Jain Monks

[zen]

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]

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 23 hours ago by BacktoCricaddict

[zen]

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 20 hours ago by zen