Jai Jinendra ,

JAINS OF NORTH AMERICA -AN ISLAND OF JAIN UNITY - Dilip V. Shah, JAINA President, 1902 Chestnut Street,Philadelphia PA 19103, E-Mail : dilipvshah@gmail.com Amidst all the calls for unity among Jains, it is often forgotten that to a large extent, Jains in North America are united. Here there are many Jain Temples providing opportunities for all the Jains to pray in their own tradition under one roof. Temples with both Swetamber and Digamber moorties and Sthanaks (swadhya hall) is a common site here but to my knowledge does not exist in India or any where else. This is one solid achievement of JAINA. An umbrella organization of 67 Jain centers that has strived to serve all the Jains without discrimination based on sect, state of origin or languages.

To be sure, more progress on this front will occur as we go forward. We can take pride in the fact that JAINA’s education committee has created a single set of integrated (non sectarian) Pathshala books in English used by so many Jain centers for their youngsters, YJA (Young Jains of America) and YJP (Young Jain Professionals) spreads message of Jainism without any references to the sects or language divides. Annual JAINA Pilgrimages to Teerthdhams of India cover both Swetamber and Digamber Teerths. JAINA Conventions held every two years draws Monks, scholars and visitors of all traditions in a festive and leaning environment where thousands of North American Jain families proudly celebrate their heritage. Scholars of all traditions are regularly invited by Jain centers and members are exposed to more than their own traditions. JAINA Calendar committee publishes a unified calendar that is mailed to 9,000 households every year and recently published books by JAINA – “Jain Way of Life” are examples of how JAINA has archived a state of Unity that is unique in Jain world.

This unity is a tribute to the two visionaries – Late Acharya Shri Sushil Kumarji and Gurudev Shri Chitrabhanuji who inspired creation of JAINA in 1981. From a handful of centers at the beginning, today there are 67 Jain centers through out USA and Canada are members of JAINA. History of immigration of Jains on this continent is also a factor in Jain unity. First generation of the Jains migrated to this country in 1960 as students or young professionals. There were no Jain organizations or Temples at that time. By early 70’s informal and formal Jain groups started forming and in September of 1971, Gurudev Shri Chitrabhanuji arrived in America. Later he was joined by Acharya Shri Sushil Kumarji and flag of Jain Dharma has been rising over North American continent ever since. Visiting scholars have also contributed immensely by preaching Anekantwad and praising unity movement of JAINA.

Now, our first generation has reached retirement age. Our second generation will soon be the leaders of Jain community here. They are proud to be Jains. Just Jains. They are also united by a common language – English. They are focused on “Jain Values” and not on sectarian adherence. Golden age of Jainism will rise all over again! JAINA has gained world wide reputation as a model of unity for Jains. YJA has inspired similar organizations in India and UK. It is a matter of immense pride that JAINA Pathshala textbooks are sought by teachers in India, Singapore, Kenya and UK. Recently I have learned of a group in India who are planning a unified Jain Temple.

Indian Diaspora has contributed immensely to the mother India. India’s Freedom movement and the IT revolution – both came from sons and daughter who had migrated overseas. May be a tidal wave of Jain unity from north American shores will also someday reach shores of India. I am an optimist. When it comes to the discussion of Jain Unity, I choose to see the glass as half full.