Jainism in Canada

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]

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 center 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 Svetambara and Digambar communities, whose theology and religious practice differs in some aspects.[2]

A new temple is in construction in Scarborough, which, once completed in 2016, it will be the largest Jain temple in North America.[4]

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 dialog.[2]

• Brampton Jain Temple

• 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