Jainism in Canada

Canadian Jains

Adinath Digambar Jain Temple in Brampton, Ontario
Total population
8,275 [1]
Languages
Canadian English Indian Languages
Religion
Jainism

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

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

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 Śvetāmbara 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

Canadian Jainism differs from Jainism in India in part due to the lack of Jain ascetics. In India, ascetics often provide more guidance on Jainism and correct way of practice.This difference has led to less opportunities for Canadian Jains to learn from the directly from ascetics. However, Jains in Canada try their best to learn through other sources and keep themselves knowledgeable. Canadian Jains respect all religions but maintain their principles and identity as Jains. Jains have supported and served together with many other communities especially Hindus in various community projects. ^[5]

Many Canadian Jains actively promote vegetarianism, meditation, and interfaith dialogue. ^[2]

See also

• Religion portal
• Canada portal

• Brampton Jain Temple
• Jainism in the United States
• Jainism in Europe
• Jainism in Hong Kong
• Jainism in Singapore

Notes

1. "Religion by visible minority and generation status: Canada, provinces and territories, census metropolitan areas and census agglomerations with parts". Statistics Canada. 23 July 2023. p. M.23.
2. Lambek 2002, p. 557
3. McAteer, Michael (22 April 1989). "Non-violence to any living thing". Toronto Star . p. M.23. Archived from the original on 7 November 2012.
4. Ajit Jain (1 February 2013). "Toronto's Jains build a 'landmark' temple". The Globe and Mail . Retrieved 18 March 2013.
5. Magocsi 1999, p. 636

References

• 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