WHITE PAPER
ON
UNITY IN JAIN SAMAJ- NEED OF THE HOUR
REASONS, VIEWS & REMEDIES

The Social Scenario - Around the world, Jain community is known for its religious, spiritual and moral values and recognized as wealthiest and highly educated force. Isn't a matter of pride? But ground level realities are somewhat different.

Today, the Jain dynastys is alienated and there is a complete lack of discipline in its order. The community has reached to crossroads where it is difficult to settle future course. You can find an independent leader in every corner, professing his own theory and singing his tune. Several cases are being fought in judicial courts to settle disputes between Digambar and Shwetambar Jains, Jains and non-Jains, and even within the same sect for occupation of temples, teerths or other properties. Any one can see what is happening at Sammet Shikhar Ji, Girnar Ji, Kesaria ji, and so many other places. We all talk of Mahavrats, Anekant-wad and Syadwad but are we applying even a small iota of these in our daily lives?

The question is that who is responsible for the current chaotic situation and what is the way out for restoring the old image, dignity and respect? It is a task which cannot be undertaken by an individual or a single organisation. We have to come together and make necessary deliberations and accept the conclusions before it is too late and we are at point of no return.

With this subject in view, Ahimsa Foundation is initiating a deliberation on the subject of convergence and divergence in Jain society and desires the participation of its members, leaders and saints in this thought provoking venture. We are sure this discussion will help us in understanding the issues involved and also guide towards better understanding at different levels. This white paper is issued at the request of our several members including non resident Jains.

The problem of divergence is not limited between the two historical groups of Swetambers and Digambers. The much bigger issue is further divisions and subdivisions within Swetambers and Digambers. Today every little important person or a saint is trying to establish his own kingdom and rule over it. This results into indiscipline and lack of control and coordination. We need to analyze the reasons and explore the solutions.

Reasons responsible for decaying discipline

A. Control over trusts & temples 
B. Misleading propagation by some saints for establishing their individual position
C. Ego related issues - community leaders 
D. Differences in religious rituals & faiths
E. Decentralized growth of local community leaders
F. Unjustified felicitation programs 
G. Absence of effective centralized body like JAINA in America
H. Lack of democratic approach in managing running social institutions and temples
I. Restrictions on new memberships in public institutions
J. Feeling of insecurity amongst the senior members of the society about their position.

Views of our readers and members of society

Message from Dr. Tansukh Salgia, An eminent and devoted scholar of Jainism, settled in U.S.A., and the Trustee of Ahimsa Foundation, Jaino Jago –A Wakeup Call - Please accept our fellowship in the ancient faith of nonviolence and reverence for all life. As Jains, we all look to our twenty-fourth and last Jain Tirthankar, Lord Mahavira as the source of authority for the present age. Among many other things, Lord Mahavira taught that we are each responsible for our own actions. All that happens to our community – and to that which is ours – is a direct consequence of how we think, what we say, and what we choose to do – as well as what we fail to do. Whether or not our children, grand children and great-grand children will even have a “Jain” religion and a “Jain” heritage to call their very own is in our hands, today, right now. In securing and sustaining our ancient Jain heritage for the future, our failure to act now with strength, integrity, and unity would be a burden that all generations of Jains would bear forever.

Since many centuries, Jainism has been going through tremendous changes. We do not know if it is for better or for worse. However, we do know that in the last hundred or so years, deep internal friction and squabbles have gripped the community and we see no end in sight. The health of our religious community has reached to a point that in order to stay alive and still breathing it requires not only a complete overhaul but also immediate CPR and many major transplants of community ‘body parts’. The Jain community the world over, and particularly in India, must take bold steps to change our thinking for the survival and betterment of the entire community.

For the last hundred years or so something very detrimental has been taking place in the Jain community which took Digambaras and Shvetambaras in the court of law and thus many millions of rupees have been wasted in order to greedily gain and preserve control of our common holy places of worship. These holy places are at the core of deep conflict and fight between the so called leaders of two major sects of our Jain community. Most likely average Jains do not even know or care to know about it and wonder what all this fuss is about. However because of in-fight between these two groups, the out-siders e.g. the Government and non-Jain groups are taking undue advantage and one by one taking-over or making the claims on our holy places of worship. In the pages of history, we have seen that whenever there is internal fighting there is external aggression. The following recent events illustrate what has occurred and where this division is going to lead us in the future:

1. In July 2004 Jharkhand High Court has handed down the decision that the management of the most Holy Hill of Shri Samet Shikharji has been taken over by a managing committee appointed by the High court.

2. Many years ago Shri Kesariyaji Teerth in Rajasthan was taken over by the Govt. and one can see the deplorable condition of this sacred teerth of ours.

3. People of other faith have been objecting to the repair of Jain temple at Badrinath. As we all know, Badrinath (Mt. Kailash) is the place from where our first Tirthankar lord Rishbhanath had attained Moksha.

4. Makshi Parshvnath Teerth in Madhya Pradesh is under Govt. control. One sect of Jains worships in the morning and other one worships in the afternoon. It is a matter of great shame for all of us.

5. Mt. Girnar (Junagarh ) in Gujarat, where our 22nd Tirthankar ( Bhagwan Neminath Ji) attained Moksha is at the center of an ugly dispute. This case is still pending in the Gujarat High Court, where the other community claims that the foot prints are not of Lord Neminath but of Dattatreya. Jain pilgrims are routinely beaten, robbed and refused to perform rituals and worship there. We urge the readers to send representations to various leaders and prominent persons in political and social circles as regards immediate vacation of unauthorised occupation on the 5th peak of Girnar mountain.

6. On the Shatrunjay Mountain, at Palitana, both, the Hindus and Muslims have established their little temple and darga long ago and soon, they will be asking for its control in the management.

7. On the hills of Idar in Gujarat, people of Vaishnava religion have established their temples and demanding donations from Jain pilgrims who climb the mountain for worship in the two Jain temples there on the peak, Soon they will claim it as their own property.

8. Tamil Nadu was once the southern heartland of the Jain faith. Over the period of time, fanatical Shaivas and others vigorously persecuted the Tamil Jains and forced many to be converted to their religion. The famous temple of Bala Ji in Tamilnadu, according to some eminent historians, once used to be a Jain temple and it was defaced and converted into a Sanatan temple. Many grandiose Sanatan dharm temples in Tamil Nadu (as well as all over India) were originally Jain temples. The famous Kanchi Math complex, which is now under the control of a Shankaracharya used to house a large number of Jain temples. These temples were destroyed and Math was built there. None of the Jains there had any voice or power to resist such a move. Today, the Jain heritage of Tamil Nadu is in decay and disrepair. Ancient Jain archaeological sites are constantly being converted into Vedic shrines or simply left for locals to abuse and deface, as they please. The history of the Jain community in the South is being erased into oblivion, while in the North, the Digambaras and Shvetambaras sleep and wake only to fight each other for power, control and money.

To further illustrate the dire situation, the following is a news-article published on October 27, 2004 in Ahmedabad, which throws more light on the growing conflict between Jains and people of other faith.

Shrine Disputes: Jains Ready to Take to Streets” by Milind Ghatwal

Ahmedabad, October 27: Unable to take the disputes with Hindus over Shrines in Gujarat any longer, the Jains—who profess non-violence—are talking of talking to the streets. The issue has so vexed the Community that the Shwetambar and Digambar sects have put aside their doctrinal differences to put up a united fight. Not to be outdone, some Hindu sants have threatened to retaliate. The exacerbation of the dispute is surprising. For in Gujarat, Hindus and Jains have lived together peacefully, visiting shrines of both Communities, and maintaining close business and social ties. Some of the major pilgrim spots have shrines of both communities. There have been minor disputes, but no confrontation. No longer. Topping the list of disputes are the ones concerning Palitana and Girnar. Atop a hill in Palitana are hundreds of Shwetambar Jain shrines, but along the steps leading up, several small Hindu temples have come up. The Jains say these are out-and-out encroachments, for Jain temples are always built on land donated by Jains or purchased by their temple trusts. They also say that stones are being consecrated with vermilion to create new shrines, over which Hindus could lay claim later. In Girnar, with its pilgrim circuit covering some peaks, the Controversy is over the foot imprints atop the fifth peaks. Digambar Jains claim the imprints are of Neminath, the 22nd Tirthankar; the Hindus claim they are of Lord Dattatreya. The matter is in court. Speaking on the controversies, an office-bearer of the Sheth Anandji Kalyanji Trust, which controls most of the Shvetambar shrines in the country, said, ``we are neither Mahavir nor Mahatma Gandhi. There's a limit to everything. If we do not act now, things will go out of hand.'' Hindu saints do not seem in the mood to resolve the issue quietly. On Monday, some 400 preachers gathered to discuss the dispute at Viramgam, near Ahmedabad. They adopted a resolution expressing displeasure over the stand the Jains have taken.

“They should stop issuing threats, or we will have no choice but to retaliate. We will use all our might,'' said Sadhu Samaj secretary Meghanandji. “This is not an empty threat. We will involve all seven akhadas.'' About the Girnar controversy, Mahant Gopalanand and Tansukh Giri said that Jains did not allow Hindus to use the Bhimkund and Surajkund ponds located atop the first peak, where Shwetambar Jains have several shrines. “The Jains simply lock up the shrines and do not let anyone in,'' they said. The other side of the story? Jains say they have to seek permission from Hindu sants to worship at their own shrine. Also that some anti-socials prevent them from chanting `Jai Neminath.' Countering this, a Junagadh-based Mahant said,”`The Hindu way of worship is different. We cannot allow them to bathe the deity after the morning abhishek is over. This ceremony can be performed only by Mahants.'' Jains allege Hindus installed an idol of Dattatreya which was never there before. Though the disputed shrine at Girnar involves Digambars, Shwetambars have supported them. This, despite the two sects differing over Sammet Shikhar, considered the most sacred Jain pilgrim centre in the country. Police have now been posted at the Girnar shrine. At a little over 5.25 lakh, Jains are a miniscule minority in GujaraSir,t, where Hindus number 4.51 crore. Jains claim their number is more but census numerators often record Jains as Hindus, ``thinking we are same.'' They are taking up the shrine dispute and other issues with the chief minister. “Most Jains in government services are Digambars and having tasted power, they are not ready to take things lying down. But even Shwetambars are losing their cool,'' said a Jain leader, explaining why the community is uniting in anger.

An eyewitness account of a recent incident (received through e-mail) from Mr. Anekant Jain

Dear Sir, Girnar is captured by Hindu pandas, when I went there at fifth tonk of Neminath on 28th Oct.2004, they quarrelled with our Jain brothers, and told that there is no entry for Jains, entry is only for Hindus. The Gov. of Gujarat is supporting them because they are in majority. Narendra Modi [Chief Minister of Gujarat] also supporting only Hindus blindly. We four persons were injured at there. We filed F.I.R. REPORT at taluka police station at Junagarh against pandas plus give this news to American Jains to take any further action and create the movement from abroad.

Perhaps one can now see and appreciate what is really going on in our Jain community. In our humble opinion, it is all due to our own ego, infighting, indifference, weakness and disunity. Our disunity has reached to a very low level and it is deteriorating day by day and most of us who are in silent majority feel betrayed by the so-called leadership and have no say in our own affairs. More than 10 years ago, many Jains from USA and other places made appeals (in writing as well as in person) to find an amicable solution to the Samet shikhar ji problem. None of these leaders were willing to listen then. What a pity and tragedy. They let the opportunity pass and gave a great chance to the Government to take over what was ours. Govt rightly realized the incompetence of these leaders to come to an amicable solution.

Please wake up now. Time has come now to speak out against the dictatorship of few in our community. We must strive to regain control of our holy places and unite under one roof. Be a foot solider of Lord Mahavira and shout from the top of your lungs that we do not belong to any Panth other then “Mahavira Panth”. We all are Jains and that kind of Jain who follows the principles lay down by Bhagavan Mahavira. Also, shout that all the holy places of worship belong to the entire jain community and not to any individuals, families, trusts and pedis. already they have done irrepairable harm to the entire Jain sangh. We the Jain sangh gave them the responsibilities to manage and not to become the honor and thus bring shame to the entire community. Also, shout that all the holy places of worship belong to the entire jain community and not to any individuals, families, trusts and pedis. already they have done irrepairable harm to the entire Jain sangh. We the Jain sangh gave them the responsibilties to manage and not to become the honor and thus bring shame to the entire community. Where has our self respect gone? Are we Janis weaklings who will not defend our dignity, our honor, and our own property against fanatical Hindus? Are we cowards who will not stop non-Jains from aggressively invading and desecrating our sacred places? Is the Jain community so morally backward and bankrupt that we would rather get paid by these lawless invaders instead of protect the holiness and sanctity of the Tirthankaras’ Nirvana Bhumis? What sort of people are the Jains of today, who seem to care nothing for the sacrifices of blood and sweat that our forefathers paid to create and preserve these pilgrimage sites for hundreds and thousands of years?

When our grandchildren no longer have Girnarji, Sammet Shikharji, Palitana, and other Jain pilgrimage sites, all of which would have become Hindu temples and Islamic mosques by then, how will they remember us, who refused to put aside differences to unify and fight to save their heritage? Will our great-grandchildren even care about Jainism while living with the horrible consequences of the apathy of us who came before them?

There is nothing wrong with the Jain community that cannot be corrected by what truth lay within teachings of Jain Dharma. We request all readers and Jain leaders to join us and make the necessary representation through appropriate channels. We feel that Jains must defend and purify our holy sites with the same urgency and courage as if protecting our own spouses and children from rapists, thieves and murderers.

To register your disgust and outrage at the slow death of the Jain heritage that is taking place due to our disunity and apathy, please write to the concerned dignitaries of Jain society. Only you can make the difference and let Jains all over the world know that help is on the way. Don’t let one more day of this injustice pass by without your voice being heard loud and clear. - Tansukh Salgia Columbus, Ohio (U.S.A.)

VIEWS AND COMMENTS FROM PRAVIN C. SHAH (JAINA)

Dear Sadharmiks,
COURT CASES: (Including Parasnath gone in Government Hands on 25th Aug., 04):Did you read the above News in THE TELEGRAPH dated Wednesday, Aug. 25,04 about taking over of Parasnath (at Sametshikharji) by Government? Here in below are details.

News of Taking Over of Parsnath By Govt.- "Ranchi, Aug. 24: A century-old dispute over the ownership of Parasnath Hills (Giridih) was settled today when Jharkhand High Court set aside the claims of Shwetambar and Digambar sects of Jainism. A full bench headed by Chief Justice P.K.I. Balasubramanyan instead vested all rights in the state.In its 83-page order, the high court vested the ownership of 16,000 acres of land comprising the hill and adjacent areas in the state and gave it permission to cancel the agreement the Bihar government and the Kalyanji Anandji Trust sealed in 1965.The bench directed the state to appoint an administrator and form a committee, with the deputy commissioner of Giridih as chairman, to supervise the transition and ensure that religious ceremonies are conducted smoothly.The three sects of Jainism - Murti Pujaks, Shwetambars and Digambars - have been allowed to nominate one representative each to the committee while the state government will nominate the fourth member from the Jain community,the order said."

Other Cases:
There are so many other including court cases (some of them being as much as century old) are going on at so many places for occupation of Tirths, temples, other properties etc. between our sectors, among sectors and 
others.Our magnificent temples in India are threatened for demolition, our Tirths are not protected and encroached as in the recent case of Girnar and interference/bid of taking over by Governments and others as in the past case of Sametshikhar, Kesariyaji and other Tirths. There is some thing going on at Badrinath. Look at today's case at Parasnath.

Celebrations:
Is our Religion is religion of convenience? It looks like that. When one of our sector people are fasting during their respective Paryusana/DasLaxana celebrations then another sector people may be consuming their night food and uneatables, prohibited in our religion.

Which Samvatsari shall be Observed? If we will celebrate different Samvatsari days and if Indian Government 
wants (some State Governments close?) to close Slaughter Houses on that one pious day and U.S. or any Government/Agency agrees to observe that one pious day then my question to all Jains is this. Are we ready to give any particular day for that? Are we ready to give that particular pious day for World, U.N. or National Calender? If we will give them different days for Samvatsari then they will easily interpret/understand our unity and differing views/principles and will take undue advantage of that. Interested people will immediately motivate, act for further break up of unity what ever we have right now.

General:
You all may be well knowing that we are less than 0.5 % in India and less than 0.1 % Worldwide. Now time has come to change, focus, unite irrespective of our beliefs and patty differences. United we stand, divide we fall. We are too much divided now, than before, in so many splinter sectors/sub sectors in India and now here in U.S.A. and therefore we are loosing our strength and recognition. Why shall we not call us as (Tirthankars') Bhagwan Mahavir's followers, Jains, and only Jains and nothing but Jains and not as Shwetambar, Digamber, Sthanawasi, Terapanthi etc? We shall forget of our PANTHS and sectors/sub-sectors.

Refer article " JAIN RADIANCE ON THE WESTERN HORIZON" by Dr. Noel King and Dr. Surendra Singhvi written back in JAINA Convention 1993 (Pittsburgh) Issue. It will open our eyes.It states that Hinduism and Buddhism, religions founded in India blossomed and Jain Religion not, though hard work done by Jain Scholars, our Monks and non-Jain born including foreign Jainism scholars.See recent example of unity and dedication of Sikhs in recently held Parliament of World Religions held in Barcelona Spain in July, 2004. They served vegetarian food to 8,000 attendees for five days (LANGAR) in very disciplined manner which received worldwide commendation.

We all agree to our basic and foremost principles of Jainism (About Chauvisis, belief of God, Mahavrats, Theory/Philosophy of Karma, Anekantvad, Syadvad, Code of Conduct, Navkar Mantra, Symbol/Pratik, etc.). Why then we can not unite and increase our strength?

What Shall be Done at This Critical Juncture:
If we will not unite and divide us more and more, then our coming generations will not forgive us for consequences arising from this in future. Why shall we not unite and celebrate as ONE PARYUSANA and DASHLAKSHANA Parvas? Can we not think of only one official celebration of PARYUSANA and DASHLAKSHANA Parvas in alternate yearly rotation? Can we not think of only one official celebration of PARYUSANA and DASHLAKSHANA Parvas in alternate yearly rotation of Hindi and Gujarati languages and keeping discourses in English for young all the time?

Can we not celebrate PARYUSANA and DASHLAKSHANA as one event under one roof in different halls/rooms with different Hindi, Gujarati, English Speakers/Scholars? Our Tirthankars has attained liberation going through lot of sufferings. Can we not let go/tolerate our minor differences and sacrifice AHAM to save our religion which is dwindling?

I suggest that each of our Jain Centers shall form committees of two members from each of the sectors and come out with solution/report as how to celebrate ONE and ONLY ONE OFFICIAL CELEBRATION EVERY YEAR. This will not save only, our resources/money but increase our strength and save our time too, which we can utilize in other ways of promoting our principles (of Jainism), performing/following more religion related works etc. Our monks, Gurus and scholars shall lead/guide us in right direction.

Another disadvantage of divided celebration is that presence of comparatively less audience in divided celebrations, will discourage speakers/scholars. I ask for your forgiveness if I am wrong any where in stating this and unknowingly hurting any body's feelings. - Pravin C. Shah, New York, Ph. 516-248-8265

VIEWS AND COMMENTS FROM PRATAP BHOGILAL

I have received emails from all of you and it is rather sad that the Jain sects instead of being united unfortunately continue with their confrontinsts attitude. Earlier I was under the impression that this sectarian differences were only among the Jains in India but now I am pained to learn that there are differences cropping up between various sects especially between the Digambars and Shwetambar Murti Pujaks in North America.

Unfortunately the situation in India is such that our Sadhu samaj has a great influence on our common Jain people. Therefore it is difficult to bring about any unity amongst the sects in our practical life.Whatever spiritual text differences are there between the sects should not come in the way of practical unity since we can then all observe spiritual thinking and rituals according to our own sectarian beliefs without bringing about conflict in practical functioning of all Jains working together. I sincerely believe that this should be possible and we may try to organize Paryushan and Samvatsari functions jointly as follows: one year we have samvatsari on one day according to the single teethi and the next year according to two teethis of the Shwetambar Murti Pujak Samaj and then the following year according to the Sthanakvasi tradition, again the following next year we can have it as per the Digambar tradition for all the sects. We revolve this from year to year. Similarly we can observe the Paryushan festival on this basis from year to year. What is important is that it should be a common day for samvatsari and common 8/10 days of paryushan for all Jains irrespective of our sects. This is my way of thinking which may or may not be acceptable.

Regarding the recent judgment in the dispute over Sametshikhar and Government claiming ownership, it is most unfortunate but this seems to be inevitable if the sects fight amongst themselves for control and possession. It is unfortunate that we give precedence to ownership and possession and consequently management being restricted rather than the Tirth being a Jain Tirth for all to worship. You would be interested to know that it has been my personal endeavor for the last four years to have an agreed arbitration regarding this tirth between the Jain Murti Pujak Samaj and Digambar Samaj. In fact in consultation with the then Secretary of the Digambar Tirth Raksha Trust and Pujya Munishri Jambovijayji and myself as V.P. of Shwetambara Murti Pujak Tirth Raksha Trust we had agreed to go in for arbitration on mutually agreed terms of reference and the suggestion was that we could each have a most competent and incorruptible lawyers of either side and the two deciding on an umpire (a similar incorruptible jurist) and sort out this dispute and teh decision to be binding on both sides. Later on disputes of other Tirthas could be referred to the same arbitration panel and resolved. Unfortunately the Tirth Raksha committees on both sides did not agree to go in for such an arbitration. In the meantime both the samajs are continuing to spend crores of rupees in fighting cases in the court. We have lost the Sametshikhar Tirth just like we lost the Kesariaji Tirth in the past. I believe an appeal is being filed in the Supreme Court by the Shwetambar Murti Pujak Tirth Raksha Committee.I donot know what the Digambar Tirth Raksha Committee would do.

In your email you have also mentioned about the language issue and I agree with you that if we have to pass on to our new generation the Jain tenets and the importance of practicing them in practical life to the maximum extent possible, the medium of language has to be English but it is equally important that the parents should take more interest in the formative years of the children to instill the right values. All this, I think, should begin with ourselves and then we can influence others. - Pratap Bhogilal, World Jain Confederation, pb@batliboi.com

VIEWS AND COMMENTS FROM DR. SULEKH JAIN

Jai Jinendra. You raise some excellent points. Each Jain organization should think of ways to unite in Jainism cause. Why not celebrate 18 Holy (spiritual) days for rejuvenation of our annual practices. I am informed, that there are too many outside influences, that are contributing to Jains being divided. I think the first step would be for our Jain spiritual leaders to speak of unity in public over and over starting with their visit to outside India. We are seeing beginning of it here in North America.

I have been reading yours and other emails on this subject during the last 2 months. I sincerely thank you for stirring the pot and starting this debate. I hope this leads us all to reawakening, soul searching, questioning , self examination and then to some positive action plans. My hats off off to you for this initiative. 10-12 years ago, when the conflict on Sammed Shikhar Ji surfaced, several of us wrote letters to at least 100 Jain leaders in India ( including late Shri Sahu Ashok Jain and Shrenik Bhai Ji) to work to find win win solution. Soon after, I also met both of these leaders plus many more in a face to face meeting at Sahu Ashok Jain Jis' house in Delhi and strongly urged to work towards an amicable solution. We had predicted then that this will happen and that is exactly what recently happened. We got lots of excuses but no suggestions.

Dr. Salgia and I also have been talking recently on this subject. In Chicago 2001, JAINA also organized a symposium on Unity but it turned out to be just wishy washy and self accolades. Salgia and I offer the following suggestions;

We have a monthly electronic news magazine; Ahimsa Times". see under portal www.jainsamaj.org This news magazine is sent to 80,000 persons electronically every month. Over the years, we have found this to be very very effective.

Our suggestion is that we will issue a special bulletin of this magazine just on Jain unity. I suggest that you kindly prepare a good and comprehensive draft (responses, analysis, suggestions and names of supports and endorsers) and then please send this to me and we will have a special bulletin. Please let me know. I think, your message thru this magazine will reach to large # of educated people. Waiting to hear from you. - Dr. Sulekh Jain

JAIN UNITY AND NEWS ITEMS PUBLISHED IN AHIMSA TIMES

Ahimsa Times has been giving due coverage to the news from time to time, about the problems facing Jain society, particularly encroachment and conversion of temples, such as those at Girnar Ji, Palitana, Badrinath and Kanchi and many old temples in south India, theft at many of the Jain temples and mis-behaviour and man-handling of saints. Taking-over of Sammet Shikhar Ji by Jharkhand Government and Kesaria Ji temple near Udaipur by Rajasthan Government, solely due to in-fighting amongst two main Jain sects are the most salient examples of dis-unity, affecting the control of Jain temples. To bring all these to the notice of our viewers, once again, these news-items have been reproduced below.

We sincerely request the viewers to go through all the notes and news-items below and decide the course of action to be adopted now. It is the question of NOW or NEVER. We are sure, some concrete suggestions will emerge from this exercise. The present viewer-ship of this news-letter is well over 70,000, spread all over the globe and this is not a small number. A lot can be achieved if we all can join together and speak out in one voice. Feed-back from viewers would be most welcome. These may be sent to Mr. P.L. Jain, E-Mail to: ahimsatimes@jainsamaj.org  under the subject head of 'Jain Unity'.

JAN.,2004 ISSUE - THEFT OF IDOLS AT KAPARDA JAIN TEERTH IN RAJASTHAN
It is a matter of grave concern that thefts in Jain temples, specially in western Rajasthan has become a regular feature. One after another, theft cases have been reported from different temples but absolutely no action is taken by the concerned authorities. The matter does not appear to be given the seriousness it deserves, as if it is a routine affair for the people who are supposed to provide protection to the religious places and national heritage. It is reported that on last Thursday, the 8th January, silver odols of Jain Tirthankars, their umbrellas and the donation box carrying cash were stolen from famous Jain temple at Kaparda, 45 km. from Jodhpur in Rajasthan Matter was promptly reported to the local Police but the culprits have yet to be apprehended. The Chief Minister of Rajasthan has also been apprised of the case. It is high time that the Government takes the matter with concern and makes all necessary arrangements for the protection of Jain temples and other places of ancient heritage. A few days back, theft has also been reported in one of the dharm shalas at Nakoda Jain Teerth and it is a indeed matter of concern for all. (Courtesy: Dainik Bhaskar, 11th Jan.,04.)

JAN.,2004 ISSUE - PRICELESS RARE JAIN MANUSCRIPTS DESTROYED IN SHIV SENA ATTACK IN PUNE
A 150 to 200-strong mob, calling itself the Sambhaji Brigade of the Maratha Seva Sangh, landed at the Bhandarkar institute at Pune on January 4 and went on the rampage. According to Ms. Saroja Bhate, Secretary of the Institute, the preliminary estimate of the material damage has been around Rs. 1.25 crore . Several manuscripts have been stolen or destroyed. Mob snapped telephone lines, tore books, rare writings and damaged artifacts and several framed paintings and photos. The departments of Mahabharatiya, manuscripts, publication, postgraduate teaching and research bore the brunt of the attack. The police subsequently arrested 72 persons.

The shocking incident comes in the wake of the December 22 incident when Shiv Sena supporters manhandled and humiliated historian Shrikant Bahulkar, named by historin James Laine in his book's acknowledgements section. (The problem started from the controversial book of historian James Laine in which he made certain observations on Maratha warrior King Shivaji and his parentage.) Later, Sena leader Raj Thackeray apologised to Bahulkar, also a member of the Bhandarkar institute's governing council. The Bhandarkar institute attracts world scholars and was established in 1917. In 1920, the then Bombay administration had handed over its entire collection of 20,000 manuscripts to the institute for indexing and preservation.

The Prime Minister also lambasted the vandalism at Pune's Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute triggered by the controversial book on Shivaji. "Countering the views in a particular book by another good book is understandable" Vajpayee said adding, he did not like the banning of the American writer James Laine's controversial book Shivaji : Hindu King of Islamic India.

JAN.,2004 ISSUE - DEPLORABLE CONDITION OF 1200 YEARS OLD JAIN TEMPLE IN HUMCHA WITH ARCHAEOLOGY SURVEY OF KARNATAKA
How our ancient Jain Heritage is maintained by Archaeology Department? Lot of fund comes and go, money is swindled by authorities and the heritage goes to dogs. Bureaucracy and corruption will result in destruction of all our ancient heritage. For details, contact:- Jain Raj, E-Mail: jains_raj@yahoo.com

APRIL 2004 ISSUE -  BADRINATH JAIN TEMPLE CONSTRUCTION UPSETS HINDU TEMPLE COMMITTEE MEMBERS
A district court has granted permission for construction of a Jain temple at the holy Badrinath area in Uttaranchal. However, the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee has decided to challenge the order. Dismissing a petition filed by the Temple Committee, District Judge Chamoli B K Maheshwari, in a significant decision, upheld a lower court order that had given clearance for the construction of a Shwetambar Jain Temple at Devadarshini in Badrinath area. The judge said there was no law in the country that could prevent construction of a temple, religious shrine or dharmshala at Badrinath. According to the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee , "Badrinath is a very holy place and therefore they would seek the guidance of Shankarachayas and intervention of the religious gurus in this sensitive matter. The issue of construction of a Jain temple has also drawn sharp reaction from some quarters in the past, with the VHP, Bajrang Dal and RSS stating that it would lower the importance of Badrinath shrine, set up by Adi Shankaracharya. Tempers are running high against the Chamoli district court orders favouring construction of the Jain temple. The Jain community has been given minority status by the Congress government here. The verdict in favour of Jains has evoked a strong reaction from Sanatani Hindus. Many sadhus, Shankaracharyas and Mahamandaleshwars have come out openly against the proposed temple. Now political parties have also jumped into the fray. While, the SP has decided to back the Jains, the Uttarakhand Kranti Dal stood up to safeguard the Hindu interests.

MAY 2004 ISSUE - UTTARANCHAL JAINSAMAJ DOES NOT WANT CONFRONTATION WITH TEMPLE COMMITTEE
Mr. Suresh Chand Jain, President of Uttaranchal Jain Samaj in a press conference on 4th May at Press Club, Dehradun clarified that there is no controversy regarding construction of Jain temple at Badrinath. No Jain temple is under construction at the moment. The reports in print media are misleading and creating unnecessary confusion in Jain community. As per the information available, a few years back Shri Adinath Nirwan Kalyanak Trust of Mumbai constructed a Jain Dharamshala at Badrinath after seeking necessary approvals from Badrinath Temple Management Committee. Thereafter the Dharamshala Committee decided to establish a Jain tirthankar idol within dharamshala complex. But, some local residents opposed to this move of Jain dharamshala. Considering the objections from local population plans to place Jain idol were dropped. Due to some confusions a member of Badrinath Temple Management Committee obtained a court stay order against the construction of Jain temple within dharamshala complex. This stay order was vacated subsequently by the court. The appeal against vacation of stay is also dismissed by the court. Mumbai Trust or any other Jain organisation has not initiated any litigation from their side. Presently no temple is under construction.

Since the first Jain tirthankar Bh. Adinath lived in this part of Himalaya, the Jain community is deeply and emotionally attached with this place. According to Mr. Suresh Chand Jain Uttaranchal Jain Samaj does not support construction of Jain temple at Badrinath unless all other organisations of the area approve of the construction. All members of Jain Samaj appreciate the views of Shri Suresh Chand Jain and request the media not to misguide the people. Source: Jain Gazette, 20th May 2004.

JULY, 2004 ISSUE - ILLEGAL OCCUPATION AT GIRNAR TIRTH
It is most unfortunate to learn that the fifth peak of mount Girnar, declared as 'Digambar Jain Siddh kshetra', located close to Junagarh town in Gujarat, the holy and sacred place of deeksha, keval gyan and finally moksh of the 22nd Jain tirthankar, Shri Neminath bhagwan has been recently occupied illegally by the Hindu mahants and fanatics and a Hindu idol has also been installed on this peak. The condition of Girnar kshetra has been thus deteriorating day by day and there is no one to restore originality and sanctity of the place. Shri Nirmal kumar Sethi, President of the All India Digambar Jain Teerth Sanrakshini Mahasabha has also taken up the matter with the Chief minister of Gujarat, Shri Narendra Modi and requested him to immediately intervene in the matter.

The entire Jain community should feel concerned about this happening and take appropriate action at whatever levels, necessary. The civil court of Junagarh had earlier given an stay order on any construction work at this place on a petition filed by the local mahants in the year 1984 and the cases had been withdrawn by the mahants in the year 1996. When tha Hindu mahants again tried to take up construction in April, 2004, Gujarat high court was moved by the Digambar Samaj and a stay order was again passed. However, in spite of the stay orders, illegal occupation has been resumed by the mahants. It is therefore necessary to condemn the illegal and unethical communal act aimed at destroying the ancient character of the revered place of worship and to request the government to remove all illegal construction and statue erected.

JULY 2004 ISSUE - JAIN TEMPLE LOOTED AT AGALOOR, TAMILNADU
July 9: Burglars gained entry into a Jain temple in Agaloor Village near Gingee and decamped with gold jewellery worth 22 sovereigns besides the cash collection of Rs 3,0000. According to police, burglars entered the temple by breaking open the doors late last night, took away gold and cash. Following a complaint from the temple trustee Bheemanatha Nainar, Gingee police have registered a case and are investigating.

SEPT. 2004 ISSUE - MAHARASHTRA RELIGIOUS TRUSTS UNITE AGAINST GOVT. TAKEOVER LEGISLATION
Jain, Parsi and Hindu religious trusts have joined hands against a controversial new proposal by the Maharashtra State Government, which according to the trusts, would allow the state to virtually take over the management and administration of religious and charitable trusts. At present, there are more than three lakh such trusts in Maharashtra state that range from small temple trusts to the Bombay Parsi Panchayet. The proposal that is currently on hold because of the coming elections will give the government the powers to appoint chief executive officers to head the trusts and appoint trustees. Incidentally, Muslim trusts come under the Wakf board. Therefore they are not going to be affected by this new legislation. Trust administrations feel that the proposed law will take away their independence and put their assets at the risk of being misused by government appointed officials. if the proposals are approved, the government interference will increase and destabilise the managing boards and their working. To protest against the proposed law, the trusts have formed an association called charitable and religious trust protection committee.

SEPT., 2004 ISSUE - UN-AUTHORISED OCCUPATION AT GIRNAR HILLS STOPPED AFTER INTERVENTION BY GOVERNOR SHRI NAVAL KISHORE SHARMA
A delegation of Jain community, representing Jain Sanskriti Raksha Manch, headed by its Chairman, Shri Milap Chand Dandia had met Pt. Naval Kishore Sharma , Governor of Gujarat on the 10th August, 2004 and apprised him of the situation developed at Shri Girnar Teerth owing to illegal occupation of land on its 4th and 5th peaks where the Jain temples are located. These peaks are considered holy places and centre of pilgrimage by the entire Jain community because of the temples and foot steps of Tirthankars which are worshipped since times immemorial. Justice Pana Chand Jain, who accompanied the delegation also explained the legal issued involved in the case to the Governor. On intervention by the Governor, the State Government had to take immediate action, as a result of which the police arrested the miscreants, who were creating obstructions in the way of devotees to reach the peaks and perform worship. The situation has now been controlled to a large extent and the devotees and visitors are able to go to the concerned places and perform worship. Jain samaj conveys its gratefulness to the Governor for his prompt intervention and timely action.

OCT. 2004 ISSUE - GIRNAR SHRINE HINDU JAIN DISPUTE: JAINS FILE COMPLAINT
Junagadh, October 29: The shrine on the fifth peak of Girnar mountain in Junagadh is once again in the eye of the storm as Jains and Hindus fight for control over the disputed site. On Thursday, a group of Jain pilgrims from Delhi and Uttar Pradesh were prevented from offering prayers here, allegedly, by two Hindu priests, who control the shrine. A police complaint has been lodged with Junagadh taluka police under Sections 323, 504, 506(2), 114 of the IPC and Section 135 of the BP Act and police have been deployed at the disputed site.

Meanwhile, Junagadh taluka PSI and investigating officer A K Devra rushed to the spot at Girnar mountain and deployed additional police force. When Devra reached the spot, the two sadhus against whom the complaint was filed were not available. Devra said, Barring this, no untoward incident has been reported so far. This is a sensitive issue between the two communities and police will maintain law and order at the peak.''

It was also learnt that a group of around 1,000 Jain pilgrims had come to Junagadh under the leadership of Phulchand Jain. They came in 13 buses from Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and surrounding places. They camped at Bhavnath Taleti at the foot of Girnar mountain. The presence of many Jain devotees gave birth to rumours that they had come to town to stage a protest against Hindus occupying the disputed shrine. Meanwhile, Mahant Tansukhgiri of the Junagadh Hindu Samaj said that he and other Hindu sadhus would submit a memorandum to the Collector in protest against Thursday's incident. The controversy involves the shrine on the fifth peak of Girnar mountain, on which both Hindus and Jains have staked their claim. According to Hindus, it is Lord Dattatreya's temple, while Jain claims it is Neminath shrine.

NOV., 2004 ISSUE - ILLEGAL OCCUPATION OF JAIN TEMPLES AT KHANDGIRI TEERTH
It is highly disappointing to learn that people of other faith have been illegally occupying the ancient temple of twelve-faced Vakshini located in a Khandgiri cave for the last 30 to 35 years and have turned it into Durga temple. the outside premises of the temple has also been occupied by non- Jain saints. the idols of Tirthankars and goddesses mounted along the walls of the caves have also been defaced by painting. The Orissa high court had given its decision in favour of Jain community in the year 2001 but the illegal occupation has not yet been removed. In view of the un-concernedness of our community, it is quite likely that the entire area, covering many Jain temples, will be occupied by unscrupulous people. such incidents are happening every day at different place. the case of Girnar temple has come to limelight but there are many such cases of grabbing. The story of Kesharia ji temple near Udaipur is one such case, which is under the control of Devasthan department of Rajasthan government for the last 75 years and Jains have lost all control on the temple.

NOV., 2004 ISSUE -JAIN MUNI MERU BHUSHAN JI GOES ON INDEFINITE FAST in SUPPORT of GIRNAR CASE
Digambar Muni Shri Meru Bhushan Ji maharaj, who is having his chaturmas at Hubli (Dharwar) has gone on indefinite fast from 25th October, 2004 against the illegal occupation of Bhagwan Adinath temple at Girnar Teerth and inaction of Gujarat Government against offenders. He has appealed once again to Gujarat Government to get the illegal occupation removed immediately. He has declared that in case the 4th and 5th peaks are not vacated by the culprits, he would take the vow of Sallekhana samadhi Maran (abstaing from food and water till death). This decision of taking samadhi has perturbed Jain community all over the country. 

JAN., 2005 ISSUE - GUJARAT HIGH COURT ORDERS REMOVAL OF DATTATREYA STATUE AT GIRNAR
In a hearing on the 21st December, 2004, on a writ petition filed by Digambar Jain samaj in the Gujarat High Court about the illegal occupation of fifth peak of the Girnar Ji mountain and un-authorized installation of Dattatreya statue there, the Court having accepted the plea of installation of the Dattatreya statue in an un-authorized manner, against the prevalent rules for protected monuments, had ordered for immediately removal of the statue by the concerned party and vacation of the illegal occupation at the fifth peak.

The Court, in its order, further added that if the statue was not removed by the 28th December, it would be forced to ask the authorities for its removal. The next hearing for this purpose was fixed for 28th December. This hearing, scheduled for 28th December has not been held and the Court has deferred it. This case is being represented in the Gujarat High Court by advocates, Shri Manoj Goyal, Shri D.K. Jain and Shri Harshad Prajapat. During the hearing, the Chairman of Girnar Jain Trust, Shri Raja Ramlesh, Shri Vasant Doshi, Shri Gyan Mal Shah, Shri Rishabh Kumar Jain were present amongst and others. Courtesy: Prachin Teerth Jeernodhar, October, 2004.

POSSIBLE REMEDIES & SOLUTIONS

1. Accepting Democratic Approach in the Governance of Institutions. It is most important to introduce democratic approach in the control of temples, institutions and other . Those who can give their time and efforts and work selflessly should be encouraged to join the executive committees. It would be desirable to form a Federation on the lines of JAINA for all Jains in the country.

2. Major four Jain groups should promote four independent Councils of saints for running their order in democratic way. Break away groups be de-recognized from sainthood.

3. Community publication of of the following matters should be made binding on all the groups:
A. financial accounts of all Jain institutions including the contributions received. 
B. all litigation matters undertaken by Jain institutions including the cost incurred. 
C. information about various projects undertaken by Jain institutions.

4. Open-ended memberships of institutions should be encouraged and memberships be subject to certain annual subscription to be decided by the executive bodies of the groups.

5. Withdrawal of unnecessary litigation from courts. Several cases lying in courts on petty issues, having arisen mostly due to egoistic attitudes must be withdrawn and amicable solutions to all the problems be found out by mutual discussion, if necessary under the guidance and control of concerned acharyas and other muni. Arbitration procedure in disputes may be also introduced where felt necessary.

6. Major religious places should have joint governing consensus with representation from all faiths.

7. Any issue which involves outsiders should be jointly taken up by all faiths.

8. Independent disciplinary committees may be set up by all faiths for imposing appropriate disciplinary actions against defaulting individuals or institutions.

CONCLUSION
The subject of unity amongst various sections of the society is being discussed at various platforms, seminars, conferences, and internet discussion groups. Unfortunately, we are fighting amongst ourselves on the issue of control. We are not able to decide common dates for our festivals, like Paryushan Parva and Samvatsari.

We talk so much about ahimsa but the fact is that we are going away from ahimsa. We are increasingly promoting Parigraha in all our thoughts and deeds. False pride, or "Adambar" has become the way of life. It is the time to change our attitiudes and get united and be just JAIN.

We should with all sincerity come forward and make efforts to unite all Jains for a common cause, may be first on a regional basis and then on a national basis. Perhaps, we would have better result, hopefully from the generations that is following us, if we start impressing them of the need for unity amongst Jains.

Perhaps we should stop assisting to Jains leaders who are trying to disunite and corrupt our minds. It is high time that the Jain community at large wakes up from its deep slumber and ponders over the worsening situation in order to be able to adopt effective measures for counteracting the divisive forces and help in establishing a strong and united Jain samaj. We have to set aside our narrow and parochial differences and sectarian approach and sampradaya-vad and forget the provincial and language bias.

Irrespective of what State we come from, what language we speak, which Guru we follow, which sect or sampradaya we belong to, we have to accept that we are Jain first and our main objective is to promote unity amongst our-selves. A long-range planning committee, consisting of really devoted Jains may have to be constituted for this purpose, which should meet and think seriously about this issue of unity.

Ahimsa Times, through this special issue, wishes to draw attention of all the viewers and believers in Jainism to the sad picture before us. One can see and appreciate how the growing dis-unity amongst Jain sects is responsible for illegal occupation of Jain places of worship and Jain heritages, theft and robbery of Jain idols and other valuables from Jain temples, defacing of idols, poor protection of Jain temples, attacks on Jain saints, mis-behaviour with pilgrims visiting pilgrimage centres, take-over and conversion of Jain temples into temples of other faiths, interference of Government for the control of Jain temples and lack of voice or respect to our sentiments and feelings.

We, at Ahimsa Times, wish that the readers circulate this issue of ahimsa Times, in any way they feel proper and give it a widest possible publicity. We also wish and hope that readers will discuss this matter at whatever forums or platforms, they have access to. They will take up the matter with the leaders of Jain society and even with those in politics and social circles and try to create interest of our society to work assiduously for an united and unified community. We also wish that readers share their ideas and responses with us and they let us know , how they would like to join this campaign. We seek their valuable support for this worthy purpose. All the feed-back received from viewers will be high-lighted in the forth-coming issues of ahimsa times.