Modern Jainism — Das Lakshan 2017
Recently I went low-carb, and vegan. I think modern medicine has a lot to offer Jainism and vice-versa. Since today is the first day of Das Lakshan 2017, this will be a current look of it.
Just as you take New Year’s Resolutions, Das Lakshan is an opportunity to become a better person. Self-purification, but I think it can make you more liked, impactful in your circles, healthier and yes, wealthier too independent of religious benefits.
Das Lakshan 2017 (Digambar)
1. Uttama Kshama. Forgive and be forgiven by all. You cannot have peace of mind or lower your BP and stress without doing this first.
2. Mardava, or humility. A number of great corporations and service organizations make this the foundation (along with its sibling respect of others). It is important to set ones own goals and compare to what one can be, not to others and develop an ego. As the saying goes .. “but for the grace of God, that person could be me.” Key is to check your pride, as it goes before a fall.
3. Arjava, or straightforwardness. Many Jains I know have this simple life and very straight arrow — not playing games. Another way is not to beguile others or cheat or deceive. From ancient times of Patliaputra Guptas, Jains have been known for this trait. However this does not mean simple-mindedness.
4. Shaucha, or Purity of Body, Mind and Soul. “Cleanliness is next to godliness”. If you practice good hygiene you will be healthy, but also feel good about interacting with others. If you have clean thoughts, it will also bring you joy.
5. Satya, or truthfulness. Generally pretty clear, but sometimes it includes not blurting out the “truth” if it is not welcome or hurtful. Just think what would happen if everyone lied all the time. It would be impossible to get anything done.
6. Sanyam, or self-restraint. In a materialistic world, even a little bit of self control — i.e. taking 1 soda instad of 2, and preferably 0, can save you from Diabetes, Heart attacks and Strokes.
7. Tapa, or austerity. For students who concentrate on studies, this is like the monks who do various practices to be gain merit or reduce bonds of past attachments (karma). However please love yourself and respect ahimsa i.e. don’t do any Tapa that hurts yourself or others.
8. Tyag, or renunciation. This is interesting for Western Jains, are they supposed to give up their cars, homes, etc. Or is it a mental trait … once I asked a scholar .. and a simple way to do this is to give up some “addiction” e.g. Starbucks Capachinos or whatever :) Just choose one thing you will give up today for some time — one month, one year etc — a food, a word, an activity, or anything else.
9. Akinchanya/Aparigraha, or nonpossessiveness. Irony is Jains are amongst the most possessive (i.e. wealthy) and their charity is mainly spent on temples or perhaps animal charity and my guess is <20% on other humans. Positively, Jains are generally quite thrifty, and generally don’t do drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, or eat meat. That is very good, but the craze to gold and luxury good including status symbols e.g. expensive iPhones can be reduced?
10. Brahmacharya, or chastity. For married folks it is about fidelity to ones life companion, reducing lust to others, etc. and in modern world avoiding porn.
I believe in Modern Jainism
- Don’t drink milk or milk products. Decades ago China Study on humans showed clearly after Indian studies milk proteins have been found to cause many forms of cancer. The violence done to cows is severe and environmental insults are extreme — yet Jains drink more milk/head globally
- Garlic, Potato and Onion is Ok! .. I don’t believe the violence is more than other vegetables. If this is true then why not eat 1 cow over an entire year(s) as that is only a single life even if it as a few more senses?
