Notes And News
By R. Narasimhachar
Summary
**Summary:** This month's frontispiece features Lala Gopichand Jain B.A., L.L.B., an Advocate from Ambala, a prominent Swetambar Jain of the Oswal community. Known for his adherence to Jain principles despite his Western education, he has contributed significantly to Jain religious and educational institutions through donations. His article on *‘Das Lakshan Dharma’* is published in this issue, emphasizing ethical conduct over ritual disputes. The *Das Lakshani Parva* section critiques sectarian conflicts between Digambaras and Swetambaras, urging reconciliation and prioritizing ethical practice over sacred place disputes. It highlights the decline of the Jain population (19 Jains lost daily, 6,935 annually) and advocates focusing on religious propagation over quarrels. The text argues that karma, not territorial control, determines spiritual progress, and calls for unity to preserve Jainism. A referenced essay by Dr. N.S. Hardiker on India’s socio-economic conditions reveals low average income (₹280/month), high mortality rates (30/1,000), and infant mortality (194/1,000 in villages, 634/1,000 in cities). It attributes poverty to unemployment, loss of traditional crafts (spinning, weaving, grain husking), and reliance on foreign goods. The author advocates simplicity and rejection of foreign products to combat poverty. Donations received are acknowledged, though specific amounts are truncated in the text.
Conclusion
This document highlights the critical need for unity within the Jain community, particularly between the Swetambara and Digambara sects, during the significant period of Das Lakshan Parva. It emphasizes the contradiction of claiming to practice ethical principles like forgiveness and non-violence while engaging in communal disputes and violence over sacred places. The author argues that the true essence of Jainism lies in ethical conduct—thought, speech, and actions—rather than the physical control of religious sites. The alarming decline in the Jain population (19 Jains lost daily) underscores the urgency of prioritizing communal harmony and religious preservation over petty conflicts. The conclusion advocates for abandoning quarrels, focusing on spiritual growth, and addressing existential threats to the community’s survival, ensuring Jainism’s legacy endures for future generations.