Jain Digest 1997 04

Author(s): Federation of JAINA
Publisher: USA Federation of JAINA
Catalog link: https://jainqq.org/explore/527067/1

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Magazine of Federation of Jain Associations in North America
JAINA Convention
July 4-6, 1997
Toronto
JAIN DIGEST
MARCH 1997
VOLUME 13
NUMBER 1
Jain Temple, Ranakpur, India

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JAIN TEMPLE, WASHINGTON, DC
Cardiology Vinod K. Shah. M.D.FAC.C. Adinath A. Patil, M.D., F.A.C.C. Mahesh P. Shah, M.D., F.A.C.C. Anantha K. Rao, M.D., EA.C.C. Anil K. Shah, MD
Gastroenterology Umed K Shah, M.D., FACG Atul R. Shah, MD, F.A.C.G. Nayan R. Shah, MD, FACG Pulmonary Kiran D. Mehta, M.D., EC.C.P. Internal Medicine Anwar T. Munshi, M.D. Bhasker A. Jhaveri, M.D. Rita B. Jhaveri, M.D. David M. Federle, MD Mary Kramer, M.D. Pediatrics Ila V. Shah, M.D., F.A.A.P. M.FO. Lafcer, M.D.F.A.AP. A.S. Dhillon, M.D., FAAP. Kinit Patel, M.D., F.A.A.P. Amit Sheth, M.D.F.A.A.P. Family Practice John F. Fenwick, MD J. Patrick Jarboe, M.D. Thomas F. Lusby. M.D. Robert J. Bauer, M.D. John L. Bennett, M.D. Radiology Phil M. Chamberlain, M.D. Halappa G. Hakkal, M.D.
JAI JINENDRA
अहो! अहो! श्री सदगुरु, करुणासिंधु अपार 31 4142 R Tonet, 3TET! 316T! 34R (228)
Thanks! the Holy True Teacher! Unfathomable ocean of compassion;
I'm highly obliged; Oh! good Teacher, The Pupil poor has no expression. (124)
Leonardtown Offices Shanti Medical Center Route 5. P.O. Box 664 Leonardtown, MD 20650 301-475-5579 475-5524 St. Mary's Medical Arts Building 301-75-5021 . 301-75-5023 Belmont Professional Building 301-475-3010
शुं प्रभुचरणकने धरूं? आत्माथी सह हीन, à di Y3 3111 qui, as apurah (P24) What should I offer to you, Lord? In soul-comparison all is trifle;
The soul is gifted by the Lord, I wish to act to your oracle. (125)
Prince Frederick Office 110 Hospital Road 410-535-4333
- Shri Atmasiddhi Shastra, Srimad Rajchandra -
Lexington Park Offices 100 Exploration ll . Suite 1030 301-863-7011. 301-863-9000
By the Mill Road & Rt 235 301-863-5835
Charlotte Hall Offices Charlotte Hall Medical Center Route 5 301-884.7322 301-884-7330 993 Old Route 5 301-881-4666
We dedicate ourselves to ceaseless efforts of Acharya Sushil Kumarji and Gurudev Chitrabhanuji,
in spreading the principles of Jainism among all the Jains settled in North America.
We congratulate the Executive Committee for their devoted service to JAINA.
Washington Area 831 University Blvd, Suite 32 Silver Spring, MD 20903 301-445-4430
SHAH ASSOCIATES, M.D.,P.A.
Jain Education Intemational
Shanti Medical Center, P.O. Box 664, Leonardtown, MD 20650 Phone: 301-475-5579 Metro 301-870-2049 Fax 301-884-7419
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Contents
Headquarters News.
For Your Information.
Regional News
Affiliate News
Veggin Out!.
Article
Convention News
Young Minds.
M. I. S.
From the Editor's desk
The majestic temple of Ranakpur on the cover, represents many of the artistically appealing and religiously inspiring Jain Temples all over India. These temples have stood the test of time and have provided a focal point for socio-religious activities.
History tells us that many of these temples began because of a small gathering of individuals who came together with a divine inspiration. They devoted their lives and everything they had to shape a dream for the benefit of the society. In turn, we must support and recognize the volunteers and the venerable institutions we have established that help maintain our proud heritage for the coming generations.
For many of us, a trip to India includes a visit to one of these famous temples. In our mind we begin to think about the planning, logistics, and money that might have gone in to building these awe inspiring temples. We can compare this to our own experience in North America where.
Continued on page 3
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Cover: The Jain Temple at Ranakpur, India
March 1997
Jain Education Intemational
President's Message
Following a very successful YJA Convention in San Francisco, I am pleased to invite you to the upcoming 9th Biennial JAINA Convention which will be held in Toronto, Canada, from July 4-6, 1997. The theme of the 1997 convention "Jainism in Practice" will address the challenges of how the unique scientific principles of Jainism can be practiced in our daily lives.
The Jain Society of Toronto and JAINA are hosting the convention in the beautiful and vibrant city of Toronto. A wonderful schedule of seminars, workshops, religious activities, entertainment events, and an interfaith meeting will address the interests of young people, adults, women and senior citizens. Our Marriage Information Service will organize a get together for the eligible young adults. Convention events will be held at the International Plaza Hotel and the Congress Center which offer large exhibition halls, children's play area, pool and many other amenities. The hotel is a five minute drive from the airport and about a fifteen minute drive from the Jain Temple.
Toronto is a popular tourist site and is accessible from many Jain Centers in the U.S.A. and Canada. Niagara Falls, a major tourist attraction, is only an hour and a half drive from Toronto. Visitors from all over the world are expected to attend this event. If you are planning to attend, please register early to facilitate planning.
During the past 18 months, JAINA has made a great deal progress in uniting all Jain centers. Our World Community Service has helped many needy people in India and has been granted exempt status by USAid and the Government of India so it can send humanitarian aid to any country without a long approval process.
Your support and donations are always needed so that JAINA can continue its religious, educational and humanitarian activities. I appeal to you to fill out the envelope in the center of this issue and include your generous donations so that we can continue to promote the principles of Jainism and nurture Jain heritage for our children.
Jai Jinendra,
MMUNE
Manibhai Mehta
JAIN DIGEST

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JAINA Executive Committee
President - Manibhai Mehta l'hone: 714/898-3156, Fax: 310/940-4585
JAIN DIGEST Volume 13. No. 1. March, 1997
First Vice President
Shah Phone: 716/773.1514, FAN 716/285.2002
A publication of the
FEDERATION OF JAIN ASSOCIATIONS IN
NORTH AMERICA
Regional Vice Presidents
Canada Giyanchand lain l'hone: 416/447-1650, Fax: 416/46)-1024
Midwest US - Kushal Bhaill Phone: 216/237.758, Fax: 216/337-0646
Editor in Chief Harshad Shah NI Sable Run F. Amherse, NY 14051 Phone: 716/689.954)
Northeast US - Anop Vora Phone: 216/423.200). PAX16473.9456
JAINA Charitable Trust
Executive Council Chairman. Mahendra Pandya New York, NY
Vice Chair - Niranjan Shah Chicago, Il
Comptroller - Dhiraj Shah Buffalo, NY Secretery (ieseral Bharat Tolia Detroit, MI
Members at Large Rashmikan Gardi, Chicago, IL Bhupend. Tolia. Noswood, NJ Mahendra Varia, Martin. KY
Trustees Khushal Bhaiji. Cleveland, OH Kirit Gasalia, Phoenix, AZ
Ashek Jain. Derroir. MI Civan lain Torte, Ont.
Jagar Jain, Buffalo, NY Prem Jan, San Francisco, CA Ramesh Jain Toronto, Ont.
Rajan Jaswa, San Jose, CA Manibhai Mehra. Los Angeles, CA
Parvin Mehta, Buffalo, NY Bipin Parikh. Chicago, IL
Kundan Sata. Detroit, MI Garish Shah, San Francisco, CA
Narendra Shah, Achens. GA Ramesh Shah, Cleveland, O11 Vinod Shah, Leonard Town, MD
Jitu Turakhia, Syracuse, NY Prabodh Vaidya. Chicago, IL
Southeast US-Parvin Mehta Phone: 675/618-9535, Fax: 61576485919
Publishing Editior John D'Arcangelo 665 Minnesota Avenue Buffalo, New York 14215 l'hoac/Fax: 716/833-7207
Southwest US. Han Varia l'hone: 214/644-0294, Fax: 214/789.3434
West US - Farilal Shah Phone/Fax: 510/487.9380
Regional Editors CE Mahendra Mehia 26 Vanches Islington, Ont. M94 422 Phone/Fax: 416/241-204-5
Secretary - Niranjan Shah Phone: 847/635-7780, Fax: 847/635-7778
Treasurer - Kamlesh Shah Phone: 301/353-0481. Fax: 301/916-4446
Immediate Past President Jago Jain
Phone/Fax: 716/6MM.0104
Midw. US Manubhai Doshi 931 Golden Road Lake Forest. IL 60045 Phone: 847/735-0120
CANADA Reguler Toronto Arrate Edmonton Montreal Otwa Vauvet
SOUTHEAST Regular Arlanta Miami Acacia Augusta Charlotte F Meyers Jacksonville Memphis Middle Tennessee Morgantown New Orleans Orlando Palm Beach Raleigh Tompa
MIDWEST Regular Chicago Cincinata Dayton Cleveland Calynas Detroit Sr. Luis
secinie Minneapolis Milwaukee
NORTHEAST Regular
SOUTHWEST Regular Dallas Houk Phis free Tulsa Lubbock
Buffalo Cherry Hill Essex Fella Hartford New York Orang Philidelphia Persburgh Rochester Washington, DC Associate Albay Allentown
WEST Regular Los Angles San Francis Aire Portland Sacrament San Diego
Northe US Committees
Vinay Vakani
206 SW STICCE Ahimsa Day Celebration Marriage Information Service
Oradell, NJ 07649 Surendra Singhi Hasmukh Shah
Phone: 201/967.9344 Euriament and Eralogy
Medra Watch/blic Relations Nancy Jain
Sushil lain
Sewthwas, US Fund Raising United States
Surendra Shal Anant Jain
1465 Sumter Drive Sanjay Pandya Manoy lain
Marietta, GA Зобі Bipin Parikh Membership
l'hone: 770/422-1483 Fund Raising - Canada
Jit Turakhia Lax Nagda Mwenwand An Gallery
Southwest US Interfaith Arts/World Council of laims
Jadavii Kenia Kiri Casalia Manoj Dharamsi
119 Plymouth Rock The Rashmi Gardi Senior Chien
Richardson, TX 7508 Jawowe
Dilip Shah
Inte: 972/603593 Narest Shah
Scholar View Arhan lain Nirmal Posi
Wor, US JAINA Nwletin Mod Sam Sirp
Chandrakant Marekh Pravin Shah Haribhai Shah
12914 Wolverton Lane JAINA Temple wewe World Co .IT Servier
Carri, CA701-7265
Phone: 962/165. 1679 Mahedra Pandya
Dhiraj Shah
Fax: 562/165.1915 Ir Dwywwod Vegetarianism Young as of Amer
E-mail: engsel Narendra Sheh
Raju Shah Libwry and duration
Ravi Gada
Associate Editors Prem tiada Parvin Mehta
CAN Mana Dharams
1820 Triple Crown Road Reston, VA 2201
Phone: 703/620-9837 JAINA HEADQUARTERS
You Mrd Raju Shah
203/436-1338 11403 Tortuga Street
shahzon.c.yale.edu Cypress, CA 90630
Ciuruv kepadu
67 Na Drive 714/898-3156, phone
Gre Nere NY 1021
516/829-3316 714/893-0055, fax
gravkaol.com E-mail: mbmehta @mem.po.com
Marrimena
Hamukh Shah Telephone Hours:
8721 Scrimshaw Drive
New Port Richey, FL 34653 Saturday
Phone: 13/376-7290 9:00 AM - 12:00 AM - EST
Managing Editorial Board Manubhai Dashi
Vijay Jain JAINA FOCUS LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
lagar Jain
Harshad Shah Ramesh Jain
Anop Von JAINA publishes the JAINA Focus monthly We encourage our readers to send their ques newsletter for administrative purposes. It is tions, comments or views on current inues or Publisher JAINA being sent to all member organizations and concerns facing the Jain community of North All Edition please wabmit all articles typed on 1.5 committee members of JAINA. All news America to the Editor in Chief, Harshad Shah
computer disc in MacWritell or Word Perfect
(Macintosh or IBM). The Managing Editorial Beard items for publication in the JAINA Focus (address above). We endeavor to publish will endeavor in publish the materialen but reserves must be sent to the Editor (address below) by letters space permitting. The Jain Digest re the right to edit and/or reformat for clariry and/or space the 10th of cach month.
serves the right to edit all material for clarity restrictions. The views expressed in the articles are those
and/or space. The views expressed in these of the authors and des not necessarily represent the views Chandrakant Parekh
of the Managing Editorial Board of JAINA letters are those of the sender and do not 12914 Wolverton Lane necessarily reflect the views of JAINA. All
Publication Deadlines and Dates Cerritos, CA 90701
lerters must include the sender's name, ad Phone: 310/865-1679 dress and phone number to be considered for May 15
June publication
Fm
Harresburgh Syracus
Affiliates Brahmi Jain Society, US and Canada International A. A. of M. J. Vidyalaya
Roshe NY International M ). Mission. US and Canada Jain Meditation Int'l Center, US and Canada Jain Social Group LA, and Toronto Kutchhi Gurjar Jain Society, Grand Island, NY Kutchhi Oswal Samaj. San Francisco Shri S.S. Jain Foundation, Toronto, Can. Shri Mahavir Jain Foundation, Santa Ana, CA
Regions: Canada Midwest
Southeast
Northeast
All Provinces ND, SD. KS. MO, IA. MN, WI. IL, OH. IN. MI. NE FL. GAAT, MI. LAAK, TN SC, NC. KY. WV ME, NH, VI, MA CT, RI, NY L'A. MD, DE, NI. VA DC AZ NM, TX, OK.CO, UT AL, WA, OR. CANV.ID, MT. WY, HI
Southwest Wese
+ Regular
- Two directors on JAINA Board
we directe over 50 families) One director on IAINA's Board (up to 50 families)
++ Associate
Jain
lucation International
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March 1997 og

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HEADQUARTERS NEWS
tended the due date for nominations to April 21, 1997. In order to be considered, all nominations must be post marked no later than April 21, 1997 and mailed to: Hansa Varia, Chairperson, Award Committee, 1114 Midway Drive, Richardson, TX 75081.
Treasurer's Comments
We all like to receive the Jain Digest regularly. It is our joint duty to support it financially. It is our national news bulletin. As mentioned in previous reports, JAINA is in urgent need of general funds. The publishing of the Jain Digest comes from the General Fund.
You can support us by advertising your business/organization in the high quality, prestigious publication that reaches into the homes of over 8,000 families across North America and Canada.
The following rates apply when considering and advertisement in the Jain Digest.
JAINA Ratna Award and Recognition Information
Nominations are invited for the JAINA Ratna Award and Recognition for outstanding contributions in promoting Jainism in North America. The award recipient will be honored at the 9th JAINA Convention this July 4 - 6, 1997 in Toronto, Canada. To qualify for the award or recognition, the nominee must meet the following criteria:
- reside in the U.S. or Canada. - be a householder (shravak - shravika)
or be a young Jain, 16 years old or older. - follow Jain principles in belief and practice. - contribute to the promotion of Jainism by one
or more of the following: · publishing articles.
lecturing. . teaching . performing community service
for example: fund raising, establishing a Jain Library, cditing a Jain magazine, organizing youth camps. establishing and/or serving a Jain organization(s) and/or organizing conferences locally, regionally, nationally, or internationally. participating in lectures, discussions and/or
presentations. . promoting Jain principles of caring by caring for the
needy in the community. . establishing contact between Jains in North America
and the World. - to be eligible for this award or recognition the individual
must have provided an outstanding service to the Jain
community in the U.S. or Canada. There is only one JAINA Ratna Award and few Recognition Awards. Nominations may be made on an individual or group basis. Please post this information in your center. We have ex
• Full page - 1 year or 4 issues $1,400 • Full page - single issue $ 400 • Half page - 1 year or 4 issues $ 800 • Half page - single issue $ 250
Please send your check, payable to JAINA and your advertisement information/material or camera ready document to: Kamlesh Shah, Treasurer, 11409 Berland Place, Germantown, MD 20876, phone: 301/353-0481 fax: 301/916-4446.
9th Biennial JAINA Convention
Funds for our upcoming convention in Toronto have started to come in. JAINA would like to thank Kasturbai Shah and his family of Scarborough, Ontario, Canada for the very generous donation of $25,000.
This donation will help set the pace for donations to follow and certainly help to make this year's convention a tremendous success.
From the Editor's Desk, continued from page 1 communities of Jains have come together to build Jain or Hindu-Jain temples. It appears to me that, because of the broad based support we have built, we may be in the process of democratizing the religion and committing ourselves to more respectable behavior.
However, the meager response we received to more than 7,500 envelopes that were included in the centerfold of our previous issue has been very perplexing.
In all, we received less than 50 envelopes, 11 were Life Memberships and were 30 address changes. We certainly appreciate those of you who responded in both cases.
However, the total count of 41 can hardly pay for the additional expense of including this easy to mail envelope. So we are going to try again. We know that the Jain Community can to better than that!
I hope that many, many of you will become Life Members and support the Jain Digest.
Jai Jinendra.
Harshad Shah
March 1997 Jain Education Intemational
JAIN DIGEST

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March 1997
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FOR YOUR INFORMATION
Bhaktamar Stotra is available on video. It is sung by Anuradha Podwal with commentary by Harish Bhimani. The video will take you on a journey of the ancient Jain temples of India. If you would like to have this video, we request a donation in the amount of $10.00 plus $3.00 for shipping and handling ($.50 for each additional tape) to: Anil R. Shah, Jain Center of Greater Boston, 26 Humbolt Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803. Or you may phone 617/272-3666. At your request, the JCGB will include a free bird feeder with each order to teach our children Jiv Daya.
Hira Ratan Manek from Calicut, India will be in the United States in June, 1997. Hirabhai is a member of the Jain Social Group and the Solar Energy Society of India. He speaks on Jainism and Solar Energy in English, Hindi, Gujarati, and Kutchi. For more information about his visit please contact: C. J. Lalka, 525 Forest Drive, Sanford, NC, 27330-3307 or call 919/7769091 or Fax: 919/776-3071.
Jain Tirth Darshan Diary, 1997 in English is being released on Mahavir Jayanti, April, 1997. A subscription to this unique collection of photographs with descriptions of 150 places is available at the pre-publication price (through April 15, 1997) of only $3.00 US. You may send your checks and requests to: Diary House, 277 Mehandri Ka Chowk, Ramganj Bazar, Jaipur - 3, India.
JAINA and AT & T have signed an agreement called the Association Awards Program. This is how it works. AT & T will pay JAINA 5% of the residential AT & T, direct dial, international, long-distance, per-minute usage charges, billed and collected for each registered JAINA member, who chooses AT & T as their long-distance company.
Please sign up now! Don't forget to give AT & T our account number 4 NAE 1987. If you have any questions, please call Kushal Jain at 908/949-0889
Shwetambar and Digambar idols are available for sale from the Jain Society of Metropolitan Chicago. For more information concerning these idols please contact the President of the Society, 435 N. Rt. 59, Bartlett IL, 60103.
Shrimad Rajchandraji's works Chha Padno Patra, Apurva Avasar and Kshamapana are now available in English. For more information concerning these works please contact: Manubhai Doshi, 931 Goldenrod Lane, Lake Forest, IL 60045, or call 847/ 735-0120.
March 1997

The Jain Youth Association of New York, Gaurav Kopadia, 67 Nassau Drive, Great Neck, NY 10021, phone/fax 516/829-3316. If any young person wishes to find out more about the activities of this group, please contact the address above.
The Vegetarian Resource Group is sponsoring an essay contest for students 18 and under. Entrants should write a 2-3 page essay on any aspect of vegetarianism or veganism. Among the many reasons for being a vegetarian are beliefs about ethics, culture, health, aesthetics, religion world peace, economics, world hunger, and the environment. Categories are: ages 8 and under, 9 -13, and 14 18. Entrants should base their paper on interviews, research, and/or personal opinion. All essays become the property of The Vegetarian Group. Submissions should be postmarked by May 1, 1997 and be sent to: The Vegetarian Resource Group, P.O. Box 1463 Baltimore, MD 21203. To receive more information about the essay contest or lesson plans on vegetarianism send a selfaddressed stamped envelope with two first class stamps to the address above or call 410/366-VEGE or contact them at their Web site address: http://envirolink.org/arrs/VRG/home.html
Concept of God in Jainism
Jainism believes that the Universe and all its substances or entities are eternal. It has no beginning or end with respect to time. The Universe runs on its own by its own cosmic laws. All substances change or modify their forms continuously. Nothing can be destroyed or created in the Universe. There is no need of some one to create or manage the affairs of the Universe. Hence, Jainism does not believe in God as a creator, survivor and destroyer of the Universe.
However, Jainism does believe in God, not as a creator, but as a perfect being. When a person destroys all his karma, he becomes omniscient and omnipotent. He is a liberated soul. He lives in the perfect blissful state of Moksha. This living being is a God of the Jain religion. Every living being has the potential to become a God. Hence Jains do not have one God, but Gods are innumerable and their number is continuously increasing as more living beings attain liberation. Source Unknown
If appropriate, the Jain Digest will be happy to publish items or the date and name of your up-coming event. Please submit all information to the Publishing Editor, see address on page 2.
JAIN DIGEST

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CANADA
Mahendra Mehta Regional Editor
The Jain Society of Alberta
Mahavir Jayanti will be celebrated at the Jain/Hindu Temple on St. Albert Trail and will be followed by Priti Bhojan. For further information, please call Jashvantbhai Mehta.
The President of Jain Society of Alberta and the JAINA Director for Alberta is actively encouraging all the Jains in Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan to register early for the 9th Biennial JAINA Convention and some 30 families are expected to attend.
The Jain Society of Toronto
Toronto is going to be the venue for the 9th Biennial JAINA Convention. The preparations have already started under the leadership of Sobhagya Khamesra our president. Committees have been organized to oversee, programming, fund-raising, souvenir magazine publication, cultural activities, art and exhibition, hotel accommodation and of course the food.
The younger Jains have organized themselves into a formidable group and already chalked out a comprehensive educational, social and cultural program for themselves. The ladies have shown tremendous enthusiasm by launching an arts project, Jain quilt' making, cultural programs and many more.
Over 5,000 people are expected in Toronto for the convention and at the latest count, 75% of the rooms at the conventional hotel are already booked. The Delta Hotel next door is now selected to take the overflow. For more information, call the president or any convention committee member. Detailed information can be found on pages 13 - 18.
The pratishtha for relocation of pratimaji in the new gabhara extension was performed on January 5, 1997 under the
REGIONAL NEWS
direction of Dharamchand Shastriji. Over 300 members attended the function starting with a flag hoisting, ghata yatra, vedi suddhi, pooja, shanti holm and abhishek.
The Diwali program was held at Martin Grove Collegiate in November, 1996 and over 800 Jains attended. Young Jains from 6-26 years in age entertained an appreciative audience with music, garba, dances, skits, and a fashion parade. The day concluded with a dinner that was gastronomical delight.
The Toronto Jain Society now has two pathsalas the East and West. The indefatigable husband and wife team of Arvind and Meenaben Shah is now augmented by arrival of Bruce Costain (Balbhadra) and the pathshala is becoming more popular than ever. Bruce Costain has already trained the first generation of young pathshala teach
ers.
The Annual General Meeting was held on March 23, 1997.
Roop Lal Jain Memorial Lecture was held on March 22, 1997 at University of Toronto was delivered by Paul Dundas.
MIDWEST
Manubhai Doshi Regional Editor
The Jain Society
of Metropolitan Chicago
Acharya Chandanashri of Viraytan, India visited Chicago in September, 1996 with two of her pupils. Their talks were arranged at the Jain Center.
Paryushan Parva was celebrated in September, 1996 in the presence of Rajendra Shah. There were daily talks and Bhanvan. The Swapna ceremony was organized and Samvatsari Pratikraman was performed. The Center was crowded to the capacity on both occasions. Daslakshan Parva was celebrated for 10 days in the presence of Paramatma Bharril.
FJAIN DIGEST
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As usual, many members observed austerities on the occasion of Paryushan. Thirty-three persons including youngsters fasted for eight days or more. About 100 persons observed some form of fasting during Paryushan.
The Council for Parliament of World Religions organized a day long conference for spiritual leaders in October, 1996. Uttam Jain and Manubhai Doshi, were invited to participate on behalf of the Jain community.
The centenary celebration of the Atma Siddhi Shastra was organized in October, 1996 in conjunction with the installation of an idol of Shrimadrajchendra.
A Jain bowl was organized on the occasion of Mahavir Nirvan day in November, 1996. There were three groups of students who competed. It was a thrilling experience for everyone.
A general body meeting of the Society passed a new constitution on December 15 1996.
435 North Route #59 Bartlett, IL 60103 708/969-8845
The Jain Center of Cincinnati-Dayton
The Center elected the following member to its Executive Committee: Mahesh Shah, President; Ashwin Parekh, Vice president; Dilip Punatar, Secretary; Hemant Jain, Treasurer; Jwala Prasad, Education; Swati Jhaveri, Food; Kirtan Patel, Facilities; Ila Punater, Membership; Jigna Shah, Youth; and Surendra Singhvi and Chandu Shah were reappointed as JAINA Direc
tors.
A course on Jainism was offered at the University of Dayton that was taught by Surendra Singhvi, Sulekh Jain and Jwala Prasad. Ten students who were not Jain took the course. The Center is proud of them and their teachers for such a fine accomplishment.
The total membership has grown from 20 families in 1987 to 145 families today.
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The center has its own temple on eleven acres of land in Middletown, Ohio with easy access from Interstate 75.
The Jain Society
of Greater Detroit
The Jain Society of Greater Detroit
celebrated Paryushan Parva in September,
1996.
The temple project is moving right along, with the completion of the first floor. We expect to complete the first phase of the project shortly.
The Jain Center of St. Louis
The Jain Center of St. Louis has introduced a welcome and worthwhile way of awarding the right to perform the Fourteen-Dream-Ceremony; instead of resorting to the traditional Gheeboli, the members were invited to give advance written commitment to fast, performing Samayika, or maintaining total silence. The highest bidder had the right to garland the token, and yet recognition was given to each and every bidder.
The Center's 10th Anniversary and Mahavir Nirvan day were celebrated on November 16, 1996. The program included a skit, recognition of our young people, annual report and election of the Executive Committee. Kirit Shah is our new President.
SOUTHEAST
Pravin Mehta Regional Editor
The Jain Society of Atlanta
The Society has bought approximately four acres of land in Norcross, Georgia for a future building. Jagdish and Madhuben Sheth have contributed $80,000 which will covered about half the cost of the land. They have also pledged an additional $80,000 for the building.
Elections were held last month, and Deepak Shah was elected President; Indira Bhavsar, Vice-president; Raju Shah, Secretary; and Shirish Ghandi, Treasurer.
Jair March 1997mational
For more information about the Jain Society of Atlanta please contact:
Deepak Shah
P.O. Box 15126 Atlanta, GA 30333 770/552-2507
The Jacksonville Jain Center
For more information about the Jacksonville Jain Center please contact Upendra Sheth, 1832 St. Lawrence Way, Jacksonville, Florida 32223, 904/262-3473.
The Jain Study Group of Charlotte
For more information about the Jain Study Group of Charlotte please contact Vijay Doshi at 704/844-8120.
The Jain Center of Middle Tennessee
For more information about the Jain Center of Middle Tennessee please contact Pravin Mehta, 2273 Dewitt Drive, Clarksville, Tennessee 37043, 615/6489535.
SOUTHWEST
Jadavji Kenia Regional Editor
The Jain Society of North Texas
The Jain Society of North Texas celebrated Diwali on November 10, 1996 at the Jain Center in Richardson, TX. The youngest children from Jain classes recited Namokar Mantra and sang. Next group of children performed Mahavir Pooja, reciting Slokas and explaining the meaning of the rituals they performed. The Jain Youth Group members presented a skit about the difference between Jain and Hindu Diwali including Mahavir Nirvana celebration by Indra of the Devlok. They also presented a segment on general Jain rituals. Between Diwali and Christmas, JYG members collected about 400 pounds of vegetarian canned food and donated it to the needy.
For JAIN DIGEST Use Only
The Society will celebrate Mahavir Jayanti and Ahimsa Day with the help of Gurudev Chitrabhanuji on April 19-20, 1997. This visit is of extra importance because it is a part of the "Freedom 50," a celebration of 50 years of India's independence is planned by India Association of North Texas throughout 1997.
538 Appolo Drive Richardson, TX 972/867-6255
The Jain Society of Houston
The new Board of Trustees are K.T. Shah, Mukesh Gandhi, Suresh Ghelani, Pallaviben Mehta, Ramesh Shah and Ashok Shingavi. Our new Executive Committee is Navin Shah - President, Narendra Shah - Vice president, Kishor Shah - Secretary, Hasmukh Shah-Treasurer, Vinod Bilakhia, Suresh Chokshi, Dinesh Lakhia, Vikram Mehta, Sudhaben Parekh, Jagrutiben Shah, Jitendra Shah and Vipin Vaidya.
Just like a PTA meeting, an open house was held this past year that was well attended by young people, parents and teachers. Our pathshala program is gathering new momentum under the guidance of Ujwalaben Shingavi and Pallaviben Mehta. We are getting help from new teachers and the program is becoming more structured.
Rae Sikora from the American AntiVivisection Society conducted an interesting and interactive seminar on animal compassion and environment. The seminar
was an eye opener.
During the 1996 Shekhar Chandra Jain, Dhirajlal Mehta, Saman Shrutpragna and Saman Ashwinipragna visited our center and held discourses. Our Jain Fellowship, organized a drive for used clothes and articles for the needy as a part of this year's Ahimsa Day celebration.
Gurudev Chitrabhanuji visited the Society in October, 1996, his visit was coordinated through JAINA to help celebrate his 75th birthday and the Silver Anniversary of his arrival in North America. His lectures were part of the program which also included Snatra Pooja, and Sangh Jaman. Navin Shah, President of JSH, Kishor Doshi and Ramanik Velani praised Chitrabhanuji's achievements, career, service to the Jain community and his contribution to Jain causes.

Page #10

The first anniversary of the temple Pratishtha was celebrated in November, 1996.
The 1996 South Regional Convention where over 200 people gathered at the Jain Center in November, 1996 to discuss and learn about Jainism, was hosted by Jain Fellowship of Houston with the help of volunteers of all ages. The convention's theme "Days of Our Lives: Modernizing Jainism" described the goals of the lectures and discussions programmed for the convention. The conference reviewed modern issues with a Jain outlook, instead of simply presenting Jain ideology and concepts. It addressed issues that affect people in their day-to-day life. The participants took home information to help them transform their daily habits to be more Ahimsak, more healthy and more Jain.
The participants debated topics such as environmentally-friendly habits, animal rights awareness, Jain history and issues that confront the Jain the community, ritual vs. philosophy, abortion and Jain participation in the political arena. A conference culminated in a lively garba-rass.
The members of the Asia Society of Texas visited our center on Saturday, January 18, 1997 as a part of their program to bring greater understanding among Asian organizations. The program included a lecture on understanding of Jainism, the history of the Jain Society of Houston, a visit to the temple, an exhibition of Jain artifacts/pictures/books and cultural program by youngsters.
3905 Arc Street
Houston, TX 77063 713/879-9457
The Jain Center of Greater Phoenix
The Center had Dharmalabh from Mumukshu Sudhaben Sheth visiting from Agaas, India and Subhashbhai Sheth from Vankaner, India after the auspicious Paryushan Parva of 1996.
Works by Shrimad Raj Chandra were part of the celebration of the Greater Phoenix Jain Mumukshus in the Indocultural religious center during the fourth quarter of 1996.
In February, 1997 our young people and adults held a camp in Payson, Arizona.
8

WEST
Chandrakant Parekh Regional Editor
The Jain Center of Southern California
The new members elected to the Board of Directors include: Shashikant Jogani, Gordhan Patel, Kanti Shah, Prafula Shah, Viren Shah, Devika Udani, and Vipin Vadecha. In addition, Virendra Shah, President; Sumati Shah, Vice President; Ramesh Khandhar, Secretary; Harshad Kothari, Treasurer; Hemendra Shah, Public Relations; and Shailesh Shah, Yogesh Shah, and Harshida Vasa, Directors, will continue to serve the second year of their term of appointment.
Nearly 70 children, ranging in age from 8 to 16 years, and ten adult volunteers including three teachers, Ramesh Khamdhar. Yogesh Shah and Dipika Shah,
Jain Center of Southern California. JCYC Winter Camp 96,in the San Jacinto Mountain
participated in the Jain Center Youth Council's (JCYC) winter camp held from December 27-30, 1996 at Pine Spring Ranch in Riverside County. The curriculum for the camp included prayers, yoga and meditation, leaming to understanding of Samyak Darshan, Samyak-Gyan, and Samyak-Charitra, and a review of a variety of articles on Jain religion, worship, ethics, practice, beliefs and discrepancies. On the
last day, the students were required to take a test in order to assess their understanding. There were consistently good test scores confirming our youngsters ability to concentrate, learn, understand, and benefit from a peaceful environment devoid of distractions like television, the phone and interruptions of family and friends. Following the success and popularity of this camp, the coordinators are thinking about organizing a similar one this summer.
The Jain community of San Fernando Valley organized a Panch Kalyanak Mahotsav at the Valley Hindu Temple located at 18700 Roscoe Boulevard, Northridge, California 91325, Telephone: 818/7727736. The Prathishtha Mahotsav program, celebrated from December 19 - 22, 1996 included a variety of religious ceremonies leading to the prathistha of the murtis.
A record number of children are enrolled in pathshala and the religious classes for the adults have also grown in popularity. Children and adults participated in a shibir organized on January 26, 1997. Children, ranging in age from 8 to 16, were divided by age groups into three classes to
JAIN DIGEST Por Private & Personal Use Only
learn about the Nav Tarva in English. The adult session, was conducted in Gujarati by Girishbhai Shah and explored the topic of "Punya and Pap." A set of vu-graphs prepared by Sushma Parekh were of great help in providing a step-by-step explanation of the subject matter.
The JAINA Executive Committee met at the Center in February, 1997. Following a review and discussion of the status of
March 1997

Page #11

the various subcommittees, the focus of the meeting was to help formulate a program for the upcoming 9th JAINA Convention which will be held July 4-6, 1997, in Toronto, Canada.
In a townhall-type meeting held in February, 1997 members had an opportunity to meet the JAINA Executive Committee members and ask questions about the JAINA's activities and the upcoming convention. Everyone benefited from the frank discussion and exchange of ideas.
JCYC Winter Camp %, children in religious classes
8072 Commonwealth Avenue P. O. Box 549, Buena Park, CA 90621 714/670-0890
The Jain Center of Greater Sacramento
The Center was established in July, 1995 and is located at 1205 Merkeley Avenue, West Sacramento. It is actively supported by the member families who enthusiastically participate in all the activi- ties. Recently Samaniji Mudit Pragyaji and Samaniji Malli Pragyaji visited the center in January, 1997. Their visit was very ben- eficial for the everyone. They delivered pravachan everyday 7:00 to 9:00 PM Yoga classes were organized with about 100 members attending these sessions. There are plans to keep the center open everyday. Please contact Jagdish Shah at 916/685-4716 or Naresh Jain at 916/4882601 for more information.
rate and apply for a tax-exempt status. In addition to an Executive Committee, a Trustee Committee has been formed for long term planning.
The new Executive Committee is: Robak Vora, President: Lalit Dugad, Sec- retary; Asha Kucheria, Treasurer; and Harshad Shah and Prabodh Vora, Activi- ties Coordinator. The new Trustee Commitrec includes: Rohit Saraiya, Chairman; Sonal Sheth, Secretary General; and Manoj Maniar, Controller
Everyone is invited to attend our regular bhavna program every second Friday of the month at the Shri Mandir. Pathshala is conducted at the home of Kokila Doshi. Please contact: Rohak Vora at 619/484- 2143 or Kokila Doshi at 619/679-7645 for more information.
John Robins addressed the convention. A variety of cultural, social, religious, and spiritual activities were scheduled over the three days. All the participants had an excellent and memorable time.
A variety of programs were organized throughout the year which included Mahavir Jayanti, Paryushan Parva, Daslakshana Parva, Samwatsari and Mahavir Nirvana, in addition to monthly bhavna, regu
larly scheduled youth classes, prekshadhyan classes, and Namokar Mantra Jap.
Several eminent leaders and scholars visited the center and included Jin Chandraji Maharaj, Mahasati Chandanaji Bhattarakji, Shekhar Chand Jain, Pundit Dhirajlal Shah, Sudhaben Sheth, Pravin Doshi, and Saman Shrutpragna and Saman Ashwinipragna.
A site for the Jain Bhawan is being acquired in the city of Milpitas which is located about 50 miles south of San Francisco between Fremont and San Jose. The plan is to construct a temple and a community center approximately 17,000 square feet. The temple complex will include an all-sect temple, a Sadguru Bhakti Room and several meditation rooms and a community center which will include a large auditorium, kitchen, dining room, library, audio-video room, classrooms, visitor rooms, and offices
Construction is scheduled to begin in April, 1997 with a cost estimated to be $3,000,000 of which approximately $1,300,000 has been raised so far. The fund raising activities were begun July, 1996 with an inspiring sermon from Jin Chandraji Maharaj. Support is needed from all the friends living in the San Francisco Bay Area and living outside the Bay area to help us build a beautiful Jain Bhawan. For more information please contact: Praveen Jain at 408/559-6987.
9185 Westvale Road San Diego, CA 92129 619/484-2143
5239 Fairoaks Boulevard Carmichael, CA 95608 916/488-2601
The Jain Society of San Diego
Following the successful Pratishtha of Adinath and Mahavir Bhagawan at Shri Mandir, the Society is looking forward to move into a temple of their own. The society has adopted a new constitution and has submitted an application to incorpo
The Jain Center of Northern California
The highlight of the year was an ex- tremely successful Young Jains of America (YJA) Convention organized from July 4 - 7, 1996. More than 600 young people participated. The event was hosted and organized by the young people from North- ern California in cooperation with the national YJA committee. Gurudev Chitrabhanuji provided the inspirational strength for the convention. Several scholars including: Houston Smith, Pravin Shah, and
March 1997 Jain Education Intemational
JAIN DIGESTse Only
www.jaineliby.org

Page #12

International Mahavir Jain Mission, Siddachalam, 65 Mud Pond Road, Blairstown, NJ 07825, Phone: 908/362-9793, or Fax: 908/362-9649, or e-mail Siddhachalam@cpatch.com and now on the World Wide Web. Now that spring is upon us Siddachalam invites all Jains to come and use the facility, which has had its request approved by the local municipality to rebuild the kitchen facility. Your tax deductible donations to this Tirth are always welcome.
The Jain Meditation International Center, Box 244, Ansonia Station, New York, NY 10023-0244, Phone and Fax: 212/ 362-6483. Gurudev Chitrabhanuji will be returning from India in the first week of April. Please note that there is a new location for the 7:20 P.M. Wednesday meetings in Manhattan. The new location is TRS Professionals - 11th Floor, 44 East 32nd Street, between Park and Madison, phone: 212/362-6483
Name :
Address:
AFFILIATE NEWS
Phone:
10

April
Payment enclosed:
For General Donations, Advertisement, My check for $
May
Attention All JAINA Members
General Donations and Advertisements
Chitrababhanuji's Schedule
19 - Dallas, TX: Jain Society, 214/867-6255 21 - Houston, TX: Jain Society, 713/840-1222 26- Columbus, OH: Jain Center, 614/899-2678 27 - Cincinnati, OH: Jain Center, 513/836-8080 10 - Columbia, SC: Jain Center, 803/749-6751 17- Pittsburgh, PA: Jain Center, 412/283-8822 24 - Long Island, NY: Jain Center, 516/921-9648 26 - Wappingers, NY: Jain-Hindu Samaj Temple 914/226-6016
31 - Whitmore, MI: 313/449-2101
are being accepted for the
4th Edition of the Jain Directory of North America
Your donation is tax deductible.
In June he will be in Singapore returning for JAINA's convention in Toronto in July.
Please complete this form and send it to: The Jain Center of Greater Boston 26 Humbolt Avenue Burlington, MA 01803
for more information please call:
Anil Shah at 617/272-3666, Vasant Gandhi at 617/324-0393 or Rakesh Kamdar at 617/662-6055.
is enclosed.
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Full Page - $500 Half Page $250 1/4 Page - $150 1/8 Page - $750 Business Card/listing -$50 I have enclosed my: Advertisement Business Card
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March 1997.org

Page #13

Vegging Out!
Tou want to be a what? both of my parents exclaimed at once.
They set down their forks and almost in unison as their jaws
dropped. "A vegetarian. I want to be a vegetarian," I repeated calmly. Then came the onslaught of questions, warnings and predictions."
"What on earth are you thinking?" "You'll never get enough nutrients."
"This won't last more than a week. Remember when you wanted to be a ballerina."
My mother declared I couldn't stay away from meat forever. My father swore I'd be in the hospital from malnutrition.
I decided to become vegetarian when I saw a TV program that shocked me. It was a story about factory farms - a term used to describe the setting in which animals are raised for food.
Most people don't think about where their food comes from. They think of beef or chicken as something akin to broccoli or pasta: just another item on their dinner plate. Unfortunately, chickens and cows don't grow in gardens.
Many animals are raised in confinement, and are kept indoors most of the time except for the trip from the factory farm to the slaughterhouse. Birds are raised in cages that are very crowded. The crowded, stressed birds are debeaked with a hot blade to prevent
them form pecking each other to death.
When I decided to go meatless I got a lot of hassle, but it has been worth it. I have learned to be an individual, no longer concerned about wearing the exact same shirt or having the exact same haircut or chewing the same kind of gum as my classmates. Being a vegetarian has washed away the camouflage. I wasn't the same anymore, and I found out how much better it was.
I started to think a lot about how great it would be to have a club at school for vegetarians and animal rights advocates. So I started "RAVE" - "Rights of Animals for a Vegetarian Earth." Through RAVE I have met other vegetarians my own age and found out I was not alone in my quest.
Becoming a vegetarian has certainly changed my life. Some of my friends roll their eyes and call me "picky" when I don't want my pizza with pepperoni and everyone else does. But none of this matters because I know I have made the right choice.
Lindsay Starr Muscato, has been a vegetarian for a year and is a junior at Clarence Senior High School, Clarence, NY you may write to her about RAVE at: Clarence Senior High School, 9625 Main Street, Clarence, NY 14031. This article was adapted from a article she wrote for the NeXt section of The Buffalo News, December 3, 1996.
LIFE MEMBERS
A donation of $101 or the equivalent will make you and your family Life Members of the Jain Digest. Below is a listing of the newest members of the "A Million by the Millennium" Project.
268 - Shashi and Renuka Jogani, CA 269 - Priti and Jitandra Tolia, NY 270 - D. C. and Nirmala Monhot, LA 271 - Shashi Sheth, WA 272 - Vijay and Pratibha Vakharia, PA 273 - Gordhan and Saroj Patel, CA 274 - Dev and Madhu Bhandari, TX
275 - Mayank S. Shah, FL 276 - Prad S. Zavaeri 277 - Vinod and Suman Vakharia, MI 278 - Mahendra and Jayshree Vora, NJ 279 - Suketu and Sheetal Shah, NY 280 - Samir and Aruna Shah, IL 281 - Munish K. Jain, CA
282 - Vivek and Alka Shah, TX 283 - Jatin and Geeta Shah, GA 284 - Rasiklal and Lilaben Shah, IL 285 - Pravin and Madhu Mehta, TN 286 - Rohak and Swati Vora, CA 287 - Subhash and Sudha Jain,
Ontario, Canada
GENERAL FUND
The Jain Digest and JAINA would like to thank each and everyone of the following
people for their generosity in helping to make us successful.
Alma Gene Puckett - $10.00 Tersuo Osora, CA - $4.00 Mamta Yala, NY - $25.00
Amolak Jain, VA - $25.00 Ravindra and Shaila Shah, NY - $25.00
Geeta and Jatin Shah, GA - $11.25 MSI - $160.00
March 1997 Jain Education Intemational
JAIN DIGEST

Page #14

A glimpse of our Agams
A
gam is the term used for the authorized texts of Tirthankars' teaching. Lord Mahavir's teachings were compiled by Ganadhars in 12 parts, these were known as Angas. The Sanskrit word for 12 is Dwadash. Therefore those 12 Angas were collectively known as Dwadashangi.
Agams in the Shwetambar Tradition
Of the 12 Angas, the last one, known as Drashtivad has been lost to us for more than 2,000 years. Thus at this present time we only know the following 11 Angas.
Acharang Sutra - is the first and foremost Agam and deals with the code of conduct for spiritual aspirants, particularly for monks and nuns. It covers Lord Mahavir's life during the period of
renouncement.
Sutrakrutang - deals with different ideologies, Karma, salvation and other aspects of special importance to the spiritual aspirants.
Sthanang Sutra - deals with various aspects of Jainism, classifying them into ten categories.
Samavayang Sutra - has a pattern similar to the Sthanang. But the classification extends to more than ten categories.
Vyakhyaprajnapti - is also known as Bhagavati Sutra and deals with thousands of questions pertaining to the spiritual as well as temporal aspects of life raised by Gautamswami and others, with responses to these questions by Lord Mahavir.
Jnatadharmakathang - conveys various aspects of Jainism in the form of stories. The story of Draupadi and the well known story of four daughters-in-law are in this book.
Upasakdashang - describes the lives of Anand, Kamdev and eight other laymen who adopt and rigorously practiced the code for house holders or Shravaks as laid down by Lord Mahavir.
Antakritdashang - describes the lives of ten entities who ended the life cycle and attained liberation.
Anuttaraupapatik - describes the lives of the entities who attained the highest heaven and are destined to attain liberation in the next life.
Prashna Vyakaran - describes violence and other defilements as sources of asrav and narrates how the major five restraints result in Samvar or prevention of Karmas.
Vipak Sutra - depicts the consequences of Karmas that the soul has to bear at the time of fructification of Karmas.
Eighty-four Sutras were compiled including the 11 Angas, however many of them have been lost. Currently only forty-five are available to us. Although those who follow the Sthanakwasi tradition consider only thirty-two of them. Aside from above mentioned 11 Angas, the following Sutras are most prominent.
12

Dashvaikalik Sutra - presents the code of conduct for monks as prepared by Shayambhavswami for his son Manak by extracting the essence of Purvas.
Uttaradhyayan Sutra - which is the compilation of the last sermon of Lord Mahavir that he gave during his two days' fast and is widely studied by scholars. It deals with many aspects of Jainism and contains many illustrative stories.
Avashyak Sutra - with the six avashyaks or the daily essentials of Samayika, Devvandan, Guruvandan, Pratikraman, Kausagga and Pachchakhan.
Dashashrutskandha - deals with different Jain rituals. Its 9th Chapter is the well known Kalpasutra.
Agams as per Digambar Tradition
All of the twelve original Angas have been lost. The books written by Kundkundacharya and other well known acharyas constitute the main agams. The most prominent of them are:
Pravachansar - which covers the principal teaching of the Lords. It emphasizes right knowledge, known as Samyaginan.
Samaysar - is the most well known and well read agam. It emphasizes right perception, known as Samyagdarshan.
Niyamsar deals with the right conduct known, as Samyakcharitra.
Panchastikay - deals with the original of the six substances, the soul, the lifeless atom, pudgal, the ether like substance useful for making movement, another ether like substance useful in stability, space, and time. The first five are categorized as Astikay and are collectively known as Pnachastikay.
Shravakachar - lays down the code of conduct for laymen and covers twelve types of restraints for the laymen.
Aptamimansa - is a detailed discussion about the nature of the soul and its salvation.
Tattvarthasutra - deals with the important aspects of Jainism. Being equally acceptable to Digambars and Shwetambars it is very widely studied and discussed.
Sarvarthasiddhi- detailed commentary of Tattvarthasutra and elaborates all aspects of the Tattvarthasutra.
Atma Siddhi Shastra was written by Shrimad Rajchandra one evening in 1896. It is the poetic version of his well known letter of six fundamentals. It covers everything that a spiritual aspirant needs to know and is widely studied by Jains and others. It is a work meant for self-realization and if regularly chanted is known to have miraculous impact. By covering the essence of all the scriptures within the 142 stanzas, Shrimad has virtually contained the ocean in a bowl.
JAIN DIGEST

by Manubhai Doshi
March 1997

Page #15

Dear Friends:
Jai Jinendra! On behalf of JAINA and the Jain Society of Toronto, we are very pleased to invite you to the 9th Biennial JAINA Convention which will be held from July 4-6, 1997 in Toronto, Canada. The theme of this year's Convention, Jainism in Practice... the New Age, is guaranteed to bring us all together for celebration of Jain religion, art and culture.
Panel discussions, presentations by scholars, video and slide presentations and exhibitions will focus on this theme. JAINA '97 promises to be a wonderful gathering for the Jain community of North America. It will offer opportunities for our young adults to experience a new level of kinship, and for the first time, we are planning an event for Jain businessmen to meet other Jain businessmen.
To make sure that your visit is very pleasant and memorable, we would like to plan this event with you in mind. Please help us by registering for the Convention by April 30, 1997 and take advantage of the Early Bird Special we are offering.
Because the entire event is being funded by your registration fees, advertisements and donations, we strongly encourage you to register early, advertise in our souvenir magazine and make as large a contribution to our effort as you possibly can.
Come to Toronto this coming summer with your family, friends and share in the excitement of this great event.
Most sincerely,
Sobhagya S. Khamesra Convenor
905/274-6464
Coordinators
Moti Champsee 905/475-4000
Dinesh Jain
905/569-3058
Mahendra Mehta 416/241-2044
INVITATION
Ashwin Vora
416/283-8846
Lata Champsee 416/493-1666
Jain cation International March
Manibhai Mehta President, JAINA 714/898-3156
Gyan Chand Jain 416/447-1650
Bipin Khimasia
416/321-8977
Chandrakant Shah 416/665-7884
Anil Vora 416/635-5759
For Pat
SPONSORS and SOUVENIR
We need your support for JAINA '97. Please help us by becoming a sponsor or an advertiser. Please include details of your payment on the registration form.
Sponsorship
Executive Sponsors Co-Sponsors
Award Sponsors Benefectors
Patrons Donors
If you would like to be a sponsor please call Bipin Khimasia at 416/321-8977, or fax: 416/321-8978.
Souvenir Magazine
Back Cover outside - 4 color Ad Back Page inside - 4 color Ad Front Page inside - 4 color Ad Full page - 4 color Ad Full page - black and white Half page-black and white Quarter page black and white Best Wishes business card size
Anoop Vora, Convenor Kamlesh Shah, Convenor
The Souvenir Magazine will be 8 1/2" x 11". Your camera ready artwork must be provided for a color advertisements. Please contact: Lata Champsee, e-mail manish@ionsys.com or call: 905/475-4000 or fax: 905/475-8800.
JAINA Liaison Committee
Bipin Parikh 847/699-1294 Dilip Shah 215/561-0581
Jagat Jain 716/688-0104
Jagat Mehta (Rochester) 716/383-1212
Prem Gada
806/793-8555
Sanjay Pandya 718/816-0083
JAIN DIGEST
YJA representatives
- $10,000.00
5,000.00
2,500.00
1,500.00
1,000.00
500.00
Personal Use Only
$5,000.00 2,500.00
2,500.00
1,000.00
501.00
301.00
175.00
101.00
716/473-9290 301/353-0481
Dhiraj Shah
716/773-1314
Hansaben Varia
214/644-0294
Manoj Dharamshi 703/620-9837
Pravin Shah 919/469-0956 Prem Jain
510/770-0503 Saurabh Dalal 301/577-5215
Raju Shah 203/436-1338 Ravi Gada 512/708-1098
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Page #16

GENERAL PROGRAM
Some of the seminars, panel discussions, lectures, video and slide presentations on aspects of "Jainism in Practice" will be:
- Jain Philosophy
-Jain principles in daily life
- The Future of Jainism in North America - Cultural Program- dance, drama and skits from Jain history
-Vegetarianism and its growing popularity Yoga and meditation classes
- A Businessmen's get-together - Jain Art and Exhibition
For further information call: Mahendra Mehta
S. Khamesra
Ashwin Vora
416/241-2044 416/368-1682 416/283-8846
INVITED SPEAKERS and GUESTS
Keynote Speaker
His Excellency L.. M. Singhvi, Indian High Commissioner in the U.K. Speakers and Guests
Gurudev Chitrabhanuji, Acharya Chandnaji Munishri Kirtichandraji, Jinchandraji, Sadhviji Subhamji, Vibhaji,Shilapiji Bhattarak Devendrakirtiji, Charukeertiji Sunandaben Vohra, Deo Karnahan, Balbhadraji, Swami Sarvagataananda. Father Massey Lombardini, Bhikshuni Tenzin Kalzang, Rabbi Ronald Weiss, Rev. John Marc Laporte,
Sheikh Faisal Abdul Razak
Jain 14cation International
Mafatlal M. Mehta, Sagarmal Jain
Shekherchand Jain, Kumarpal Desai Hukumchand Bharill, Dhirubhai Mehta, P. C. and Renu Jain, P. Jaini, Dr. Hegade, Joseph O'Connel, Irene Upenikas, Tom Harpur, T. Sher Singh, Anita Yazedi, John Robbins,
Richard Cohen, Peter Kent, Haroun Siddiqui and many others
YOUTH PROGRAM
The 9th Biennial JAINA Convention will address religious, social and cultural topics relevent to today's young people living in North America. There will be panel discussions, seminars and hands on workshops. Here is a sampling of our events:
Thursday, July 3rd
- Icebreaker get-together
Friday, July 4th
- Jain education, rituals and philosophy - Environment and activism in Jainism
- Business ethics
-Networking sessions
- Toronto Harbor cruise
- Dandia-Raas for all ages
Saturday, July 5th
- Modern sciences and Jainism
- A case against milk
- Cultural program
- Dance for all ages
Sunday, July 6th
- Health and diet
Cooking seminar
- Farewell get-together
For more information:check out the YJA Website at: www.yale.edu/yja or, Anish Makim at his e-mail address: maki2660@machl.wlu.ca or, Nancy Jain 416/447-1223 or her e-mail at: nancy.jain@ca.eyi.com
CONVENTION SITE
JAINA '97 Convention will be held at the International Plaza Hotel
FJAIN DIGEST Use Only
655 Dixon Road, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M9W 1J4 For reservations call: 1-800-668-3656 Please request Special Youth wing for young people Special Room rates for JAINA '97 delegates are: $79 Canadian per night (single or double) $89 Canadian per night (triple or quad)
March 1997.org

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CULTURAL PROGRAM, JULY 5, 1997,
" Jainism in Practice...the New Age" is the theme of this year's convention. The Cultural Program Committee is looking for groups to perform. The committee will endeavor to accommodate your event
as long as it reflects the theme of the convention. • Stand up comedy • Raas 1 item only, please. Skit or play on Jainism • Rajasthani Garba
Vegan Fashion Show Dance Drama. or any other related item. • Each item should be a maximum of 8 minutes. • Skits, dance dramas and fashion show should be a maximum of 15 minutes. • The Cultural Program will be 2 1/2 hours in total. Therefore, there will be a limit of two items per city. • All entries will be approved and judged by a panel. • The deadline to confirm your entry is April 15, 1997
Please submit the details of your proposed cultural item or a video of a previous performance, if possible to: Ashwin Vora, 43 Whiteway Court, Scarborough, Ontario, M1B 5L9, Canada - phone/fax 416-283-8846.
ESSAY WRITING
Young people are encouraged to submit an essay on Jainism in Practice...the New Age, the theme of this year's convention. The deadline for all entries is April 30, 1997. Entries should be sent to: Harish C. Jain, 67 Flatt Avenue, Hamilton, Ontario. L8P 4N2, Canada - phone: 9051525-5651, or to his e-mail address at: JAINHAR@MCMASTER.CA - Selected essays from each group will be published in the convention's souvenir magazine. Group 1: Grades 9-12, a minimum of 1,000 words, Group 2: College aged young adults, a minimum of 2,000 words.
NEWSLETTER COMPETITION
Entries are invited from all Jain organizations for the newsletter competition. For the competition, please select a newsletter that has been published within the last six months. Only one entry is allowed per organization. The newsletter will be judged for its content, presentation and effectiveness in promoting Jainism. The deadline for submitting newsletters May 16, 1997. All entries should be mailed to: Harish C. Jain, 67 Flatt Avenue, Hamilton, Ontario, L8P 4N2, Canada, phone : 905/525-5651, or to his e-mail address at: JAINHAR@MCMASTER.CA
JAIN YOUTH ACADEMIC BOWL
Back by popular demand, will be the 3rd Jain Academic Bowl. All Jain young people are invited to participate in this event. The rules for the competition are: each team must consist of four members; the maximum age of any team member is 21. For those centers with a serious interest in participating in this event an information packet, registration form, requirements, and sample questions is available. The official registration must be completely filled out in order to confirm your registration. Details are available by contacting: Saurabh Dalal, 9001 Good Luck Rd., Lanham, MD 20706, phone: 301/577-5215 or e-mail dalal@kcilink.com or Tejas Doshi, 301/840-9352 or e-mail tkdoshi@glue.umd.edu
Jain March 1997 ational
For JAIN DIGEST
15

Page #18

HIGHLIGHTS OF TORONTO
Toronto is Canada's most cosmopolitan, vibrant and exciting city. Winning the United Nation's survey SecondBest City to live in, in the world.
NIAGARA FALLS - the eighth wonder of the world. Only 90 miles away with world class hotels and a new casino.
C. N. TOWER the world's tallest tower with an observation deck and a revolving restaurant.
SKYDOME the home of Toronto Blue Jays, Raptors and Argonauts indoor sports arena with retractable roof. ONTARIO PLACE - a family entertainment complex built on three man made islands, with a 80' screen IMAX theatre. DOWNTOWN TORONTO roam on Yonge Street humming with activities day and night.
EATON CENTRE in the heart of downtown a glass domed mall that stretches an entire city block. 300+ shops. CASA LOMA, CITY HALL, HARBOUR FRONT, CANADA'S WONDERLAND, CENTRE ISLAND and many other attractions.
GERRARD INDIA BAZAAR an Indian Bazaar with 100 shops, boutique and restaurants to please everyone.
TEMPLES GALORE Toronto has probably the largest number of I lindu Temples in North America. In addition, to a Jain Temple there is a Sanatan Mandir with a magnificent statue of Lord Mahavira, Vishnu Mandir, Hindu Temple, Vaishnu- devi Temple, Vedic Cultural Center, Vedanta Society Center, and Tagore Center.
TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS
Special convention discount rates are available through JAYA TRAVEL AND TOURS. So please make your travel and ticket purchase arrangements through. JAYA TRAVEL AND TOURS
24100 Southfield Rd, Suite 388 Southfield, MI 48075
phone: 810/559-5292 or 1-800/545-7788
Fax: 810/559-2076
Mumbai office:
Rizvi House 34 Hill Road
Bandra West, Mumbai 400050, India phone: 6423031 or 6420402
16

ATTENTION ALL YOUNG PEOPLE
WE WANT YOU! If any of you are interested in organizing one of the following sessions or would like to volunteer to help, please contact: Paulomi Gudka at her email address p.gudka@utoronto.ca or phone: 416/2993627, or Fax: 416/299-9999.
- Jain Education in North America
-Jain Theory of Karma
Arranged or Interracial, Marriage and Dating
- Sexism in Jainism
- Relevance of Jain Rituals
Case Against Milk
- Environment and Jain Principles
- Health and Diet
- Cooking Seminar: Macaroni and Beyond
- Business Ethics Seminar
- Historical Aspects of Jainism
-Jain Applications
- Activism in Jainism
- Modern Science and Jainism -The Relationship between Jain Practice
Traditional Beliefs and Modern Science -Jainism as a Spiritual Philosophy vs. Jainism as a Religion
- Anekantvad situations
Break throughs in non-traditional carcers
"Forgiveness is the key that unlocks the door of resentment and the handcuffs of hate. It is a power that breaks the chains of bitterness and the shackles of selfishness."
"Truth is something which must be known with the mind,
accepted with the heart and enacted in life."
JAIN DIGEST

March 1997 www.fanelbrary.org

Page #19

REGISTRATION FORM
9th Biennial JAINA Convention
July, 4-6, 1997 Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Zip
Nam Profession
Business Spouse - Profession
Business Address City
State Phone: ( )
Business ( ) Fax: ( )
E-mail Names of children/young adults who will be attending the convention:
- Age Sex - Education Age ____ Sex Education
Age - Sex --- Education Other members
Sex Education Arrival Date _Arrival Time
Departure Date _ _Departure Time I will be willing to help with
during/ before the convention.
..Age
Enclosed please find my:
Your registration fee incules all convention facilities, most meals and snacks and souvenir magazine.
Family of 4 Family of 3 Additional family member Couple Single
Early Bird After Special May Ist $100 US $125 US $100 US $125 US $ 25 US $ 25 US $ 75 US $100 US $ 50 US $ 50 US
Registration foc Sponsorship/Donation Advertisement Charges Tocal amount enclosed Please mail your check payable to:
JAINA
P. O. Box 310 19-2555 Victoria Park Avenue Scarborough, Ontario, MIT 1A3
Canada phone: 416/493-1666
All the organizers, officers, employees, volunteers and agents of JAINA 97 Convention shall not be responsible from any daims and costs arising from any injury, loss or damage, bwwever caused
of yote umplund Registration brormand payment nimmt der mailed to you with a schedule of anches
Vrch 199 Jain Education Intemational
JAIN DIGEST
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Page #20

The JAINA Convention will be held from July 4-6, 1997. One of the many events which will be organized for the young adult attendees is a Personal Networking Session. In order for this to be an effective, enjoyable event. we need information from you. This session will be geared for young adults.
⚫ I would be interested in attending a Personal Networking Session
My reason(s) for attending this kind of session is:
Address:
YOUNG ADULTS, over 21
Gender: male female
Phone:
Last
To organize a session that best suits your needs, please fill out the following information.
Name:
Date of Birth:
Fax:

First
Fax:
giving each person a chance to do a self-introduction
other suggestions
yes 110
contacts
to meet new people
to make a career or professional
Education: Degree
Profession:
Marital Status: single married. If married indicate the name of your spouse: Please indicate your permanent address/family address is different from above:
Address:
Phone:
Please indicate the type of session you would like to see happen:
an non-structured social gathering
a round robin meeting
LAIN DIGEShal Use Only
to meet a potential life partner
other
(circle one)
E mail:
E-mail:
We will determine the type of session by your response. Please return this form by April 15, 1997. We will contact you with detailed information in May. Send all forms to: JAINA Youth Social Committee, Bhadra Kothari, 3956 Glamis Court, Mississauga, Ontario, E5L 3N5, Canada 905-820-0659 or send them by the YJA web site at: www.yale.edu/yja
Marcindy.org

Page #21

Young YYinds
Federation of Jain Associations in North America A Non-Profit Tax Exempt Religious Organization. IRS Code Section 501 (c)(3) EI #54-1280028
yja@joyce eng.yale.edu . http://www.yale.edyja
JAINA '97 Hits Toronto
JAINA '97 promises to be an entirely new experience
These events he great fun, and they will provide an for young people. The upcoming JAINA conference, will be outstanding opportunity for young people from all over North held in Toronto, Canada from July 4th-7th, will feature a variety America to meet each other and make lasting friendships. The of youth activities that promises to make it an enlightening discussion groups will provide the chance to look at controversial experience for those in attendance. The conference is important topics from a Jain perspective; issues such as hypocrisies in to Jain youths in North America, since it presents the opportunity Jainism, Jainism and business ethics, East meets West (a cultural for sharpening religious and cultural awareness.
clash). These discussion groups will provide insight into the Preparations for the conference are under way in uniqueness of Jainism. They will provide a forum for young Toronto. Several events are planned for young people during the people to talk openly about their feelings towards Jainism, three days in July. The events encompass the many different without adult pressures. areas of interest; social, academic, religious and cultural.
JAINA '97 will be an exciting and invigorating Planning within these categories is focused so that young people experience for everyone. We encourage you to come and take will develop new friendships, and further their understanding of advantage of the vast efforts being made to have a spectacular the Jain religion. Events already being planned strictly for young conference for everyone. Youth registration forms will be peoples include a social night (hoat cruise, or dinner and dance), arriving in the mail and at your Jain Centers. Registration for a raas-garba, discussion groups, guest speakers, and hands on young people is free, provided that their families have registered. cooking and meditation sessions.
Hope to see you in July!!!
YJA Accepting Bids for '98 YJA Convention
Once again it is time to prepare for the Young Jains of Policies and the relationship between the Convention Committee America Biennial Convention 1998. YJA is looking for and the YJA Executive Board are described in the bid enthusiastic and vibrant cities to bid to host the 1998 Young Jains application. These points should he thoroughly read by every of America Convention. The YJA Convention '98 will be held city interested in submitting a bid application. from July 2-5, 1998.
Convention '94 and '96 host cities were quite impressive The Invitation to Bid will be available to interested cities and with YJA produced a highly educational and enjoyable hy March 1, 1997. Bids must be received by YJA executive experiences for all participants attending. The past two YJA board members no later than August 1, 1997. Attention to detail Conventions have been huge successes and YJA expects nothing and professionalism in the completed applications will be key in less for the 1998 Convention the selection of the convention city. After careful review by the Upon receiving the bid applications, the YJA Executive YJA Executive Board members, the most eligible city will be Board will review each applicantion. The city will be evaluated announced September 30, 1997.
on a point scale system in the areas of youth support, budget, There are stringent guidelines and prerequisites for hosting site, adult support, and additional information. Therefore each the Convention '98 which YJA will provide. High standards and city will not be competing against each other, but rather a strong work ethic are necessities for the host Convention attempting to score the highest number of points possible. The Committee. Detailed guidelines for various aspects of hosting the YJA Executive Board looks forward to seeing several high Convention i.e., programming, site, finances, registration, caliber bid applications. Please feel free to call anyone on the public relations) are addressed.
YJA Executive Board with your questions and concerns.
Young Jains of America (YJA) is the umbrella youth organization of the Federation of Jain Associations in North America (JAINA). The mission of YJA is to be recognized nationally and internationally as an umbrella youth organization for establishing a network to share Jain heritage and religion through youth.
Jain March 199mational
For MAIN DIGESCse Only
www.jainelibd.org

Page #22

"There is nothing more powerful than an idea. No weapon can destroy it; no power can conquer it, except the power of another idea"
YJA Holds Executive Board Meeting
YJA held an executive board meeting in Dallas, Texas
Gurudev Chitrabhanuji has spent his life spreading
the weekend of January 31, 1997. In addition to meeting new Jainism around the world. He has always paid special attention faces and seeing old friends, the thirteen board members to bringing Jain Philosophy to young people in a way that they succeeded in having a productive meeting, resulting in new can grasp. Therefore, the Jain Youth Association of New York projects and the enhancement of old ideas. (JYA) chose the 25th Anniversary of Gurudev Chitrabhanuji's YJA has taken on another worthwhile project; the sale arrival in America to be the most appropriate time to recognize of keychains depicting the Jain Om symbol. In addition, the his contribution in educating today's youth. They decided to board is selling books in English that detail Jain philosophy. hold an essay competition by focusing on his book. The These books and videos depicting cruelty to sacred animals will competition Gurudev Chitrabhanuji: Jain Wisdom for the be available at the JAINA convention this summer in Toronto. Youth.
YJA continues its Foster Focus and People to People The adult advisors of JYA, Panna Shah and Chhaya program through which cities either take on local service projects Kapadia formulated the essay rules and criteria with the help of or involve their community as an aide to the national Balbhadra Bruce Costain who has a doctorate degree in Jainism organization. New ideas for Foster Focus projects have been and has practiced Jainism for many years. JAINA president developed, including the encouragement of school boards to Manibhai Mehta enthusiastically made it an JAINA event. include a vegetarian meal plan, creating local speaker sessions Panna Shah and Devendra Peer sponsored this event. about animal rights, and institute a pen pal system across North America.
The guidelines for this contest were very demanding. They required the contestants to enhance their knowledge about Gurudev Chitrabhanuji's influence in the United States. The contestants were required to read several of Gurudev Chitrabhanuji's books, and then write a formal paper on them.
The competition was open to all throughout the USA. While essay writing is a tough challenge, several motivated youth
The executive board held elections. The following officers were elected: Ravi Gada and Raju Shah, Co-chairs; Jill Shah, Finance; Anish Sheth, Fundraising; Kavita Jhaveri, Events; Gaurav Kapadia, Public Relations; Dina Mehta, Records; Shilpa Shah, Membership.
Young Jains Honor Gurudev Chitrabhanuji
Lastly, YJA has formulated the bid application for cities enthusiastically took part in this event. The competition was interested in hosting YJA's biennial convention during the judged by Balbhadra Bruce Costain, Neela Shah and Girish B. summer of 1998. If interested, please contact any of the board Shah. The winners will be awarded their prizes at the JAINA members. Hope to see everybody at the JAINA convention this summer in Toronto!
convention in July '97.
JANA '97 Essay Competition
If you would like to volunteers, facilitate discussion groups, or be an academic panel members, or if your youth community would like to hold an event in Toronto (i.e. discussion, art show, cultural program), please contact:
E-Mail: or Mail to:
Hemant Shah 28 Carmel Ct. North York, ON M2M 4B4
Canada
If you have internet access, please visit the JAINA '97 website at:
www.yja.edu/yja/events/convention/97convention.html
20
Ages 7-10
1st Place - Jimit Shah 2nd Place - Ashnoo Nanavati Ages 11-14
1st Place Kanan Kapadia 2nd Place - Shalin Shah
3rd Place - Amit Shah&Ridhi Shah Ages 15-18
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place
JAIN DIGEST

-
Saumil Mukhatyar
Gaurav Kapadia
Sapan Mukhatyar
March 1997

Page #23

"There is nothing more powerful than an idea. No weapon can destroy it; no power can conquer it, except the power of another idea"
Foster Focus
Mid-Atlantic Region Holds First Meeting
On November 23, 1996 the first meeting of the Young Jains of the Mid-Atlantic took place in Long Island, NY. This group, named MAR (Mid-Atlantic Region), is a group whose birth was the result of the need to unify the Jain youth of the region, is under the auspices of the Young Jains of America. At this first exciting meeting ideas were exchanged amongst the attendees and concrete goals were set.
Three major means by which MAR will go about its mission to unify and motivate Jain youth in the Mid-Atlantic Region are via the publication of a regional newsletter, a Web Page, and the organizing of a regional convention some time in 1997. In addition to carrying information about Jain activities and announcements in the region, the newsletter, will also be a collection of editorial essays on contemporary topic such as the death. penalty.
The creation of a Web Page will allow us to take advantage of an inexpensive and efficient way of transmitting information to our members; the internet. With a growing number of our members having access to the internet, it would be. advantageous to all of us if we took advantage of this innovative medium.
The MAR regional convention is a major undertaking and will allow young people to interact with their fellow Jain youth on a regional level. thereby strengthening the existing network. This is an exciting time for the Jain youth of the MidAtlantic Region and we would love for everyone to get involved!
If you are interested in getting involved with YJA leadership on the regional or local levels, please contact one of the Mid-Atlantic Regional
Coordinators.
Foster Focus is a project that was established in 1995. This project was set up to foster and nourish local youth groups nationwide, increase networking and interaction among Jain youth nationwide, and prepare and develop the Jain leaders of tomorrow.
This Year there are several projects that will be undertaken:
⚫
With many lofty goals set, MAR needs the support of the youth in the region in order to make these goals come to life. Getting involved with an organization such as MAR will allow you to. develop many transferable skills, such as leadership and organizational skills. You will also have the satisfaction of helping your community grow, and you will make many long lasting bonds of friendship with young Jains in your region.
Gaurav Kapadia:(516) 829-3316 Anish Sheth: (401) 863-4987
Mech 199

University of Illinois is setting up a nationwide display of youth presentations at the JAINA convention in Toronto. They are also making a Young Jains of America quilt. We are setting up Pen pals across the country. This is a program where anyone can write their interests and hobbies and then we will match you up with a pen pal. You will write to this person up until the JAINA Convention in Toronto you will meet them. Oklahoma City will be collecting pictures from all the center across the nation and creating a Scrapbook. Tulsa will be fostering them in this task since they have put one together before.
There is another division under Foster Focus called People to People. People to People is geared towards small centers that are willing to help out the community by making a project and presenting it to their local society. This helps get the youth together and working on a common project to help the community and also help them become motivated as a center.
There are 4 cities participated right now in
We are trying to find a city that can make decorative cards or postcards for certain Jain holidays.
•
this project:
The Jain Youth Group of British Columbia, Toledo and Columbus which will bake cookies and bring gifts to a nursing home, Seattle Collected gifts during Christmas and donated them to the local shelter. San Francisco will also be participating in this project at a later date.
If you or your youth group would like to participate in any of these activities, or have any questions, please contact:
Kavita Jhaveri:(513) 984-1477
LAIN DIGEST

YJA Executive
Board
Chairpersons
Ravi Gada Raju Shah
Regional Coordinators
Mid Atlantic Gaurav Kapadia (516) 829-3316 gauravk@uol.com
Anish Sheth (401) 863-4987 anish sheth@brown.edu
Midwest
Kavita Jhaveri (513) 984-1477 ankaj@aol.com
Reena Shah (217) 398-8111 rp-shah@students.uiuc.edu
South
Ravi Gada
(512) 708-1098 ravigada.200iq@mail.utexas.edu
Moshmee Kalamkar
(512) 505-1313 moshmee@ccwf.cc.utexas.edu
Southeast Dina Mehta (954) 345-1660 a0495331@bc seflin org
Shilpa Shah (770) 498-7548 shahshilpa@aol.com
West Kavita Jain (213) 937-4153 kjain@troygould.com
Mamta Jain (714) 633-3609 mamtaj@aol.com
General Coordinators
Raju Shah (203) 436-1338 shah@zoo.cs.yale.edu
Jill Shah
(918) 251-3597 jill-shah@utulsa.edu.
Anish Makim (519) 884-6449
maki2660@mach1.wlu.ca
JAINA Youth Coordinator Pravin Mehta (615) 648-9535 mehtap@apsu01.apsu.edu

Page #24

"There is nothing more powerful than an idea. No weapon can destroy it; no power can conquer it.
except the power of another idea"
Regional
U
pdates
Jain Group of Montgomery
The Jain Youth participated in their annual Diwali Show. Several young people took part in musical songs and dances. They also held a night of music and bhajans shared by everyone.
Jain Center of Metro Washington
The Washington area youth have been holding biweekly Pathshala classes, geared toward young people hetween the ages of 8 and 21. For more information contact Archna Shah.
Jain Society of Southern Florida
The youth group of South Florida has started a project in which they are raising money for an organization called Children International. This organization helps provide schooling for children in third world nations, including India. They have raised over $700, which will go to help school and clothe needy children in Calcutta. For Christmas, they conducted a toy drive for a handicapped children's home and visited the shelter to play with the children.
Jain Center of Allentown:
The Jain youth performed dances in the Center's Diwali program. The youth put on the show in conjunction with other Hindu and Sikh young people who all share the same religious center. The Jain youth have also been taking an active role in monthly poojas.
NORTHEAST
Jain Society of Toronto
The youth of Toronto are quite husy planning various youth activities for the upcoming JAINA convention. Balhadhraji is teaching a Pathshala class every other Sunday to young people ages six through twenty-five
Jain Center of Greater Boston
The youth have been tirelessly working on a petition to McDonald's, Inc. in effort to get an increase in vegetarian selections on the menu. The initiators of this petition are scheduled to meet with the Chairman of McDonald's, Inc. this summer. Pathsala classes, levels 1-4, are being conducted on a regular basis with the youngest children showing great cagerness to learn about Jainism. Other projects that the very active youth of Greater Boston have undertaken include the puhlishing of a Jain directory and the construction of a Girouter Boston Jain youth home page
SOUTH
Montreal
The main event going on in Montreal is that they are preparing an event or ceremony that will be filmed for TV in Quebe Radio Canada, is going to film a segment on Jainism.
MID-ATLANTIC
Jain Center of Connecticut-Brookfield
The Jain youth are busy trying to strengthen their youth organization and plan many activities for the future. Currently, they are working on improving their Pathshala classes. For more information contact Neemit Shah: 203/ 375-1699
Jain Society of Houston
Over 200 people gathered at the Jain Center of Houston this Thanksgiving holiday to discuss and learn about Jainism. The convention's theme. Days of Our Lives: Modernizing Jainism, describes the goals of the lectures and discussions programited for the convention. Instead of simply presenting lain ideology and concepts, the convention reviewed modern issues with a Jain outlook. The convention addressed issues that affect people in their day-to-day life. The participants took home information to help transform their daily habits to be more ahimsik, more healthy and more Jain.
Jain Group of Central Jersey and The Jain Youth Association New York
The youth of the New Jersey and New York area came together and held a charity fundraiser party last November for their local groups. The party turned out to be a huge success. About 200 young people attended
Jain Society of North Texas
The group organized a news show with anchors Manish Mehta and Mehul Shah telling the entire audience various stories. There was a lecture by a Jain dignitary, thirteen year old Sudeep Shah, explaining the significance of Diwali. Other stories explained the historical celebration of Diwali and the difference of Diwali in Jainism and Hinduism. The group began classes the first weekend in January.
Jain education Interational
FINU Hearl Use Only
W
he99%org

Page #25

Regional
MIDWEST
"There is nothing more powerful than an idea. No weapon can destroy it; no power can conquer it, except the power of another idea"
Jain Center of Cincinnati-Dayton
Last Christmas the youth put together a party for the youth with a D.J. and food and drinks. In February they conducted a pooja in english. In March they are planning to have
a formal Dinner that they will cook as a fund-raiser for future SOUTHEAST activities.
Jain Center of St. Louis, MI
The Jain Center of St. Louis has recently started an official pathshala class that has been going well. For Nirvana Day they put together a skit about the Jain Karma Theory.
Jain Society of Greater Detroit
JOY (Jain Organization of Youth) now has a total of 75 active youth members. They had a General Body Meeting where they went bowling and then discussed tentative events for the upcoming months.
Jain Center of Chicago
The Jain Center of Chicago has begun plans for a Fun/Health Fair in May.
WEST
Jain Center of Southern California
Jain Association of Young Adults (JAYA) just held a party to raise funds for their youth group. Over 100 people were in attendance at the dinner and dance event. In addition, young Jains are coordinating a program for Mahavir Jayanti.
Jain Center of Northern California
The next big program will be Mahavir Jayanti, where young people will be presenting skits and dancing to bhajans. In addition, every week meditation classes are held for the youth.
Jain Youth Group of Las Vegas
During Christmas time, the Jain community organized a food and clothing drive. The entire community actively participated in raising large amounts of clothes and food, which was donated to the Boys and Girls Club of America.
Jain auton lemational
Jain Group of Seattle
The Jain youth group of Seattle had each family bring one wrapped gift to be donated to an orphanage and canned food to be donated to a shelter for Christmas.
Jain Center of Minnesota
The Jain Center of Minnesota celebrated Ahimsa Day on Jain Society of Greater Atlanta September. 29, 1996. Amit Shah and Moan Shah spoke to an audience of over two hundred people about how we can practice nonviolence in our lives.
Updates
Jain Study Group of Charlotte
The Jains of Charlotte have been having their monthly meetings, including a Children's program, which is dedicated to younger children. In February, they held a gathering and discussed Jainism with Pravin Shah from Raleigh, NC.
Jain Society of Fort Meyers
Smeet Mehta has started Pathshala classes in neighboring cities for children from the ages of 4-12. Traveling from West Palm Beach to Orlando, Smeet teaches these young people basic mantras and Jain principals and stories.
The Atlanta Jain youth participated in the annual United Indian Students Association Diwali Program. Pathshala classes, taught by Virbala Jain, are going strong.
YJA KEYCHAINS
YJA has printed keychains depicting the Jain Om. These Keychains are a great way to show your support for YJA. If you would like to Purchase them, or sell them in your area, please contact your Regional Coordinator.
For PAIN PICKS Use Only
Personal
23

Page #26

Call For Papers
"There is nothing more powerful than an idea. No weapon can destroy it; no power can conquer it, except the power of another idea"
YJA has created several email
addresses to facilitate easier communication. They are listed
below: vja-excom-lista pantheon.yale.edu This will go to the Exccutive Board of YJA
vja-ad-list a pantheon.yale.edu Will go to YJA's Advisory Board
vja-cc-lista pantheon.yale.edu Will go to the Co-Chairs of YJA
Young Jains of America is looking for articles for it next Young Minds. It is our goal to incorporate articles that are more pertinent to the implication of Jainism in our lives. We would also like to incorporate Jain views on controversial topics. If you would like to contribute an article please contact Gaurav Kapadia: GauravK@aol.com, or Mamta Jain: Mamtaj@aol.com
yja-gc-lista pantheon.yale.edu Will go to the general coordinators
yja-ma-lista pantheon.yale.edu yja-ne-list a pantheon.yale.edu yja-se-list a pantheon.yale.edu vja-mw-lista pantheon.yale.edu yja-we-list a pantheon.yale.edu yja-so-lista pantheon.yale.edu
This will go to the Regional Coordinators and Local Representatives of the specified regions
Young Jains of America
Membership Form
The mission of YJA is to be recognized nationally and internationally as an umbrella Jain youth organization
for establishing a network to share Jain heritage and religion through youth. If you would like to become a member of YJA, please fill out the following form and send it to:
Shilpa Shah at 2708 Tree Mountain Pkwy. Stone Mountain, GA 30083, USA.
Last Name:
First Name:_
Init:
Permanent Address:
City:
State/Province: ____
Zip/Postal Code:
Phone: -
E-mail:
Date of Birth:
Local Jain Center:
Check One:
High-School
Educational/Professional Information: QUndergradulate College Post-Graduate College
Working
School Name:
---
Class Of (mm/yy): __
Area of Study:
Employer/Company:
Position:
Optional: If you wish to make a donation, please include check payable to YJA: $10 O $20 other $_
Please check if applicable: I do not want any of this information published by YJA in any manner.
Signature:
Date:
Jain Education Intemational
JAIN DIGEST Por Private & Personal Use Only
March
Mary.org

Page #27

MATRIMONIALS Hasmukh Shah, Associate Editor
MALE M533: Gujarati parents invite responses for US born, vegetarian, very handsome, talented son, October '71,62", 155lbos, B.S. (Molec Biology). M.B.A. 97, from culture.cducated girls having strong fanily values. Call: 414/351-3815.
AM187: Jain parents invite responses for their very handsome, vegetarian, US raised son, born February. '72, 60", M.D. 97, from beautiful, vegetarian, pretty, well educated girls, Call: 012/559-1061.
F537: Alliance invited for Gujarati, pretty, intelligent, good looking, slim, vegetarian girl, born August,'71,54".100 lbs. 1.D.. employed as general practioner, from professional, cultured boys. Call: 609/7221982.
AM 188: Gujarati parents invite correspondence for their handsome, son, born June, *70, 511". Canadian ruined M.D., cutrently doing residency. Please send biodata/ returnable photo. Call: 905/646-2304.
M534: Alliance invited for intelligent, handsome, vegetarian boy, born May. '70. 5'5", 150 lbs, M. S. 2nd yr. D.M.D. student. D.M.D. 99, from cultured, well educated professional girls. Call: 860/232
1358: Gujarati parents from NM, invito responses from professionals, for their altractive, intelligent, vegetarian, US born daughter, October, '71, 5'4", 125 lbs, B.A. (Eco), presently employed in N as an analyst. Call: 6127425-0016.
MOID: Alliance invited for accomplished, handsome, vegetarian, Computer-Professionalson. carly 30's. from compatible girls between 27-32 age, 521057". Call: 9057 828-6976.
M535: Responses invited for professional vegetarian, handsome, Gujarati Jain. Di vorcee (no issue), born January, '61.56", 140 lbs., M.S. (Comp Sc), owns software consulting firm, from cultured, educated, vegetarian match. Please send biodata/re turnable photo. Call: 203/775-1906.
1541: Responses invited for intelligent, attractive, vegetarian, cultured, outgoing, ambitious girl, born January, 74, 4'11" Colls, M.S. Chemical Eng.), from cul tured professionals. Call: 904/673-8050.
MO2D: Gujarati parents invite responses for their very handsome, fur, talented. vegetarian, active son, born January, '70. 511". 145 lbs, M.B.A. graduate, well emploved, from cultured, beautiful. cducated girls. Call: 615/9535.
1542: Gujarati parents invite proposals with biodata/photo for thier talented, artisti, well educated, cultured vegetarian. US citizen daughter, born October.73 5'5". B.A. from suitable match. Call: ?IX/ 8 (862.
M538: Gujarati parents invite responses for their handsome, talantes, vegetarian, ambitious professional. US C enson, born May, 69, 5'4", 130 lbs, M.S. (EL) well emploved in NI. enjoys travelling, sports, from suitable match. Call: 516/ 248-8265
MO3D: Marwari parents invite response From Marwari, Hindi, Gujarati lain vegcurian good matured girls, for their handsome, athletic, intelligent, US born son October, '73,6'3", 165lbs, M.D.97. Call: 816/333-7717.
1543: Gujarati perents invite correspondence from well educated, cultured, professionals, for their US born daughter, November '75, 5'4"115 lbs, B.S. (Public Relations), pursuing al.D. She visits India on a regular basis. Call: 904/673-8050.
M539: Responses invited for handsome, Vectarian boy, born December. 68, 5'7". 140 lbs, M.D. (Bombav University), from cultured educated girls. He is currently in Mumbai (Bombay). India and willing to settle in North America. Call: 416/699.
FEMALE
AF171:Gujarati physician invites responses for his very beautiful, fair, talented, US raised daughter, born February, "72.55". M.D.(98), from professional Gujarati boys, preferrably M.D. Call: 419/868-7476.
M540: Hindi speaking parents invite preposals for their handsome, vegetarian, intelligent, son, born August, '67, 5'8", 156) lbs, M.D. (surgery). doing residency, from culturel professionalgirls, preferably M.D). Call: 705/474-5259.
F324: Gujarati surgeon invites correspon dence from highly educated professionals for his daughter, born November. 70, 52", slim, fair, beautiful, intelligent and well versed with Indian culture, M.S. (economy) from very prestigious school. She visits India on regular basis. Call: 3011 983-8597
AF189: Gujarati brother invites responses for his beautiful, slim, vegetarian sister (innocently divorceel, no issue), born June, 05, 5'5", 100 lbs, B.S., well emploved. from suitable cultured boys having good family values. Call: 718/997-0786.
F536: Gujarati physician parents from Cali fornia, invite correspondence from profes sional boys. preferrably M.D), or dentist, for their beautiful, slim.calentad. US raised. vegetarian daughter, born January, '70. 57,130 lbs, M.D., doing residency. Call: 213/258-3528
AM 186: Uncle invites responses for handsome, fair, intelligent, Gujarati nephew in Washington, DC, born June, 68, 5'6". Holbs, B.A.M.B.A. (Intl Fin), Economic consultant to world bank, from cultured. professional girls, Call: 304/255-1641.
aumwow wer_
Jain Euch 99ational
For PJAIN DIGZSZ Only
www.jainelibratorg

Page #28

This is How It Works
Upon receipt of this information the MIS will draft an ad for you and it will appear in the Jain Digest - only once.
Congratulations!!
JAINA would like to congratulate all couples who have come together with the help of the services of the MIS. JAINA wishes to thank them for their generous donation.
Placing an Ad Only
If you do not wish to register with the MIS and wish to draft an ad yourself, you may do so in 30 words or less. Remember, that the MIS reserves the right to edit all such ads.
As a rule, all MIS ads include the phone number of the registrant. However, if you do not wish to publish your phone number, you must specifically notify Hasmukh M. Shah.
NOTE: leave space on the envelope for an address.
Place this envelope in another envelope with your return address in the upper left-hand corner and mail it to Hasmukh M. Shah. See address above.
Upon receipt of these responses the MIS will place the ad holders address on the inner envelope and mail it.
Remember, MIS is not responsible for responses that do not conform to these instructions.
Guidelines to all perspective participants
Be positive, constructive, creative and friendly! No match is going to be "perfect." Complement and support each other practicing respect, sharing, acquire knowledge and maintaining your uniqueness while keeping an open mind. These are the qualities that make for human perfection. Our world is shrinking and we are a global village and life is not always easy. However, we can carry our philosophy and our value system that is very worth while, with us. Accept the challenge and make your choice be a worth while one.
Responding to an Ad
All those wishing to respond to an ad must follow these step-by-step instructions. Place your bio-data and a recent photograph of yourself in a sealed, stamped envelop with your return address in the upper left-hand corner and the MIS ad reference number in the lower left-hand corner of the envelope.
Please Please notify the MIS
Please notify the MIS when an engagement or marriage has been announced. This helps us to know if this community service is working to help maintain our traditions.
Please note that if a successful alliance has taken place, both parties will agree to donate what ever amount they wish to JAINA to help defray the cost of publication.
Placing an Ad and Registration with us
Anyone wishing to place an ad and register with the MIS - Marriage Information Service - must follow these step-bystep instructions carefully.
MIS. continued from page 25
Important Considerations
It is important to remember that the MIS is a non-for-profit, voluntary community service. The MIS and JAINA assume no responsibility or liability for the accuracy or authenticity of the information furnished in the ads or any consequences resulting thereof. The entire responsibility rests with the candidates them
AF190: Gujarati family invites correspondence from Gujarati Jain Vegetarian professionals for their beautiful, slim, Mumbai (Bombay) born/raised, US Citizen daughter, 23, 5'0", B. S. (Computer Sc.), employed in Dallas, TX. Call: 316/683-2109.
• Fill Out the Registration Form found on pages 27 and 28. The registrant must fill out this form. Do not leave anything blank.
selves.
• Mail - the completed form, - a check in the amount of $25.00 payable to: Hasmukh M. Shah, LEAVE THE "MEMO" OR "FOR" LINE BLANK, - and a recent, full-length photo of yourself with your name printed on the back.
F04D: Parents invite correspondence for slim, pretty, witty, fair, vegetarian, M.B.A. daughter, from well rounded, cultured, professionals between 27-33 and 5'7". 5'11". Call: 905/828-6976.
All information furnished to the MIS is confidential. Only those who are sincerely interested in looking for a Jain life partner should send a Registration Form While matching, photographs will not be passed on to the candidates by the MIS.
Parents/guardians should communicate with the candidate before placing ad and assist them in making a final decision.
If you wish to receive the Jain Digest, please fill out the subscription envelope that is appears in the centerfold.
F05D: Gujarati parents invite responses for their talented, fair, attractive, vegetarian daughter, B. Sc. (Micro), M. L. T., born November, '71, 5'1", from professional, intelligent, cultured, vegetarian boys. Call: 905/848-0903.
To:
Hasmukh M. Shah 8721 Scrimshaw Drive New Port Richey, FL 34653 Phone: 813/376-7989
Jain 26 cation Intemational
JAIN DIGEST Use Only
March 1997.org

Page #29

Marriage Information Service
Registration Form - page 1 Federation of Jain Associations In North America
A/C/F/M Send this completed form, a check in the amount of $25.00 and a recent, full-length photograph of yourself with your
name printed on the back to: Hasmukh M. Shah, 8721 Scrimshaw Drive, New Port Richey, FL 34653.
Name: (Please Print)
Middic
Address:
Street
State
Phone:
-
-
_Fax:(
).
E-mail:
Date of Birth:
Height:
Weight:
Are you a vegetarian? yes no
Do you smoke? yes no
Do you drink? yes no
Have you been married before? yes no If yes, indicate the name of your divorced spouse.
What is your Visa status in the USA/Canada?
When did you enter the USA/Canada?
month/year
_ What is your religion.
What languages do you speak? What languages do you read? What languages do you write?
Education:
Degree
Year received
Major
Name of University
Work experience:
Company's name
Position
Duration
Father's Name:
Occupation:
Mother's Name:
Occupation:
Brother(s) and/or Sister(s)_
Name(s)
Age(s)
Education
Occupation
Do you have other relatives living in the North America?
Name
Relationship
Occupation
Address
Other relevant information (use additional paper if necessary):.
Candidate's signature:
Date:
The MIS and JAINA assume no liability or responsibility for the accuracy or authenticity of the information
herein, nor the consequences resulting thereof.
Jain March 1997national
For JAIN DIGEST'se Only
www.jainelib 27.org

Page #30

Marriage Information Service Registration Form - page 2
Federation of Jain Associations In North America
1. Two references who are members of the Jain Community or other Indian organizations.
A. Name:
Address:
Phone:
Member of:
B. Name:
Address:
Phone:
Member of:
28

Age:
Height:
Weight:
Education:
2. Indicate your personal preference of these criteria for the match.
and
or open.
Between the ages of, Between the height of Between the weight of. Bachelor
Major:
Vegetarian: yes no
Residence: (state)
Organization's Name
Organization's Name
and
and Masters Degree
or open.
or open.
Other
Work experience: yes no
Visa Status:
years.
Length of time in North America:
Language: English yes no not important, Other (specify): Color of skin: wheat open
light
3. Photograph:
Attach a recent, full-length photograph of yourself with your name printed on the back. Please note: no photographs will be exchanged while matching is taking place.
JAIN DIGEST

March 1997

Page #31

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 Parsavnath
नमो अरिहंताणं नमो सिद्धाणं नमो आयरियाणं
नमो उवज्झायाणं नमी लाए साहूणं
एसो पंचमकारी,
पावपणासणी मंगलाणं च गवांग पढमं बड मंगल'
Love All. Serse All
Jain temple format

mah farget
दामों पर ज whatevamped
Tirthankar Mahavir

Page #32
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: (810) 559-5292 (9 to 5) (810) 559-2076 (FAX) 1-800-545-7788 TELEPHONE: 6420402 6436421 (FAX) Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Niagara Falls, NY Permit No. 142 CIRCULATION Jain Digest 81 Sable Run E. Amherst, NY 14051 Address Correction Requested AUTO PRAVIN K. ARTI SHAH 401 FARMSTEAD DR CARY NC 27511-5631 46 13