Jains host seminar to celebrate Interfaith Week
London, 7 November 2009

Jain Samaj Europe and the Jain Network hosted a seminar on Saturday 7th November 2009 at the Sayer Centre in North London to celebrate Interfaith Week that runs from 15 - 22 November 2009. The Jain seminar was on pluralism, social responsibility, philanthropy and environmental concerns and included speakers from the Jain, Bahai, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Muslim, Sikh & Zoroastrian religions.

Following an opening address by Dr Natubhai Shah from the Jain Network, speakers included Mr Jay Lakhani from the Hindu Council UK, Dr Vinod Kapashi giving a Jain perspective, Mr Sarosh Jehangir from the Zoroastrian community, Mrs Bharti Tailor from the Hindu Forum of Britain, Imam Dr Abduljalil Sajid speaking from a Muslim perspective, Dr Doreen Finneron giving a national perspective and a Christian viewpoint, Vicky Golestareh with a Baha'i Perspective and Ms Jan McHarry with a Buddhist perspective.

Dr Natubhai Shah spoke on the spiritual democracy that embodies Jainism, the respect for other religions and the diversity of views it engenders among its followers. "Jainism is an ancient dharmic religion from India that prescribes a path of non-violence for all forms of living beings in this world. Its philosophy and practice relies mainly on self-effort in progressing the soul onto the spiritual ladder to divine consciousness. Jainism is a religion revived by a lineage of 24 enlightened ascetics called tirthankaras culminating with Mahavira in the 6th century BC." Dr Shah explained.

"Jainism advocates five major vows, Ahimsa (non-violence) being perhaps the most well known, but today we are discussing Anekaantvaad" he added "a foundation of Jain philosophy, which literally means search of truth from different points of view, effectively 'pluralism'".

Jay Lakhani from the Hindu Council UK described the influence of Swami Vivekananda in raising interfaith awareness. "Swami Vivekananda is best known for his inspiring speech through which he introduced Hinduism at the Parliament of the World's Religions at Chicago in 1893" said Mr Lakhani "Ironically, this speech was given on 11th September in 1893". Mr Lakhani described himself as an evangelical pluralist "speak not of many gods; speak of many ways to God". He also added that science would eventually reveal the spirituality underpinning it.

Social Responsibility and Philanthropy

Vinod Kapashi spoke of Jainism's view as religion of self-cultivation that advocates individuals looking inwards to destroy obstacles and hurdles. "Jainism encourages spiritual development through reliance on and cultivation of one's own personal wisdom and self-control". His spoke of the social responsibility and philanthropy embodied within the religion. Jains have an ancient tradition of scholarship and have the highest degree of literacy in India - Jain libraries are the oldest in the country. "Jains run animal shelters all over India and indeed in having the vow of limiting possessions and leading a pure life that is useful to yourself and others, Jains are true great philanthropists" he added.

A view echoed by Sarosh Jehangir who spoke of the great philanthropy displayed by those of the Zoroastrian faith. "Because we collaborated with the British before Indian Independence, I think it was this lasting legacy of philanthropy, the building of schools, libraries and hospitals that saved us from being annihilated post Independence".

Bharti Tailor spoke of individuals giving their time and skills as an act of philanthropy. She highlighted the fact that in Hinduism a proportion of wealth is also to be set aside and that "Sewa" (selfless service for others) was a fundamental tenet of the religion.

Imam Dr Abduljalil Sajid spoke of the "3Rs" practiced within Islam: to reduce ones eating habits so as not to become greedy, to reuse materials and to be responsible for one's actions.

Dr Doreen Finneron spoke about renewal and regenerations and the major responsibility of individuals protesting about things that are unjust.

The Jain seminar ended with a Q&A session. This programme was organised in co-operation with Jain Vishwa Bharati (JVB), UK Jains & other Jain organisations.