Q.12. Examine the challenges faced by Buddhism and Jainism in contemporary India.

Buddhism and Jainism, while integral to India’s religious diversity, face several challenges in contemporary society:

Challenges Faced by Buddhism:

• Cultural Integration: Buddhism, once widespread in India, now struggles with cultural integration as its followers are a minority. This can lead to a lack of understanding and appreciation of Buddhist traditions within the broader Indian society.
• Globalization: The forces of globalization and modernization present challenges to maintaining traditional Buddhist practices and values.
• Religious Conversion: There is a challenge from conversion movements, both from other religions and within different sects of Buddhism, which can dilute the core teachings and practices.
• Social Issues: Contemporary social issues such as bioethical dilemmas and environmental concerns pose new questions to traditional Buddhist views on life, death, and moral responsibility.

Challenges Faced by Jainism:

• Renunciation Trend: A growing trend of young Jains renouncing the world to become monks and nuns raises questions about the sustainability of the community and its practices in the modern world.
• Socio-Economic Changes: The rapid socio-economic changes in India pose a challenge to the traditional Jain way of life, which emphasizes minimalism and non-materialism.
• Caste System: Despite Jainism’s teachings against the caste system, societal pressures and the remnants of caste-based discrimination can affect the Jain community.
• Decline in Influence: Jainism faces challenges from the rise of other religions and sects within Hinduism, which can lead to a decline in its influence and significance in Indian society.

Both Buddhism and Jainism continue to contribute to the ethical and spiritual fabric of Indian society, but they must navigate these challenges to remain relevant and influential in the modern era.