zen Posted September 15 Posted September 15 One of the most touching sights for me is Jain Monks walking barefoot on the streets irrespective of the conditions - Link. I guess, they are also required to pluck each strand of hair to become the monk. Many, including rare saintly figures, die due to traversing in such hardship. When these rules were designed, it probably had a reason. Are these reasons still valid today? We complain about Islam remaining arrested in time, but we also need to look at Jainism. I hope that these rigid rules are relaxed. The world is no longer the same as when the religions originated. Jainism needs to look into this to change its rigidness, in my humble opinion.
BacktoCricaddict Posted September 15 Posted September 15 (edited) 1 hour ago, zen said: One of the most touching sights for me is Jain Monks walking barefoot on the streets irrespective of the conditions - Link. I guess, they are also required to pluck each strand of hair to become the monk. Many, including rare saintly figures, die due to traversing in such hardship. When these rules were designed, it probably had a reason. Are these reasons still valid today? We complain about Islam remaining arrested in time, but we also need to look at Jainism. I hope that these rigid rules are relaxed. The world is no longer the same as when the religions originated. Jainism needs to look into this to change its rigidness, in my humble opinion. That's why very few people are Jain Monks. If it was easy, everyone would do it. As for changing the rigidity - it doesn't really matter as long as it is an open choice. No one should be forced into it. Once you join by your choice knowing exactly what it entails, do it. But, if it overwhelms you and you don't want to follow the rules, you should be free to leave the group with no negative consequence on your life or ability to thrive as a human. Edited September 15 by BacktoCricaddict
zen Posted September 15 Author Posted September 15 (edited) 3 hours ago, BacktoCricaddict said: That's why very few people are Jain Monks. If it was easy, everyone would do it. As for changing the rigidity - it doesn't really matter as long as it is an open choice. No one should be forced into it. Once you join by your choice knowing exactly what it entails, do it. But, if it overwhelms you and you don't want to follow the rules, you should be free to leave the group with no negative consequence on your life or ability to thrive as a human. Point itself is with respect to “extreme rigidity”, which could be obsolete. It is not about, it is a choice, which remains, but should they be put in a position to make such choices. In this day and age, becoming a monk itself is rigid. Then they are subjected to extreme harshness including a changing environment due to global warming and urbanization, having to walk barefoot on asphalt/tarmac at 40-45C for example. Edited September 15 by zen
singhvivek141 Posted September 17 Posted September 17 (edited) On 9/15/2026 at 7:57 PM, zen said: One of the most touching sights for me is Jain Monks walking barefoot on the streets irrespective of the conditions - Link. I guess, they are also required to pluck each strand of hair to become the monk. Many, including rare saintly figures, die due to traversing in such hardship. When these rules were designed, it probably had a reason. Are these reasons still valid today? We complain about Islam remaining arrested in time, but we also need to look at Jainism. I hope that these rigid rules are relaxed. The world is no longer the same as when the religions originated. Jainism needs to look into this to change its rigidness, in my humble opinion. Jain Monks, Naga Sadhus...they both have tough and challenging lives. Thats why it needs immense will and pain endurance to become one. I do 9 day fast during Navratris (one time food) and that itself becomes a challenge as my body starts to crave by 3rd or 4th day. Imagine these guys coz they have no point of return (although things becomes easier as time progresses and body adapts). Difference between Islam and Jain Monks or Naga Sadhus are the latter dont force anyone to join them and stay rather away from the general society. Former, lives within the society and yet show unwillingness to assimilate and follow the rules. Edited September 17 by singhvivek141 Lord 1
zen Posted September 17 Author Posted September 17 (edited) 3 hours ago, singhvivek141 said: Jain Monks, Naga Sadhus...they both have tough and challenging lives. Thats why it needs immense will and pain endurance to become one. I do 9 day fast during Navratris (one time food) and that itself becomes a challenge as my body starts to crave by 3rd or 4th day. Imagine these guys coz they have no point of return (although things becomes easier as time progresses and body adapts). Difference between Islam and Jain Monks or Naga Sadhus are the latter dont force anyone to join them and stay rather away from the general society. Former, lives within the society and yet show unwillingness to assimilate and follow the rules. I do Navratri fast too (same one meal + farari food) but it can be for 9 continuous days or I can take a break in between for a day. I remain flexible. The point is that they do not need to walk on hot asphalt for example bare feet. No religion should not allow that. Nor should they be put into a position where they have to pluck every strand of their hair out. Whatever the point was earlier no longer appears to be the point with the changes in the society. Also Naga Sadhus live in isolation and more or less stationary. Jain Monks do not. And if I am not wrong, they have to keep on moving from place to place. PS the point on Islam is that it is a rigid religion in general to not mend to new ways in a way it should. Edited September 17 by zen
zen Posted September 17 Author Posted September 17 Daily Life and Conduct Travel: Monks walk barefoot and do not use any vehicles. Most continuously wander from place to place to avoid attachment to a single location, except during the rainy season Diet: Ascetics eat simple vegetarian food given by laypeople, never cooked specifically for them. They do not eat or drink after sunset, and drinking water must be boiled. Possessions: They own virtually nothing except a few basic items like a wooden bowl, holy scriptures, and a feather whisk (rajoharan) to clear insects. Clothing: Sect differences apply—Digambara monks renounce all clothing and go completely nude, while Śvētāmbara monks wear simple, unstitched white garments. Technology and Comfort: Monks abstain from modern conveniences including electricity, telephones, and electronic devices.
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