From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Ethnic group
Jain Canadians
number 8,275, composing
0.02% of Canada's population. Adherents of
Jainism
first settled in Canada in small numbers in the late 19th century. The number of Jains in Canada later increased, leading to the establishment of Jain temples in Canada. The type of Jainism in Canada later exhibited several differences from Jainism in India.
History
[
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]
The number of Jains in Canada greatly increased in the 1970s due to the liberalization of Canada's immigration laws. This has allowed for a community of Jain immigrants to become established in Canada, where they have formed a unique spiritual and cultural identity.
[2]
Most Canadian Jains now live in
Ontario
, particularly
Toronto
.
[2]
First temple
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The first Jain society in the Toronto area was formed in 1974. At that time, there were approximately 150 Jain families in the region. A Jain religious centre was first officially established in
Toronto
in 1988 when the Jain society purchased a Church building and converted it into a temple.
[3]
The temple served both the
?vet?mbara
and
Digambar
communities, whose theology and religious practice differs in some aspects.
[2]
Jain Temple at Scarborough,Toronto is the largest Jain temple.There are almost 165 Jain Temples across Canada.
[4]
[
needs update
]
Themes in Canadian Jainism
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Canadian Jainism differs from Jainism in India in part due to the lack of Jain ascetics. In India, ascetics often promote sect loyalty and religious orthodoxy. This difference has promoted a more non-sectarian Jain identity which allows for diversity of beliefs. Some Jains have argued that this leads to a less authentic version of Jainism. Others have applauded the way that Canadian Jainism promotes a more casteless modern interpretation of the religion.
[2]
In the
Gujarati community
Jains have become integrated with
Hindus
, and have often served together on community projects.
[5]
Many Canadian Jains actively promote
vegetarianism
,
meditation
, and
interfaith dialogue
.
[2]
See also
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Notes
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]
References
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]
- Lambek, Michael (2002),
A reader in the anthropology of religion
,
Wiley-Blackwell
,
ISBN
978-0-631-22113-5
- Magocsi, Paul R. (1999),
Encyclopedia of Canada's peoples
,
University of Toronto Press
,
ISBN
978-0-8020-2938-6
- Fieldhouse, Paul (2017),
Food, Feasts, and Faith: An Encyclopedia of Food Culture in World Religions
(2 ed.), ABC-CLIO,
ISBN
9781610694124
, retrieved
11 September
2017