Jain Digest 1993 07

Author(s): Federation of JAINA
Publisher: USA Federation of JAINA
Catalog link: https://jainqq.org/explore/527052/1

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JAIN DIGEST QUARTERLY NEWS MAGAZINE August 1993 Volume 20 Number 3 FEDERATION OF THE JAIN ASSOCIATIONS IN NORTH AMERICA CIRCULATION 6,500 This issue features a special section on the Seventh Biennial JAINA Convention IA estab of JAIN Feder: ched 1987 Live and let live Editor-in-Chief, Surender K. Jain 3 Ransom Rd., Athens, Ohio 45701 USA E VE PER USE O Www

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Jain Digest JAINA Executive Committee PRESIDENT . Dr. Jagat D. JainEIRST VICE PRESIDENT - Dr. Manibhai Mehta, VICE PRESIDENTS - Mr. RameshC. Jain (Canada), Mr. Harilal G. Shah (Western U.S.), Mrs. Hansa Varia (Southwestern U.S.). Dr. Mahendra K. Dosi (Southeastern U.S.), Mr. Niranjan C. Shah (Midwestern U.S.), Mr. Naresh Shah (Northeastern U.S.); SECRETARY-Mr. Ramesh P'. Shah TREASURER. Mr. Vinod B. Doshi; PAST PRESIDENTS - Dr. Manoj Dharamsi, Dr. Tansukh J. Salgia, Dr. Sulekh C. Jain Member Organizations of the Federation of JAINA Jain Digest is a quarterly news magazine published by the Federation of JAINA for the North American and international Jain community, and many others who have interest in Jainism. The magazine covers domestic and international news of various Jain organizations including youths, matrimonial ads, updates on library and education, reviews of books and news on the bulletin board service. Another important feature is the letters to the editor on issues facing the Jain community. Articles of general interest are also published as space permits. The directors of Jain Centers both in the United States and abroad should send their newsletters and other items of interest to the Editor as per the details given below: It is requested that all articles submitted be typed and of good quality. If you are able to send information on a 3.5" computer disk in ASCII (text) format MacWrite II or WordPerfect (Macintosh or IBM formats) please do so. Black and white, nonreturnable photographs may be sent for possible publication. We will try our best to publish the materials sent, but due to space restrictions, the Editor reserves the right to edit any of the material submitted. Materials submitted will not be returned, regardless of being published or not. Editor-in-Chief: Surender K. Jain, Phone & Fax (614) 592-1660. Views expressed in the past, present and future articles published are those of the authors and not necessarily the opinions of the editor, the editorial board members or JAINA. Publication Dates ISSUE DEADLINE February December 25 May March 25 August June 25 November September 25 USA Albany (NY) Allentown (PA) Atlanta Augusta (GA) Boston Brahmi Society Buffalo Charlotte (NC) Cherry Hill (N) Chicago Cincinnati/Dayton Cleveland Columbus Hartford (CT) Dallas Daytona Beach Detroit Elmira (NY) Ft. Meyers (FL) Harrisburg (PA) Houston Jacksonville (FL) Jain Meditation (NY) Jain Sangh (NJ) Jain Social Group, Los Angeles Kutchi Gurjar Jain Society Los Angeles Lubbock (TX) Int'l. Mahavir Jain Mission Memphis (TN) Miami Middle Tennessee Milwaukee Minneapolis/St. Paul Morgantown (WV) New York New Orleans Orlando Phoenix (AZ) Pittsburgh Raleigh (NC) Rochester San Diego San Francisco St. Louis Syracuse Tulsa (OK) Washington, D.C. Canada Brahmi Society Jain Meditation Center Edmonton-Alberta Mahavir Jain Mission Montreal Ottawa Toronto Vancouver Send news for the following regions" to: North East Region-Vinay K. Vakani, 206 Sussex St. Oradell, NJ 07649. Phone (201)967-9344; Midwest. Southeast Regions and International - Editor-in-Chief; Southwest Region - Jadavji V. Kenia, 1819 Plymouth Rock Dr., Richardson, TX 75081. Phone (214) 690-3593(H), (214) 234-2030(O); West Region - Chandrakant Parekh, 12914 Wolverton Lane, Cerritos, CA 90701. Phone (310) 865-1679, FAX (310) 865-0851; Letters to Editor - Ravindra K.Jain, P.O.Box 1395, Bedford, TX 76021. Phone (814) 283-1412; Matrimonials - F. J. Dalal, 9001 Goodluck Road, Lanham, MD 20706. Phone (301)577-5215; Canada - Dr. Mahendra Mehta, 26 Vancho Crescent, Islington, Ontario M9A 422. Phone & FAX (416) 241-2044 (IF YOU BELIEVE the Jain Digest is serving our community, please send your annual donation: Each page costs $250 to produce. We need your support in the form of an individual donation, or sponsorship of the whole issue by groups or businesses. See page 9 for details. Special Thanks to the following families for their generous contributions. Avani P. Sheth Oklahoma City, OK Executive Advisory Board & Staff Sulekh C. Jain, Jagat P. Jain, Pramod Jhaveri, Premchand Gada, F.J. Dalal, Urmila Talsania, John Cort, Ravindra K. Jain, Prem Jain, Dhiraj Shah, Narendra Sheth, Surendra Singhvi, John Laplante, Mahendra Pandya, Michael Tobias, Sam McCoy (Publishing Editor) and John Zimmerer (Graphics Editor). "Regions Northeast -ME, NH, VT, MA, CT, RI, NY, PA, MD, DE, NJ Southeast - FL, GA, AL, MI, LA, AK, TN, SC, NC, KY, WV, VA Midwest-ND, SD, KS, MO, IA, MN, WI, IL, OH, IN, MI, NE Southwest-AZ, NM, TX, OK, CO, UT West - AL, WA, OR, CA NV, ID, MT, WY, HI Canada - All provinces Mr. & Mrs. Ashok and Mamta Shaha Kings Point, NY parasparopagraho jIvAnAma Live and let live Jain Education Intemational

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Jain Digest Contents Where do we go from here? by Dr. Sulekh C. Jain Dr. Sulekh C. Jain From The Editor Vantage Point From Dr. Sulekh C. Jain News and Announcements Center News Youth Corner Letters to the Editor Matrimonials Late News Pratishtha News Special Section 7th Biennial JAINA Convention International News From The Editor Vantage Point President's Message This summer for the Jain community in North America has been an historic summer with many events packed in a period of five months. We have had idol pratishthas in six temples, a great JAINA convention and the largest and most visible participation of Jain scholars and leaders in the centennial celebration of Parliament of Worlds' Religions. Now, the gathering of 6,000 plus Jains from all corners of North America is becoming an accepted fact. Within a span of just five days, more than 6,000 Jains came to attend the Jain Temple Pratishtha in Chicago and JAINA convention in Pittsburgh. What was even more remarkable is that more than 2,000 youths attended the JAINA convention. JAINA and Jain communities are doing well and are positioned to do even better; not because of some sophisticated strategy or some miraculous or divine power, but we are doing well because of our character and commitment. Ours is a community of resources, rich traditions and affluence. We have great leadership in the community and many committed people doing many right things. With all dynamism, growth and success, again the question must be asked, "Where do we go from here?" There are changes all around us with the advancement of science, technology, communication and travel. The world has now become a global village. If the beginning of this decade is any indication, the next century (which is just around the corner) will shape up to be a time of unusual challenges and opportunities for all of us. Because of continued on page 19 - From Here? After having been blessed by monks, gurus, and spiritual leaders; after being recognized as true believers of non-violence and Anekantvad by both scholars and politicians at the recent JAINA convention, we truly feel encouraged. We must move ahead with greater determination and strength towards our goals to promote our principles and keep our cultural identity while living outside India. The idea presented by the outgoing president Dr. Sulekh Jain to have a World Council of Jains will further strengthen our entity. Jain Digest, which has been serving our community, will continue doing so with greater effort and improvement. Weintend to still publish four issues per year but these will now appear in February, May, August and November. This change in publication will enable us to cover news about the July conventions and other important festivals which take place mainly in April and September. continued on page 17 - Editorial Dr. Jagat P. Jain, President of JAINA I feel highly thankful to the members of the Board of Directors of JAINA for reposing their confidence in me by electing me as the fifth president of JAINA. As it stands today,JAINA is the result of the blessings of all our spiritual leaders, especially Acharya Sushil Kumarji and Gurudev Chitrabhanuji, and the foresightedness of our social/religious activists like the four prior presidents. JAINA is an organization of organizations - a sangh of sanghs and therefore represents all the Jains living in North America. I visualize JAINA playing a dominant role in the creation of a united Jain community in North America, educated continued on page 17 - Vantage Point Jain Education Intemational

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News and Announcements Visiting scholars and religious leaders Dr. Mukund V. Soneji will be in the United States visiting different Jain Centers from July 29 thru September 7, 1993. If you are interested in inviting Dr. Soneji or would like information concerning his schedule, please contact Praful Lakhani, 30 Balsam Drive, Dix Hills, NJ 11746, or phone (516) 423-9647. Shri Dhirajlal Panditji will also be visiting the U.S. this summer. If you are interested in inviting him to your Center, or if you would like information concerning his schedule, please contact Pravin Shah at (919) 469-0956. Birth anniversary of Shrimad Rajchandra by B.P. Shah More than 300 devotees became a part of the unique historic event when Members of India House of Worship (IHOW) and the Jain Society of Metropolitan Wahington got together on Mothers Day, May 9, to celebrate the 125th Birth Anniversary of Shrimad Rajchandra, one of the Gurus of Mahatma Gandhi. A tribute to mothers was paid with the singing of songs. Dr. Upendra Desai presented a 60-page book containing the famous poem ATMA SIDDHI SHASTRA, written by Shrimad Rajchandra, along with its interpretation and several informative articles on the life of Shrimad, all in Gujarati. The book was distributed to all who attended the program. India House of Worship was able to make the reprint of the book. Thanks to the generosity of Dr. Ajit Shah, Darshan Jain, and Shrimati Kusum Patel. For your copy at a cost of $5 (to Jain Digest cover the cost of postage and handling), please write to IHOW at 1428 Chilton Drive, Silver Spring, MD 20904, or FAX your request to IHOW at (301) 585-7937. A variety of instrumental musical accompaniment was provided by Ramesh Majethia, Bhanukant Vaidya, Chandrakant Mehta, Jadavaji Gangar, and Dilip Zaveri. The entire program was narrated and interpreted by Niyati and Pranav Pandya. Himmat Desai managed the video production. The afternoon event was produced and organized by Rajnikant Gosalia with the assistance of several people including Dr. Manoj Dharamsi, Ila Desai, Nayan Pandya, Moti Patel, Jyoti and Kanu Doshi, Kamlesh Shah, and Meeta and Kanti Gangar. Mithiben Shah concluded with Kshamapana Paath and Dr. Upendra Desai offered his thoughts on the inspiration of Shriamad's ideas on Gandhiji's philosophy. 1993 Parliament of World Religion by Ramesh T. Solanki, Wheaton, Illinois "100 years ago, Chicago brought the people of the world together. There is no better time than now for this to happen again." This is the theme developed by the 1993 Program Committee of the Parlia ment. The 1993 Parliament of the World Religions conference will be held in Chicago from August 28 - September 5, 1993. The 1893 Parliament's theme was "The Vision," and the 1993 Parliament is considered as "The Promise" for the future. The Promise is to focus on the critical issues facing humankind: a) Non-violence and Peace, b) The Earth, c) Social and Economic Justice, d) The Human Community, e) Science and Technology, f) Power, Politics, and Liberation, and g) The Next Generation. 2 The Jains have been in the forefront to address these critical issues and they will be discussed and presented at this Parliament. The 1993 Parliament will also feature workshops, lectures, discussions, and performances on a wide variety of themes. The highlight of this Parliament will be the presentation of the several plenary sessions. The plenary sessions can best be described as theater. Their purpose is to inspire, inform, challenge and to entertain. The following 12 plenary sessions are planned: (1) Opening Plenary, (2) Interfaith Understanding, (3) What shall we do?, (4) Common meal- A Call to Action, (5) Visions of Paradise and Possibility, (6) Voices of the Dispossessed, (7) Voices of Spirit and Traditions, (8) From Vision to Action, (9) The Inner Life, (10) The Inner Life and Life in the Community, (11) The Next Generation, and (12) Closing Plenary. Several Jain delegates, scholars and philosophers will be attending and addressing this Parliament. The highlights of the Jain participation include Major Presentations and Workshops; Models of Jain Temple;Statue of Virchand Gandhi; Video, Audio and Slide presentation of Jain Architecture; Jain Agams and Manuscripts; and Translation of Jain Scriptures "Tattvaratha Sutra." This gathering of distinguished Jains will be unique and historical in Chicago. This will be a once-in-alifetime opportunity to attend the event. All are welcome to gather and participate. For registration and additional information, please contact Council for Parliament of World Religions in Chicago at (312) 629-2990. See also Jain Digest, April 1993 issue, pages eight and ten. Live and let live

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Jain Digest Scholars Visitation Program from Scholar Visitation Committee One important objective of JAINA is to arrange and coordinate activities that will promote Jain philosophy and Lord Mahavir's message in this part of the world. One activity undertaken by JAINA towards this objective is the Scholars Visitation Duration/ Scholar JAINA Total Per Program. Over the past few years, this program Occasion Part Part Scholar Group has been quite successful. The main reasons for the success of this <1 Week 100-200 100 $200-300 program has been the cooperation from vari- One Weekend 150-300 100 $250-400 ous centers, dedication by the visiting scholars One Week 300 100 $400 and the generosity of all volunteer hosts. Two Weeks 400 100 $500 We have invited only those prominent Three Weeks 500 100 $600 scholars who are willing to deliver Lord Paryushana 500-1000 100 $600-1100 Mahavir's message without seeking any finan Dash Laxan 500-1000 100 $600-1100 cial gains. We try to reimburse minimal travel expenses for each scholar. Since each center pays only a small fraction of these travel expenses, it is one of the most cost-effective programs. As was done last year, money will be collected in two parts. The first part is the scholar part which goes to the scholar to pay for the international ticket, medical insurance, etc. The second part is the "JAINA" part which is used for covering the local expenses like additional tickets for local travel, telephone expenses, etc. This year's suggested contributions from each center are shown in the table. Visiting scholars to arrive this year under the Scholar Visitation Program are: Shri Charukeerthi Bhattarakaji who will visit from July 1 to October 4; Shri Mangal and Charitra Prajnaji who both will be visiting North America from July 1 to October 10. The three scholars will attend the JAINA convention in Pittsburgh as well as Prayushana Parva and Das Lakshana Parva in various cities. The scholar and JAINA parts may be mailed to 21 Rice Run, East Brunswick, NJ 08816. If you have any questions, please call Nirmal Dosi (908) 390-0296. Update on Jain BBS (soft copy only) which you would like to put on the Jain BBS, please mail it to 401 Farmstead Drive, Cary, N.C. 27511-5631. The Jain BBS is operational since Feb 15, 1993. With the use of home computer and modem dial 1919-469-0207 at any time. The information available in the Jain BBS can be copied onto your computer, printed on your printer, and distributed freely for noncommercial purposes without any cost to you. The details of Jain BBS was published in the last two issues of Jain Digest. You can contact any of the BBS committee members for more information. Progress Report: The following information is added in the Jain BBS since the last update: - A summary of Jain Aagam literature - Major sects of Jainism and their dif ferences and similarities. - English Pratikraman for youths -Shri V.R. Gandhi's biodata, his work, and information on World Religion of Parliament - Articles on Jain theism (concept of God in Jainism) Dr. H. Shah Jain Meditation Navakar Mantra and color science Fundamental teachings of Buddhism - Marriage information services by F.J. Dalal - Listings of Jain Societies in North America - Jaina convention information. Work in Progress The data entry of the following books are in progress to be completed by Sept 1993. - Shri V. R. Gandhi's work on Jainism and Hinduism - Tatvarth Sutra - Acharya Shri Umaswami - Samaysar - Acharya Shri Kundakunda - Essence of Jainism - Pt Sukhalaji - Jainism - Herbert Warren If you have any information Let us proudly say our Temples lah in North America are nonparasparopanI jIvAnAbha sectarian. Live andd let live -Dr. Mahendra Pandya, Staten Island, NY Did you know...? Fourteen per cent of 15-17 year olds claim to be vegetarian, making it the age group which is giving up meat more than any other group. Jain Education Intemational For Private Jersonal Use Only

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Jain Digest In t e r e WS Please send news of your center to the regional editor listed on the inside cover page. JAIN Center of New Jersey celebrates 10th anniversary We need volunteers to act as regional editors for the Midwest (ND, SD, KS, MOIA, MN,WI, IL, OH, IN, MI, NE) and Southeast (FL, GA,AL, LA, AK, TN, SC, NC, KY, WV, VA) regions. The regional editors will be responsible to collect news from their region and help in procuring one full-page sponsorship so as to offset publication costs. pressed the need for larger temple facilities and extended their support for the future plans to accomplish this goal. Jain Center of New Jersey will be celebrating the Paryushana Parva in September Jain Study Circle holds annual meeting Northeast - - Region Vinay K. Vakani, Regional Editor Jain Center of New Jersey (JCNJ) celebrated its 10th Anniversary as well as Mahavir Jayanti on the 9th, 10th and 11th of April, 1993. Members of several Jain Centers of U.S.A. and Canada attended and participated in these celebrations. The three-day celebrations included Varghodo (procession carrying the images of Tirthankars), Abhishek ceremony, Panchkalyanak Pooja, drama and Nritya Natika depicting Jain principles, Bhavana (singing spiritual songs), and inspiring lectures by Gurudev Chitrabhanuji and Acharya Sushil Kumarji. Young people from other participating Jain Centers also performed religious and cultural drama and dances. Swamivatslyas (community dinners) in the unique Jain tradition were organized on Saturday and Sunday for all who attended the celebrations. Throughout the three-day celebration, all activities were organized systematically and various performances were done in a very delightful manner. The organizers had consciously encouraged the young people to take leading roles wherever possible, and in turn the young men and women acted very responsibly making it a great success. Jain Center of New Jersey was founded in August, 1980 and the Jain Temple (at its present location in Essex Fells, NJ) was established in 1982. Starting with only 50 members, the Jain Center of New Jersey has 800 members. Jain Center of New Jersey has plans to build traditional Derasar with a Community Hall within the next few years. During the celebrations, both Gurudev Chitrabhanuji and Acharya Sushil Kumarji ex The annual meeting of the Jain Study Circle was held in North Hills, NY on May 23, 1993. For the past 14 years, Jain Study Circle has published the JAIN STUDY CIRCULAR, a quarterly publication, and provided valuable service to the Jain community in the U.S.A. The publication of the Jain Study Circular is a novel experiment by a Jain institution. The members in the metting participated in the discussion on rational perception (SAMYAK DARSHAN). Jain Study Circle holds quarterly meetings in New York Metropolitan area to increase awareness and conduct discussions on topics related to principles of Jain religion. Boston Jain Center visits New Jersey Jain Center Jain Center of Syracuse, an introduction Jain Center of Syracuse is one of the 56 member organizations of the Federation of Jain Associations in North America (JAINA). Syracuse Center has 13 member families. They get together one Sunday (choice of the host family) of every month at the host family's residence. Activities include discussions on Jainism, vegetarian diet, Jain principles, JAINAnews, and otheritems. Young adults (approximately 8-20) present stories related to Jainism in their own words. They are also given monthly tests on what they have learned. Winners get prizes. It is an open forum discussion and everyone is invited to participate. Participation by young people is strongly encouraged. If you need more information, please contact Jit Turakhia at Jain Center of Syracuse, (315) 622-3287. Members of Jain Center of Greater Boston joined in the celebration of 10th anniversary of Jain Center of New Jersey. The members participated in all the activities. JCGB also presented two dance items at the cultural programs. The tripstrengthened the friendship between the two Jain groups of eastern U.S.A. Ghabhara opening at Siddhachalam More than 800 people attended the auspicious ceremony of Jain Education Intemational

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Jain Digest Utica, MI (2nd place); Sameer Shah, Schaumburg, IL (3rd place) Ages 11 to 14 - Shilpa Sejpal, Burlington, NC (1st place); Vibha Lakhani, Flushing, NY (2nd place); Raj Shah, Cincinnati, OH (3rd place) Ages 15 and up - Madhurina Shah, Bowie, MD (1st place); Sheetal Khandar, Walnut, CA (2nd place); Neelesh Kenia, Richardson, TX (3rd place). GHABHARA OPENING at Siddhachalam on May 2, 1993. This ceremony coincided with the celebration of Mahavir Jayanti. The celebration started with Bhakti Bhavna (Devotional Songs) at night on May 1st. On May 2nd, the celebration continued with Snatra Pooja, Varghodo, Ghabhara Opening ceremony and Swapna Darshana. Swapna Darshan is viewing of the fourteen objects that appeared in the prophetic dream to Trishaldevi, mother of Bhagwan Mahavir. In India, Swapna Darshan is traditionally celebrated during Paryushana. However, at Siddhachalam, it is a tradition since 1988 to observe Swapna Darshana on Mahavir Jayanti which is celebrated during the spring. In a concluding discourse, Acharya Sushil Kumarji asked all Jains to join him in spreading Bhagwaan Mahavir's message of non-violence and peace throughout the world. The celebration ended with Swamivatsalya (Community Dinner) for all. derwent some organizational changes. Its constitution has been changed to include different categories of members who will elect Trustees and members of the Executive Committee. Elections were held in January, 1993 and the new Executive Committee and the Trustees were elected by the general membership of the Jain Center of America. Mr. Amul Shah, the newly elected President of JCA indicates that it is their goal to build in New York "a gorgeous Jain Center Complex" which will include a Shikharbandhi Temple, exhibition hall depicting Jain history in sight and sound, and a community hall for religious and cultural activities. According to Mr. Shah, JCA has received pledges of more than one million dollars for the new Jain Center Complex project. During the coming summer months, Jain Center of America will be organizing talks on Jain philosophy by several Jain scholars who will be visiting New York. Midwest - - Region St. Louis Center Mahavir Jayanti was celebrated on the 17th and 18th of April in the presence of Gurudev Shri Chitrabhanuji. He spoke on Jain literature and also delivered a talk on the life and teachings of Bhagwan Mahavir. Following the talk, all the youth who regularly attended the Jain Pathshala were recognized. Also, a special recognition was given to Rahul Nayak, Ravi Nayak, Ami Shah, Rajeev Shah, and Amar Salgia who participated in the JAINA Youth Essay Competition. Jain Center of Greater Boston Essay Competition 1993 Mahavir Jayanti celebrated by Jain Center of America Chicago Health Fair by Dr. Bhavna Shah Jain Center of America (JCA) located in New York City celebrated the 2591st Birthday of Bhagwaan Mahavir on Sunday, April 4, 1993. The celebration started in the morning with a performance of SNATRA POOJA at Ithaca Street-Queens temple. There was a delightful cultural program consisting of drama and Raas-Garba dances performed by the young people of the New York Jain community. Traditional Swamivatsalya (Community Dinner) for about 1800 Jains attending the celebration concluded the evening program. Jain Center of America, which had its modest beginning in 1965 making it one of the first Jain organizations in the U.S.A., recently un The Jain Center of Greater Boston invites essays for the annual 1993 Essay Competition for children and youths ages 7 through 25 years old. The essays can be on any topic related to Jainism, including stories from Jain scriptures. The essays should be in English. Please attach a separate sheet to the essay containing your name, age, grade and parents' name and address. Essays must be received by September 30, 1993 at the following address: Essay Competition, Jain Center of Greater Boston, 83 Fuller Brook Road, Wellesley, MA 02181. Please call (617) 237-5997 if you have any questions. Results of Essay Competition 1992 Ages 10 & under-Deepti Doshi, Raleigh, NC (1st place); Neha Sheth, From left to right: Dr. Kirti Talsania, Dr. Nirmala Jain, Dr. Dilip Shah, Dr. Urmila Talsania, Dr. Vikram Shah Under the leadership of Dr. Urmila Talsania, several physicians, dentists, and paramedical personnel participated in a very successful second annual health fair. On March Jain Education Intemational For Private Personal Use Only

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14, approximately one hundred-ten members received a blood pressure check, a cardiogram, and a complete blood chemistry analysis. Jain Center of Central Ohio Dr. Bruce Costain (Balbhadra) was an invited guest to talk about the role of Jainism in the life of present day youths in Columbus from April 16-18. Why should they take pride in calling themselves as Jains? Both the young and adults participated. He emphasized the importance of meditation and samayaik. Southeast Region Mahavir Jayanti celebration of Metropolitan Washington Mahavir Jayanti was celebrated on April 17, 1993. Over 700 people attended the day's event. The program included welcoming remarks by Pravin Dand followed by a tribute to late Vice-President Ramnik Sanghvi by Manoj Dharamsi and Gita Shah. The program consisted of prayer songs, prayer dances, Ras Garba, and the musical drama "Shripal-Mayana", performed by children. Over 60 children participated in this program. The stage program was followed by "Show and Tell" poster presentation on various Jain topics/principals by the youth students of the Jain Sunday School. The day ended with Swamivatsalya Bhojan sponsored by Kiran and Tara Shah. On behalf of the Jain Society of Metropolitan Washington, their President presented a plaque to Kantilal and Meeta Gangar recognizing their outstanding contributions in organizing and directing the musical dramas "Chandanbala" Jain Digest (1986 and 1989) and "ShripalMayana" (1993). Also recognized were Niren and Jaya Nagda for their outstanding contributions in organizing and teaching religious classes to the children of the Society since 1984. Southwest - Region Jadavji V. Kenia, Regional Editor Jain Fellowship of Houston elects new board Elections were held for new board members at the Jain Fellowship of Houston's Mahavir Jayanti program on March 28, 1993. The new board is as follows: President, Rajavi Shah; Vice President, Amish Shah; Director of Finance, Rajul Khemsara; Director of Records, Swapna Mehta; Director of Programming, Kunal Dalal; Director of Communications, Neha Mehta; Director of Membership, Sangita Mehta. News from the Jain Society of Houston Mahvir Jayanti was celebrated on Sunday, March 28, 1993. The program was very well attended. The children's program was very well presented. Almost the entire program was given by pathshala students. The debate on the subject of "Using Animals for Medical Research" was very thought-provoking. Pratibha Shah and Preyna Shah coordinated this program. Pathshala teachers Aartiben, Riddhiben, Ujwalaben, Ashokbhai, and Prabodhbhai provided help and support for the program. Dallas Jain Sangh visited the Center April 24 and 25, 1993. The Sangh members participated in a Namita Sutaria's Varasitap Parna. Preyanaben Shah and Dr. Kokilaben Shah were the coordinators for the hospitality of the guests, and Sureshbhai Ghelani coordinated the Saturday afternoon program. The Executive Committee unanimously elected the following officers at its meeting held on May 2, 1993: President, Kishor Doshi; Vice President, Prabodh Mehta; Secretary, Parimal Desai; Treasurer Pravin Mehta. Dallas Jain Center Mahavir Jayanti celebration Jain Society of North Texas (Dallas area) celebrated Mahavir Jayanti on Sunday, April 4, 1993 at the Jain Center in Richardson, Texas. Over 200 people participated in this program which started with a "Panch Kalyanak" Puja, Stavans, Shanti Kalash and other rituals. A prayer was sung by two young children. The Jain Youth Group presented a Jain Jeopardy game which included many interesting Jain questions. The categories were Mahavir and other Tirthankars, Jain & Hindi Vocabulary, Jain Festivals, Jain Youth Group and General Knowledge. It was indeed impressive to see the amount of interest and knowledgedemonstrated by the youths. A dance praising young Mahavir was performed by young girls ranging in age from 4 to 6. Then 6-12 year old children narrated the life of Mahavir in a question/answer format without using any notes. If this level of interest continues among the youth, then we have no doubt that Jainism will not only survive, but will flourish in North America in the years to come. The program was concluded with Aarti and a moment of silence for peace throughout the world. Did you know... That there are 3.6 million vegetarians in the LIK compared to 2.1 million in 19907

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Jain Digest Sangh Yatra by Jain Society of North Texas by Pradeep Shah, Dallas, Texas As an unprecedented event the Jain Sangh from the Dallas area visited the Jain Sangh of Houston during the weekend of April 24-25, 1993. Following "Chaitya Vandana" and lunch, the members from both centers participated in an active exchange summarizing activities of both centers, common areas of interest such as Pathshala, library and youth activities, youth-adult discussions on the role of rituals and use of silk in puja and the role of the Jain Society among other Indian groups. and conducted a session on experiences and benefits that they have achieved from attending the classes. A highlight of the event was the presentation of the nrutya natika on "Elachi Kumar". The performance given by the adult teachers of the Preksha Dhyan Classes was an outstanding success and received standingovation. The Swamivatsalya dinner was sponsored by Jain Shastra Sabha Group which has been conducting swadhayaya for the past 9 years. From India." The exhibition is scheduled to open in Los Angeles on October 30, 1994 and will then travel to Fort Worth, New Orleans, and London. To draw upon the support and guidance from the local Jain community, Dr Michael Shapiro, Director of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, invited several Jain community leaders to a special slide presentation and the reception held at the museum on May 10, 1993. Dr Pratapditya Pal, Dr Janice Leoshko and Dr Stephen Markel, curators of the Indian Art Department, Professor Padmanabh Jaini from University of California, Professor John Cort from Denison University, Dr Siddharth Bhansali from New Orleans, and Dr John Guy from London's Victoria and Albert Museum, were also present at the meeting. Dr Pal emphasized that the support from the public in the form of financial sponsorship as well as active participation in organizing educational and cultural activities is crucial to ensure the success of the project. The project will cost approximately $600,000 which will have to be funded through government grants as well as individual and corporate sponsorships. Phoenix Pathsala Group by Deepesh M. Shah Participants of the "Elachi Kumar" Nritya Natika The greater Phoenix Pathsala group celebrated Mahavir Jayanti on March 29. This year's theme was the Karma Theory. About 30-40 children participated. The Karma Theory was broken up into two parts: the 9 tatvas and the 6 leshyas. Children between the ages of eight and 15 gave two-minute speeches on the nine tatvas. What are the nine tatvas? How does the karmas get attached to the soul? How can one get rid of the karmas? How can one achieve moksha? With samyag gnan, samyag darshan and samyag charitra, the soulcan achieve moksha, the ultimate and everlasting happiness. The pathsala is meeting regularly every week. Western - - Region Chandrakant Parekh, Regional Editor Jain Center of Northern California *Mahavir Jayanti Celebrations *Elachi Kumar Nrutya Natika * Visit by Samans. Stithprajna and Shrutprajna The center has invited Samans Sthitprajna and Shrutprajna to spend an extended eight month period in the Bay area. The Samans will deliver an in-depth knowledge on the three dimensional approach to Jainism - Anuvrat Movement, Preksha Meditation, and Science of Living. The lectures will teach how to live and improve physical, mental, and spiritual health, how to change our behavior, and how to develop an integrated personality. A family camp with the Samans has been scheduled from June 25, 1993 to June 27, 1993. Kiranbhai Parekh, a prominent Jain scholar, is due to visit the center from July 15, 1993 to August 15, 1993. Further information on these visits and events can be obtained from Harilal Shah (510) 487-9380. International Exhibition of Jain Art In Los Angeles Mahavir Jayanti celebrations on Sunday, April 10, 1993, were attended by over 400 members. The event started with a Snatra Puja followed by a lecture and bhajan program given by Prabhudas Modi, a local resident who has published over 400 bhajans. The students of the Preksha Dhyan classes recited the prayers, sang several stavans, Write a letter to the editor today! The Los Angeles County Museum of Art is formulating plans to organize a major exhibition entitled "The Peaceful Liberators: Jain Art Jain Education Intenational

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-- Jain Digest Dr. Sulekh Jain's visit to Honolulu Jains Understanding Our Youth In America - A Parent Forum Last October, Dr. Sulekh, Jain, past president of JAINA visited Hawaii and met with the local Jains. He reviewed various JAINA activities. This meeting was attended by Dr. Standing, L to R: Padam Dhakad, Prof. Cromwell Crawford, Amond Jain and Dr. Sulekh Jain, Prof. Jagdish Sharma, Mr. Trilok Jain, Dr. his parents, Mr. Amod Jain. and Mrs. Trilok Siting, L to R: Mrs. Padam Dhakad (Madhu), Mrs. Trilok Jain, Jain, Mr. and Mrs. Sulekh Jain (Ravi) Mrs. Padam S. Dhakad, Dr. S. Cromwell Crawford, Chairman of the Department of Religion, University of Hawaii, Dr. Jagdish P. Sharma, Professor, Department of History, University of Hawaii, and Dr. Glen D. Paige, University of Hawaii. Society of Hawaii holds Mahavir Jayanti The goal of the forum on "Understanding Our Youth In America" organized at the Jain Bhavan, Buena Park, CA on March 7, 1993, was to assist the Indian parents to achieve a better understanding of their children growing up in America. The forum moderated by Sailesh Jain, one of the teachers at the Jain Center, was attended by over 100 parents. A panelist of eleven young professionals representing doctors, engineers, accountants, and business owners, Indian youths who had spent most of their young adult life growing up in America and are now established in their profession here, fielded the questions posed by the parents. The questions covered a wide range of topics including challenges of growing up in the midst of two vastly different cultures, the desire to teach and preserve the Indian culture and rituals, the emphasis on learning to read, write and speak the Indian language, the role of the parents in helping to select a career, concerns and opposition to inter-racial marriages, accountability for privileges and responsibilities, and lack of open communication and frequent interaction between parents and the youths. Through their answers to these questions, the young panelists provided the parents an excellent insight to the formidable challenges of bringing up our kids in America. The opinions and experiences shared by these young professionals tend to conclude that open communication, frequent interaction, mutual respect, and an element of trust are the key ingredients to foster a successful youth-parent relationship in America. Following the success of this meeting, the young professionals have agreed to field the questions from the teenage students of the Jain Center April 4, 1993 marked the first time Honolulu Jain families gathered to celebrate Mahavir Jayanti. Mr. Trilok Jain started the celebrations with puja and bhajans. Dr. Jagdish Sharma, a scholar on Shri Hemchandra addressed the group on Bhagwan's life, teachings and experiences. A ten year old youth, Aashish, read a paper on Bhagwan Mahavir's life and teachings. The following were elected as committee members: Mrs. Premal Shah (Youth Affairs); Mrs. Bharti Ghatalia (Women's Affairs); Mrs. Mira Jain (Yoga & Meditation); Mr. Om Prakash Jain (Food Committee); Mr. Pritam Mehta (Library & Pathshala); Mr. Praful Shah (Samayak Committee); Mr. Vijay Shah (Entertainment); and Mr. Vasant Sheth (Snatra Puja). Gabhara Renovations & Murti Sthapna Canada - - - Dr. Mahendra Mehta, Regional Editor Toronto elects new executive committee The Jain Society of Toronto's new center is located in Etobicoke, a western suburb of Toronto. The construction of the new and formal ghabara has now begun and will be completed in summer 1993. Sthapna and opening of the new gabhara will be on July 24 and 25, 1993. Gurudev Shri Chitrabhanu and Bhattarak Devendra Kirtiji have accepted the society's invitation to come to Toronto on the occasion. All are cordially invited to attend and the society will be pleased to facilitate your stay during the cer The Jain Society of Toronto conducted its annual elections and the following members were elected: Mrs. Bhadraben Kothari (President); Mr. Arhant Jain (Vice President); Mr. Hiten Makim ( Gen. Secretary); and Mr. Shashikant Shah (Treasurer). Jain Education Intemational

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emonies. For more information, call President Mrs. Bhadra Kothari at (416) 820-0659 or Vice President Mr. Arhant Jain at (416) 827-7494. Youth Corner Youth summer camp in St. Louis Preparations are under way for the Youth Summer Camp due to be held from August 13-15 this year. All are invited to sponsor the visit of scholars or for any other activities of the camp. Please contact Dinesh Shah for more information at (314) 537-2643. Charity by a youth by Nikin Mehta, Dallas, Texas Sixteen year old Shalin Zaveri, son of Bharat and Jyoti Zaveri of Arlington, Texas donated his entire paycheck to Jain Society of North Texas showing to all of us that there are many ways to follow the principles of Jainism. Our best wishes to Shalin. Cincinnati youth by Soha Shah On April 10, the youths of the Jain Center of Cincinnati met at the house of Chandu and Pushpa Shah to listen to Dr. Balbhadra talk on the Jain religion. It was an active and enlightening discussion. From The Young Indian Vegetarians, UK News from Portugal Several members of the Young Indian Vegetarians in London visited Lisbon recently and met Shri Mahendrabhai Padania, who is in charge of the Vegetarian Club of Lisbon. The address of the Club is: Sakoni, Centro Mouraria, Loja 230A-236, Largo Martim Moniz, 1100 Lisbon, Portugal. Jain Digest Vegetarian group in Hong Kong The Environmental Protection Vegetarian and Vegan Society of Hong Kong has been recently formed. Their address is: GPO Box 11634, Hong Kong. The Young Indian Vegetarians hope to form ties with the group in order to promote Ahimsa. New Vegetarian Society of Tanzania Vegetarian Society of Tanzania has been formed recently. Please contact B. P. Shah, P.O. Box 1788, Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania for further information. Youth and children "Samayika" program at Toronto Jain Center This new effort to teach our younger generation about our Jain heritage was started in November 1992. The classes are held every 1st and 4th Sundays of the month at the Jain center and children are instructed by Balbhadra, Lalit Pansar, Mrs. Anoopama Varia and Mrs. Meenaben Shah. The initial attendance of 27 has grown to 62; attesting to the popularity of this program. An outline and indication of its beneficial effect is captured in the personal testimonies of three fine and active youths, Anish Jain (age 13), Sima Sheth (age 19) and Shyam Sheth (age 16), presented at the recent Mahavir Jayanti. Traditional Jainism NOT Enough: Jain Education That Listens by Jugna Shah, Atlanta Jain Society There is a growing concern that youths in this country raised on Jainism are losing their learned principles or possibly trading them in for ones in their immediate environment. This phenomenon encompasses everything from dating and marrying outside the Jain (or Indian) community, to drug use, social, pocontinued on page 15 - Jain Education Donors (this issue) Jeetendra and Bharti Shah Lubbock, TX Shailesh and Rashmi Shah Fremont, CA Jagannath and Prashant Desai Placentia, CA Andrew Broman Austin, TX Rashmikant and Rekha Shah Mt. Gilead, OH Ajay and Horsha Shah Danbury, CT We are short of donors. We need donors to fill this column through your support in the form of an individual donation, or sponsorship of the whole issue by groups or businesses. Each page costs $250 to produce. Please send your annual donation. 000000 Patron Donor - $201 Distinguished Donor - $501 Sponsor, Full Page - $400 Sponsor, Half Page - $250 Sponsor, Quarter Page - $150 Sponsor, Cover Page - $500 Annual Donation $ Name Address Telephone # ( ) Send Your Checks Payable To JAINA at: 3 Ransom Road Athens, Ohio 45701 YOUR CONTRIBUTUION IS TAX-DEDUCTIBLE IN THE USA. Thank you.

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Jain Digest Letters prprppu From the Editor: Our readers are encouraged to send their views on current matters facing the Jain community. We try to publish as much as our space limitations permit. Jain Disgest reserves the right to edit letters for clarity and space. The views expressed in the letters are those of the authors and do not represent views of JAINA. Will Jainism survive? Dear Editor twin brothers of Toronto, Tej and Tarang, joint authors of the book The Case of Vegetarianism (Jain Digest, October 1992, "Youth Corner", page 12), who were born and brought up in Canada, are pure vegetarians, and are very far from alcohol and drugs-thanks to their parents and grandparents. KNOWLEDGE OF JAINISM AND ROLE OF PARENTS: The bitterness of two youths, mentioned in your article, who complained that the first generation (parents) are preoccupied with the accumulation of wealth and that they, themselves, do not understand rituals, is quite understandable. When the parents do not understand the Jain traditions, how are they going to teach these to their children? This would mean that our youths have a desire to learn and understand and follow Jainism, but they are devoid of the required guidance. Our elders, following a routine, just for the sake of doing it, do Samayik, Pratikraman, Pooja, etc., but hardly do they know, in its true sense, what they are doing. They do not even know the meaning of words of our Gathas. They would not be able to respond if we ask them, for instance, the meaning of "NAMO LOE SAVV SAHUNAM" or "LOGUSS UJOAGARE." They attend Vyakhyans, Pravachans of our sadhus and saints, but they are never wiser, and there will be very few who will understand same and put it into practice. Every year, on the last day of Paryushan, at the end of Samvatsari Pratikraman, they all will fall-in, and one by one, pass on the line and utter, "Michhami Dukkadm." This just seems superficial. Nothing comes from the depth of the heart. It just becomes routine, and they are satisfied that they have performed their duty and shook their burdens off their shoulders. All rituals performed without understanding their meaning are senseless. OUR YOUTHS: The youth of our new generation is intent to learn Jain culture, but will refuse to cram Gathas, without knowing the meaning of every word. They would like to know what is meant by Namo Arihantanam, Namo Siddhanam, and would also like to know what is Arihant and what is Siddh, and rightly so! Because our youth is desirous of learning Jain culture in its true sense, a vacuum of proper guidance has to be filled in. A youth who has then understood Jainism will be able to explain to other youths in the language they can understand. I am confident, Jainism is not only going to survive, it is going to flourish. J. N. Sheth Tanzania, East Africa I read, with interest, your impressive article, "Will Jainism Survive in North America?" (Jain Digest, October 1992). CULTURAL DIFFERENCES: For our Indian youths born, brought up, and growing up in the U.S.A., UK, or any other Western countries, cultural differences are there to stay. Being under the environmental influence, they tend more towards the Western culture. PRACTICE OF INDIAN VALUES: Most of these Jain youths have no knowledge of Indian culture. It is a pity that they can neither write nor read in their own mother tongue. Not only that, some of them would not even converse in their own language. If one speaks to them, say, in Hindi or Gujarati, even though they understand it and are able to speak that language, they would respond in English only. So, the conversation is in two different languages. It is true that some of our youths are non-vegetarians; they consume alcohol and drugs and have other vices as well. But, whom should we blame? Are the parents not at fault? Some of the parents themselves are not free from these vices. If the children are given proper education from their tender childhood, they will grow up as true Jains. Itake liberty to cite an example of the We need to hear from you! This page is sponsored with best compliments by TUTTI Dr. Dilip Shah, M.D. F.A.C.C., Specialist Cardiovascular Disease Phone (708) 333-6538 AND Dr. Bhavna Shah, M.D. Oakbrook, IL 60521 Jain Education Intemational For Private Personal Use Only

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Jain Digest Monks must not collect money Dear Editor, opportunistic and materialistic world then let us not make Jainism an opportunistic religion. To do this, we will have to maintain the purity of Jain Sangh. This means let householders do what they are supposed to do, that is looking after socioeconomic affairs of our society, and let monks and nuns do what they are supposed to do, that is following and practicing their righteous and spiritual path. An example is always better than advice. Jaijinendra Jeetendra Shah Lubbock, TX Jainism: Our problems, resources and potential Dear Editor, We have been hearing that some of our visiting monks were collecting funds by telling people that their donation is tax-deductible. But when some people were getting ready to file tax returns, they found out that there was actually no non-profit organization and checks were already cashed. Some of them felt deceived. There are stories that during the process of collecting these funds, some unethical techniques were applied which also created ill feelings among faithful Jains. I have heard that one Jain person felt so bad that he does not want to do anything with monks anymore. This reminds me to share a story with you. Once there was a king and he decided to offer gold coins to monks in town. So he called on one of his confidential ministers and gave him a bag of golden coins and instructed him to distribute the coins among the monks. The minister went all over the town, met many monks, and came back. He gave the bag back to the king and said that he could not find any monk for these coins. The king got very upset and said that there were so many monks and asked why the advisor could not find anyone. The advisor politely said that he had found many monks, but those who were real or true monks did not want the gold coins, and those who were greedy for the coins were not real monks in the true sense. Hence, he could not offer coins to anyone. The king realized what the minister said. He felt very proud of him and offered the advisor 100 coins as a reward for good thinking I wish we all could have the wisdom of the minister. I am sure most of us know this but I would like to bring this to your attention that when a person renounces worldly affairs and becomes a monk or nun, he or she gives up all ties with family and socioeconomic affairs, and takes an oath to follow five major vows. Among them, one is the Vow of Aparigraha. This means not only do they not keep any money or ties with any property or any materialistic matter in any way, but they also should not directly or indirectly encourage anyone to collect them either. He or she becomes a monk or nun for upliftment of the Soul in the spiritual aspect and not the socioeconomic or political aspect, and also to lead householders on a spiritual path. But what we have been seeing is so different here that it is unreal for a true monk or nun. People say things should change as the time and place change, but they are forgetting that monkhood is not the same as social work or buying a house or car. We, the householders, are the ones who should be doing the social work. By degrading monkhood, we are destroying the identity, serenity, and purity of monkhood and ultimately Jainism as a whole. If those monks or nuns who come here and cannot or do not want to abide by the monkhood rules as prescribed in their vows, then rather than letting monkhood go down the drain, they should be given a different title with less-restricted vows as suggested by Mr. Dalal in the Jain Digest issue of April '93. I think that is a very bold suggestion which many of us under the influence of blind hero worshiping may not like. By giving a different designation with liberal vows, this different category of Jains can do more than what we do as householders, and at the same time would be able to maintain their distinct status. This way, they may be allowed to do a few more things which they otherwise cannot do as a monk or nun, including collecting money. Our youths are already confused with many other paradoxical things happening around us in the society and this problem adds one more to that list. If we want to maintain Jainism in pure form in this Jainism is an ancient Indian religious and philosophical tradition followed by several million Jains in India, with sizeable numbers in Europe, East Africa and North America. Many Jains are in business or professions. The cardinal principle is non-violence and reverence for life of all living beings. Recently myself and Dr. Paul Marett visited India on a fact finding tour. We visited Bombay, Navsari, Surat, Ahmedabad, Palitana, Delhi, Calcutta, Rajgir, Madras, Bangalore, Mysore, Shravan Belgola, and other places. We were welcomed by Jain Leaders/Scholars and met more than 700 people during our fact finding tour. The enthusiasm for the Jain Academy and Career Base B.A. in Jain Studies was overwhelming. We have been successful in motivating various people to think about such courses in India. We had meetings with Vice-Chancellors/Registrars of Madras University, Mysore University, Bombay University and S.N.D.T. University Bombay. All the Universities concerned have expressed their desire to have co-operation with the De Montfort University in the Department of Jain Education Intemational For Private I sanal Use Only

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Jainology and other courses. During our visit we had blessings of Padma Sagar Suri, Chandroday Suri, AshokVijay Suri, Vijay BhuvanBhanusuri, Yasho Vijay Suri, Jayanand Suri, Vidyanandji, Sthul Bhadra Suri, Chandra Sekhar Vijay, Ratna Sagar Suri, Arun Vijay, Hemratna Vijay, and also various Swetamber Sadhvis and Mahasatis. They all appreciated our efforts to promote Jainism and the message of Bhagwan Mahavir. We found that all are committed in promoting Jainism and the Jain Way of Life to the wider world. Jainism is less known in the West and surprisingly even in the East. Inspite of the desire, the act does not click together. I may summarize problems, resources and action as follows: Problems 1. We talk about Jainism and the Jain Way of Life mainly within the community and to the ones who have adopted Jainism. 2. Whenever we meet a lot of words are spoken about the things to be done, but action in the right direction is lacking. 3. We duplicate each others efforts rather than acting as a unified group in the most professional way to promote Jainism. 4. Our aims are clear but to achieve the objectives the path to be followed is not clear and also there is hardly any action after the meetings. 5. Lack of academic teachings makes Jainism mostly unknown in the academic world and less interesting to our own educated and professional people in different fields for example, Doctors, Engineers, Accountants etc. 6. Lack of proper infrastructure at National and International level makes voluntary work to be carried out difficult. 7. Lack of publicity and control over press and our own press makes promotion difficult. The successful faiths have their own publicity machinery. Jain Digest 8. Lack of publicizing the material for the benefit of wider audiences and our own young and educated people in the language that they can understand and relate them to the problems within the modern world and way of life. Resources in the Community 1. Dedicated workers, Philanthropists ready to donate for the cause and will to promote Jainism, our philosophy and the way of life of the Chaturvidha Sangha. Our Monks and Nuns are selfless and dedicated to promote the teachings of Bhagwan Mahavir, but for some reason things do not click together in a business fashion to achieve our objectives. *There is a need for a Jain Secretariat with efficient staff. Generally our people donate for places of worship, and devotional activities. We cannot change the people and we should always respect the donor's wishes. We should convince them about the change of direction with concerted efforts and explain them the advantages both for promotion of Jainism and to their day-to-day lives and businesses. Positive Action 1. To create an International Jain Secretariat which can represent academic, business, cultural, religious, social and political interests to the International World and give information on Jainism and also can act as a co-ordinating body for various Jain Institutions. The Head Quarters of such Secretariat has to be in New Delhi and have branches in London and New York or Washington. It has to be manned by efficient staff. If there is a will, it is not difficult to find resources for such Secretariat. 2. Academic training, keeping professional careers in mind. If there are no careers at the end of the studies, our young people will not be interested in learning Jainism. Career based courses as suggested, when we met, make the Graduates better people in whatever business or profession they are working in, and such education will create well 12 informed Jain Leaders in the future. 3. Information and facilities for academic training to the wider world will make other communities to have sympathy and understanding for the Jain Way of Life. This indirectly will help our own community and businesses. Some of the people from the wider world may adopt the Jain Way of Life. 4. Our workers have to work with dedication and zeal. Bhagwan Mahavir's teachings and Navkar Manta teach us to forget our egoism, and self interest; encourage us to work with single mindedness. 5. We must have an understanding and be prepared to learn about other faiths, their infrastructure and their experience e.g. Swami Narayan, Christians, Jews, Islam, Quakers, Bahais and others. Time of talking has gone now and it is now time for action. Time will not wait for anyone. We cannot please everyone and satisfy their egoism, if we want to march forward. May we request the Jain Leaders and Jain community to act together in the most professional way to promote the teachings of Bhagwan Mahavir, not only in the Jain community, but also to the world at large. This will create sympathy and understanding among other faiths and communities and ultimately it will help us indirectly in businesses, professions and other dealings. Jainism forms a unitary and coherent system. The Jain community and tradition can be seen as a microcosm of Indian society and ways of thought. Jain theories of life and the universe interestingly to modern science Jain ethical concepts have a direct relevance to many current world issues. Let us take the challenge of the time and make Jainism a true world religion and help all living beings have prosperity and global peace. Dr. Natubhai Shah President, Jain Samaj Europe Leicester, U.K.

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Jain Digest Jain 'Hospitality Network Service' (HONETS) Dear Editor, LECTURES ON JAINISM presented by DINESH VORA Editor, Jain Times President, Jain Society of Greater Cleveland I read with interest the letter of Mr. Sushil Jain in the April '93 issue of Jain Digest justifying the need for the above service. In fact, in May 1989 I wrote about this idea alongwith the ideas of Marriage Information Service and the Honor Awards to Dr. Tansukh Salgia, who was then the President of JAINA. It appears, now is the time to move further ahead and give concrete shape to this idea of 'Exchange between Families' one-on-one basis, while travelling. The new JAINA Executive Committee may deliberate on this and assign this responsibility to some one who can develop this network on a sound basis. Here are my detailed suggestions for consideration. OBJECTIVES: 1. To develop intimate Fellowship among Jain vegetarian families through increased interaction, 2. To promote and facilitate Vegetarian diet while on travel, 3. To encourage Travel (Travel is Total Education) to places of interest to Jains, and 4. To Participate in Jain Center activities and exchange information. will communicate directly thereafter. 4. The host family will provide a spare bedroom to the guest family of not more than 4 persons for a stay of not more than 2 nights/ 3 days. No other service like transport, etc. will be provided. The guests will present a substantive generous gift to the hosts on arrival. 5. A reciprocity will be the general rule between the families. Refusal to reciprocate twice will result in termination of the registration. The decision of the administrator will be final in the matter. CONCLUSION: This novel experiment be conducted initially for two years. Further decision will be made after a critical review. It is a worth while project to find out the depth of cultural/religious values imbibed in ourselves. F. J. Dalal Lanham, MD Author of numerous articles on Jainism, some listed below: Jainism - Nonviolence and Relativity, Religion and Science Jain Scriptures - Aagama granthas, Jain Veda, Jain Bible Shrimad Rajchandra - Spiritual Guru of Mahatma Gandhi Gunasthaana - Stages of Spiritual developments Lord Mahavira's Aachaarya Paramparaa Anekantavada and Syadvada The Universe of Jainism Jain Theory of Karma Approach to Jainism Jain Stories Leshyas Lectures JAINISM, AN OVERVIEW EXPLORATION OF JAIN TIIOERY OF KARMA DRAVYAS, TATTVAS, AND UNIVERSE OF JAINISM Paryushan Parva and Das Laxana If you like to have a Jain religious lecture arranged for your Jain Society, Community, or Swadhyaya Group, contact Dinesh Vora 5876 No. Crossview Road, Seven Hills, Ohio 44131-1920 (216)351-7020 MODUS OPERENDI (HOW TO OPERATE): 1. It will be a Voluntary service for Vegetarian Jains. 2. A detailed Registration Form for giving family information and a strict 'Code of Conduct' will be devised detailing the decent use of room, bathroom, kitchen/dining room, cleanliness, respectful conduct, etc. A one-time Registration Fee of $ 25 be charged. 3. No hospitality service will be provided for the first 60 days after the registration to avoid last minute rush. A request for service will be made at least 30 days in advance. The administrator will chose the host family and inform the parties who On September 12 through September 29, we will celebrate Paryushan and Das Laxana at each Jain center. There will be special lectures by scholars and monks, daily prayers, and many persons will try to limit their daily materialistic life. Another salient feature of Paryushan Parva and Das Laxana is tapasya-fasting from one day to as many days as one can. Fasting for eight days continuously (called doing athai) is regarded as a great spiritual effort and many individuals including teenagers have succeeded in the past. Through this news item, JAINA wishes all Jain centers happy and unique celebrations. Moving? Acme Movers 1111 If your address has recently changed, or if you are planning to move within the next six weeks, let us know so that the Jain Digest moves with you. Keep abreast of all the happenings of JAINA and its members no matter where you go! Jain Education Intemational For Private 13 arsenal Use Only

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Jain Digest Matrimonials Dalal. MIS reserves the right to edit these ads. MALE Rules for Matrimonial Advertisements: Please address all matrimonial matters to F.J. Dalal, 9001 Goodluck Road, Lanham, MD 20706; Phone: (301) 577-5215. The following guidelines must be observed: AM19: Parents invite responses for their well settled son, BSEE, MBA, born Mar. 67,5'11", fair complexion. Contact Dr. Dugar, 12231 Stoney Bottom Road, Germantown, MD 20874. (301) 916-5145. AM55: Parents invite responses for Gujarati vegetarian son, born Dec. 68, 6'1", 154 lbs., B.E.(Comp.), in Ahmedabad, India from educated cultured, US resident girls. Call: (201) 333-0425. AM65: Parents invite responses for Hindi speaking vegetarian boy, born Oct. 69. 5'10", MD (1994) in IL. Call: (908) 462-3480. AM68: Parents invite responses for their U.S. born and settled son, 24, 6'2", in engineering profession, from well educated family oriented girls. Contact: SCK, 3000 E. Coronado St., Anaheim, CA 92806. AM70: Intelligent, handsome, vegetarian boy from Canada, 160 lbs., born April 62, well employed as Network Systems Analyst, enjoying dancing, travelling, sports, music, and reading. Call after 7.00 pm. (416) 8286976. M221: Gujarati parents from PA invite responses from educated vegetarian girls for their U.S. raised handsome son, born June 69, 5'6", 145 lbs., well employed engineer. M237: Gujarati parents invite responses with photo and biodata for very handsome son, born April 68, 6'0", M.D. (1994), from educated beautiful girls. M244: US raised Gujarati vegetarian, born May 65, 6'1", 175 lbs., athletic & Social, active in community, well employed EE, double Masters, pursuing Ph.d., seeks responses from caring, educated females. Call: (301) 577-5215. M261: Gujarati parents from IA invite responses for their son, 5'5", 130lbs., B.E.(Elec.) 1988, well employed in Baroda from educated U.S. resident girls. Call: (515) 225-9530. M262: Hindi speaking mother invites responses for her son, 5'8", born Aug. 64, well employed lawyer, from resident educated girls. Contact: 25 Sunny gardens Road, Hendon, London. NW4 ISL. (081) 203-1634. M263: Kutchi boy from NY, 5'4",135 Ibs., born May 66, High school (not finished), employed, seeks responses from suitable girls. Call: (516) 842-2636. M269: Gujarati parents from NJ invite responses for their son, born March 68,5'3", 120 lbs., B. Com., employed, from suitable girls. Call: (609) 748-2220. M271:Gujarati uncle invites responses for handsome vegetarian, social nephew, born Oct. 65, 5'7", 145 lbs., M.S.(Engg.), F-1 visa, from U.S. resident girls. Call: (313) 442-9474 or (914) 693-3929. I. Those who wish to register with Marriage Information Service (MIS): 1. MIS has two forms - 'Personal Data' and 'Additional Information' which must be filled out completely by the candidate. The registrant must mail the two completed forms with a check of $ 15.00 payable to E. L Dalal and enclose a recent photo duly signed by the candidate on the back. 2. MIS will draft an ad for the registrant for publishing once in the Jain Digest. Registrants may wish to draft the ads themselves, which may be no more than 30 words. MIS reserves the right to edit such ads. 3. Responses to MIS ads with the bio-data and a picture must be put in a sealed, stamped envelop with the candidate's return address on the top left corner, and the MIS reference number at the bottom left corner. Space for the address must be kept blank. This envelope, then, should be put in a larger envelope with the candidate's return address on the top left corner and be mailed to F. J. Dalal. 4. On receipt of the above, MIS will put the address on the inner envelope and mail it to the candidate. 5. MIS will not be responsible for responses which do not follow the above procedure. II. Those who do not wish to register with MIS, should draft their own ad, with address and/or phone number, which may be no more than 30 words, for publication in the Jain Digest. Please send your ad, along with a check for $15.00 to F. J. 24, 5'3", B.A. Accounting, invites responses from suitable professionals. AF64:Gujarati parents seek responses from vegetarian non-drinker U.S. resident graduate for their daughter, born July 71,5'3", 105 lbs., B.Sc.(Micro-biology), presently living in Baroda. Call: (505) 437-0210. AF66: Hindi speaking Oswal girl from Jaipur, born Feb. 72, 5'1", 100 lbs., M.A.(Comp.), well employed, invites responses from U.S.resident professionals. Call: (205) 752-4475. AF69:Gujarati parents invite responses from educated, vegetarian, professionals for their fair, beautiful, social, U.S.citizen, daughter, born April 68, B.S. (Accts.), M.B.A. (June 94). AF71:Gujarati parents invite responses from well educated, cultured professionals for their slim, attractive, intelligent, vegetarian, Canada born daughter, 25, B.Com. (Finance), with a blend of East/West values. Call: (416) 828-6976. F043:Gujarati parents invite responses from professionals for their pretty, U.S. citizen daughter, born April '63,5'0", 96 lbs., B.S. (Chem.), well employed. Call: (410)536-0162. F130: Gujarati girl from NJ, born Oct. 63,5'3", 100 lbs., B.Sc (Physio-Therapy), seeks responses from educated settled professionals. Call: (201) 659-5742. F188: Hindi speaking Oswal parents from Atlanta, invite responses from medical students/doctors or professionals for their US born Aug. 67, 5'7", 120 lbs., vegetarian, daughter, M.D.(6/94). Call: (404) 992-0105. F233: Kutchi vegetarian parents from NC seek responses from educated Dasa or Visa boys for their daughter, 5'4", born July 66, B.S. (Chem.), well employed. Call: (919) 776-9091. F258:Gujarati parents invite responses from vegetarian professionals with returnable photo for slim, pretty, attractive daughter, U.S. born Aug 71, 5'6", B.A. (Business). F264: Gujarati parents from CA, invite responses from educated professionals for their daughter, born July 69, 5'2", 104 lbs., M.S.(MIS), employed. Call: (310) 498-8686. F266: Gujarati parents invite responses with returnable photo from professionals for their U.S. raised daughter, born Nov. 68,5'3", 112 lbs., B.S.(Pharm.), employed. F267: Kutchi parents invite responses from educated, vegetarian boys, for their attractive, cultured, caring, daughter, born Jan. 70,5'4", 100 lbs., employed. F268: Gujarati parents invite suitable responses for their intelligent but deaf daughter, born March 68, 4'2", 96 lbs., B.S. (Math,'94). Call:(215)673-3682. F270: Gujarati parents invite responses from educated professionals for their Indian educated physician daughter, born Oct. 65, 5'4", fair, intelligent, vegetarian. Call: (513) 559-9348. Uncle invites correspondence for a medical doctor niece (Gujarati Jain) living in India, 24 years, 5'7". Please send biodata to Derrick Motel, 5898 Route 95, Mt. Gileao, OH 43338. 12 0001 FEMALE AF63: Hindi speaking U.K. educated attractive girl presently living in New Delhi, Jain Education Intemational For Prival 14 Personal Use Only

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Jain parents invite correspondence from highly educated, pure-vegetarian professionals for their US-educated physician daughter doing residency, 28 years old, 5'3", fair, US citizen. Send bio-data to 9831 Tall Timber, Cincinnati, OH 45241 or call (513) 777-1554. ....Jain parents seek handsome, welleducated professional, vegetarian match for their daughter, 24 years, 5 ft. 5 in., pursuing Medical career in USA. Please call evenings at (408) 259-5331 NOTES: Please read the following carefully. 1. All those MIS registrants, who wish to get Jain Digest, please contact Dr. S.K. Jain, Editor, directly at 3 Ransom Rd., Athens, OH 45701, U.S.A. (614) 592-1660. 2. All checks regarding 'Matrimonial'in Jain Digest must be written in favor of 'F.J. Dalal' only. Please do not write anything else on the 'Memo'/ 'For' line of the check. 3. Effective Jan. 93 issue of Jain Digest, all MIS/matrimonial ads give telephone numbers of the candidates. Those who do not want their telephone numbers to appear in the ad., must specifically advise Mr. F.J. Dalal. 4. On the suggestion by Mr. Pravin Shah, the Chairman and General Editor of the Jain Education Bulletin Board Committee, MIS is considering to put the entire MIS information published in Jain Digest on computer based Jain Bulletin Board System (BBS). MIS invites specific comments and suggestions from the registered candidates in the matter. 5. Even now, many candidates and/or parents, do not care to inform MIS when their matrimonials get settled. When shall we learn to be courteous to call or drop a line and encourage voluntary community service work? 6. Married/Engaged: F075, F089, M106, and M113. Did you know... That researchers in Germany have reported that vegetarians are less prone to heart disease and respiratory and digestive disorders? Jain Digest WANTED Mr. F. J. Dalal who has been running the Marriage Information Service (MIS) under the auspices of JAINA since 1989 has requested to be relieved from this duty. He has retired from his professional career since May 1991 and is now preparing to travel for longer durations. A person for this kind of voluntary community service should be a married, matured, balanced, and committed Jain, having a personal computer and a keen desire to serve the community, spending a considerable amount of personal time. Any one feeling comfortable with the above criteria may promptly contact Dr. Sulekh Jain, past president of JAINA, at (513) 777-1554 or Mr. F.J. Dalal at (301) 5775215 for further information and details. The change over has to take effect as soon as possible after the JAINA convention in Pittsburgh in July. Jain Education - from page 9 litical, and moral views that confuse many parents because they may differ from their own views. First-generation parents suffer from the fear that their children will lose their culture, heritage, religion, and language. Their fear is very real and understandable, and they have tried to combat it, but their methods so far have been only partially effective. The idea up until now has been to educate and swamp children in Jain teachings, but my question at this point is how much good has that really done? My generation, the second-generation of young adults from the time they go to college and onward are facing many struggles. Many times we may not know how to deal with them in a Jain or Indian way as our parents may want us to do simply because we are not equipped with that knowledge. Parents get upset because they think that we just deal with things in an American way. Well it is hard for youths to create the balance between Indian and American cultures, and when religion enters the picture the situation becomes even more complex. Teaching just the basic principles of Jainism is like learning science. We do it because we have to, For Private 5 ersonal Use Only we memorize the facts and store them away for later. However, because we are not tested on them, we forget them even quicker than we forget science. My point is that we need to apply Jainism to daily life, as we apply learned science principles in the laboratory. Things make more sense when we can see that a real world application is possible. Obviously all of this boils down to communication and the lack of it in the Jain community - that means in the Jain family and in the society. If you want your child to live a Jain way of life, to make decisions about life based on Jainism, then you have to look at the life and environment of your child and teach your child how to deal with life using Jainism. The solution to this dilemma about how to pass on things such as religion and culture is quite simple. However, carrying out this task is extremely difficult, requiring qualities such as courage, dedication, time, and commitment to the youth. There is one individual that I know of at this time that possess all of these qualities. He has made Jainism a way of life for himself, and that is what he is trying to teach young adults around this country. I am sure that many people know him, his name is Pravin Shah from Raleigh, N.C. For those centers that have benefited from his knowledge, you know what I mean. The kind of impact that his type of teaching has is like no other for the youth. He knows a great deal about Jainism and that along with his knowledge about the current issues makes him the ideal individual to teach the children today. For those centers that have not benefited from his presence, they should make the arrangements to have him come and share his knowledge. Pravin Shah visited the Atlanta Jain Society about one year ago, and I can honestly say that I learned more about Jainism and how to make it a part of my life in terms of dealing with political, social, and moral issues in both a religious and real

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Jain Digest Late News New Jain center established world way than from an other visiting individual. His goal is to teach youths ages 15 and up about the basic fundamentals of Jainism and how to apply them to the world. He has a two day format for the youth program. The first day he teaches youths about the basic principles and ideas of Jainism. The second day he allows youths to ask any and all questions that they want to. When he came to Atlanta, the youth raised questions about abortion, suicide, the death penalty, homosexuality, heterosexuality, and many more. Pravin uncle addressed each and every question, first from a religious perspective and then from a householder stage perspective ( householder stage=ourstage inlife today). He is indeed an ideal teacher. The thing that appeals to me the most about Pravin Uncle as an educator is that he takes Jainism beyond just a religious identification for people, he deals with it in such a way that it becomes easy to see how Jainism actually has a place in daily life. His workshops are not just about Jainism, they are about life and how difficult it is for my generation to achieve a balance of cultures because we are in essence the test generation by being the first American born and or raised Jains. The bottom line is that communication is difficult especially between parents and their children continued on page 28 - Jain Education Jain Center of British Columbia had its first meeting on June 20 at the residence of Anand and Bina Jain. Tejal Shah (12 year) and Minal Shah (17 years) gave interesting and informative talks on Jainism to the graduate students in the department of Anthropology and Sociology at the University of British Columbia. JAINA welcomes the establishment of this new center and sends its best wishes. from Baltimore to Bombay will be borne by Exports of International Appliances, Inc. Please send your clothes before Oct. 15. Do not send leather goods, shoes, toys, belts, purses or any other household item. Clothes will be sent to Diwaliben Mehta Charitable Trust, Bombay for distribution to the poor and needy in India. The second shipment will be arranged in coordination with the Jain Center of Southern California. The third shipment will be sent in coordination with Tulsa Jain Sangh. Please see the October issue of Jain Digest for details. JAINA acknowledges with gratitude the time and money spent by all concerned. For more information, please call Dr. Dhiraj Shah (716) 7731314. JAINA launches used clothes drive reported by Dr. Dhiraj Shah Bhagwan Mahavira Feature Film Project: Dr. Surendra K. Sethi appointed Chief Coordinator The World Community Service of JAINA is launching a "Used Clothes Drive." All the Jain centers are requested to collect all types of clothes which are clean, wearable and usable. Please pack all the clothes in sturdy plastic bags and then pack them tightly in cartons and ship to: Exports of International Appliances, Inc., 8820 Monard Dr., Silver Spring, MD 20910, Attn: Bhadresh Dhila. The cost of shipping clothes Best compliments from Midwest Travel King D. Surendra K. Sethi At a meeting(attended by Acharya Sushil Kumarji, Dr. Michael Tobias, and many Jains interested in this project) held on July 3, 1993 at the 7th Biennial JAINA Convention in Pittsburgh, Dr. Surendra K. Sethi, President, Jain Society of Pittsburgh, was unanimously appointed Chief Coordinator of the Bhagwan Mahavir Feature Film Project. Dr. Sethi's role will be to develop, organize, finance, make the project plans, and initiate and coordinate all the activities connected with this project. Dr. Sethi can be reached at 230 South Washington Street, Butler, PA 16001. PH: (412) 282-2995, FAX: (412) 2823336. 218 Washington Street Waukegan, IL 60085 1-800-336-8211 Jain Education Intemational

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Pilgrimage to Shravanbelgola Mahamastikabhisheka of the 58 ft. tall idol of Lord Bahubaliji will take place from December 19-24, 1993. This ceremony takes place once every 12 years. The next one will be in year 2005. About a million Jain devotees are expected to attend. This is a unique opportunity for Jains in North America to attend this unique, colorful, and grand ceremony. JAINA has the following plans: * Lead the Jain Sangha from N. America to Shravanbelgola (Karnataka) by chartered plane *Perform Mahamastikabhisheka on a day specially reserved for N. American Jains * Organize/Participate in seminars/symposiums, and meet Jain saints and scholars * Open dialogue and communication with Jain leaders of India, N. America, and other countries If you are interested in joining this pilgrimage, please send us the following information. We need this information quickly so that we may inform the management committee in India about this event and proper arrangements for boarding, lodging, etc. can be made at the earliest possible time. Note: Even if you are planning to travel on your own to India, you can still join the North American Jains in Shravanbelgola. In that case also we do need your names. Please send this information to Sulekh C. Jain, 9831 Tall Timber Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45241, Phone: (513) 777-1554 immediately. After hearing from you, we will provide you with further details. You may also contact the following for details: Dhiraj Shah (716) 773-1314; Mahendra Pandya (718) 816-0083; Vinay Jain (617) 237-5997; Tansukh Salgia (213) 223-7735; S.A.B. Kumar (416) 890-3368; Anand Jain (604) 9926288; Chandra Khasgiwala (508) 6851594; Manibhai Mehta (714) 8983156; Gyan Chand Jain (416) 4471650; Surendra Sethi (412) 283-8822. Jain Digest JAINA Announces Youth Camp The Board of Directors of JAINA has passed a resolution to hold a Youth Camp Convention under the auspices of Young Jains of America (YJA) every even numbered year starting in 1994. The Camp Convention will be held on scenic Lake Geneva at the Conference Point Center in Williams Bay, Wisconsin from July 1-4, 1994. The campsite is located one and a half hours north of Chicago, near the Illinois-Wisconsin border. The Camp Convention will provide young Jains with an opportunity to learn and practice Jainism, exchange ideas, network with other young Jains, and will offer a platform to design, develop, and implement programs of interest specially tailored for the young adults. The fee for the three day program, including lodging and boarding, will only be $125 and it will be open to all youths ages 14-29. Mark your calendar now, inform your friends, and plan to attend this historic National Youth Camp Convention. The details and the registration form will be published in the next issue of Jain Digest. Editorial - from page 1 The news should, as before, be kindly sent to the respective regional editors within the deadline given on the cover page. Letters to the editor concerning current issues in the Jain community are greatly welcomed. However, I would like to remind our readers that, as has always been, letters to the editors simply represent the views of the individual and not those of JAINA. Each page costs $250 to produce and we are forced to limit the length of news coverage. We hope that in the future we will have more issues per year. For continuing our efforts, we need cooperation of our For Private Personal Use Only readers toward sending their annual donations regularly which could be as low as one-tenth percent of your income. Self-addressed envelopes are enclosed for your convenience. Vantage Point - from page 1 in the basic principles of Jainism, practicing those principles in daily life-both personal and social-proud of its heritage and identity, under one umbrella with equal respect not only for different forms of following Jainism but also for other religions. A Jain community of this type is my goal, mission and vision. In order to realize the goal we need to concentrate on activities relating to education and practice of Jain religious principles; external identification through mass media; preservation of the family through the institution of marriage; community service at the local and international levels in the spirit of caring for and sharing with the needy; and interfaith activities. This is our agenda for the future. To accomplish the above agenda, a strong organization with sufficient funds and increasing involvement of youths and women in the organization is a must. The new constitution providing the positions of six regional vice-presidents and regional editors for the Jain Digest, I hope, will go a long way in making JAINA a stronger body. The constitution also provides sources of more funds. I invite youths and women to come forward and volunteer their services for committee positions. I want to assure everyone that humility and service before self shall be my directive in conducting the affairs of JAINA. I believe in: Conquer anger by pardon; conquer a liar by speaking him truth; and Conquer a miser by giving him more. I have a firm faith in hate the sin, not the sinner. I seek everyone's cooperation in creating a Jain community of which our future generations may be proud.

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Jain Digest Let usjoin hands to fulfill our dreams. Let every Jain be a volunteer of nonviolence in this country where violence is practiced at an alarming scale. Let the North American Jain community be a role model for the Jain communities living in other parts of the world Jai Jinendra. A souvenir book was published for this occasion. This was a great occasion of pride and unity for 35 Jain families living throughout the province of Alberta. Pratishtha at Dallas, TX Reported by Jadavji Kenia, Dallas, TX Pratishtha ---- News Wuu u lll birth of Vardhaman, the test of his courage and strength by Indra, Chandakaushika, and various other aspects of the life of Lord Mahavir. The first day concluded with swamivatsalya, followed by RaasGarba. The next day, the procession started at 8AM, marking the beginning of Pratishtha. Gurudev Shri Chitrabhanuji explained the eighteen abhishekas and helped perform the ceremonies. The ceremony was well-attended by the Hindu community of the tri-city area, Jains, and dignitaries from JAINA (President of JAINA), Wahington, D.C., New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Michigan, Connecticut, Toronto Montreal and Ottawa, Canada. More than 500 people participated in the Pratishtha and Gheeboli. Over $35,000 were collected. Vinod Shah helped with the success of this auspicious ceremony. This Jain idol is located at Hindu Temple, 450 Albany-Shaker Road, Loudenville, NY 12211, telephone (518) 459-7272. Jain Society at Albany celebrates pratishtha by Dr. Rasik Chudgar Murti Sthapana Mahotsav in the Dallas area was celebrated by The Jain Society of North Texas members at the Jain Center in Richardson, TX on July 9,-11. This auspicious occasion included several Pujas, discourses, cultural items by children and by adults, Rathyatra and finally Chal Pratishtha on Sunday. Murtis of Tirthankar Bhagwan Parshwanath and Bhagwan Mahavir along with Namokar Mantra Shila were installed. The Mahotsav was graced by the presence and guidance of Gurudev Shri Chitrabhanuji and Bhattarak Shri Charukirtiji. Shri Babubhai Kadiwala and his accomplished musicians, Shri Khemchandji Jain and Shri Manubhai Sheth, performed Pujas and Vidhi. This joyous event was a great success. More details and pictures will follow in the next issue. TARS Lord Mahavir Pratistha at Chicago Source: India Abroad, July 9, 1993 Pratishtha at Edmonton, Alberta by Jaswant Mehta, Edmonton, Alberta Jain Society of Capital District, Albany, New York, celebrated Pratishtha of Tirthankar Mahavir on May 29-30. Acharya Sushil Kumarji, Gurudev Shri Chitrabhanuji, Shri Vijaymuni, Shri Dineshmuni, and Padamprabhumuni blessed the occasion. Acharya Shri Sushil Kumarji emphasized unity, nonviolence and the importance of Jainism. Gurudev Shri Chitrabhanuji spoke on the teachings of Jainsim. There was dance, Raas, and a cultural program performance by children of 15 Jain families. The dance-drama showed Lord Mahavir's life, and was narrated by Siren Chudgar, Atish Shah, and Ranak Jasani. The children's program started with Navkar mantra, fourteen dreams of Trishla, the On April 18, the Jain Society of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada performed the Jain Pratishtha Mohatsav commemorating the opening of the twin temples at the Hindu Cultural Centre. One temple was dedicated to Bhagwan Mahavir, while the second temple was reserved for possibly Bhagwan Buddha. The resident priest, Shiv Shankar Dwivedi, performed a very moving ceremony that captured the hearts of nearly 500 people of all faiths that braved a six inch snow storm. Deities of Parashvnathji and Rishabdevji have also been donated by Jain families. The 10-day program marking the installation of idols of Jain Tirthankars at the Jain temple in Bartlett helped its organizers, the Jain Society of Metropolitan Chicago, raise $1.4 million through donations and pledges. The society plans to set up residential accommodations for Jain priests, Acharyas and visitors. Also, it is proposed to have a library to house Jain literature. "The temple does not have the idols of all Tirthankars now. We will have idols of all 24 Tirthankars installed in the course of time," Suresh Shah, a spokesman, said. The function culminating ir 18 Jain Education Intemational

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a grand procession (Rath Yatra) was attended by over 3,000 people from this country and abroad (Editor's note: Perhaps over 5,000). The Jain temple was formally inaugurated last year. The society purchased 15 acres of land five years ago and has spent nearly $3 million to build the temple and auditorium. There are 2,500 followers of the Jain religion in metropolitan Chicago. Note: Toronto Pratishtha will be covered in the November issue. From Here? - from page 1 immigration, travel, science and technology, religions that were previously confined within India's borders have now become global religions in the past 50 years at a scale not conceived before. Jainism is one such religion. Questions we must ask are: Are we Jains ready to join the committee of other major world religions?; Are we going to welcome the year 2000?; Do we Jains have any vision, roadmap or agenda for the future?. I will not even attempt to answer these questions here or layout an agenda. In fact, I do not even have the capability to do so. This requires serious thinking and debate. In this issue of the Jain Digest, two such feedbacks are provided. One is a letter to the editor by a very well respected and dynamic leader of Jains - Dr. Natubhai Shah from Leicester, U.K. The other is a compilation of feedback given by 40 or so JAINA directors and Jain center presidents who spoke at the JAINA Board of Directors meeting at the 7th JAINA Convention in Pittsburgh. To these observations, I humbly add the following: (1) Let us work together and pool our resources. Let us not compete, duplicate or waste our re Jain Digest sources; (2) Jainism is now a global religion. Let us walk our talk. Let us think and act globally. Let us disband the closed society attitude of our Jain groups; (3) To be a global religion, let us strengthen national and international Jain organizations. My dream is that soon we have to move beyond the national organizations. Like other major world religions, we need to seriously think of an international organization like "World Council of Jains" or "World Federation of Jain Association" with a central secretariat; (4) Like the JAINA convention, let us work towards an international Jain convention once every two years; (5) We should publish an international directory of Jains living outside India and also of Jain organizations in India as well as overseas; (6) To communicate, we need a news paper, e.g. Jain Times, published monthly or weekly; (7) We must use modern technologies (TV, video, radio, etc.) to spread the message of Ahimsa (nonviolence); To be a global religion, let us strengthen national and international Jain organizations. My dream is that soon we have to move beyond the national organizations. (8) We should plan to work on a Jain encyclopedia and a comprehensive history of Jains and their contributions in India, North America, Europe, East Africa and other countries; (9) We must start interfaith dialogue with other world religions and find common grounds to cooperate and work together with groups, organizations and individuals that have respect for life, animals and the environment. With us individually, there should be a searching, a reaching, a grasping, or a quizzical attitude, a questioning of society and a questioning of ourselves. The communities and organizations that find a way to engage every mind, harness every volt of passionate energy, break every artificial barrier between people will be communities that will survive in the 1990's and beyond and we Jains must be that community. The new leadership of JAINA that was elected at the convention in Pittsburgh is fully aware of these challenges and is capable and ready to serve the Jain community; to lead us unto the 21st century. Let us provide full support and cooperation. 19 I have been very fortunate that you, during the last eight years (four years as secretary and since 1989 as president of JAINA), gave me your trust, confidence, cooperation, encouragement and an opportunity to serve the Jain community. It was once in a lifetime opportunity for me. Collectively, we made some progress. I thank you all, members of the executive committees, JAINA Board of Directors, presidents of all Jain Centers and Jain Sanghs for being part of this fun. Jai Jinendra Unlock the door of Jainism through JAINA Library 4410 50th Street, Lubbock, TX 79414 Phone 1-800-99-JAINA

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1993 JAINA CONVENTION Chief guest Mr. Sunderlal Patwa addressing the convention. Jain Digest Dr. Surendra K. Sethi, Founder-President of Jain Society of Pittsburgh and Convener of the 7th Biennial JAINA Convention. News, Letters, Reviews For Private 820rsonal Use Only Opening ceremony of the convention. Congressman William J. Coyne (DPennsylvania) and Monroeville, Pennsylvania Mayor Tomas Schuegert were present to welcome the delegates on behalf of Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh and Monroeville. Dr. Surendra K. Sethi, President of Jain Society of Pittsburgh, welcoming the dignitaries and delegates. Keynote speaker Dr. Kumarpal Desai giving keynote address. World famous ecologist, Dr. Michael Tobias, moderated the seminars on Jainism and Ahimsa and Jainism and Ecology. more pictures on page 28

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Jain Digest The success of the 7th JAINA Convention - A profile Editor's Note: In preparing I had the assistance of Dr. Mohan Lal Sharma (Slippery Rock, PA), Dr. Mahendra Dosi (Atlanta), Dr. Surendra Sethi, Dr. Sulekh Jain, Dr. Jagat P. Jain, and Ajit Jain's coverage in India Abroad (July 9, 1993) Over 6000 people from USA, Canada, India, and Europe scanned their past, took pride in their present collective identity, and projected their diaspora-oriented community during JAINA's 7th Biennial Convention held in Pittsburgh from July 2-4, 1993. The conference theme was "Jainism: Past, Present and Future." Many dignitaries from USA and abroad participated in the convention. Likewise in the 6th JAINA Convention at Stanford - July 1991, all the halls and conference rooms at the Monroeville ExpoMart were named as follows during the days marking the 7th JAINA Convention. MAINHALL-Rsabha Hall, OTHER HALLS - Bahubali Hall, Gautama Hall, Umaswami Hall, Bhadrabahu Hall, V.R. Gandhi Hall, Siddachalam Hall, and Kundakunda Hall. In his address as a chief guest, Mr. Sunderlal Patwa, former Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh told the audience how proud he feels being a Jain and reminded us that Jain gurus devote their whole life in search of eternal truth. U.S. Rep. William J. Coyne, Democrat from Pittsburgh, applauded the Jain philosophy of nonviolence. Mayor Thomas Schuergler talked about the compassion and spiritualism of Jains. The keynote was given by Dr. Kumarpal Desai, a Jain scholar and journalist from Ahmedabad, on the value and heritage of Jain religion. While outlining the tremendous accomplishments of the Jain community in North America, Dr. Sulekh Jain, in his presidential address, un veiled his plans to form a World Council of Jains. Swami Chidanandji and Gurudev Chitrabhanuji gave their blessings in the Opening Ceremony. Michael Tobias, a noted Jain scholar, writer and director for the movie Ahinsa, moderated two seminars: (1) Jainism and Ecology, (2) Jainism and Ahinsa. Governor Jerry Brown spoke on "The role of nonviolence in today's political arena. Other speakers included Dr. Atul Shah, Dr. Jagdish Shah, Dr. David Rothenberg, Mr. Peter Gerard, Dr. Michael Fox, Mr. Nick Stonnington, Mr. Robert Radin, Irena Upenieks, and Acharya Sushil Kumarji. Dr. Tansukh Salgia moderated the seminar on "Jainism: The Past." The speakers included Dr. Noel King, Dr. Kumarpal Desai, Bhattarak Shri Charukirtiji and Chandrakant Shah. Dr. Surender K. Jain moderated the seminar on Jains in "North America and their Identity." The participants included Dr. Surinder Gambhir, Dr. Sivaram Srikandath, Dr. John Cort, and Sandeep Punater. The seminars and discussions were attended by a large audience who asked inquisitive questions. Dr. Bruce Constain (Balbhadra) gave an interesting talk on "The Basics of Jainism." Dr. Prem Gada gave a lively pictorial discussion of Jainism. Dr. Cromwell Crawford spoke on the teaching of Jainism in American universities, and Dr. Daniel Gomez-Ibanez talked about the World Parliament of Religions with special reference to Jainism. Jugna Shah and Gina Shah moderated a panel discussion on "Speaking the unspeakable for women of the age of 15 or older." Anish Shah and Purvi Kamdar gave a talk on Mahavir. Reality of Ahinsa in relation to treatment of women and Ahinsa in Daily Life were, among others, some of the topics, for panel discussions participated by Dr. Shashi Jain, Dr. Shamita Dasgupta, Narendra Sheth, Manoj Jain, Sonal Sheth, Saurabh Dalal, Mona Shah, Mulin Shah, Gurudev Chitrabhanuji, and several others. Religious discourses were given by Gurudev Chitrabhanuji, Acharya Sushil Kumarji, Shri Bandhu Triputiji, Saman Sthit Pragyaji, Saman Shrut Pragyaji, Samani Mangal Pragyaji, Samani Charitra Pragyaji, Bhattarak Shri Charukirtiji, Shri Devendra Kirtiji, Muni Roop Chanji, Muni Manak Chandji, Dinesh Muni, Vijay Muni, Shri Laxmisenji, Swami Chidanandji, Bhahamcharinis Prabha Jain, Meena Jain, Dr. Sneha Jain. Other speakers included ShriJ.K.Jain, member Rajya Sabha, (India), Mr. Nemu Chandaria (London), Mr. & Mrs. Pierre, Amiel (France), Dr. Pratapditya Pal, Dr. Elizabeth Stone, Dr. Daniel GomezIbanez, Dr. Hukam Chand Bharill, Dr. Bhagwan Singh, Mr. C.R. Bhansali, Pandit Khem Chand, Devender K. Jain, Mr. A.P. Jain, Mr. Satish Jain, Mr. R.P. Jain, Mr. Narendra Sheth, Dr. Tansukh Salgia, Dr. Sulekh C. Jain, Dr. Jagat P. Jain, Dr. Prem C. Gada, Dr. Dhiraj Shah, etc. Another important feature of the convention was the panel discussion on "Marriage: Past, Present, and Future" moderated by F.J. Dalal. This event like many others attracted a large crowd of all ages. There were several well attended youth programs. Topics included Yoga, Samayak, Evolution of Values, Beliefs, and Vegetarianism. During the Director's meeting on July 3, elections were held under the chairmanship of Dr. Vinay Jain and new executive committee was elected. Dr. Jagat P. Jain was elected President and Dr. Manibhai Mehta was elected First Vice President. Six regional Vice Presidents, a Secretary, and a Treasurer were also elected (See the back of front cover for the names of the new Executive Committee members). The cultural programs, mostly put together by Jain Centers, made evenings relaxing. Some details on the various items presented are given in the letters to the editor. The closing ceremony was pre Jain Education Intemational For Priva21 Personal Use Only

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Jain Digest Thanks a million JAINA and the Jain community in North America thank Dr. Surendra K. Sethi, President of Jain Society of Pittsburgh for his leadership, dedication, vision, and dynamism in making the 7th Biennial JAINA Convention truly a ceded by the Awards Ceremony chaired by Dr. Jagat P. Jain. About 80 individuals and 4 institutions were recognized for their outstanding contributions for the promotion of Jainism through their dedicated volunteer work in JAINA activities. The highest award, JAINA RATNA, was given to Dr. Dhiraj Shah particularly for his contribution for the World Community Service of JAINA. A large number of youths were also honored. The First Prizes for the essay competition were given to Jai Shah of Edmonton, Alberta (Group 1, Grades 9-12), and to Sumit Vora of Seven Hills, Ohio (Group II, College level). In addition, the award for Best Display or Exhibition of Jain art and literature went to the Boston Jain Center. Efforts put in by a number of individuals, in particular by Dr. Surendra Sethi, Dr. Kirit Gosalia, Dr. Sidharth Bhansali, R.P. Jain, and others for exhibiting more than 400 masterpieces of art and literature are highly commendable. These pieces were selected from the archives of The National Museum of India, Archaeological and Survey of India, the Times of India, Bhartiya Jananpith, American Institute of Indian Studies in Varanasi, and the Jayabikshu Trust in Ahmedbad. This was the largest Jain exhibition in the West and perhaps, the best ever seen. Almost all of the pieces were so firstrate that many photographers made a video for their personal viewing The Closing Ceremony was concluded by remarks from a youth leader, Sanjay Vora, Vinod Doshi, and the Chairperson Dr. Surendra Sethi with a vote of thanks from Dr. Sulekh C. Jain, including a thank you note from the newly elected president, Dr. Jagat P. Jain. I would like to personally remark that the Convention overall was a great celebration of JAINA's achievements in the last twelve years since its inception in 1981. JAINA has shown throughout the world that all Jains can be united and work together for spreading our message great success. JAINA also thanks the Jain Society of Pittsburgh, Convention Coordinator Vinod Doshi, Chairpersons of several subcommittees (Mahendra Shah, Prakash Jain, Alka Jhaveri, Shantilal Mohnot, Suresh Shah, Nikhil Gandhi, Harshad Mehta, Chandrakant Shah, Bhupendra Kamdar, Ramesh Jain, Girish Kothari, Kishor Pokharna, Sanjay Vora, Jayshree Ranka), many brothers, sisters, and youths who worked wholeheartedly for countless months, many donors, benefactors, and well-wishers - who provided time, energy, funds, and guidance in making this convention a memorable event. and keeping our cultural identity. A great proportion of our tribute must be given to the small Jain community of Pittsburgh for making this convention a memorable and pleasant event in JAINA history. JAINA elects new executive committee Toronto, (416) 259-4631, (Western U.S.) Mr. Harilal G. Shah, San Francisco, CA, (510) 487-9380, (Southwestern U.S.) Mrs. Hansa Varia, Dallas, TX, (214) 644-0294, (Southeastern U.S.) Dr. Mahendra K. Dosi, Atlanta, GA, (404) 442-8559, (Midwestern U.S.) Mr. Niranjan C. Shah, Chicago, IL, (708) 635-7780, (Northeastern U.S.) Mr. Naresh Shah, New York, NY, (516) 741-9269; SECRETARY - Mr. Ramesh P. Shah, Cleveland, OH, (216) 442-4596; TREASURER - Mr. Vinod B. Doshi, Pittsburgh, PA, (412) 856-9235; PAST PRESIDENTS - Dr. Manoj Dharamsi, Washington, D.C., (703) 620-9837; Dr. Tansukh J. Salgia, Quincy,IL,(217)223-7735; Dr. Sulekh C. Jain, Cincinnati, OH, (513) 777-1554. At the JAINA Board of Directors meeting held on July 3, 1993 during the 7th Bienial Convention in Pittsburgh, following were elected to the JAINA Executive Committee for 1993-95. PRESIDENT - Dr.Jagat P.Jain, Buffalo, NY,(716) 688--0104;FIRST VICE PRESIDENT - Dr. Manibhai Mehta, Los Angeles, CA, (714) 898-3156; VICE PRESIDENTS - (Canada) Mr. Ramesh C. Jain, Jain Education Intemational For Private 22 sanal Use Only

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7th Biennial JAINA Convention 1993 summary of youth programs Reported by Sanjay Vora and Jayshree Ranka, Pittsburgh, PA Jain youths from Pittsburgh, as well as many other states and countries, worked very hard over the past 18 months to put together a variety of presentations, seminars, panel discussions, and programs for youths of all ages for the 7th Biennial JAINA Convention held in Pittsburgh, PA on July 2-4. On Friday morning the youth program began with Jain and Indian Holidays. This program provided a glimpse of various holidays, such as Diwali, Uttarayan, Navratri, and Mahavir Jayanti. The history of each holiday was described and then a comedy skit about each holiday was performed. Other sessions on Friday included slide show presentations on the Life of Mahavir and on famous Jain temples in India. Dr. Michael Tobias ran a seminar on Environmental Meditation. Vasant Sheth and Arhant Jain, of Toronto, put together a mock Jain Marriage Ceremony that began with an engagement and ended with the bride leaving her parents home to go to her new home. Two concurrent ses sions discussing the basics of Pratikraman were presented by Narendra Sheth of San Diego and Dr. Surender Singhvi of Ohio. On Saturday, Dr. Bruce Constain spoke on the basics of Jainism and conducted a seminar on Pure Soul Meditation. Dr. Prem Gada of Texas used a symbolic and pictorial method to explain many of the basic concepts of Jainism to young children. A lively panel discussion with audience participation was held on Evolution of Moral Values. Panelists from around the country and from various backgrounds discussed topics including dating, interracial marriages, vegetarianism, Jain Digest discrimination, and how Jainism affects one's life. Speaking the Unspeakable, on Saturday afternoon, provided a forum on women's problems and concerns today. The Vegetarianism seminar provided information on the environmental, medical/health, religious, and animal rights point of views toward vegetarianism and in general, the movement toward vegetarianism. Afterwards there was a panel discussion on surviving as a vegetarian in today's society. Vegetarian Cooking extended this further by providing examples on quick and easy recipes on various foods. A discussion on peer pressure for young Jains was also held. Young children enjoyed learning about vegetarianism from coloring books and also participated in a banner competition. The programs on Saturday ended with a lively garba/raas for every one. Sunday morning, Dr. Atul Shah of London, spoke on the Relevance of Jainism to Youths brought up in the West. Three young couples presented a panel discussion on the Roles & responsibilities of Young Jain Couples. Topics discussed included living in an extended family, compromising and making decisions together, and finding time for each other. Anup Vora of New York gave an explanation to the youth on Jain prayers and Songs. A session on storytelling was held where young children learned about the story of Rajul. A History of Jainism talk was given by Snehal Shingavi of Texas. Dr. Duli Chand Jain of New York then spoke on the Historical Aspects of Jainsim. The Jain Academic Bowl, run by Saurabh Dalal of Maryland, allowed teams of Jain youths from various cities to compete based upon their knowledge of the basics of Jainism. On Saturday and Sunday morning, Shanti Parikh of Niagara Falls, Lalit Pansar, and Dr. Bruce Constain of Toronto provided youths with an opportunity to learn the basics of yoga, meditation, and 23 For Private Personal Use Only samayak. Also on both days, a Young Jains Networking Seminar was held. This seminar provided young Jains over twenty with an opportunity to meet and discuss various concerns regarding marriage. On all three evenings, open youth discussions were held on various topics, including discrimination in the workplace, and maintaining our heritage and passing it on to the next generation. The convention ended with a youth dance on Sunday evening. The Jain Group of Pittsburgh would like to thank everyone who helped us in putting together this convention. It would not have been such a great success had it not been for all the help and support we received from everyone. Views from youths on convention Dear Editor: I had the fortunate privilege of attending my first JAINA Convention. It was an eye-opener, to say the least. I had never been as "proud" of being a Jain as I was there. To be very honest, before the convention, I had been somewhat of a practicing Jain. I only slightly understood what being a Jain really means. One must "It was time well spent and time meaningful to my own inner revelation." realize that Jain religion is an insistence on love, a way of life that stresses a reverence for all life in thought, deed, and action. I suppose I know all that, but walking around the convention halls, sitting in lectures and seminars, and understanding what the speakers were saying convinced me that I must further acquire knowledge on Jain religion and become a more strict yet practi

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Jain Digest cal Jain In addition, attending the convention gave me a greater knowledge and understanding of Jain principles. This positive will certainly help me to explain Jain doctrine to others who regard such convictions to be impractical, academic, or even absurd. In other words, if I know more about Jain religion, then I can confidently and fearlessly answer the questions of others. Attending the convention was undoubtedly the best thing that ever happened to me. It was time well spent and time meaningful to my own inner revelation. The theme "Jainism: Past, Present, and Future" was one well chosen. Not only does it refer to Jainism as a whole, but if offers reflection into our individual lives as for the older youths. Although many said that being Jain and being Indian were important qualities that they would seek for in a spouse just as many argues that living in the U.S., one should be more open in the "criteria" he/she applies. Similarly, there were differences in opinions in terms of dating only Jains, or only Indians, and whether parents should allow their children greater freedom with dating. Ultimately, though, most agreed that open communication between children and their parents was the key to solving many of the problems that were faced. Most, also, agreed that it was important to them to see Jainsim survive and flourish with future generations in North America. well. Mukund Shah* Atlanta, GA Dr. Sushil K. Jain, M.D.* Chicago, IL *Mukund Shah is young man who has just graduated from high school. *Sushil Jain is doing his residency in Chicago. Dear Editor: about North American Jains. During the youth seminar, Evolution of Beliefs and Values, the question came up on whether Jainism worships Idols or Ideals. The panelist answered that he thought that the Ideals were what Jainsim had initially started out by worshipping, but was threatened to vanish because there were no Idols to worship. Dr. Bruce Constain, a Ph.D. in Jainism, taught the kids about Yoga and Atma. He involved the kids in a discussion about what the Atma is, what is included in it, and also that it can live eternally after one dies. He explained this in the beginning with a puzzle about yourself. Being alive __?___=Death The answer is Atma, or soul. He said that Conscience, Happiness, and Energy are associated with Atma. Dr. Prem Gada had an interesting and educational way of getting the kids to associate Jainsim with everyday life. He gave a pictorial presentation in which he said that every letter of the alphabet and every number from one to ten could be associated with Jainism in a way. The Jain marriage that was acted was of great interest to both the youths and adults alike. The ceremony illustrate important customs and traditions upheld by the Jain community. The cultural programs were very well prepared. There were a variety of acts on both nights, ranging from skits to dances as well as many other highly creative activities. The dances were really choreographed well, and the costumes were bright, colorful, and fun to look at. There were also many different varieties of skits performed to get across different messages. The commercials were a great part of the show. The Paryusana Pep was the funniest thing I had seen in a long time, and it was a good idea too. The little jingles were really funny. The Jain Society of California put on a hilarious skit about the communication and generation gaps between today's Dear Editor: The youth portion of the convention, overall, was very successful. Over the three-day event, children, adolescents, college students, and young adults attended many panel discussions, discussions, open group sessions, networking seminars, as well as meditation sessions and social get-togethers. At a panel discussion titled "Evolving Moral Beliefs," topics such as Jain vs. NonJain ethics, vegetarianism, dating and animal testing were discussed. Opinions and arguments on both sides of every issue were shared. At the open group sessions, lively debates centered around the importance of Jainsim in the next generation's lives, peer pressure, involvement in politics, as well as male vs. female career issues. Most of these events took place in fully-packed halls, with involved audiences and very interesting question and answer sessions. Expectedly, dating and marriage issues were a focus of attention I, personally, was expecting something very different from what I saw when I entered the Expo Mart for the first time. Although I don't remember the last convention, I didn't expect so many exhibits and arrangements. The exhibits were very well done. It was astonishing to see the time and work that all of these people had put into making this convention something to be remembered. The Boston exhibit was very interesting and educational. The main attraction of that was a wonderful replica of a Jain mandir. the booths explained the basic aspects of Jainsim in such a way that almost everyone could understand them. The youth programs were a lot of fun. Almost 2,000 Jain youths was really an eye-opener because I just couldn't think of that number of Jain youths. You cannot believe it until you see them. The open youth discussions touched on a lot of questions that Jain youths today have Jain Education Intenational 24

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Jain Digest parents and children. The adults also found the seminars given by different speakers interesting. The format for this year's convention was well set up in that there were a group of seminars going on at once so that one could choose which one to attend. Umang Dosi, high school student Atlanta, GA to Dr. Shah is a recognition of his dedication, devotion and continued service to the Jain community here in North America for the promotion of Jainism. Previous recipients of this award are Dr. Duli Chand Jain (1989) and Dr. Premchand Gada (1991). Congratulations to Dr. Dhiraj H. Shah Thank You letter from the JAINA President Editor's Note: This letter was sent to Dr. Surendra K. Sethi, President of the Jain Society of Pittsburg from Dr. Sulekh Jain after the convention cent 7th Biennial JAINA Convention. During and after the Convention, I talked to many people and the responses were, SUPERB, GREAT, WELL DONE. Amongst many things, this convention will be remembered for: * One of the largest gathering of Jains from all corners and Jain Centers in North America - More than 6,000 attendees; * Largest gathering of youths of all ages (more than 2,000 came) and excellent quality and quantity of their programs; * Variety and quality of exhibits and displays on Jain art, architecture, culture, philosophy, and rituals - the exhibition from Boston was truly a great experience; * Participation by practically every Jain center in North America. Your Jain center did much more than you promised. It is a great milestone in the history of Jainsim in North America. Now the JAINA Convention has become a forum where very diverse issues can be discussed and debated. You worked hard and for Jaijinendra, At the 7th JAINA Convention in Pittsburgh, JAINA presented to Dr. Dhiraj H. Shah of Buffalo lo, New York, JAINA's highest award, JAINA Ratna Award. Only one such award is given by JAINA every two years during its convention. This award From Boston to San Diego, from Edmonton, Alberta (Canada) to Miami, Florida, from overseas, young and old, boys, girls, men and women, monks, scholars, professors, leaders, and activists, by buses, cars, trains, and planes, from all walks of lives, more than 6,000 Jains and nonJains came to attend this magnifi Proceedings of 7th JAINA Convention - Lectures, Seminars and Panel Discussions Available We are planning to publish brief proceedings of the convention. If you are interested in receiving a copy, please register now by sending $10 in U.S. (outside United States US$ 12.50) for handling,mailing expenses, etc. The copies will be printed as per request only. Requests with checks payable to JAINA must be sent by Sept. 1, 1993 to Dr. Surender K. Jain, 3 Ransom Road, Athens, Ohio 45701, phone (614) 592-1660. Jain Education Intemational For Private 25 ersonal Use Only

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Jain Digest many, many long hours. You saw the results. Being there was just great for all of us. JAINA and the Jain community are grateful to your Jain center for this great effort and achievement. On my behalf, the JAINA Executive Committee, the Board of Directors, and many Jain centers, I convey our sincere thanks for a job well done. This convention exceeded many of our expectations. Please write to us... Many of you attended the 7th JAINA Convention in Pittsburgh. Please write to the Jain Digest in the form of a letter to the editor regarding your comments, observations, experiences, constructive criticism and suggestions for improvements for future JAINA conventions. Your letters will be published in following issues of the Jain Digest. scholars in North America who are willing to give up their worldly avocations and possessions for their own spiritual upliftment and also to serve the Jain community in North America in promotion of Jainism and in the education of our youths. Some of these people will need financial and organizational support in order to utilize their services properly and fruitfully. A committee of Dr. Vinay Jain of Boston (Chair), Dr. Manoj Dharamsi of Washington, D.C and Mr. Praful Shah of Toronto was formed. The charter of this committee is: identify such scholars; define their roles and establish guidelines; define financial needs, budgets and plans, and raise/create funds and endorsements to meet these needs. With my best regards. Thankingly, Sulekh C. Jain President, JAINA Resolutions, Discussions, Decisions at the 7th JAINA Convention Feedback from JAINA directors and Jain Center presidents JAINA Board of Directors discussed and/or approved the following: (1) The Board of Directors agree in principle that the time has come for the formation of World Federation of Jain Associations and therefore directed the JAINA Executive Committee to start a dialogue with other national Jain organizations (in India and other countries) and explore the feasibility of forming such an organization. (2) Jain youths are our future and JAINA should hold a national youth convention once every two years. This convention should be held in every even calendar year. It is planned to hold the first such stand alone JAINA Youth Convention in the first weekend of July 1994. The next such conventions will be held in 1996, 1998, etc. (3) In North America, we must strive to maintain the non-sectarian structure of our Jain temples. JAINA's Temple Guideline Committee was asked to establish proper guidelines and provide needed assistance to various Jain centers whenever feasible. (4) Now and in the future, there are and will be several Jain Jain center presidents and JAINA Board of Directors were asked to give feedback and their views regarding their vision and what JAINA should do during the next five years or so. At the directors meetings on July 2,3 and 4, 1993 at the 7th JAINA Convention, nearly 40 people expressed their views. Here is a brief summary of their thoughts and feedback: JAINA should establish shortterm and long-term goals.JAINA should promote Jain centers in establishment, organization and programming Financial soundness of JAINA is important. The exhibition by Boston Jain Center was a great learning experience. Each Jain center should take similar measures or at least enlist one project that will benefit the entire Jain community in North America Publicity should be organized properly.We must reach out and establish dialogue and working relationships with other non-Jain organizations that are compatible with Jain philosophy.JAINA needs a permanent place and administrative office.JAINA Board of Direc tors should be equally divided between males, females, adults and youths. We must emphasize youths and give reigns to them.We must unite so as not to duplicate our resources. Prepare guidelines for monks and lay persons, visiting scholars and pathshalas Organize a regular, stand alone youth camp * Develop common and comprehensive educational material.Use domestic resources of Jain scholars and teachers. Teach our youths through audio-visual material.Create/produce good quality videos. In addition to the JAINA Convention once every two years, JAINA should organize several regional conventions every year.Collaborate and work with vegetarian and animal welfare organizations and movements * There should be a national examination in Jain education for youths.Youths and women should be on the JAINA Executive Committee. Teach and practicenonsectarian Jainism Organize tomorrow's leadership development seminars Pathshala books and material from grades 1-12 should be provided free of charge to each family. Feed and serve the hungry and needy.Produce a feature film on Lord Mahavir Adults need to learn more about Jainism.Set up a scholarship and awards fund for Jain education for our youths.Use mass media (TV, radio, etc.) on weekends for propagation of Jain principles. Invite articles about JAINA Convention experience for publication in the Jain Digest.Our temples should be non-sectarian, give total Jain outlook and meet needs of the youths.Jains should remain united but not isolated. Open I Jain Education Intenational For Prival 26ersonal Use Only

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Jain Digest Jain Community to nonJains. Prepare scholars and lecturers in this country.JAINA should address the concerns and needs of women and seniors. Each Jain center should have a youth forum.Meditation is important for young people. While talking to youths, talk about the latest scientific discoveries that match with Jainism Set a standard time for Jain prayers for all Jains in North America. An example would be Sunday at 10a.m. Start an interfaith dialogue. for our use and disposal? Most of modern politics and economics is based on the assumption that the earth only has value when we exploit and develop its resources into commodities. This is the same malignant reasoning that justified centuries of oppression of slaves and women and continues to be applied to animals, forests, soil and water today. As a result we measure "The tradition of the Jainism is a high spot in the history of environmental spirituality, and I pray that you will be a beacon of light through the transition ahead." California State Senator Tom Hayden sends regards Dear Friends, I deeply regret not being able to attend your conference. It is my loss, since it would be a rare opportunity for me to learn from so many dedicated representatives of your tradition. I hope it will be possible to meet in the near future with those of you in Southern California. The planetary crises presents humanity with a spiritual challenge: do we hold the living earth sacred, or is it simply a storehouse of things progress by the mindless expansion of GNP, clear-cut our forests on behalf of maximum productivity, we treat our oceans (and holy rivers like the Ganges) as vast dumping grounds for our sewage, and we preside over the greatest species extinction in millions of years with few words of official concern. Many mainstream reformers believe we can correct the course we are on by electing a few more progressive leaders, making our busi ness priorities more efficient and requiring that continuous development somehow be made sustainable. I believe we need a more fundamental change of spirituality and consciousness to guide us through a transition to seeing the human community as part of a larger earth community. It will be impossible to make this transition without the full engagement of organized religion, theologians and spiritual voices all over the planet. Unfortunately, organized religion has been slow to realize the environmental crisis; since organized religion has mainly rationalized human dominance over other living things, or tended to seek escape from bondage to our shared environmental destiny of birth, decay and death. To be concrete about what I mean, let me point out that in 12 years in Sacramento, I have never once seen a religious group testify on behalf of environmental legislation. The tradition of the Jainism is a bright spot in the history of environmental spirituality, and I pray that you will be a beacon of light through the transition ahead. Though few in number, you have influenced great global leaders like Gandhi. You have demonstrated the compatibility of striving for environmental purity and successful livelihood. You have been cited by the expert scholar Lewis Regenstein as the world religion that goes to the greatest lengths to live your commitment to all of nature's creatures. And through the good work of Michael Tobias, you're becoming more known throughout our country as a successful model of an ancient earth-based spirituality. A central contribution of Jainism to the common earth gospel each religious tradition must adopt is that of Ahimsa, not to destroy life. There may be different legitimate interpretations of what this means in theory and practice, but I think we can agree that it has not been extended very often or consistently to the worlds of environment and JAINA Convention videos available If you are interested in getting videos of the 7th JAINA Convention (about 2-3 hours) or Cultural Program only (about five hours), please write to the Jain Society of Pittsburgh, 230 S. Washington St., Butler, PA 16001 Attn. Convenention Videos. Both videos are $25 each. They are under preparation and should be available in a month or two. Please place your order now. Jain Education Intemational For Private 27 ersonal Use Only

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Jain Digest Former California Governor Jerry Brown flew to Pittsburgh to specially attend the JAINA Convention. Picture shows him addressing the JAINA Convention on July 3, 1993. VY Cultural presentation were made by over 15 Jain Centers for three days at the convention. Udaipur on March 28, 1993. He succeeded Acharya Anand Rishiji who had passed away on March 23, 1992. Acharya Atma Ramji had been honored with this unique title preceding Acharya Anand Rishiji. JAINA and the Jain community send their respect and congratulations to Acharya Devendraji. economy. E.F. Schumaker was one of the few western thinkers who cited Ahimsa, or non-violence, as a crucial dimension in developing a new economic order. The human community can never achieve peace with itself by doing violence to nature. Human employment can never be truly satisfying if it is built on the pain of animals and ravaging of our environmental heritage. An economy can never be sustainable when based on the pillaging of ecosystems. For these reasons, I hope your religious tradition receives new attention as we in the human community reconsider our covenant obligations anew. I thank you for extending your invitation, and hope you will consider a deeper engagement in politics and public policy a matter of serious spiritual practice. This is a challenging decade in American politics when, as Vice-President Gore has written, the earth is truly in balance. May your conference be an inspired event. Sincerely, Tom Hayden Acharya Sushil Kumarji, head of the International Mahavir Jain Mission, at the JAINA convention. (Photo: Ajit Jain) Special Thanks to Steve Jain for his help in editing and typing the JAINA convention news. Address Change Please note the new address of Jain Association of United Kingdom: 4 Whitchurch Close, Edgware, Middlesex HA86PE, UK. Phone (081) 952-5757. International News Late News Project Map (Medical Aid To Poor) additional donors list (see April issue for beginning) Diraj Shah, San Jose, CA; Rajendra Kumar & Usha Mehta, Tuscaloosa, AL; Jain Association of Montreal, Montreal, Canada; Dilip & Rekha Dedhi, San Jose, CA; Kirit & Vibhuti Gosalia, Phoeniz, AZ; Jawahar D. & Jyoti Mehta, Perry Hall, MD; Ramesh & Meenakshi Shah, Beckley, WV JAINA thanks all the donors for their generous support. Jain Education - from page 16 and between the religious community and its members. By communicating with each other and keeping an open mind we will be able to gain more knowledge. I believe that this is what Jainism is about: the acquisition of more and more knowledge that will ultimately deliver us from the life/death cycle to moksha. 1. Acharya Atma Ramji, 2. Acharya Anand Rishiji, 3. Acharya Devendra Muniji Shri Devendra Muniji Maharaj Honored Reported by Yash K. Jain, Delhi, India Announcement Publication of a collection of Stavans by Jain Center of Cincinnati/Dayton Send your request for this unique, popular collection in Hindi. Gujrati and English sung in different regions to: Ila Punater, Jain Center of Cincinnati/Dayton, 921 Thorndale Dr., Dayton, OH 45429-5827. Please send $5.00 as a donation to cover expenses to support Temple Project of the center. Devendra Muniji Maharaj was conferred the title of Acharya at 28 Jain Education Intemational

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Jain Digest With best compliments to JAINA Dr. Navin C. Mehta, M.B.B.S., M.D., P.C. EAR, NOSE & THROAT HEAD & NECK FACIAL PLASTIC & RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGEON ADJUNCT SURGEON NEW YORK EYE & EAR INFIRMARY ASSISTANT CLINICAL PROFESSOR NEW YORK MEDICAL COLLEGE & AFFILIATED HOSPITALS 303 2nd AVENUE, SUITE 10 NEW YORK CITY, NY 10003 (212) 505-9640 Tirthankar Mahavir 'namo arihaMtANaM namo siddhANaM namo AyariyANaM namo uvajjhAyANaM namo loe sabasAhUNaM 'eso paMdhanamukArI, sabadhAvaNAsaNI maMganANaM samorI paDhamaM havAi maMgala Jain temple format Tirthankar Parsavnath www.iainelibrary.org

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This cover is sponsored by JAYA TRAVEL AND TOURS Girnar Hills Jain Temples 24100 SOUTHFIELD ROAD SUITE 388 SOUTHFIELD, MICHIGAN 48075 USA RIZVI HOUSE 34 HILL ROAD BANDRA (W) BOMBAY 400050 INDIA TELEPHONE: (313) 559-5292 (9 to 5) (313) 961-5233 (after hours) (313) 559-2076 (FAX) TELEPHONE: 6423031 6420402 6425222 (FAX) CIRCULATION Jain Digest 3 Ransom Road Athens, OH 45701 Non-Profit Org. US Postage PAID Athens, Ohio Permit No. 290 Address Correction Requested Pravin K. Arti SHAH 401 Farmstend Drive Cary, NC 27511 www.ainelibrary.org