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How has the internet influenced the spread of Jainism to new audiences?

Rozanne Yerrington

The advent of the internet has significantly impacted the propagation of Jainism to new audiences over the past few decades. The internet has become an invaluable tool for information dissemination, community building, and resource sharing within the Jain community and beyond.

First and foremost, the internet has made information on Jainism more widely accessible to a global audience. Jainism is a highly misunderstood and lesser-known religion, particularly outside India. However, the internet has enabled Jains worldwide to create online resources, such as informational websites, social media groups, and YouTube channels, that have helped to educate people about Jainism's philosophy, principles, and practices. This, in turn, has led to a broader interest in Jainism among people from different backgrounds and cultures who would otherwise not have been exposed to it.

Another significant way the internet has influenced the spread of Jainism is through the development of online communities. Jains living in different parts of the world have come together virtually through social media groups, forums, and online discussion boards to share ideas, exchange resources, and build connections. This has created a sense of community among Jains that transcends geographical boundaries and has helped them to preserve their culture and traditions.

The internet has also provided a platform for Jain organizations and individuals to promote Jainism and its values from a perspective that resonates with younger generations. Through social media platforms, like Instagram and Twitter, Jains have been able to engage younger people in their teachings and principles by sharing inspirational quotes, visual imagery, and anecdotes that are relatable and easy to understand. This has helped Jainism to remain relevant and appealing to younger generations, even in a rapidly changing and increasingly diverse world.

Finally, the internet has played a role in fundraising and supporting Jain causes. Many Jain organizations and individuals have used online platforms to raise awareness and funds for various charitable causes, such as disaster relief efforts, education, and healthcare. This has allowed them to reach a broader audience and has facilitated more significant contributions to these causes than they would have been able to do offline.

In conclusion, the internet has had a profound impact on the spread of Jainism, facilitating the dissemination of information, creating a sense of community, promoting Jainism to younger generations, and enabling fundraising for charitable causes. Jainism has found a new global audience through the internet, and its continued growth and survival will depend, in part, on how effectively the Jain community can harness the power of the internet to promote its teachings, values, and culture.