Jainism is on the rise and I am proud to say that I am a Jain by birth. Jainism according to me is one of the very few religion which is based more on scientific reasons than on beliefs.
Certain rules of Jainism such as one should not eat after dark is based on scientific fact that at night if one goes to sleep directly after eating it will make them obese. There are other many such rules which are mostly based on scientific findings but that details for another time....
At the moment the issue is 'Diksha' (Renunciation) of worldly belongings. In Jainism, Diksha means sacrifice of all the worldly belongings in order to turn themselves to religious activities and learn the ways of Jainism and then preach them to other people and I respect and honour such people who have courage to take up the decision of taking Diksha because it is not an easy path to stay on and follow.
Now the moot question is when a normal society does not allow a minor to take any decision for themselves and they have to be either affirmed by their parents or guardians, then how can they be allowed to take diksha's decision on their own. In some cases it is said that parents agree and stand by their child's decision. But are these minors who have still to see and understand as to what the world has to offer them renounce the world or is it some kind of pressure coming from unexpected quarters.
According to me, when parents are not allowed to get their minor children married and it is also punishable under the laws of our country. The same law should be applied to underage diksha or renunciaton and the law should not allow either the minor or their parents/guardian to take this step until they reach an age of 21 as according to most of the Jains - Diksha is a big step and in which one gets married to religion and then as in marriage polygamy is not tolerated and you have to be loyal to your partner similarly once you take diksha you have to be loyal to the religion and not desert it, if you are not able to maintain your vows.
And so called bigwigs and self appointed care takers of Jainism - please realize that more you approve of such 'Bal Dikshas', more are the chances of our religion getting a bad name as there will be more and more case when one realizes their mistake they will want to return to the society.....
Please think liberally and logically.
0 comments:
Post a Comment