Open Letter to JSOC for New Digambar Temple

Jai Jinendra All 🙏

Dear JSOC Members,

We are writing this open letter to reach out to all of you directly, with sincerity and openness, bypassing formal processes.

We all once shared a beautiful dream of building a JSOC temple together, and for years many families gave their time, energy, and resources to help make that dream a reality. We truly felt we were a close-knit family during that journey. When discussions around the temple began and a new committee was formed by a few dedicated volunteers, there was genuine enthusiasm and optimism. Everyone felt motivated and contributed generously according to their capacity, trusting that the collective effort would lead to a meaningful outcome.

Over time, however, some of us began to feel that things were no longer unfolding with the same sense of equality and inclusion we had hoped for. It became difficult to understand when differences in approach and belief started creating distance. We do not blame any individual. Circumstances—both internal and external—can influence even the most well-intentioned efforts. Jain traditions themselves have evolved over thousands of years, and diversity of belief is part of that journey. In today’s world, mutual respect and accommodation of one another’s practices are essential. While the committee’s vision and beliefs were not inherently wrong, the feeling of imposed practices created discomfort for some families, leading to misunderstanding and hurt.

This resulted in a long process of explanations, documentation, guidelines, surveys, and discussions, all aimed at expressing concerns and seeking understanding. Despite these efforts, resolution remained elusive. In the final meeting on October 4 at Koelbel Library last year, after much emotional and mental exhaustion, several Digambar families felt compelled to step back. As the process progressed, three Digambar members were required to step away from the temple committee. With limited options remaining, we began exploring another place of worship—an idea that had also been gently suggested by a few respected JSOC dignitaries.

The new Digambar Chaityalaya and the envisioned Shikharbandi temple, open to all, are not meant to stand against JSOC, but rather to complement and add to the spiritual growth of our wider community. Having one JSOC Center and one Chaityalaya does not divide the Samaj; instead, it offers choice and allows individuals to practice their faith in the form that resonates with them. The Samaj remains one, and we continue to consider ourselves very much a part of it, with no bitterness or negativity. These two spaces simply serve different needs.

I sincerely acknowledge that this journey has not been easy for us either. It demanded an effort comparable to what JSOC invested over many years to reach this point. I wholeheartedly congratulate and deeply appreciate all members and volunteers of Jain Mool Sangh (JMS) for their unwavering dedication. Above all, building and sustaining places of worship remains one of the highest callings for any Jain.

At this point, we truly believe that bygones should be bygones. Our only appeal is for all of us to remain positive and recognize the progress our community has made. Where once we struggled to establish even one temple, we are now fortunate to have two enduring spiritual legacies to pass on to future generations.

We hope this letter helps ease concerns, reduce misunderstandings, and bring closure to the ongoing questions and discussions within the group.

It is important to note that Jain Mool Sangh (JMS) is a non-profit organization established solely to own and manage this new property in Colorado, with plans to connect and open chapters across North America. This is not a replacement for JSOC in any way. We remain one Jain Samaj of Colorado, and we are committed to preserving this unity forever.

At this time, we prefer to stay focused and low-key as we work toward closing the property on February 10, 2026. We also look forward to hosting a JSOC Bhavna on the property in the near future. I humbly request the Samaj’s support for this cause by observing a daily niyam/tyaag until the closing date.

We also kindly request everyone not to rely on uninformed sources.

With equanimity.