Jainism in Belgium

Belgium Jains
Total population
15,000[1]
Languages
Belgium Language
Indian Languages
Religion
Jainism
Jain temple in Antwerp, Belgium

The Jains in Belgium are estimated to be around about 1,500 people[2]. The majority live in Antwerp, working in the wholesale diamond business. Belgian Indian Jains control two-thirds of the rough diamonds trade and supplied India with roughly 36% of their rough diamonds.[3] They have built building a major temple in Wilrijk (near Antwerp), with a cultural centre, which was consecrated in 2010.[4] Their spiritual leader, Ramesh Mehta, is a full-fledged member of the Belgian Council of Religious Leaders put up on 17 December 2009.[5]

The Jain community in Europe, especially in Belgium, is mostly involved in the very lucrative diamond business.[6]

History

The Jains starting arriving in Belgium in the 1960s.[7] They initially traded low quality rough diamonds, with very small margins of profit, while the local Jewish merchants dealt in larger stones.[8] These were sent to India for cutting and polishing, where labour costs were much lower. Gradually they started dealing in larger diamonds.

In 1992, The Jain Cultural Centre of Antwerpen VZW was formed with 12 committee members and 52 founder members. Land for a Jain temple and a meditation centre (Upashray) was purchased. In 2001, construction of Antwerp Jain temple and meditation hall began. In 2007, Jain idol's Anjanshalaka took place on 31 January in India and was performed by Jain ascetics Acharya Shri Subodhsagarsuriswarji, Acharya Shri Manohar Kiritisagarsuriswarji, Acharya Udaykirtisagarsuriswarji and Shri Narendra Hiralal. It was necessary to do that in India because the orthodox jain monks still do not travel overseas. In 2008, on 25 August the idols were brought to Antwerp by air, this was followed by a huge procession. In 2010, on 27 August, the Idol's pratistha was performed.
Principal deity of this temple is Parshvanatha, 23rd tirthankara of Jainism.

See also

References

Citation

  1. ↑ Sorajjakool, Carr & Bursey 2017, p. 127.
  2. ↑ Around 400 families. How Indian families took over the Antwerp diamond trade from orthodox Jews, Pallavi Aiyer, July 23, 2015
  3. ↑ Diaspora, Development, and Democracy: The Domestic Impact of International ... - Devesh Kapur - Google Books. Books.google.com. 2010-08-22.
  4. ↑ "Interdisciplinair Centrum Religiestudie & Interlevensbeschouwelijke Dialoog – Faculteit Theologie en religiewetenschappen KU Leuven" (in Dutch). Kuleuven.be.
  5. ↑ "Presentation of the Belgian Council of Religious Leaders". Orthodox Archdiocese of Belgium and Exarchate of the Netherlands and Luxemburg. 17 December 2009. Archived from the original on 3 July 2011.
  6. ↑ "An Introduction to Jainism: History, Religion, Gods, Scriptures and Beliefs". Kwintessential.co.uk.
  7. ↑ Antwerp’s humble diamantaires, Estelle Hakner, Geographical, March 22, 2018
  8. ↑ Jews Surrender Gem Trade to Indians, Erich Wiedemann, DEM SPIEGEL, May 15, 2006

Source

  • Sorajjakool, Siroj; Carr, Mark F; Bursey, Ernest (2017), World Religions for Healthcare Professionals, Routledge, p. 82, ISBN 9781317281016, One of the most prominent diaspora communities (approximately 15,000) is the Jains of Antwerp, Belgium, who are deeply involved in the precious stone trade.
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