with plans for a derasar and assembly hall.
- Osval Mahajan Wadi, South London: A center in Croydon for the South London Oswal community, with plans for a small derasar.
Education: Efforts are being made to introduce Jain religious education in schools in Brent and Harrow areas of London, with the author being a representative in the educational committees. Modern technology like audio, video, and computers are being considered for teaching Jain principles.
Publications: Jain Samaj (Europe) publishes a quarterly magazine called "The Jain" in English, Gujarati, and Hindi, providing religious reading material.

5. Jainism in Japan:

Kobe: A remarkable achievement is the construction of a Jain derasar in Kobe by just 28 Jain families. This temple, with marble domes and spires, was inaugurated in April 1985. The project cost is estimated at 100 million Yen.

6. Jainism in Pakistan:

The partition of India led to a decline in non-Muslim religious activities in Pakistan.
Many Jain temples that existed in cities like Karachi, Lahore, and Peshawar have been destroyed or are in disrepair.
Ancient sites like Taxila, which had Jain connections (Lord Rishabhdev, Bahubali, Emperor Samprati's temple), are mentioned.
The text details the existence of Jain temples in Sialkot, Khanka Dogra, Ramanagar, Pind Dad Khan, Kalabagh, Bannu, Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Jira, and Karachi.
The historical importance of the Jain Gurukul in Gujranwala and the contributions of Acharya Vijay Vallabh Suri are noted.

7. Jainism in Burma (Myanmar):

Following British occupation, Indian communities, including Jains, migrated to Rangoon.
Jains from Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Kutch established businesses in jewelry and gold/silver.
A small derasar was built in Mogul Street in 1956, later replaced by a larger, three-story temple.
Jain primary schools also operated.

8. Jain Statues in Hungary and Russia:

A Jain statue was found in Hungary, and a copper Jain statue from the 16th or 17th century was discovered in Russia, suggesting early trade contacts.

9. Western Jain Scholars:

Several European scholars (English, French, German) took an interest in Jainism and conducted research.
Key figures mentioned:
- Cobrooke (1765-1837): Provided comprehensive information on Jainism.
- Wilson (1784-1860): Continued Cobrooke's work.
- Otto Boehtlingk: First translated Jain texts in 1847.
- Rieu: Assisted in translating Hemchandracharya's "Abhidhan Chintamani" into German.
- Rev. Stevenson: Translated Kalpasutra and Navatattva into English in 1848.
- Weber: Published translations from Shatrunjaya Mahatmya and Bhagavati Sutra.
- Hermann Jacobi: Considered a pivotal figure who "opened the doors of Jainism to world scholars." He translated key Jain Agamas into English and significantly contributed to the understanding of Jain scriptures.
- Other scholars like Leumann, Klatt, Bühler, Hoernle, Windisch, Rice, Hultmgen, Kielhorn, Peterson, Fergusson, Burgess also contributed through their writings and research.
These scholars, despite occasional errors, awakened interest in Jainism globally.

10. Indian Jains Propagating Jainism Abroad:

Shri Virchand Raghavji Gandhi: Credited with being the first to propagate Jainism abroad. He attended the World Parliament of Religions in Chicago in 1893. His lectures made a significant impact, earning him recognition and awards. His efforts led to the establishment of Jain organizations in America and England, including the Jain Literature Society in London.
Chitrabhanu Ji: A Jain sadhu who traveled extensively in America, Africa, and England, delivering lectures and establishing the International Jain Meditation Center in America.
Acharya Sushil Kumar: Another prominent Jain monk who traveled abroad, establishing Siddhaachalam in New Jersey and the Universal Mahavir Jain Mission. He is known for his devotion to the Navkar Mantra and organizing yoga camps.

11. Jainism in America and Canada:

A significant number of Jain students and professionals migrated to the US and Canada from the mid-20th century onwards, leading to a current population of 30,000-35,000.
Federation of Jain Associations in North America (FOJANA): A major organization overseeing various regional Jain associations across the USA and Canada.
Regional Centers: The text lists numerous Jain centers and societies in cities like Boston, Buffalo, Charlotte, Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Connecticut, Dallas, Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, New Jersey, Pittsburgh, North Carolina, Rochester, St. Louis, San Francisco, Washington D.C., Central Florida, Milwaukee, and also mentions centers in Toronto and Montreal in Canada.
Focus on Education and Community: These centers are actively involved in religious education, celebrating festivals like Paryushan and Mahavir Jayanti, organizing events, and providing a sense of community for Jain families. The emphasis is on preserving Jain values for the younger generation.
Inter-sectarian Harmony: A positive aspect highlighted is the reduced emphasis on sectarian divisions (Deravasi, Sthanakvasi, Shvetambar, Digambar) among Jains in North America.

12. Jain Manuscripts Abroad:

Many Indian manuscripts, including Jain ones, are housed in libraries in Britain, France, and Germany, collected during colonial rule or through trade.
Britain: The India Office Records and Library (part of the British Library) holds a vast collection of Indian manuscripts, including around 10,000 Sanskrit-Prakrit-Gujarati manuscripts, with a significant portion being Jain. The British Museum and Victoria and Albert Museum also display Jain artifacts and manuscripts, including the Kalpasutra and Uttaradhyayan Sutra.
Germany: Berlin and Bonn libraries have significant collections of Oriental manuscripts, with estimates of 5,000 to 7,000 Jain manuscripts in Germany.
USA: Libraries in New York and Washington D.C. house Jain manuscripts and artifacts.
Austria: Libraries in Vienna also have Jain manuscripts.
The text acknowledges the difficulty in obtaining exact numbers due to collection transfers and cataloging issues.

13. Jain Sculptures Abroad:

Beautiful sculptures of Lord Parshvanath are found in the British Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum.

14. Jainism in Sudan and Aden:

Jain communities existed in Sudan (Khartoum, Sudan, Omdurman) and Aden (a major port city).
In Aden, there was a derasar with statues of Lord Mahavirswami and Lord Shantinath, which were later moved to India.

15. Jainism in Zanzibar (Tanzania):

Indian merchants, including Jains, settled in Zanzibar centuries ago.
A house-temple was established, followed by a larger Shikharbandhi Jain temple built by the Kutchi Jain Deravasi Sangh. The temple had statues of Lord Mahavirswami, Lord Parshvanath, and Lord Shantinath.
The text mentions a miraculous event of light emanating from Lord Parshvanath's crown.
Due to political changes and emigration, religious activities have largely ceased, and the idols have been moved to Nairobi.

16. Jainism in Ethiopia and Djibouti:

Jain communities were present in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and Djibouti in the past, with religious activities taking place despite the absence of formal temples.

17. Jainism in Dar es Salaam (Tanzania) and Mombasa (Kenya):

Dar es Salaam: Jain migration began early in the 20th century, with a Jain Sangh established in 1930. A rented space served as a temple and center, later evolving into a larger building. The Jain population has since decreased.
Mombasa: An important trading hub for Indian merchants, including Kutchhi sailors. The first house-temple was established in 1916. A Shikharbandhi Jinanalaya was built later, inaugurated in 1963. The text details the efforts and donations involved in its construction and consecration. It also mentions the establishment of a Jain primary school and nursery school.
Nairobi: Jain presence dates back to 1900. A Jain primary school started in 1917, and a house-temple was established in 1926. Later, a grand Jinanalaya was built, with idols consecrated in 1983 and the consecration festival celebrated in 1984.

In essence, the book provides a historical overview of Jainism's presence outside of India, highlighting the challenges and successes of Jain communities in establishing their religious and cultural identity in new lands. It emphasizes the role of the diaspora in preserving and propagating Jain traditions, particularly through community organizations, temple construction, and religious education.