An Interview with Anand Jain
By Scott Douglas Jacobsen
Summary
Anand Jain, founder of the Jain Centre of British Columbia, discusses key aspects of Jainism in an interview. He elaborates on the concept of an eternal universe inhabited by souls governed by karma, where human beings can reincarnate as gods. Jainism incorporates an atheistic element, emphasizing the absence of a creator god. Prayer, in this context, serves to unite Jains rather than appeal to a deity. The interview also highlights the Jain perspective on wellbeing and the long-term goals of the Jain Centre. Historical anecdotes, such as Alexander the Great’s encounter with Jain monks, illustrate principles like non-attachment and the inevitability of karma. The discussion underscores Jainism’s unique views on reincarnation, spiritual practice, and ethical living, while addressing the absence of the term "incarnation" in Jain terminology.
Conclusion
This interview with Anand Jain offers profound insights into Jain philosophy and its contemporary relevance, particularly through the lens of reincarnation, karma, and the unique atheistic elements within Jainism. The discussion highlights the Jain view of human potential, suggesting that human beings can achieve divine status through spiritual evolution, contrasting sharply with traditional notions of inc