It is probably perceived as too restrictive by most people.
A related challenge is that Jain teachers are simply not too easy to find.
A related challenge is that Jain teachers are simply not too easy to find.
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Why not popular?
- Thread starter religion99
- Start date
Delta-9
Member
I agree with Columbus in that it seems unrealistic and attempts to take us out of the web of life instead of being in-balance with it. We are animals, and part of the ecosystem not as visitors but as natives.
When you refuse to farm, go out at night, or even pick vegetables from the ground because it disturbs insects and worms, I think most will view that as unrealistic and then some.
For me personally I would rather see a dietary ethic that focused less on banning food and more focused on only taking what you need, and using all that you can from what you take.
religion99
Active Member
81% of US population is urban. 2% are involved in farming.
There is no issue with going out at night.
Sees
Dragonslayer
The main issue is the masses/common folk want things as easy as possible, more and more it seems. Alongside certain religious traditions especially focusing on faith and beliefs, this leads to people wanting to view religion as their thoughts and feelings about the "big questions" and metaphysical/supernatural stuff. If you are part of a tradition where your life and doing is where it's at....that is not so easy. Discipline by self or traditional practices and exercises, way of going about things in general, etc. is a tough sell without quick and obvious gratification on a spoon.
The large numbers want a comforting religion to keep in their pocket for special events or difficult times...or no religion at all. Effort and real personal transformation is scary and time-consuming
The large numbers want a comforting religion to keep in their pocket for special events or difficult times...or no religion at all. Effort and real personal transformation is scary and time-consuming
religion99
Active Member
The main issue is the masses/common folk want things as easy as possible, more and more it seems. Alongside certain religious traditions especially focusing on faith and beliefs, this leads to people wanting to view religion as their thoughts and feelings about the "big questions" and metaphysical/supernatural stuff. If you are part of a tradition where your life and doing is where it's at....that is not so easy. Discipline by self or traditional practices and exercises, way of going about things in general, etc. is a tough sell without quick and obvious gratification on a spoon.
The large numbers want a comforting religion to keep in their pocket for special events or difficult times...or no religion at all. Effort and real personal transformation is scary and time-consuming
So you think that tough religions are destined to remain minorities unless world is ruled by the dictators belonging to those tough religions and then they force that tough religion on the masses?
Sees
Dragonslayer
Remain minorities unless watered down - a lot of not so good gurus, monks, etc. do this for here for westerners to make money or simply increase numbers. Some think traditions with a bit more effort and discipline are cool, hip, "exotic" but hardly ever become dedicated.
To me forced into it is not real religion because religion is about connections and relationships, not just self with other but all parts of our own self - a physical showing without the heart, mind, soul, whatever involved and in tune... is just posing.
Delta-9
Member
Where do you think we all get our food from - if they can't farm we can't eat.
The only reason why our population is so high is because of many revolutions in agricultural farming which increases the population capacity (and also reduces the % of people needed to farm). Take away farming and a significant portion of people will simply starve to death.
From what I've read going out at night is frowned upon because you have a greater chance of harming insects. Although living in a suburban area myself (that isn't the south, I'll have to ask my dad who is from the south about his experiences walking at night) I can't say walking on sidewalks or roads at night is harmful to any visible creature. But if I were to take a camping trip or set up a bonfire/campfire in my backyard at night, it probably wouldn't work out to well if I was a Jain.
I do have a real question though. Does Jainism's non-violence extend to microbial life? Because if it does I can think of one very important reason why the Western world will never convert: we have a multitude of bacteria on our skin that we kill every time we use soap.
religion99
Active Member
So you think that only sensible way of growth is:
1. Organic
2. Marrying in same religion
3. Teaching children how important it is to hold onto to religion because it is the true religion.
religion99
Active Member
Where do you think we all get our food from - if they can't farm we can't eat.
The only reason why our population is so high is because of many revolutions in agricultural farming which increases the population capacity (and also reduces the % of people needed to farm). Take away farming and a significant portion of people will simply starve to death.
From what I've read going out at night is frowned upon because you have a greater chance of harming insects. Although living in a suburban area myself (that isn't the south, I'll have to ask my dad who is from the south about his experiences walking at night) I can't say walking on sidewalks or roads at night is harmful to any visible creature. But if I were to take a camping trip or set up a bonfire/campfire in my backyard at night, it probably wouldn't work out to well if I was a Jain.
I do have a real question though. Does Jainism's non-violence extend to microbial life? Because if it does I can think of one very important reason why the Western world will never convert: we have a multitude of bacteria on our skin that we kill every time we use soap.
Each and every detail need not and is not be followed by each and every follower. One of the Member of Parliament in India is Jain and is a farmer. What is important is that Jainism has one of the most internally-consistent theology and any serious person looking for answers to unknowns should find it appealing.
ScottySatan
Well-Known Member
Most people here have never heard of it. If they do, they would find it outlandish because it is just about the opposite of this culture.
religion99
Active Member
Only real change in the lifestyle will be that you order Veggies Burger when you go to Macdonalds or BK and order Veggie Pizza when you go to Pizza Hut. Also , you stop going to KFC. Why it is then considered outlandish? It doesn't believe in God which is compatible to many people's belief in Europe. It doesn't have religious hierarchy which is compatible with the freedom-centric modern society.
A.) It's not just switching to veggie burgers and pizza, but also giving up on root vegetables, garlic & onions (at least according to Jains I've spoken with), and any food that may have had anything to do with violence. For example, not accepting food from an individual who A.) eats meat or B.) may have obtained their food in a violent manner (such as dragging a plant out of the soil and killing it). This is not me guessing or quoting Wikipedia, but came from the mouths of Jains whom I have conversed with.
It is rather hard to switch from one lifestyle to another and there is such thing as extreme non-violence to the point where it becomes ridiculous; for example pest extermination. I'm sorry, but cockroaches are the epitome of gross and vile, and I will get rid of them in one way or another. I usually will try and catch an insect and let it outside, but cockroaches are the exception.
B.) Not only is this religion low in Numbers (5 million last time I checked), it's also not like the diaspora is large enough for seekers to scout out. Heck, we only have, like, 10 Jains where I live and they don't have their own temple. They attend Hindu pujas and holidays, so no one would even assume that they were Jain. Two or three of them actively worship Krishna and Balaji more than they do the Tirthankaras.
religion99
Active Member
See , you are so smart that I don't even understand what you are saying. Can you please elaborate?
What pains me the most is when I see smart people like you to follow brain-dead ideologies like Christianity or Atheism.
I don't know that Atheism is an ideology, but what do you find wrong with it?
religion99
Active Member
Reincarnated! Our son is a World War II pilot come back to life | Mail Online
Albert Einstein is reported to have said: No amount of experimentation can ever prove me right; a single experiment can prove me wrong. (paraphrased)
Excuse me? I don't think that is an answer to my question.
Wow, and I had favorable opinions of Jainism but if you're going to insult my religion...
Andras
Member
Be concerned with your own brain