Jain Digest 2000 02 Vol 16 No 02

Author(s): Federation of JAINA
Publisher: USA Federation of JAINA
Catalog link: https://jainqq.org/explore/527078/1

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The Magazine of the Federation of Jain Associations in North America
JAIN DIGEST
SUMMER 2000
VOLUME 16, NO. 2
Jain Society of Northern California
Pratishtha Mahotsav August 4 - 7, 2000
SHOES
Artistic Rendering of the Temple
2010_02

SHRIMAD RAJCHANDRA
DEHVILAY 1901-2000

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JAIN TEMPLE, WASHINGTON, DC
2
Cardiology Vinod K. Shah, MD, FACC A. A Patil, MD, FACC Mahesh Shah MD.FACO Anil K. Shah, MD, FACC Anantha Rao, MD, FACC Gastroenterology Umed K. Shah, MD, FACG Atul R. Shah, MD, FACG Nayan R. Shah, MD, FACG Sreenivas Mannam MD Pulmonology Kiran D. Mehta, MD, FCCP Neurology Berna A. Shah, MD Internal Medicine Bhasker A. Jhaveri, MD David M. Federle, MD Mary Kramer, MD Avani D. Shah, MD Dhiren Shah, MD Chandra B. Sajja. MD Manoj Panwala, MD Hematology/Oncology Gurdeep Chhabra, MD Harminder S. Sethi, MD Gerontology Anwar T. Munshi, MD, FACP Rita B. Jhaver, MD Pediatrics la V. Shah, MD, FAAP M.FO. Lafeer, MD, FAAP Dawn Bertram Stewart, MD Beena Khetpal, MD Fahmi H. Fahmi MD Pediatrics/Internal Medicine James L. Harring, MD, FAAP, FACP Family Practice John E Fenwick, MD J. Patrick Jarboc, MD Robert J. Bauer, MD John L Bennett, MD J. Scott Tidball, MD Roy H. Bunales, MD Radiology Halappa G. Hakkal, MD Harris E. Orzach, MD Psychiatry Aruna A. Patil, MD Endocrinology John Tourtelot, MD
JAI JINENDRA
अह! अहो! श्री सदगुरु, करुणासिंधु अपार 371 TR RTY UT, 37ET! 36T! 34R (828)
Thanks! the Holy True Teacher! Unfathomable ocean of compassion;
I'm highly obliged; Oh! good Teacher, The Pupil poor has no expression. (124)
शु प्रभुचरणकने धरुं? आत्माथी सह हीन; ते तो प्रभुओ आपियो, वर्तु चरणाधिन (१२५) 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)
- Shri Atmasiddhi Shastra, Srimad Rajchandra -
Hollywood Office Philip J. Bean Medical Center PO Box 610 24035 Three Notch Road Hollywood, MD 20636 301-373-7900 Leonardtown Offices Shanti Medical Center PO Box 664 26840 Point Lookout Road, Suite 101 Leonardtown, MD 20650 301-475-5577 301-475-5524 St. Mary's Medical Arts Building PO Box 306 22650 Cedar Lane Court Leonardtown, MD 20650 310-475-5021 301-475-5023 Prince Frederick Office Calvert Medical Office Building 110 Hospital Road, Suite 303 Prince Frederick, MD 20678 410-535-4333 Lexington Park Office 22335 Exploration 11 Suite 1030 & 1035 Lexington Park, MD 20653 301-863-7041 301-863-9000 California Office PO Box 540 23263 By the Mill Road California, MD 20619 301-863-5835 Charlotte Hall Office Charlotte Hall Medical Centre PO Box 507 29795 Three Notch Road Charlotte Hall, MD 20622 301-884-7322 301-884-7330 Mechanicsville Office Village Medical Annex 28160 Old Village Road, Suite A Mechanicsville, MD 20659 301-884-4666 Washington Arca 831 University Blvd., +32 Silver Spring, MD 20903 301-445-4430
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.
SHAH ASSOCIATES, M.D., L.L.C.
Shanti Medical Center, P.O. Box 664, Leonardtown, MD 20650 Phone: 301-475-5579 Metro 301-870-2049 Fax 301-884-7419

Jain Education Intemational 2010_02

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JAIN DIGEST
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
SUMMER 2000 VOL.16 NO. 2 CIRCULATION: 7500
Dear Sahdharmic Brothers and Sisters:
In this issue
From Editor in Chief
Meet the committee
Chairpersons
Headquarter News ..........
San Jose Pratishtha info ..........7
Regional News .....
Committee News ......
2
A Great Seer....
Song of Spiritual Elevation ..15
Atmasiddhishastra ..........
Jai Jinendra! As present JAINA Executive Committee is approaching half way into its term, I think it is time to review our achievements and discuss future plans.
First of all, I am really excited to announce that 2001 JAINA Convention will be held in Chicago! JAINA and Jain Society of Metropolitan Chicago have reached an agreement on Convention Guidelines and together we have organized 2001 JAINA Convention Board. JAINA Convention Board is already working vigorously to make the 2001 JAINA Convention most enjoyable and unique learning experience. You will find more details about this elsewhere in this issue of the JAIN DIGEST
The response to the JAINA calendar was really overwhelming. Over 25 % of the 8000 families to whom calendars were mailed responded with generous donations. JAINA mailed over 300 books of JAINA: Philosophy and Religion. We plan to acquire more books on Jainism for distribution to more families, with your continued support.
I am proud of our YJA and YJP Committees for their keen interest in learning and practicing Jainism. The YJA and YJP Conventions this summer are testimony to it. I urge all Jain Centers to help the young generation to enable them to retain our Jain heritage. Our Scholar Visitation Committee, under the chairmanship of Nirmal Dosi and with the keen interest of JAINA Vice President Kirit Daftary, is in the process of arranging regional religious retreats of 2-3 days for intensive learning and practicing of Jainism. I invite you to attend them with your family and friends.
Mahavir Memorial Committee, under the chairmanship of Manoj Dharamsi, is actively planning to celebrate Bhagwan Mahavir's 2600th Janmakalyanak. I request all Jain Centers to take an active part in this yearlong celebration. Also make sure to participate in the continuing celebrations for the 100h Deh Vilay of Srimad Rajchandra, organized at Jain Centers all over North America.
In immediate future, we are looking to expand our educational activities with the help of Prem Gada (Texas) and Pravin Shah (N.C), by organizing committees for Continuing Jain Education, Jain Library, Publication & Book Source, JAINA Bulletin Board and JAINA Web-site. It is also a time to plan for the next Jaina Yatra under the leadership of Dilip V. Shah (Philadelphia). This time JAINA Yatra will include Bihar and South India. I am sure you would not want to miss this one.
We have been receiving disturbing news about the merciless slaughtering of cows and other animals in India, for leather and meat export. I feel distressed that a nation, which won independence through non-violence, should turn so cruel and indifferent to these animals that are such an important part of our well being. I urge you to register your protest by writing to authorities in India.
Also, we all are very much aware of the drought situation in many Indian states. I appeal to you to contribute to the efforts at overcoming of this disastrous suffering to humans and animals. Please send your donations to appropriate organizations working towards long term solution for this natural disaster.
Lastly, I invite you to attend, with your family and friends, one of the biggest Prathishta Mahotsav in the western world for the newly built Jain Temple Complex in Milpitas, CA (near San Francisco) in August of this year. Wish you a summer full of fun, happiness and knowledge.
User Friendly Agams......
Affiliate News ....
International News
Life Members Update ....
Book Review .........
JAINA Current Financial
Statement ....
Young Minds
MIS Registration Form
Matrimonials .....
10th JAINA convention .......31
conlondya
Moving? Receiving duplicate copies? Send your address corrections to:
JAIN DIGEST CIRCULATION Federation of JAINA P. O. Box 700 Gerzville, NY 14068-0700
Mahendra K.Pandya, President, JAINA
JAIN DIGEST. SUMMER 2000/1 y.org
Jain Education Intemational 2010_02

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ante
JAIN DIGEST
Federation of Jain Associations in North America (JAINA)
A publication of the FEDERATION OF JAIN ASSOCIATIONS
IN NORTH AMERICA (JAINA)
HEADQUARTERS PO Box 700, Getzville, NY 14068-07
Phone/Fax: 716/636-5342 Telephone Hours: Monday - Friday.
2 PM - 5 PM EST
JAINA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
President Mahendra K. Pandya Phone: 718/816-0083, Fax: 212/319-6781
EDITOR IN CHIEF Lata Champsec 35 Whitehore Crescent Willowdale,ONT M2J 3B1 Canada Phone: 416/493-1666 Fax: 416/493-1667 latachampsce@usa.net
First Vice President Bipin D. Parikh l'hone: 847/699-1294, Fax: 312/726-4274
JAINA COMMITTEES Ahims Day Celebration Surendra Singhvi 937/885-7414 Community leadership Council Ramesh Shah 440/442-4596 Environment and Ecology Nancy Jain 416/447-1650 Essay Competition Chhaya Kapadia 516/829-3316 JAINA Convention Board Bipin Parkih 847/669-1294 Goue o International Organizations Relations Dhiraj H. Shah 7161773-1314 Interfaith Activities/World Council of lains Manoj Dharamsi 703/620-9837 Rashmi Gardi 847/428-4298
Long Term Planning Prabodh Vaidya 630/985-9144 Mahanur Memorial Dr. Manoj Dharamsi 703/620-9837 Marriage Information Service Hasmukh Shah 727/376-7989 Media Wurch Public Relations Sushil Jain 301/670-0519
Regional Vice Presidents Jasvant Mehta, Canada l'hone: 780/435-9070, Fax: 7808497-5598
REGIONAL EDITORS Canada Dr. Mahendra Mehta 26 Vancho Cres Islington, Ont M9A 422 Phone/Fax 416/241-2044
Membership Kamlesh Shah 301/838-9778
Ila G. Mehta, Midwest US Phone: 419/865-2727, Fax: 419/868-7476
N. American lain Families Assitance Program Ila Mehta 419/865-2727
Pilgrimage
Hansraj C. Maru, Northeast US Phone/Fax: 2037775-1906
Dilip V. Shah 215/561-0581
Midwest, US Manubhai Doshi 931 Golden Road Lake Forest, IL 60045 Phone: 847/735-0120
Senior Citizens Kantilal Shah 949/831-8687
Deepika Dalal, Southeast US Phone: 954/431-5957, Fax: 954/545-6501
Jain Promas Naresh Shah 516/741-9269 Arhant Jain 905/827-7494
Kirit C. Daftary. Southwest US Phone: 254/776-4209, Fax: 254/753-1411
Northeast, US Dineshbhai Chheda 9 Johnson Ave West Caldwell, NJ 07006 Phone: 973/808-2661
Girish L. Shah, West US Phone: 408/378-8765. Fax: 6501694-6961
Southeast, US Surendra Shah 1465 Sumter Drive Marietta, GA 30064-2920 Phone: 770/422-1483
Secretary Vinay K. Vakani Phone: 201/967-9344, Fax: 201/967-9344
Scholar Visitation Nirmal Dosi 732/390-0296 Tirihadhdhar Kirit Daftary 254/776-4209 VR Gandhi Scholarship lund Pravin C. Shah 516/248-8265 World Community Service Bachubhai Ajmera 301/924-8070 Bhadresh Dhila 301/589-4610 Prakash Mchta 703/318-8252 Young lains of America (Y/A) Shubhra Jain 314/345-3296 Naishadh Shah 732/651-8734
JAIN DIGEST Membership Kecrui Shah 630/837-8716 JAINA Bulletin Board Service Pravin Shah 919/469 0956 JAINA Temple Gwidelines Jagat Jain 716/688-0104 Jiv Days Ratibhai Shah 817/430-8081 Library and Education Prem Gada 806/794-4777
Treasurer Anop R. Vora l'hone: 716/473-9290, Fax: 716/473-9450
Sosethwest, US Jadavji Kenia (jkenisiname.com) 1819 Plymouth Rock Drive Richardson, TX 75081-3942 Phone: 972/690-3593
Immediate Past President Dhiraj H. Shah Phone: 716/773-1314, Fax: 716/775-0268
West, US Chandrakant Parekh 12914 Wolverton Lane Cerritos, CA 90703-7265. Phone: 562/865-1679, Fax: (562) 865-0851 engsys@aol.com
SPECIAL OFFICE BEARER Executive Director of JAINA Kamalesh Amin Phone/Fax: 716/636-5342 zinahal.com
هاا
ASSOCIATE EDITORS
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Young lain Professional (Y/P
Mona Kothari 905/820-0659 MEMBER ORGANIZATIONS Ryweler Te directors on JAINAS Burdover 50 tamilies). Aswin One director JAINA's Baard (up to 50 famil) CANADA NORTHEAST SOUTHEAST
SOUTHWEST Regular Regular Regular
Regular ΙοΓοπτο Beton
Atlanta Aswer Buffalo Miami
Houston Fun
Cherry Hill At
Phoenix Montreal Essex lells Augusta
Art trwa
"Tuku Hudson Valley
Charlotte Vancouver New York Fr. Meyers
Lubbock Orange Jacksonville
Calarak MIDWEST Philadelphia
Memphis Krywhere l'ittsburgh Middle Tennessee
WEST Chicago Ruchester Morgantown
Newlar Caminati/Dayton Washington, DC New Orleans
Luis Angles Cleveland Aste Orlando
San Francisco Cumhus Albany Talm Beach
AWW trait Allentown Kaleigh
hart. St. Louis
mira Tanpa
Scranto wiek Harrisburgh
San Diego Ku City
Hartford Mindicapolis
SVEICUS Milwauker
Young Minds Reshma Modi 248/ 851-3965, reshmamodi@mail.com
All Board of Directors name to be printed in the Summer 2000
JAINA CHARITABLE TRUST
Rajan Mehta Phone: 5107134-5683. rajmehta email.com
Marmo Hasmukh Shah 8721 Scrimshaw Drive New Port Richey, FL 34653-6623 Phone: 7277376-7989
Executive Council Chairten Dhiraj Shab, Buffalo, NY
Mahendra Indya. New York, NY Carnprroller - Liga Lain Buffalo, NY Secretary Cieneral - Kint Kapadia, New York, NY Members-at-Large
Rajen Jaswi. Suato, CA Bipin Parikh. Chicago. I Rhupendra Tolia, Norwood, NJ
AFFILIATES
JAINA FOCUS
MANAGING EDITORIAL BOARD Tata Champee, Manubhai Doshi, Jagat Jain. Ramesh Jain, Vijay Jain, Harshad Shah, Anop Vora
Trustees All Tree names and photos to be printed in the Fall 2000
The Managing Editorial Board will endeavor to publish all material submitacul but reserves the right to edit and/or reformat for clarity and space restrictions. The views expressed in the articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the Managing Editorial Board of JAIN DIGEST.
Bralini Jain Sicity, US and Canada International Alumni Association of Mahavir Jain Vidyalaya, Rochester, NY International Mahavir Jain Micsun, US and Canada jain Meditation International Center. US & Canada Jain Serial Group, LA and Toronto Kurchhi Gurjar lain Secicry Grand Island, NY Kutchhi (swal Samaj. San Francisco Shri S. S. Jain Foundation, loronto, Canada Shri Mahavir Jain loundaticien, Santa Ana, CA lain Acak Foundation of N. America. Iubbexk, TX
JAINA publishes the JAINA Hects monthly stwsletter for administrative purposes. It is sent to all member organizations and committee members of AINA All news items for publication in the JAINA Fxs must See to the Editor by chic 10) ch nach m ich Dilip V. Shah 1902 Chestnut Street Philadelphia, PA 191013-4678 Phanc 215/561-(581Fax: 215/5673146 dilipushahi.com
JAINA ON THE INTERNET JAINA
Jain BBS http://www.jaina.org/ http://www.jainish.org/
Young lains of America betp://www.yja.org
PUBLICATION DATES AND DEADLINES Spring (March)
February 15 Summer (June
May 15 Fill (September)
August 15 Winter December
November 15
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR OF JAIN DIGEST
We un g e cur readers to send their questions, ser views on current i s or her fikirghelain unity of North America anche ditor in bist, La Champs We endeavor to publish all letters. pakke pornirting The JAIN DIGESTIVE the right to edit all material for clarity and/or space. All letters niet include the sender nam dres and he number o be considered for publicacion
2/ JAIN DIGEST. SUMMER 2000
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FROM THE EDITOR IN CHIEF
Jai Jinendra!
Wehavebeen publishing series of pictures in the Jain Digestin order to put names to faces. In the past issues we published pictures ofJAINA Executive Committee members, JAINA Committee Chairpersons etc. This issue containing pictures of Directors ofJAINA representing all 54 Jain Societies of North America. As you know, noorganization can function without dedication and sacrifice ofits Board membersorexecutive committee members. Everyone of them has been putting utmostefforts, Our hats off to them!
This year being the Centennial year of Dehvilay of Shrimad Rajchandra, followers all over the world are paying him homage in many different ways. Pilgrimages are beingorganized to visit places where he used to meditate, his birth place etc., Lecture series, swadhyay Shibir's and special Bhakti sessions are being conducted all over the world. Like everyone, Jain Digest has madea small effort to commemorate this event. Special thanks to Manubhai Doshi, Pravin L. Shah, Bharati Ghatalia and Vinay Vakaniin helping me with this issue.
APRIL 2001 ISSUE OF JAIN DIGEST WILL BE A SPECIAL ISSUE ON “BHAGWAN MAHAVIR" TO COMMEMORATE THE 2600th anniversary of the birth of the Tirthankara. We want your ideas and articles for this issue. Feel free to call me at 416-441-2200 or email me at latachampsee@usa.net.
Lata Champsee
Meet your Board of Directors at Large
Chitrabanu, Pramodabhen Dalal, Saurabh Jain, Gyan Chand Shah, Dilip T Shah, Sharad
Camera Shy Shantibhai Shah Virendra Shah
Meet your Board of Directors
Bhaiji, Khushal - North Royalton, OH Bhandari, Jaysingh - Miami, FL Chudgar, Rasik - Latham, NY Kirit Daftary - Waco, TX Deepika Dalal - Cooper City, FL
Dand. Pravin - Silver Spring, MD Doshi, Vijay - Charlotte, NC Gada, Prem - Lubbock, TX Gada. Ram - St. Paul, MN Gala, Vasanji T.- Memphis, TN
Jain, Jagat - Buffalo, NY Jain, Surendra - Athens, OH Kamdar, Madhu R - Randolph, NJ Maru, Hans - Brookfield, CT Mehta, Dilip - Wellington, FL
Mehta. Jaswant - Edmonton, AB Mehta, Jitendra - Lenexa, KS Mehta, Manibhai - Cypress, CA Mehta, Pravin - Clarksville, TN Pandya, Mahendra - Staten Island, NY
JAIN DIGEST SUMMER 2000/3

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Parekh, Manhar - Atlanta, GA Parikh, Bipin S. - Des Plaines, IL Salgia, Tansukh - Columbus, OH Shah, Arvind - Gaithersburg, MD Shah, Ashvin - Orange, CT
Shah, Bhupendra - Orlando, FL Shah, Chandubhai - West Chester, OH Shah, Dhiraj - Buffalo, NY Shah, Dilip V. - Philadelphia, PA Shah, Girish - Campbell, CA
Shah, Hasmukh, New Port Richey, FL Shah. Hira - Burnaby, BC Shah. Jashvant C. - Freemont, CA Shah, Kantilal - Laguna Hills, CA Shah, Leena - Macungie, PA
Shah, Naresh - Grand City Park, NY Shah. Navnit - Martinez, GA Shah, Pravin - Raleigh, NC Shah. Ramesh P. - Mayfield Village, OH Shah, Rasik J. - Tulsa, OK
Singhvi, Surendra - Dayton, OH Turakhia, Jit - Liverpool, NY Turakhia, Mit - Fairport, NY Vaidya, Prabodh - Bolingbrook, IL
Vakani. Vinay K.- Oradell, NJ Vora, Anop - Rochester, NY
Camera Shy All remaining Directors
4/JAIN DIGEST SUMMER 2000
For Plate & Personal use only
www.arielitary.org

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HEADQUARTERS NEWS....
JAINA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
MEETS IN CHICAGO At the invitation of Jain society of Metropolitan Chicago, JAINA Executive Committee held its meeting in Chicago on March 18, 2000. The meeting started with the recitation of Namokar Mantra. JAINA President Mahendra Pandya welcomed the attendees to the meeting. Attendees included JAINA Executive Committee members, members and trustees of the Jain Society of Metropolitan Chicago and invited guests. At the outset, Vinay Vakani, Secretary-JAINA, read the Minutes of the meetings held in Siddhachalam in fall of 1999. President of JAINA then presented his report that covered many activities, such as JAINA Calendar, JAINA Yatra, two Medical Camps in India, Mahavir Memorial Plans, the Book Source, possible TV Programs, etc. JAINA
Treasurer Anop Vora presented the financial report for 1999, which was accepted by the JAINA Executive Committee. We then moved to the main purpose of this meeting, which was to finalize the agreement and plans for the 2001 JAINA Convention.
On October 1, 1999, Jain Society of Metropolitan Chicago (JSMC) had sent to JAINA a Letter of Intent to host the 2001 JAINA Convention. ISMC had also accepted the proposed JAINA Convention Guidelines with some minor modifications and signed off on it. The following resolution was proposed and unanimously passed by the JAINA Executive Committee: RESOLUTION #1:
"I propose before this meeting of the Executive Committee of JAINA held at Chicago on March 18, 2000, to approve a request by Jain Society of Metropolitan Chicago to be the Host City for the 11 JAINA Convention, to be held during the 4th of July weekend, 2001." Proposed by: Vinay K. Vakani, Secretary JAINA Seconded by: Dhiraj H. Shah, Past President Seconded by: Girish P. Shah, Vice President (West)
In conformance with the JAINA Convention Guidelines. JAINA Executive Committee then moved to the formation of the JAINA Convention Board with the following resolution:
The names of the members of the 2001 JAINA Convention Board are as follows: JAINA
JSMC Bipin D. Parikh
Kishor C. Shah Vinay K. Vakani
Prabodh Vaidya Gyan Chand Jain
Arvind Shah Keerti N. Shah
Jagat Shah Samprati J. Shah
Pravin Shah Lata Champsee
Megha Doshi Dilip V. Shah
Viken Shah Virendra Shah
Resolution was passed by the unanimous vote of YES by the Executive Committee.
JAINA Executive Committee also approved the formation of the JAINA Convention Activity Review and Advisory Committee passing the following resolution: RESOLUTION #3
"I propose before this meeting of the Executive Committee of JAINA held on March 18, 2000, to approve the formation of JAINA Convention Activity Review and Advisory Committee, in accordance with the JAINA Convention Guidelines agreed to between JAINA and JSMC. Mahendra K. Pandya, President of JAINA, will chair the Committee, and the Committee will consist of all Past Presidents of JAINA and three additional members nominated by the President of JAINA. The names of the three members will be submitted to the Executive Committee for approval." Proposed by: Vinay K. Vakani, Secretary JAINA Seconded by: Kirit Daftary, Vice President (Southwest) Seconded by: Dipika K. Dalal, Vice President (Southeast)
RESOLUTION #2
"We propose before this meeting of the Executive Committee of JAINA held on March 18, 2000, that we approve the formation of the JAINA Convention Board consisting of the representatives of JAINA and Jain Society of Metropolitan Chicago (JSMC), in accordance with the JAINA Convention Guidelines agreed to between JAINA and JSMC." Proposed by: Bipin D. Parikh, First Vice President JAINA &
Kishor C. Shah, Chairman, Board of Trustees, JSMC Seconded by: Girish P. Shah, Vice President (West) Seconded by: Anop R. Vora, Treasurer, JAINA
All three Resolution was passed by the unanimous vote of YES by the Executive Committee.
Subsequent to this meeting, the JAINA Executive Committee has approved the three nominees proposed by Mahendra Pandya. They are: Duli Chandra Jain (New York), Jagdish Sheth (Georgia), and Prem Chand Jain (California).
JAINA Executive Committee members and the invited guests then discussed, in general, the following issues related to organizing and managing the 2001 Convention:
Selection of Convention Hall and other facilities
Selection of the Theme for the 2001 Convention- Everyone participated and put forth ideas for the theme
• Programming Activities at the Convention- Programming should be around the Theme that may be selected; also topics for discussion/discourses to be determined early and not be extem
JAIN DIGEST SUMMER 2000 / 5

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HEADQUARTERS NEWS....
Youth Activities ܀ Cultural Programs ܀
poraneous; tape record all lectures; dignitaries selected and invited BIRTH OF THE UNITED RELIGIONS INITIATIVE early, etc. Registration fees for the Convention
JAINA has been approved as a URI Affiliate member by Fund raising plans
Exhibition & Souvenir
URI advisory group in San Francisco. JAINA name will be included in the list of URI founding members and will be acknowl.
edged at the URI Global Charter ceremony in Pittsburgh, PA, TAINA Charitable Trust Committee Chairman Dhiraj Shah on Monday June 26, 2000 (3-5 p.m.)www.united-religions.org presented the financial accounts of the Trust. JAINA Executive
The URI Global Charter Signing Ceremony will include Committee approved the proposal of grants of $5,000 to YJA for
meditation, ritual, a story video of the URI and several hundred the upcoming Convention in Los Angles and $10,000 to JAINA
people participating in signing the URI Charter. You may attend Convention Board for the 2001 JAINA Convention, to be given
this event through the URI Website. In addition, during the week from the JAINA Charitable Trust. JAINA Executive Committee
of Global Summit, there will be forums and live chat sessions acalso authorized $5,000 for YJP for their Convention in Sacramento,
cessible through the URI Website. Check the URI Website for CA., in case it was needed, again to be given from the JAINA
instructions on how to participate in this historic week. Charitable Trust The following reports were presented:
UNITED RELIGIONS INITIATIVE -World Parliament of Religions in South Africa - about seven We, people of diverse religions, spiritual expressions members attended the Conference. Pravin K. Shah (North Caro- and indigenous traditions throughout the world, lina) presented a paper at the Conference.
hereby establish the United Religions Initiative -Pilgrimage Committee- Pilgrimage this year was a great suc- To promote enduring, daily interfaith cooperation, cess; next year's Pilgrimage will include South India. $900 was
To end religiously motivated violence and approved by the Executive Committee towards the expenses of
To create cultures of peace, justice and healing the last Pilgrimage.
-Teerthoddhar Committee- participated in Pilgrimage activi- Purpose of URI is to promote enduring inter-faith cooperaties and donation to Navkar Organization in India.
tion, to end religiously motivated violence, to promote Lord -An exploratory Committee was formed to review the matter Mahavir's message of AHIMSA and to create the culture of peace, related to request for membership in the proposed Global Jain justice and healing for all living beings. Organization.
Host Local Charter Signing Ceremonies May - Dec 2000 -JAINA Patron Committee- JAINA will honor its commit- URI Charter Signing Ceremonies are encouraged anywhere ment to the Patrons attending the Convention.
in the world where people wish to celebrate the URI and dedicate -A letter from the Souvenir Committee of the Philadelphia themselves to its vision and values. Anyone planning a local charConvention regarding non-payment to the Company that printed ter signing ceremony on June 26, 2000, please contact the URI the Souvenir was discussed. This matter will be investigated fur- office as soon as possible to explore the possibility of a Web or ther to resolve the matter amicably.
telephone link to the Global Ceremony in Pittsburgh.Any time Next meeting of the JAINA Executive Committee may be
from May through December 2000 groups may host URI Charheld in Milpitas near San Francisco, California in August, 2000,
ter Signing Ceremonies to acknowledge the formation of local URI at the time of Pratishtha Mahotsav.
groups and/or to inspire local community reflection about the vi
sion and values of the URI. The meeting was adjourned with the recitation of "Khamemi Savva Jeeve.......
For more information, please call.... Ramesh P. Shah 440-442-4596
JAINA BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
ON AUGUST 5, 2000 It has been a JAINA tradition to hold the meeting of the Board of Directors and Director-at-Large during the weekend when Kshamapana Day is celebrated at Siddhachalam. But this year we would like to deviate from it. With the courtesy of the Jain Center of Northern California, the meeting will be held on August 5, 2000 on the auspicious occasion of Pratishtha Mahotsav in Milpitas (near San Francisco)Please fax(716-636-5342) your confirmation that you will be attending the Board of Directors meeting to the JAINA Headquarters by July 4, 2000.
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ANJANSHALAKA
PRATISHTHA MAHOTSAV AT SAN JOSE
First of its kind Pratishtha Mahotsav in the entire North America
Pratimäjis with AnjanShalaka - Prän Pratishthä
The Jain Center of Northern California (JCNC) is holding a grand Pratishtha Mahotsav (festival) over a 4-day period from Friday August 4 to Monday August 7, 2000 to celebrate momentous event in our lives. The JCNC is planning a splendid Mahotsav consisting of cultural program, Raas-Garba, Rath Yatra/Procession, religious discourses, and most importantly sacred traditional pujas and rituals associated with the opening of a Jain Temple. The Pratishtha Mahotsav will be conducted under the spiritual guidance of Muni JinChandraji and BhattarakjiDevendrakeertiji. Also, the prominent religious leaders, Muni Roopchandji, Acharya Chandanaji, Gurudev Chitrabhanu and many others will grace the ceremony. Narendra Nandu, Manoj Kumar Haran and Parasbhai Jain will help conduct the ceremonies. JCNC expects all of our monks, scholars, and religious dignitaries who regularly visit the USA, to participate in the Pratishtha Mahotsav. In addition, over 3500 people including large contingent of people from Southern California, other US states, Canada and India are expected to participate in the Pratishtha Mahotsav.
First of its kind temple: This will be the first of its kind temple in the entire North America to have Pratimäjis with AnjanShalaka -Prän Pratishthä, temple integrating all Jain sects under one roof and the Temple on the Internet, reflecting progressive lifestyle of the high tech, silicon valley. The Temple will allow Darshan from around the world with a live broadcast of the lectures, pujas, and other such activities. A 24,000 square feet, 2 story structure sits on 1.7 acre lot in the heart of Milpitas city about 60 miles from San Francisco. The 17,800 sq. ft. first floor houses a community center and 6,200 sq. ft 2nd floor is exclusively for a temple. The temple is designed uniquely in accordance with the Jain Vastu Shashtra and architecture.
The main gabhara of the temple has pratimas of seven Tirthankars, including Mulnayak pratimas of Shri Adinath, three digamber pratimas of Shri Mahavir, Shri Shantinath, Shri Chandraprabhu and three swetamber pratimas of Shri Parshvanath, Shri Vasupujya and Shri Munisuvrat. The Gomati has pratimaji of all 24 thirthankars alternating with and without chakshus.
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The rangmandap includes pratimaji of Shri Simandharswami, Guru Shri Gautamswami and Shri Bahubaliji, Padmavati Devi, Mahalaxmi Devi, Saraswati Devi, Ambika Devi and Chakreshwari Devi, Ghantakaran Dev, Dharnendra Dev, Nakoda Bhairav Dev and Manibhadra Dev.
The Bhakti Room includes a Namokar Maha Mantra shila, Pratima of Shrimad Rajchandraji and chitrapats of Shrimad Rajchandraji, Shri Prabhushriji and Shri Brahmchariji.
The 18,000 sq. ft first floor will house a multi-purpose Community Center for educational, social, cultural and religious activities. The center will organize youth programs and house stateof-the-art Internet center that will bring the world together. The center includes large auditorium, classrooms, Internet center, library of Jain literature, Meditation room, museum for artifacts, audio-video room, a modern kitchen, a dining hall, a childcare area, and gift shop.
From the Jain Bhawan, JCNC plans to provide organized lectures, seminars, and forums on topics of community interests and also facilitate intergenerational dialogue. It will organize joint programs with local community organizations such as colleges, businesses and services. The Center will also organize community activities such as medical fairs, family help, youth counseling, scholarships and senior citizen specific activities.
JAIN CENTER OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
The Jain Center of Northern California is an unique organization, incorporating the innovative and progressive living style of over 600 families in the Silicon Valley.
JCNC organizes year-around social, cultural and religious activities for the benefit of its members. Over the past five years the JCNC has held many trend-setting events such as a Jaina Convention of religious scholars hosting over 3000 people from all over the world, a Convention for over 600 Young Jains between the ages of 14 and 30 years from all over the world, camps for youth and adults, and activities for young Jains of America and Bay Area Jain Association for working professionals.
Additional information on the Jain Center of Northern California and Jainism is available on the Internet via the World Wide Web at: http://www.jcnc.org.
Dr. Parveen Jain 408-559-6987 Jitendra B. Shah 408-729-7916 Jay Kamdar 408-343-1177

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REGIONAL NEWS..
CANADA
and staff, Fasting, Holy Days and Celebra- Edmonton, AL
tions and Curriculum. There are many good Dr. Mahendra Mehta, Regional Editor suggestions such as initiating Heritage
On April 16, Jain Society of Alberta celMonth to teach all children about Indian
ebrated Mahavir Jayanti and Pratistha CerToronto, ON Civilization, Music, Visual and Dramatic
emony of Shree Padamavati Devi before a At the biennial elections of our Society for Arts in regular curriculum etc.
crowd of over 500 people. Entire cost of 2000. the members elected a new execu- Youth Activities: Much of the temple's ac- bringing the Murti by air from India and tive for the period 2000-2002. Lataben tivities over the past few months have been the construction of Temple for the installaChampsee is our new President and she youth oriented.On November 28, a youth tion of the Murti was borne by the Jain brings with her a great wealth of experience. forum was held in regards to issues concern
Community of Alberta. The ceremony beThe Vice President Pankaj Bhavsar hasing the Jain youth and the derasar. The fo
gan with a Yatra and was received in the proven his mettle in last administration. The rum was attended by about 100 people, and
Temple by the President of the Hindu SoGeneral Secretary Ashwin Vora has been created much needed debate within the
ciety of Alberta and his wife. It was received President of Jain Social Group for many temple. The four topics discussed were: The at the Ceremonial Stage by the 2 Priests - years. The Treasurer Hasmukh Batavia is a need for a new Jain temple, the role of rituals Pandit Shiv Shanker Dwevidi and Shree well-respected hard working individual in the temple, Ghee Boli, and Our role in the Sushil Kumar Kalia who conducted the The other Committee members include surrounding community. The youth and Pratistha Ceremony. It is a tribute to the JayshreeShanghavi(Pathshala & Library), adults in attendance were split into four entire Lin Families of Alberta who worked RupalDoshi (Cultural Programs), HansaPatel breakout sessions, and each group discussed
so hard to make this last Jain Pratistha a (Food) Sushmita Mehta (Women's&Seniors one of the four topics. After the session, the
special and a moving occasion. activities), Chetan Mehta (Youth) Tushar main solutions discussed were forwarded to
Jain Society of Alberta participated in 2 Mehta (Membership) PrabhulalMehta(Guest the executive committee of the JSOT for
Interfaith Prayer Services held at the City Lecturers) and Kirit Mehta(Picnics& food). discussion and consideration. Also, on
Hall and Grant MacEwan College to mark Dr. Chandrakant Shah, a member of Jain January 16h, the youth held the first ever
the UN International Day for the eliminaSociety of Toronto, has been elected to the English Snatra Pooja. About 200 people,
tion of Racialism. The participants at this University of Toronto's governing council including 20-25 world religion students
ceremony were Jasvant Mehta and Mona for a 3-year term, starting July 1, 2000. This from the University of lowa, attended the
Patel and her daughter Alisha Patel. is one more feather in his career. Toronto event. The event proved to be a huge sucJains are proud of his achievements. cess, as many youth for the first time unMs. Vellely of the Center of Study of Reli
derstood the true meaning of the Snatra gion, University of Toronto is conducting
SOUTHWEST Pooja. a 'Socio-Religious Study of Jains of Greater INTERNATIONAL MAHAVIR JAIN Jadavji Kenia, Regional Editor Toronto'. Jain teachings have had a pro- MISSION OF CANADA: found influence on her life and also in her The IMJMC will celebrate Bhagwan choice of her academic career. The study Adinath Nirvan Mahotsava and Acharya Houston, TX seeks to learn various challenges facing first Sushil Kumarji's birthday at the Jain Cen
Jain Society of Houston celebrated Mahavir and second generation Jains and the degree ter on Sunday June 11, 2000 at 3 pm.
Jayanti on April 16, 2000. Two of the to which Jain ethics are observed and trans- Amrendra Muniji and Manek Muniji will
Samanijis gave a beautiful lecture on mitted in this new environment. Her re- speak as well as Consul-General of India.
Bhagwan Mahavir. Then the Pathshala chil
B search will help in raising awareness about This year's Arhum Yoga Camp for children dren ages 5 to 13 provided a great religious Jain community among the wider Canadian starts on August 5, 2000 at 2pm. and runs program. Afterwards we had a Sangh society. We hope to publish the results in until Friday August 11,2000 at 3pm. It is Jaman. Following are the new executive Jain Digest in the future. being held at the Mansfield Outdoor Cen
members for the new term: Kishor Doshi, Interfaith News: Prakash Mody has made ter, Airport Road, Mansfield, Ontario. For litendra Shah, Bharat Shah, Bhupesh Sheth, an excellent detailed submission on the sub- more information, call J.K.Jain at 905-469- Preyna Shah and Kantibhai Shah. Two new ject of "Religious Accommodation Guide 8869.
Trustees are: Navin Shah and Pravin Mehta. lines (Jain Faith)" to the Toronto District The Adult Retreat in Niagara Falls will be JSH contact is Parimal Desai at 281-859School Board. It has details on subjects such held July 22-23, 2000 at the Loretto Cen- 3661 Perry. Desai@Jacobs.com until the as Dietary Requirements for Jain students ter in Niagara Falls. For more information, ne
contact Harish Jain at 905-525-5651. 8/ JAIN DIGEST. SUMMER 2000 2010_02

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REGIONAL NEWS (continued)
DALLAS, TX
Mahavir Jayanti was celebrated on April 16,
2000 at the Jain Center in Richardson, TX. Program began with Snatra Pooja. After Bhavna, Pathshala children presented their program. Young group sang Jain songs including Namokar Mantra. The second group presented 'Jain-pardy' game, which was very informational even for adults. The third group presented a 'Birthday party' given to Mahavir by his contemporaries such as his parents, Indra, Gautam Swami, Chandanbala,the shepherd, ChandKaushik, etc. highlighting their connection with Mahavir. It was well received by adults and guests from the Swami Narayan Sanstha.
About 17 members of the Jain Youth Group (of JSNT) participated in a Jain Picnic sponsored by the Houston Jain Fellowship (youth) Group at the Martin Creek Lake Park in East Texas during the Easter weekend. Besides having fun, they also expanded Tulsa, OK their Jainism know-how through Jain games and group discussion. As usual the JSNT is contributing a substantial amount for each participating youth at upcoming YJA convention at Los Angeles. Weekly programs at the Jain Society of North Texas include two Swadhyay sessions alternate Poojas, Pathshala classes, etc. Suresh Jain and Kirit Daftary lead discussions during the monthly general meeting. JSNT contact is our president Kirit Daftary (a Waco, TX resident) at 254/776-4209. netrat@att.net. Web page for the JSNT is www.dfwjains.org.
Phoenix, AZ
Mahavir Jayanti was celebrated on April 16, 2000 from 2:30pm to 7pm at Griffith Elementary school. The program was a great success. It consisted of variety of items, such as Stavans by Pathshala students, songs by Jain Band, two Garbas: one by young girls
and the other by adult ladies, importance of Mahavir Jayanti by Gamanbhai Shah, three wonderful dramas, aarti and mangal divo. It was followed by a very pleasant din
ner.
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The dramas: 'Munchkins' by the youngest Pathshala group was organized by talented Mital Gosalia, 'Chandanbala' by Pathshala middle group organized by versatile Varsha Shah, and 'Jainism in the 21st century' by young and adults Pathshala group organized by local Jain scholar Dr. Kirit Gosalia. A very talented and helpful Ushma Bavishi handled stage decorations and settings for the dramas. All the participants and the event organizers deserve a pat on their backs. The Jain Center appreciates all the help and hard work put forth by the coordinators and thanks everyone for attending. The atten
dance was the highest we ever had. Contact Los Angeles, CA for JCGP is Bhakti Gosalia at (623) 5612148, email: jain phoenix@hotmail.com.
Our new board of trustees for Tulsa Jain Sangh has been working hard for our dream of 5650 Sq. Ft building consisting of Derasar, Pathshala rooms and an assembly hall. We received our building permit in February and have had our Bhoomi Poojan, which was done on Mahavir Jayanti day April 16, 2000. We had a gathering of 150 people from Tulsa and Oklahoma City and we raised over $30,000 during this event. We also have received $125,000 (no-interest) bridge loan towards our budgeted $500,000 amount for the entire project.. Our goal is to have the building ready and have PRATISTHA between 15th of July and 15th of August in 2001. We also had a Varshi Tap Parna for our trustee and committee member Reena Sheth. Congratulations to Reenaben are well deserved for the Tap inspite of many responsibilities she has.
As
a community project, the Sangh has started a program to feed the homeless once a month on a trial basis. Varsha Shah,
Reshma Shah and Reena Sheth sponsored the April feeding on the 20th. Their hard work made it possible to feed around 150 homeless people the American Jain food consisting of vegetables, rice, bread and at dessert. Thanks for their kindness. Among the dignitaries this summer we will have Sunandaben Vohora in July and

Samanji in August. For any information about our Derasar, Sangh or the dignitaries, please contact TJS president Mukesh J. Shah at (918) 299-2873 or E-mail at: mukesh@galaxy-1.com
WEST
Chandrakant Parekh, Regional Editor
Professor Padmanabh Jaini, a well known Jain scholar from Berkeley, was the guest speaker at the Mahavir Janam Kalyanak celebration on April 16. The event also included a children's program, recognition of the outgoing committee members, and introduction of the new committee members. The Annual Medical Camp, jointly sponsored with the Los Angeles Jain Social Group, organized on April 30 had two unique aspects to it this year. First, following an advertisement placed in the local newspaper inviting residents of the City of Buena Park to take advantage of this free event, several local families showed up to consult with over 40 physicians, dentists, pharmacists, and other health specialists. Second, the Mayor, an ex-Mayor and all the Council Members of the City of Buena Park attended the event for the first time and
each one of them was presented with a plaque and a decorated coconut. While addressing the attendees, the Mayor and each of the Council Member expressed an
amazement at the extent of the involvement of the Jain Community in outreach programs at the local, national and international levels. Having given their unanimous
JAIN DIGEST SUMMER 2000/9

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REGIONAL NEWS (continued)
Jain Center of Greater Sacramento, please approval to the development of the new Jain A dedicated team of volunteers led by Dr. contact Manoj Desai at 916/791-4111 Bhavan complex, they encouraged the Jain Parveen Jain is working very hard to com- email: m.desai@pbnec.com. Community to complete the project plete the construction of the Jain Bhawan quickly and they look forward to being in- by July. The Pratishtha Mahotsav is sched
e Pratishthä Mahotsav is sched- San Diego, CA vited for the opening ceremonies. uled for August 4-10. Nearly 4,000 people Next phase of the project to select various are expected to attend this memorable consultants and prepare detailed construc- event. This Jain Bhawan will be the first
be the first Diego (JSSD) include - Kishor Mehta, tion drawings is underway. Jain Temple in the North America to have
Suresh Mehta, Asha Kuchharia and Harsh The 99th Punyatithi of Shrimad Rajchandra
Pratimäjis with Prän Pratishthä, uniting all Sangani as Committee Members: Praful was celebrated with a bhakti bhavna on
the Jains under one roof - Doshi, Ashok Shah, and Rohak Vora as April 24. Samaniji Madhurprajna and
Shwetambar, Digambar, Sthänakwäsı, Trustees: Kokila Doshi as JAINA and
Teräpanthi and the inspired ones by Samaniji Jayantprabha delivered lectures at
Jainshala Director; Parul Kothari, Smita the center on April 26-27. Subhashbhai
Shrimad Rajchandraji. JCNC members Shah and Asha Kuchharia as Jainshala volSheth, a Jain scholar who has extensively have set an Akhand lap Aradhana goal of unteers; and Narendra Sheth as Jiv Daya studied the scriptures by Acharya Shri Kund
accomplishing 2501 Tapascharyä by the Director. Mahavir Jayanti celebrated on Kund Swami, Shrimad Rajchandra and
time of the Pratishtha Mahotsav. Nearly April 16 included stavans by Paresh Shah, other Jain Acharyas, presented a discussion 2200 Tapascharyä have already been com- skitson
skits on Jiv Daya by Jainshala kids, and a on Atmathirta and Mithyatva on May 15. pleted and five members are performing Swami Vatsalya dinner. About 15 pe 16. A slide show entitled "India Unveiled" Varsitap.
participated in a camp led by Samanijis was presented by Robert Arnett on May JCNC regularly conducts Bhavnä and from April 20-22 in Riverside. JSSD was 21.Details of various activities and events Namokar Maha Mantra Jäp every month. successful in raising nearly $7,000 for are available at www.jainbhavan.com For Pathshälä classes for children, youths and drought relief in India. Regular activities information, pleasecontact Sumatibhai
adults caught by trained teachers are held include - Navangi Puja at Shri Mandir evShah, JCSC President562-926-4075 two times a month. Especially developed ery Saturday, a monthly Jainshala, and a email:sumatil@hotmail.com.
Pathshala education material is accessible monthly Jain adult class. For information, on JCNC's website. Bay Area Jain Ameri- contact Kokila Doshi at 8587679
cans (BAJA) members are involved in a num- San Francisco, CA
7645mail:kdoshi@ acusd.edu. ber of the Jain Bhawan committee sincluding
construction, fundraising, and the coordinaMahavir Janma Kalyänak celebrated by the tion committees. Jain Center of Northern California (JCNC)
SOUTHEAST Details of the progress of the Jain Bhawan on April 22 was graced by Gurudev as well as information about the regular
Surendra Shah, Regional Editor Chitrabhanuji. Following his inspirational
activities and upcoming events are available discourse and encouragement, nearly $1.4
at www.jcnc.org website. For additional Atlanta, GA million dollars were pledged for the Jain
information, please contact Jitendra B. Bhawan project. A progress report on the
Shah, JCNC President, at 408/729-7916 Lain Society of Greater Atlanta (Atlanta. construction of the Jain Bhawan included
or Harendra Shah at 510/651-5284. information about the Prän Pratishtha and
Georgia)Gurudev Chitrabhanuji visited At
lanta from April 14th to April 19th. Anjan Shaläkä сeremonies performed in India. The auspicious Prän Pratishthä Pujä
Shilaropan for the JainCenter was con
ducted in presence of large and enthusiasof Mahavir Swami Pratimäji was performed Sacramento, CA
tic Jain and community members. A conby Acharya Vardhamansagarji in Jaipur, India on February 6-10. In parallel, JCNC
Samaniji Mangal Prabha and tribution of $40,000 was collected on this held Bhavna, Bhakti and Jäp here in the Samaniji Sharda Prabha from Ladnau, In- occasion. Mahavir Jayanti was celebrated Bay Area. The auspicious Anjan Shaläkä dia will be in Sacramento from late July to Sunday April 16th. Cultural program of Pujä of Mulnayak Adinath and Parsvanath mid September. A Jain Shibir is being plays, dance and music illustrating the life Pratimäjis was performed by Acharya planned at Sausalito near Golden Gate of Mahavirwami and Jain philosophy were Padmasagarji in Pune, India on April 13-17. Bridge, San Francisco, from September 8- presented by the youth. Followed by lec
10. For further information about the camp ture of Gurudev and with dinner sponsored
and other regular activities organized by the 10 / JAIN DIGEST SUMMER 2000 2010_02

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REGIONAL NEWS (continued)
by families of Jayu and Ramesh Momaya
NORTHEAST and Chetna and Kirit Malbari.
Dinesh Chheda, Regional Editor Cincinnati | Dayton, OH MIDWEST Manubhai Doshi, Regional Editor
On December 31, 1999, the In- Essex fells, NJ terfaith Group consisting of 8 religions including Jainism, celebrated the world
peace by ringing a 66,000-lb. bell. Our Chicago, IL
More than 12 members celebrated center presented Maitri Bhavnu song,
Aayambil Oli by doing Aayambil on all nine speech on Ahimsa by Dr. Singhvi and Mahavir Jayanti was celebrated on April dance in colorful costumes in front of more
days. A Samuh Aayambil was held at 16th A declension contest for the students than thousand people gathered in Newport,
Derasar on April 15 and over 100 people was organized on that occasion. Following KY. Thanks to our member, Mr. Vir Singh
participated in Aayambil.Mahavir Jayanti subjects were assigned to the different age Jain for coordinating the project.
was celebrated on April 16 with Snatra
Pooja in the morning followed by Cultural groups as shown below.
In January - February 2000, Drs.
Program. More than 160 children took part Age group 10-13 What is the contri- Balbhadra & Singhvi presented a one credit
in various programs depicting Jain Philosobution of JSMC and Pathshala in my life? hour course on Jainism & Non-violence at
phy and principles. Monthly Pooja, Samuh How can I help the cause of Jainism and the University of Dayton. This 5-week
Samayik and Pathshala classes at two locathe JSMC? course was offered for the third time.
tions are continuing with very good re14-19 It is the year 2025. What is my On April 16, the center celebrated
sponse from members. Regular Swadhaya role to my family, society and the world? Mahavir Jayanti. Mr. Pravin Bhai Shah spoke
classes are held on Friday evenings and they 19 and up What is the relevance of Lord on Shrimad Rajchandra's life and teachings.
are given by local Jain Scholars. For further Mahavir's preaching in the 21" century? He also explained Lord Mahavir's last ser
information call Shri Diwakar Shah at 90835 students spoke on that occasion. 20 of mon from Uttradhyan Sutra.
754-0891. them belonged to the first age group, 9 to
On May 6, 38 members of Mahavir the second and 6 to the third. The contest
Mahila Mandal from Chicago came to our New York, NY was witnessed by more than 1000 members.
center and participated in Adi Jin Panchkalyanak Pooja, sponsored by Mrs.
Jain Center of America celebrated Lord Ramila Shah of Cincinnati. Our member, Milwaukee, IL Mrs. Malati Shah did parna for her second
Mahavira's 2598 birthday on April 23,
2000. More than 1500 sadharmik brothers Mahavir Jayanti celebration was organized Varshitap.
and sisters joined the celebration. Chief on April 16th by Jain Social Group.
On May 20, the center is co-spon
Guest Dr. Mahendra Pandya, President Manubhai Doshi was invited to give a talk soring a one-day workshop on Helping
JAINA, greeted all during his speech for this on this occasion. He spoke on 'Some vital Ch
Children & Youth Live Non-violently in Cincinnati, alongwith other religious groups.
auspicious celebration. More then 150 paraspects of Lord Mahavir's life, which are not well known' The talk was followed by a A vegetarian lunch will be served to all par
ticipants ranging from age 5 presented 11
cultural items related to Jainism. Many doquestion-answer session. ticipants at the workshop.
nors visited Bone Marrow booth conducted On June 18, our members Drs.
by Jasavat Shah of New Jersey. Other acSt. Louis Chandra & Mahendra Varia will officially
tivities : Shardaben Shah ( 4th Varshitap) announce a million dollar scholarship pro
and Bhaviniben Vakani ( 2nd Varshitap) did gram. Congratulations to the Varias for the Mahavir Jayanti was celebrated on April 16h
above tapaschrya for which parna ceremony generosity in the presence of Rajanibhai Shah of New
was conducted at Vakani's residence on
During Paryushan Parva, two Jersey. The subject of his talk was 'Lord
Akhatrij May 6, 2000. About 600 Samanji will be lecturing to our members Mahavir's Life and Message.
Sadharmik brothers & sisters joined this from August 28 to September 2. On
event. Gurudev Chitrabhanu was present Samvatsari Day, we will conduct in English
to congratulate the tapasvis. Pratikraman for youths and non-traditional Jains.
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COMMITTEE NEWS..
PILGRIMAGE COMMITTEE
MAHAVIR MEMORIAL COMMITTEE CELEBRATION OF 2600 YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF
LORD MAHAVIR IN THE YEAR 2001 Mahavir Jayanti Day on Friday, 6th April 2001 will be Lord Mahavir's 2600h birthday. Jains all over the world will celebrate this very important and historical event. JAINA plans to celebrate this rare event throughout the year 2001 with various activities listed below. For additional ideas or for taking active part any of the activities, please contact Dr. Manoj Dharamsi.
CELEBRATION THROUGHOUT 2001 . Throughout North America at all Jain Centers . Celebration at JAINA convention.
PUBLICATIONS: • 4-Page Brochure on Jain Religion (for free wide distribution). • Small booklet (20-30 pages) on Jain religion
Souvenir Issue of Jain Digest (and of other peri odicals) to be published in March, 2000 • Documentary/CD on Lord Mahavir / Jain religion (To be done in India ).
After the successful YATRA 2000 the Pilgrimage Committee of JAINA has been preparing for the next year's Yatra. Tentative plans for the the 2001 Yatra beginning in the third week of January are as follows: Will begin in Banaras (Birth Place of Shree Parswanath). We will visit Tirthdhams of Bihar - Pavapuri(Nirvan Bhoomi of Lord Mahavir), Samet Sikhar (Nirvanbhoomi of 20 Teerthankars), Kundalpur, Rajgir, Rujubalika Tirth (Keval Gyan Bhoomi of Lord Mahavir) Nalanda and nearby Tirths. As in 1998, Acharya Chandanaji has once again extended us the invitation to stay at Veerayatan and we will be attending celebration at Veerayatan on January 26th. From Calcutta, we will fly to the south to visit Tirthdhams of Karnataka (Sravan Belgola, Mood Bidri, Dharamsala and Banglore). The President of JAINA has contacted Bhattrakji and we have been promised all the help we need. Our last stop will be Kulpakji near Hydrabad.
Registration for this 15 day yatra will begin in August. More information will appear in the fall issue of JAIN DIGEST and registration forms will also be sent to your local Sangh. Early reg. istration is recommended, as number of available seats is limited.
Dilip V. Shah, Chairman, Pilgrimage Committee phone 215-561-0581 fax 215-567-3146 email:Dilipvshah@aol.com
PUBLICITY OF JAIN RELIGION (Jainism is not known to most of the people in North America. Also, it is widely misunderstood as a part of Hindu religion): • Through TV/Radio/Newspapers . Free distribution of Jain brochure, CDs and Jain books
to schools, libraries, etc. • Through Internet . Through Interfaith Organizations • Memorial Postage Stamp in Canada
RECOGNITION BY GOVERNMENT / UNO • Proclamation by President / Secretary General of UNO • Resolution by Federal/State Congresses • Jain Prayers at the Federal/State Congresse Assemblies
SEMINARS ON JAIN PRINCIPLES ESSAY COMPETITIONS
MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE Membership Committee has played a vital role in the growth and development of JAINA and its activities. It is the goal of the Membership Committee to increase the strength of JAINA.
All across North America several small Jain groups are operating but only limited to local level. We have identified such groups, contacted the key individuals, and explained the benefits of becoming member center, also apprising them of the requirements to become a member. In spite of some complexity of relationship when the Jain group is part of a larger Hindu group, we have been able achieve successful results.
We have recognized the need for simplified application process, and developed a simple format that is easy to understand and that will expedite the process to a great extent. We are assisting the small Jain groups to become an Associate Member. For any questions, contact Kamlesh Shah, Chairperson Ph & fax: (301) 838-9778 / 13704 Valley Oak Circle, Rockville, MD 20850
SOUVENIR ITEMS: • Memorial Coins, Pins, Tea Shirts, Plaques, Letterheads with logos.
Dr. Manoj Dharamsi, Chairman, JAINA Mahavir Memorial Committee Phone: (703) 620-9837, Fax: (703) 620-6280 E-Mail: Manoj Dharamsi@juno.com
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COMMITTEE NEWS..
SWADHAYAY CAMP
JAINA is happy to announce that it will be holding four Swadhayay camps for the year 2000. They will be held at Dallas, TX and Siddhachalam and two other locations. The details are being worked out for other two, one in West Coast and one in Midwest or Northeast corridor. For more information, please contact Mr. Niraml Dosi at 732-390-0296 or Kirit Daftary at 254-776-4209.
North Texas Jain Society in Dallas, TX is hosting the first camp. The current site is still under consideration, but it would be less than 90 mile from Dallas, TX. Those who are flying in, they can be picked up from Airport, if necessary. This would be three day camp; the details are as follows: Dates: June 30-3rd July, 2000 Friday, June 30, 2000 Arrival at the Center Swadhayay
Saturday, July 1-3rd
Speaker:
Pandit Dhirajbhai Mehta
Cost: $99/person, based on Double Occupancy. This includes lodging and boarding. Capacity is limited to 100 people. So, if interested, please call with deposit to hold your place. Dhirajbhai Mehta is a well-known speaker on Karma Theory and others. He regularly teaches Sadhu Sadhvji in India, and is a regular speaker at major Jain Centers in US. So, if you want three days of concentrated learning and Swadhayay, then this is your opportunity. For more information, please contact:
Kirit Daftary, President, Jain Society of North Texas
3322 Woodalke Drive, Waco, TX 76706, Phone: 254-776-42091 E-mail: netrat@att.net
AHIMSA DAY CELEBRATION
All Jain Centers and Jain Societies in North America are requested to celebrate the Ahimsa Day on Sunday, October 1, 2000. At the Jaina convention in San Francisco in 1991, the Jaina Executive Committee decided to celebrate Ahimsa Day each year close to Mahatma Gandhi's birthday. The first Ahimsa Day celebration took place in October 1992 and many centers participated in the celebration.
The suggested activities for the celebration include: i) obtaining a proclamation from the city and state official, ii) issuing press release for local media explaining Jainism & Ahimsa principle, iii) organizing an essay competition among youths, iv) donating used items to needy people v) feeding homeless people, vi) inviting speakers to talk about non-violence and the like. If you need information, please contact Dr. Surendra Singhvi, chairperson of Ahimsa Day celebration at 937-885-7414.
WORLD COMMUNITY SERVICE
JAINA ADOPTS ORISSA VILLAGE 65 houses. Village will be named 'Mahavir Nagar.' Diwaliben M. Mehta Charitable Trust will supervise construction. JAINA had also sent a container of used clothes to Orissa immediately after the cyclone hit the area.
BUFFALO, NY: --WORLD COMMUNITY SERVICE of the Federation of Jain Associations in North America contributed $22,000 for the victims of Orissa cyclone during a dinner organized at the Hindu Cultural Society of Western New York, 1595 N. French Road, Amherst NY.
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Dr. Dhiraj Shah, immediate past president of JAINA presented a check to Shri Mafatlal Mehta, a well known philanthropist and chairman of Diwaliben Mohanlal Mehta Charitable Trust, who has played a major role in rebuilding the eastern coast of Orissa. As many as 50,000 people were killed and more than 100,000 homes were destroyed by a cyclone that hit the area. The $22,000 donation will be used to rebuild a small village of

For more information, please call Chairman Bachubhai Ajmera at 301-924-8070
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Shrimad Rajchandra
A GREAT SEER
Kavi Rajchandra was born in a place called Vavania in Kathiawar (Saurashtra). I came in touch with him in 1891, the day of my return from London, at P. J. Mehta's residence in Bombay. Kavi, as I used to call him, was closely related to Dr. Mehta. He was introduced to me as Shatavadhani i. e. one who can remember a hundred things at a time. Kavi was quite young at the time, not much older than I was then i. e. 21 years. He had however given up all public exhibition of his powers and was given up to purely religious pursuits. I was much struck by his simplicity and independence of judgment. He was free from all touch of blind orthodoxy. What struck me perhaps more was his combining business with religion in practice. A student of the philosophy of religion, he tried to practice what he believed. Himself a Jain, his tolerance of other creeds was remarkable. He had a chance of going to England for studies, but he would not go. He would not learn English. His schooling was quite elementary, but he was a genius. He knew Sanskrit, Magadhi, and I believe Pali also. He was a voracious reader of religious literature and had acquired through Gujarati sources a knowledge, enough for his purpose, of Islam, Christianity and Zorostrianism.
Mahatma Gandhi
Such was the man who captivated my heart in religious matters as no other man has till now. I have said elsewhere that in molding my inner life Tolstoy and Ruskin contends with Kavi. But Kavi's influence was undoubtedly deeper, only because I had come in close personal touch with him. His judgment appealed
Age 24
to my moral sense in the vast majority of cases. The bedrock of his faith was unquestionably Ahinsa. His Ahinsa was not the crude type we witness today among its so called votaries who confine their attention merely to the saving of aged cattle and insect life. His Ahinsa, if it included the tiniest insect, also covered the whole of humanity.
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Yet I never could regard Kavi as a perfect man. But of all the men I knew, he appeared to me to be nearer perfection than the rest. Alas! he died all too young, when he felt that he was surely to see truth face to face. He has left many worshippers but not as many followers. His writings, largely consisting of soulful letters to inquirers, have been collected and published.
God is Atman, free from. all bonds of KARMA. Atman, in its pristine state, is pure consciousness, total intelligence, all-strength, all-knowledge. There is no First Cause mightier than or exterior to the Atman in its pure, pristine state.
Both the Atman and the Universe are eternal-without beginning and without end. My reason cannot envisage either. final extinction or permanent liberation of all Atatans nor dissolution, in the sense of utter annihilation, of the entire Cosmos. Both Cosmos and the Atmans are in a perpetual stttte of flux, and will endure for all time.
Shrimad Rajchandra's reply to Mahatma Gandhi's question translated by Pyarelalji

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SONG OF SPIRITUAL ELEVATION (Apoorva Avasar with translation and explanation)
The purpose of spiritual pursuit is to attain liberation. For that purpose one has to eradicate the bondage of Karma. The major Jain thrust in that connection is on overcoming the delusion and mental defilements. The success in that direction gives the measurement of one's spiritual elevation. The stages of such elevation are bound to differ from person to person. Jainism lays down 14 stages which represent 14 rungs on the ladder of elevation. The first three rungs pertain to the state of wrong perception and are not representative of the spiritual progress. The elevation starts from the 4th stage which is known as Samyaktva or right perception.
Manu Doshi, Chicago, IL
Prior to attaining the 4th stage, one has to pass through two sub-stages known as Yathäpravruttikaran and Anivruttikaran. The former represents the state of wrong perception, but with the possibility to go to the next sub-stage. If one does go ahead, he reaches the stage of Anivruttikaran, which means not to turn back. That represents the aspirant's firmness to reach the 4th stage. So long as he does not reach that stage, he continues to strive and does not rest until he gains it. When the aspirant reaches that stage, he would aspire to climb the ladder of elevation as quickly as possible. That aspiration is graphically presented in this song.
1) When shall that unprecedented occasion arise, when we get externally and internally unattached and by breaking the acute ties of all connections we can proceed on the path laid down by great entities? When?
(The unprecedented occasion, that is aspired here, represents the state, between the above mentioned sub-stages of Yathäpravruttikaran and Anivruttikaran. Since the worldly soul has never reached that state earlier, it is mentioned here as unprecedented. After reaching that state, the aspirant tries to be free from all the external as well as internal attachments. Attachment for the body, relatives, possessions etc. constitutes the external attachment, while holding wrong beliefs, indulging in craving, aversion etc. constitute the internal attachment. The spiritual aspirant needs to get rid of all such attachments as well as all types of the worldly entanglements so as to proceed on the path laid down by Tirthankars and other great entities.)
2) Adopting unimpassioned attitude towards all situations, we may be holding the body only for the sake of restraint without the slightest attachment for the body and aspire for nothing else on any other account.
When?
(All types of attitudes and inclinations, good as well as bad, lead to bondage and are to be given up. The spiritual aspirant would not long for any favorable or unfavorable situations and if he gets them, he would not develop craving or aversion for the same. Since the embodiment is the outcome of Karma, he would not have attachment for the body and would use it only as a means for realizing the soul. The endeavor for such realization itself constitutes the true restraint. He would not long for anything else on any other account. His sole objective would be to gain liberation.)
3) With enlightenment arising from overcoming of deluding perception, we may stay aware of the pure consciousness as distinct When? from the body and witness the diminishing delusive activity by the prevailing awareness of the pure Self.
(Delusive Karma is of two types; one pertains to perception and the other to conduct. The former can be overcome by getting the true guidance. Such overcoming leads to gaining the right perception. Thereby the aspirant realizes that he is soul, which is different and distinct from the body. He therefore no longer remains attached to the physical well being or bodily care. By virtue of that, the existing Karmas, that prompt towards the wrong activities, lose their strength. The very backbone of such Karma is broken and it can be noticed that they are continually losing ground.)
4) Reducing the mental, verbal and physical activities to the minimal level, we may maintain self-awareness during the remaining life and not lose it even in times of great distress or infliction of terrible pain. When?
(Jainism lays down observance of three Gupties which denote restraining the activities of mind, speech and body so as to remain self-oriented. The observation of these Gupties and of the Samities, that are referred to in the next stanza, are primarily laid down for monks and nuns, who are at the 6th or 7th stage. They can, however, be partially observed by the householders. The aspirant therefore prays for remaining so tuned to Self, that his self-awareness is not disturbed, even if he comes across too much distress or pain.)
(5) Subjecting all activities towards restraint, we may remain soul oriented and in tune with precepts of the omniscient and that too in continually diminishing proportion so as to ultimately get absorbed within the Self. When?
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(When one cannot completely restrain the above mentioned three activities, the omniscient have laid down to undertake such activities with utmost vigilance so that the spiritual objective is not lost sight of. Such vigilance is called Samiti. Jainism lays down following five Samities for that purpose. 1) Iryä Samiti: While making any movement, one should remain careful not to hurt or disturb even the minute beings. 2) Bhäshä Samiti: While speaking one should be careful to speak truth in a way that it does not hurt the
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SONG OF SPIRITUAL ELEVATION (continued)
sentiments of any one. 3) Eshana Samiti: Food, clothes and other essential needs of life should be procured in a way that involves minimum possible violence. 4) Ädän Bhandamatta Nikkhevanä Samiti: Ädän refers to taking some thing, Bhandamatta to pots and other articles, Nikkhevanä to placing. As such, this Samiti lays down careful vigilance in taking placing or moving any thing so that the insects lying on such article or at that place are not hurt or disturbed. 5) Parishthäpanika Samiti: This pertains to careful disposal of urine, stool, garbage etc. One should be careful not to hurt any being while disposing them off)
6) Without craving or aversion for five sense objects and avoiding the mental distraction arising from the fivefold indolence, we may move about as ordained, but lust free and without any impact of substance, space, time or mode.
When? (Spiritual pursuit involves control over the five senses of sound, sight, smell, taste and touch. When a sense organ comes in contact with any object of that sense, it comes to know about the nature of that object. What normally happens, however, is that instead of remaining simply aware of that, the mind reacts to it with craving or aversion. If it likes the object, it craves to remain in its contact and if it does not like the object, it tries to avert the same. Such craving or aversion is the root cause of Karma and leads to distraction of mind which is known as Pramäd or indolence.
Depending upon the source, Pramäd is of five types that arise from 1) attachment to sense objects, 2) indulgence in defilement, 3) sleep, 4) attachment to some one and 5) gossiping. This stanza calls for avoiding all types of indolence and to accept the situations that occur from time to time without indulging in craving or aversion for any of them. That would be helpful in maintaining the Selforientation.)
7) There may prevail provocative disposition towards anger, humility towards arrogance, unconcern towards concernment and non-covetousness towards greediness. When?
(The 5th and 6th stages of elevation are mainly meant for overcoming the defilement. Krodh (Anger), Män (Arrogance), Mäyä (This term is used here in the sense being concerned.) and Lobh (Greediness) are the four types of defilement, which are hard to be overcome. Shrimad indicates a simple way to overcome them. He states that if you cannot stay without being provoked, show your provocation towards the anger; if you want to be proud, be proud of gentleness; if you need to be concerned, be concerned for remaining unconcerned and if you have to be greedy, be greedy of covetousness, which means don't be covetous.]
8) There may prevail no wrath even towards those who inflict acute pain, no vanity even if an emperor bows down, no trace of concern even in case of loss of life and no coveting even in case of the highly treasured achievements.
When? (This stanza presents the state of aspirant who is moving from 6th to 7th stage. It Lays down how such an aspirant stays even in situations which are highly prone to arouse defilement. The circumstances may arise in which one may have to bear the intense pain; but he would not indulge in wrath or animosity towards the person inflicting that pain. By virtue of his spiritual development, even an emperor may be induced to bow to him; but the aspirant would not thereby feel elated and harbor vanity or arrogance. Circumstances may also arise, which would cause the loss of life; but the aspirant would not be concerned about it and would give up the body. The spiritual pursuit may lead to the immense accomplishments; but the aspirant would not be tempted to use that for his own ends or for other worldly purposes.)
9) Resorting to well known aspects of nudity, shaven head, non-bathing, non-brushing etc. and avoiding the hair dye, manicure and other make up, there may prevail the unattached state along with external and internal restraints.
When? (This stanza describes the disinclination of the spiritual aspirant towards the body. In order to avert attachment for that, he would better stay unclad and shaven headed. For the same purpose, it is laid down to avoid bath, tooth-brushing hair dye, manicure and other make up so as to enable him to observe external as well as internal restraints. Refraining from such activities amounts to the external restraint; while control over craving and aversion constitutes the internal restraint.
Here arises a point for consideration. Hairstyle, hair dye, manicure etc. are resorted to for making the body attractive and a spiritual aspirant needs to avoid the same. Bath and tooth-brushing are, however, undertaken for cleanliness, not for beautification. The body is prone to get unclean and the mouth to be sticky. It is therefore necessary to clean them. When it is acceptable to clean the pertinent parts of the body after toilet etc. it is hard to understand why bath and brushing need to be forbidden. Water is required for that, but it can be restricted to minimal level so as to avert unnecessary violence.)
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SONG OF SPIRITUAL ELEVATION (continued)
10) There may prevail equanimity towards friends or foes and for respect or disrespect; there may not be any concern for life or death and pure equanimity may continue to prevail irrespective of the embodied or the liberated state. When?
(The principal objective of every spiritual activity is to gain equanimity. In a way, the perfect equanimity itself amounts to liberation. As a spiritual aspirant continues to overcome defilement, he starts gaining equanimity. As such he stops perceiving any one as friend or foe and has equal regard for all. He also becomes indifferent to respect or disrespect. Whether he has a long life to live or has to court death immediately does not make any difference to him. Similarly he is not concerned whether he gains liberation now or has to remain embodied for a few births.
The last aspect may seem a bit intriguing. Since spiritual pursuit is undertaken for attaining liberation, how can one remain indifferent to that? It must, however, be remembered that liberation depends upon Karma in balance at the time of gaining right perception and the effort put in for eradicating the same. If the existing Karmas are mild, they can be easily eradicated. But there can be indelible Karmas that have to be borne, before they are extinguished. For that purpose one has to take birth. The aspirant therefore quietly bears the consequences of such Karmas and patiently waits for the time when he would attain the liberation.)
11) Moving lonely on cremation grounds or in the mountain ranges in the midst of tigers and lions, it may be possible to remain in steady posture without being mentally perturbed, as if we are in the company of the closest friends. When?
(Since the aspirant has overcome most of the defilements and can remain equanimous, he can afford to stay alone. In order to test his equanimity and friendship for all beings, he may like to stay even in desolate places like cremation grounds or within the mountain ranges which are infested with wild animals. Instead of feeling afraid of them, he would take them as close friends and have perfect amity for them.)
12) There may be no mental strain even from severe austerity and no sense of delight for delicious food; the particles of dust or prosperity of the highest gods may be viewed as mere lifeless objects having the same identical nature. When?
(In order to overcome the remaining indolence, the aspirant may observe severe austerities which may result in loss of physical energy, but he would not be concerned about that; nor would he feel the sense of delight, if he happens to get delicious food. He knows that no form or situation remains constant. As such, whether he comes across the particles of dust or heavenly prosperity, makes no difference to him.)
13) Thus vanquishing the conduct related delusion, I may reach the unprecedented state and then rising over the skipping ladder, may attain the unique contemplation of extremely pure nature. When?
(Since the time he overcame the perception related delusion, the endeavor of the aspirant was directed towards destroying the delusion pertaining to conduct. The observance of Samities, Gupties etc. and overcoming of the defilement are laid down for that purpose. Thereby, he succeeds in that endeavor and reaches the 8th stage known as Apurvakaran, which means the unprecedented. As the name signifies, that stage was never attained earlier. There are two ways of the rise thereafter. One is the way of pacification and the other is of elimination. The second can be resorted to by those who can remain tuned to the true nature. The aspirant wants to adopt that path and to quickly ascend the next two stages. Then skipping the 11th stage he would come close to the 12th stage.)
14) Thus, crossing over the mightiest sea of delusion, I may reach the state of elevation known as delusion-free state and attaining the total detachment at the end, may manifest the treasure of omniscience inherent in the Self. When?
(Overcoming of delusion amounts to crossing the mightiest ocean. Jain geography lays down stretches of land surrounded by seas and the seas surrounded by land. That series continues till the largest sea known as Swayambhuraman. The delusion is here compared with that unfathomable sea. By crossing it, the aspirant rises to the 12th stage known as Kshinamoh meaning the delusion free stage. Rest of the subtle perception obscuring and knowledge obscuring Karmas are destroyed there and soul attains the total detachment by the end of that stage. Thereby it manifests the omniscience which was lying latent within.)
15) By uprooting the four defiling Karmas and ultimately destroying the seed of embodiment, the entire modality stays tuned to knowledge, perception and purity and the soul stays gratified with its infinitely illuminating vigor. When?
(Omniscience is inherent in soul, but it cannot manifest so long as the soul stays under the impact of defiling Karma. The perception obscuring, knowledge obscuring, deluding and obstructive are the four defiling Karmas, which lead to the cycle of birth and death. Those Karmas are destroyed by the end of 12th stage. The omniscience is therefore manifested with the rise to the 13th stage, which is free from defiling Karmas. Thereafter soul has not to undertake new birth. Such entity, of course, stays alive for the remaining
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SONG OF SPIRITUAL ELEVATION(continued)
life span. But in absence of obscuring Karma, it experiences the infinite enlightenment and infinite perception; in absence of deluding Karma, it experiences the infinite purity; and in absence of obstructing Karma, it experiences the infinite vigor. It stays fully gratified with the manifestation of those attributes.)
16) With only the situation conferring and other non-defiling Karmas prevailing during the remaining life span, the body merely retains its shape like a burnt string of coir and no embodiment is warranted at the end of that life.
When? (The situation conferring, physique determining, life span giving and status determining are the four Karmas that prevail at that stage. Being non-defiling, they do not lead to new Karmas. The existence of such entity is therefore comparable to a string of coir which has been burnt. As such a string retains its shape in spite of being burnt, the omniscient entity also continues to live as long as the nondefiling Karmas are operative. Since such Karmas lapse at the end of the life span, the entity reaches the 14th stage of liberation.)
17) Getting free from mental, verbal and physical particles of Karma and from all connections with lifeless objects, there may prevail the highly graceful, blissful and totally unbound, unembodied state.
When? (The bliss of liberation cannot be described in words; one has to experience it. Since Shrimad had the glimpse of that, he describes it in this and the succeeding stanza. Mental, verbal and physical aspects arise as consequence of Karma. Since all Karmas stand destroyed, there is no contact with any of those aspects and the soul remains totally unembodied. There is thus no interaction of any Karma or of any other lifeless matter. It is free from any bondage and experiences its inherently graceful and blissful state.)
18) It's the state where there is no contact with a single particle; it is unadulterated, inoscillating, pure, immaculate, conscious incarnate, unique, unalterable, formless and natural state.
When? (Soul is inherently pure; but in the worldly state its purity is tainted and it remains unsteady on account of the interaction with particles of Karma. In the liberated state, there is no contact with any particle. As such, it is free from all impurities and is imbibed with unoscillating and spotless consciousness. That state is unique in the sense that it is not subject to any change or alteration. It is formless, natural and beyond description.)
19) By virtue of earlier thrust etc. such soul rises upward and settles in the abode of liberated. It stays in infinite absolute bliss that has beginning but no end and stays imbibed with infinite perception and infinite knowledge.
When? (The motion of such liberated soul is necessarily upward. The sacred books lay down four examples of such upward ascent. One is the continuing of the activity on account of thrust applied earlier. This can be exemplified by potter's wheel. The potter moves the wheel till it catches enough speed. Then he gives up, but the wheel continues to move for some time on account of the motive force applied to it. Another is the loss of weight. For instance, a muddy gourd vessel goes down the water on account of the burden of mud. But as the mud is removed by the impact of water, the vessel starts coming up. The third is castor seed. As the seed ripens, it forces itself upward of the pod. The fourth is the flame. A flame always points upward.
As the movement takes place in such cases without outside help, the liberated soul moves upward of its own in Dharmästikäy (an ether-like invisible catalyst for motion), till it reaches the abode of the liberated ones. There is no Dharmästikäy beyond that level. The soul therefore settles there and stays blissfully forever. That blissful state has thus a beginning, but no end. The soul abides there imbibed with infinite perception and infinite knowledge.)
20) That is the state which was perceived by the omniscient in their enlightenment but which even the Lords could not state in words. What can any one else state about that which can be known only by experiencing it?
(Such liberated state is beyond description. Even the Lords could not fully describe in words. It is said that only an infinitesimal part of what the Lords state, is held by their lieutenants, who are called Ganadhars; and infinitesimal part of what Ganadhars lay down, is grasped by their pupils. That shows the utter inability of others to describe the state of liberation. That state can be correctly known only by experiencing that.)
21) Rajchndraji states that he has conceived of attaining that state even though it is currently beyond the reach and hence only an aspiration; he is however, confident in his mind of reaching that state by the grace of the Lords
When? (The poem comes to the end with the aspiration of Shrimad to reach the state of liberation. He is aware that presently he is not able to gain it and therefore right now that aspiration merely amounts to an ambition. But he feels confident that by dedicating every thing to the devotion of the Lords, he would gain the required energy and thereby will attain the status of the Lords.)
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When?

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ATMASIDDHISHASTRA
Based on a request from Shri Lagurajswami, Shrimad Rajchandra wrote a letter popularly known as “Six Fundamental Steps of Soul". However, this letter describing six aspects of metaphysics of soul and matter was difficult for Shri Sobhagyabhai to memorize it at age 67.
Shrimadji composed this great epic, Atmasiddhi, 104 years ago in Nadiyad in one sitting in less than 90 minutes in Gujarati which was later translated in English by Shri Brhamchariji entitled "Self Realization". Shrimadji is one of the most prominent exponents of Jain metaphysics of modern time to miraculously condense the seventh Purva called "Atmapravad" in Atmasiddhi in only 142 verses. A serious student of Acharya Kundkund's Samaysar will truly appreciate Shrimadji's Atamsiddhi as a modern version of Samaysar with step wise guidance for every genuine disciple to follow the original path of Lord Mahavir for self realization in the modern times.
Each verse of Atmasiddhi contains enormous divine power to awaken each disciple. Before composing this divine scripture, Shrimadji describes his highest state of pure consciousness he had attained (letter # 680 of Vachnamrut) before composing the Atmasiddhishastra. As we study Atmasiddhi, we are amazed with Shrimadji's eminent mastery as a poet, as a higly self realized Master and a great Seer to condense the nector of all the fourteen Purvas in 142 verses. In fact, the first verse of Atmasiddhi summarizes the essence of Shrimadji's message which is then expanded in this scripture for absolute clarity:
Je svarupa samjya vina, pamyo dukh ananta;
Samjavyu te pad namu, shri Sadguru Bhagavanta (1) As real self I never knew, so suffered I eternal pain; I bow to Him my Master true, Who preached and broke eternal chain (1)
In the first verse, Shrimadji states the root cause of all the suffering and misery is our ignorance of self-knowledge. He expresses his deep sorrow for those who either follow the blind rituals or consider themselves scholars by memorizing scriptures without surrendering to a true teacher. Shrimadji has defined the characteristics of a false and a true disciple and that of a wrong and a right teacher which is most critical for spiritual progress. The author further warns us that in modern times people have forgotten the true spiritual path of Lord Mahavir and have become victims by following the unqualified teachers. Shrimadji quotes Lord Arihanta's guarantee that if one can melt away the ego and all pre-conceived notions about sects, dogmas, and misbeliefs, and surrenders to a self realized teacher, one will attain self realization in no time.
The first forty two verses of Atmasiddhi provide all the prerequisites for a disciple to meet before one can be worthy to study and experience the six fundamental steps of soul. Here we find Shrimadji as an eminent scientist describing the six steps of
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- Shrimad Rajchandra Compiled by Dr. Pravin L. Shah, Reading, PA
soul: Existence, continuity (ever lasting), doer and enjoyer of own Karma, liberation, and the process of liberation of soul.
In the first attribute of soul, Shrimadji defines soul having consciousness and blissfulness as its key property. Property of "always knowing" is only found in soul and not in matter including our body. Even though soul and body coexist, they are both completely separate from Jain metaphysics point of view as both are different elements.
In the second aspect of soul, the author describes our body taking birth and death cycles due to ignorance of self while soul is ever lasting and can not be reproduced. One can consider soul as life energy in form of pure consciousness. As a chemist, one can think of soul as an inert element like pure gold, never being af fected or attacked by the environment.
In the third aspect of soul, Shrimadji describes the most complex science of soul and Karmic matter in a very simplified manner. As long as the person is ignorant of self knowledge, soul is the doer of Karma and attracts Karmic matter based on good or bad emotions. As soon as one attains self realization, the inflow of new Karma does not take place and one begins the journey towards attaining the pure conscious state.
As forth aspect of soul, the author describes Atman as enjoyer of the fruits of karma acquired during ignorance state. One does not have to blame God for good or bad fortune since we are responsible for creating our own destiny. We find excellent summary of Karta-Karm chapter of Samaysar in Shrimadji's description of Atman as Karta and Bhogta, respectively steps three and four, described in Atmasiddhi.
When a person has attained perfect self realization, one can be called a liberated soul which is Moxa. This process of liberation of soul from Karma begins with self realization and fully liberated state is attained when all the Karmic matter is destroyed by the disciple. At this stage the soul becomes free from all the bondage of karma and attains the "Siddha" state as described by the author as step five.
The sixth step of soul describes how to attain the liberation or Moxa. Shrimadji gives us wonderful insight on how to destroy ones ignorance (Darshan Mohniya) by surrendering to a true master and to follow the teacher's advise unconditionally, and by getting rid of body-infatuation, one can break the bondage of Karma. This is the essence of true religion. In verse 117, Shrimadji gives us the master key for self realization:
Suddha Buddha chaitanyaghan, svayamjyoit sukhdham; Biju kahiye ketlu? Kara vichara to pama (117)
Pure consciousness are Thou, Ever Knowing, Eternal Bliss; Contemplate on this, and Realize your Pure Consciousness (117)

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USER FRIENDLY JAIN AGAMS
Dr. Pravin L. Shah, Reading, PA
The word Agam meas to come from. In Jainism, the term Mahavir that he had heard from the Lord and was able to write Agam is used to describe the scriptures composed by Gandharas them in the original words of Lord Mahavir. (disciples of Tirthankar) based on the sermons and teachings of
For example, In the first Agam text, Acharangsutra, there is Lord Mahavir, our last and the 24th Tirthankara. It is believed
this famous Sutra: that Shri Gautam Swami composed the twelve Agam Sutras based on the three great mantras he heard from Lord Mahavira which
AGNAE DHAMMO AGNAE TAVO describe the entire universe and the universal cosmos. These three Shrimad Rajchandra's writings are compiled in text that bear Mantras, known as Tripadi are: Utpad ( to create), Vyay (to de- his name as the title which contains more than 955 letters written stroy), and Dhruva (remains constant or never changing). Approxi- to four key disciples who all attained self realization. In this book, mately 2500 years ago, Lord Mahavir's teachings were compiled called Vachanamrut, letter number 194 states as follows: The enin Prakrit in 12 parts known as Agams or Dwadashangi. tire path of spiritual awareness starts with obeying the order of a
According to the Shewatambar tradition, only 11 Agam Sutras living master (Sadguru), and obedience to the master's teachings exit today while the last one, known as Drashtivad, has been lost leads a disciple to self knowledge and Moxa. over time. It is said that the last Agam Sutra, Drashtivad, con- We find a beautiful similarity in Shrimad's writings with ansisted of 14 Purvas, which do not exist today.
other text, Utradhayan Sutra. The Utradhayan Sutra consists of a According to the Digambar tradition, all of the twelve Agam chapter known as dialogue between Gautam Swamiand Keshi Sutras are considered lost. Instead, the writings of Kundkund Swami. When asked by Keshi Swami, How do you control your Acharya (e.g. Samaysar etc) are considered main Agam scriptures mind which always has a tendency to race like a horse? Gautam by the Digambar following today.
Swami replied, By confiding our mind in Lord Mahavir's Sutras, After Lord Mahavir, over the time span of 2500 years, Jainism I control my mind. On Vachanamrut page 688, such a dialogue is has been divided into many sects and sub sects leading to disputes presented
presented by Shrimad. When a disciple asks the Master what is the and confusion on the Agam Sutras. Every sect believes they are
essence of the 12 Agam Sutras, Shrimad replies. The essence of 12 right and others are wrong. Furthermore, since the original scrip- Agams is to control mind by discriminating between soul and tures were composed in Prakrit, they are very difficult to follow
matter. One may recall Patanjali's Yogshastra quoting the defini
matter. for a layman. Even though many authoritative texts have been
tion of Yoga as follows: composed by various Acharyas and sages during the last 2000 years,
Yogah chit vruti nirodhah most of them were written in Sanskrit or Prakrit which usually Similarly, we find reflections of Shrimad's words in present a problem in understanding to an average Jain disciple. Tatvarthsutra: Fortunately, in every recorded history of different religions,
Akagrachintanirodha Dhyanam great seers and saints take birth at a time when there is too much doubt and confusion about the teaching of the Lord. In Jain religion, we have been most obliged to such a great seer born in our In Acharang Sutra (first Agam scripture) Lord Mahavir says modern times. A highly self realized and enlightened seer was born the following about the importance of the self knowledge and how about 130 years ago in a small town in Saurastra called Vavania it leads to Kaval Gnan: who is known to Jains of all faiths today as Shrimad Rajchandra. In later stage of his life, when Shrimad was visiting mount
JE EGAM JANEI SO SAVAM JANEI, Idar, he told the king of Idar that on this mountain, he could see
JO SAVAM JANEI SO EGAM JANEI. and recall clearly the instances where Lord Mahavir and other
We find the reflection of this Sutra in Shrimad's letter numTirthankaras were present here. He further stated: Gautam Swami ber 631: Alf you know thyself, you will know the entire universe. and other disciples of Lord Mahavir attained Moxa at that time, The ultimate fruit of knowing the entire universe is to know your and one of Lord's disciple has taken birth in this time as Shrimad divine self. Rajchandra
One can also see a great deal of similarity in Umasvati's Shrimad had studied all the Jain and Hindu scriptures before "Tatvarthsutra and Shrimad's Mulmarag. When a disciple apage thirteen and composed his first great text, Moxmala in 3 days, proached Acharya Umasvati and asked, What is the real and which can be used as a text to study Jainism at any level. We find
original path to attain Moxa?, Umaswati composed the first numerous examples of his writings that remind us of the original
sutra of Tavatrthsutra : Agam Sutras. Shrimad was able to recall the teachings of Lord
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USER FRIENDLY JAIN AGAMS
SAMYAKDARSHANGNAN
In Utradhayayan Sutra, the first chapter is called Vinay meanCHARITRANI MOXMARGAH
ing respect to the teacher as a basic requirement for a disciple. Shriamd describes the importance of reverence and respect in stanza
20 in a very beautiful way. Another important Mantra of Lord When Shrimad was in Anand (near Baroda), he asked one of Mahov
Mahavir is cited in the Utradhyayan Sutra as follows: his disciples, Where are these people going today. The disciple said they are all going to the temple to bow to a monk who com
UPNANEN MUNI HOI pleted one month of fasting. Shrimad replied, A People have forgotten the true path of Lord Mahavir and are following a blind We find heart moving definition of a true master in stanza 34 faith. He then composed his famous poem, Mulmarg, on the same of Atmasiddhi: Sainthood is there where there is true self-knowlday which defines the meaning of the above Sutra in a great detail. edge.. (34)
Most poetic and lucid creation of Shrimad is Apurva Avsar In Atmasiddhi, we find ocean of depth if we begin to search. which describes 14 stages of self purification. We find a complete The six steps of Soul are summarized in this epic : Soul exits, it is condensation of Gomatsar scripture in this work of Shrimad. In eternal, it is a doer, it accepts bondage, receives the fruit, it can be fact Mahatma Gandhi who met Shrimad, was so impressed by free (Stanza 43). In Samaritarka, Acharya Siddhasen states that a this poem that it became regular prayer for bapuji. Gandhiji wrote genuine faith in these six steps of soul leads one to self realization. in his biography about Shrimad : I have learned the lessons of
Shriamd states the entire process of self realization by providing Ahimsa from Shrimad in great detail. Shriamd was like a Jin Vitrag,
in Vitrag, user friendly dialogue between the student and the teacher in this
er friendly dialogue betwee completely free of any worldly attachment; such Vitragata is only attained after a Yogi has gone through many births. Gandhiji con
The essence of the entire Jain philosophy and the condensasidered Shriamd as his spiritual Master.
tion of 12 Agam Sutras are truly reflected in three most important In letter number 680 Shrimad states: I have attained the high-
ned the high-
sanya
stanzas (115, 116, 117) of Shrimad Rajchandra's Armsiddhishastra. est state of pure consciousness same as Lord Mahavir and Lord
In stanza 115, Shriamd states: Rama in this Pancham Kal. After reaching to the highest state of
Let go the body - infatuation And you will not have bondage self realization and eternal bliss Shriamd composed his immortal
new: epic, Atmasiddhishastra, which means self realization. The seventh Purva of the 12th Agam text is called Atampravad. It is said
You will not have deed - fruitation, This is religions secret that Srhrimad has condensed not only this Purva but an essence of true. all the 12 Agams in this epic which can be used as an easy to Acharya Kundkund's third and the fourth chapters of Samaysar understand, user friendly Agam in the present time. Ii is written explain the essence of the above stanza in greater detail. We also in Gujarati, and was composed exactly 100 years ago by Shrimad find the reflection of second chapter of Gita in the above stanza. in less than 90 minutes. The 142 stanzas of the Atmasddhishastra One can find a great deal of summary of the entire scripture provide a keen disciple a step wise process and methodology to Samadhisatak by Acharya Pujayapad in the above stanza also. evaluate his own qualification to be a true disciple, and how to In fact, in letters 211, 719, 866, 609, 901 and 755, Shrimad recognize a true teacher. In fact, here again we find numerous re- writes the greatness and purpose of all the Agam scriptures: The flections of Agam Sutras in Shrimad's epic.
entire Dwadshangi (12 Agam Sutras) are composed by Lord Jina In the first three verses of this great epic, Shriamd clearly states
for only one reason, which is to melt the ego and attain self realthat ignorance about one's real self is the root cause of the cycle of ization by surrendering to a true teacher. In his most popular stanza birth and death and it can be easily broken and ended if one sur- of Atmasiddhi (117), Shrimad describes the enlightened state of renders to a true Master. He then states that in this modern time, the pure soul and how to attain it through constant meditation: people have forgotten the real and the original path to attain self Enlightened, pure, full consciousness, self brilliant, an ocean realization which I will compose in this. Shriamd shows enormous of happiness you are; compassion when he witnessed the majority of Jain followers en- What more to say, meditate on these Mantras and you shall gaged in either ritualistic worship or in abstract knowledge nei- realize this (117). ther of which can lead to self realization. If studied carefully, one when we see the depth of the spiritual knowledge in the above finds answers to all the spiritual questions a disciple may have in verse, we can state that in the last chapter of Samaysar. Acharva his life time in this great work of Shrimad.
Kundkund has merely expanded this verse to fully understand the metaphysics of the pure consciousness. Similarly, the entire text
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Jain Education Interational 2010_02

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USER FRIENDLY JAIN AGAMS
Adhyatmasar of Yasovijayji seems to provide a detailed treatment We feel more and more convinced that Shrimad's teachings of the above verse of Shriamd.
are exactly the same as those of Lord Mahavir in the Agam Sutras. Shriamd clearly states that the ignorance about ones self can In fact, Shriamd states in letter no. 322: In the modern times, if never be destroyed by rituals or self control only. One must find any one can understand the true essence of Lord Tirthankara, it is the true master (Sadguru) and follow his Mantras as cited in the definitely me. Because the result of my higher state of self realizaabove stanza to attain self realization. If we study any Jain Agam tion is VitragataIn letter no. 170, he writes: Sutras or the texts of eminent Jain Masters, we find enormous I do not want to be a Tirthankara, but I want to do what emphasis on this matter that Shriamd has condensed in this epic. Tirthankara has said It is said that one can write a million stanzas to expand each of the Since most of us are not capable of understanding or finding original stanzas of Shrimad's Atmasiddishastra. One needs to look time to study the original Agam Sutras, we can use the writings of no further to find such simple and easy to understand process to Shrimad Rajchandra as user friendly Agams for the modern time. attain self realization as provided in this great and immortal epic In fact, the Atmsiddhishstra alone is sufficient for a keen disciple by Shrimad. By composing this epic, Shrimad has made a new to use it as a complete Agam text to determine if one has the right revolution in our time to bring back the original values and im- qualification to be a Mumuxu, how to search for the true master, portance of true Bhakti, the need of a true teacher to pursue the and to follow the stepwise process to unfold the higher state of spiritual path of self realization, and the metaphysics of soul and consciousness. This epic has been translated in English along with matter.
the letter no 491 which is known as the letter of six steps of soul. Many of us often wonder if the philosophy of Jainism is real
It is interesting to note that when Muni Valmiki wrote or not and can it be scientifically reasoned and applied in this age the Ramayan in Sanskrit, only a few sages and scholars followed it of internet. As a professional rheologist, I find the basic philoso- to benefit from it. However, when Tulsidasji composed Ram Charit phy of soul and matter described in Shriamd's Atmasiddhi as sci- Manas in Hindi, it became so popular to the masses. The reason is entific as water being composed of hydrogen and oxygen. When that the later is written in native mother tongue and hence its we drink a glass of water, we hardly ever think of it as hydrogen appeal to the masses. I feel Shrimad's Atmasiddhi and other epic and oxygen molecules because we do not see it that way. The meta- works offer similar user friendly text to the readers and hence their physics of soul and matter is also very scientific. Pure soul is con- popularity and appeal to all sects of Jains is overwhelming. Shrimad sidered inert, formless, and self knowing, while the body and the has indeed condensed the ocean of knowledge from Lord Mahavir's karma are known as organic in nature having physical form. Body Agam Sutras into a golden cup that we all can enjoy and digest and soul coexist due to the bondage of karma due to our igno- easily. Jains and non Jains all will benefit tremendously by studyrance of its true science. In this epic Shrimad has described the ing the writings of Shrimad Rajchandra by developing reverence chemical process how to separate soul from the body and the karma toward this great master who has blessed us with user friendly Jain in a scientific way. He first succeeded in attaining his own self Agams for the 21st century. realization and then described the process for the benefit of all
Shriamd Rajchandra has made a monumental contribution human beings. In other words, this epic can be called universal
to Jainism by providing simple and fluid texts on difficult topics science of 21st century for self realization.
simplified for a layman. He also united Jains of all beliefs into a When we study any of Shrimad's writings we at once feel that unity as Lord Maahvira's students as he wrote in his famous letter he is just quoting the exact words of Lord Mahavir as if he just no. 37: heard the Lord's words right now. In letter number 100, Shrimad Forget about the faith of different sects and sectors; only folwrites, A Each word of a great seer is a summary of infinite Agams. low the Year
or infinite Agams. low the teachings of a true living master. I do not belong to any In Shrimad's Moxmala, when we study the third verse of lesson
religious sect; I only reside in Atma. Go within your self and you no. 67 which states:
will find the eternal bliss and peace. Who am I? Where did I come from?
In conclusion, Shrimad's Atmasiddhishastra and his immorand what is my real form
tal letters will continue to be guiding light for centuries to come Similar question is raised by Lord Mahavir in the 4th Agam and will serve as authentic Agam Sutras for Jain followers of all text Samvayang Sutra and also in the Dasvaikalik Sutra:
ages in search of Lord Mahavir's true and original science of self What is Atma? What is karma? Who is the doer? What is realization. Karma's metaphysics?
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INTERNATIONAL NEWS..
SAMANIJI'S LEAD
MEDITATION AND RELAXATION RETREAT
A Yoga-Preksha Meditation and Relaxation Retreat led by Samani Madhur Pragyaji and Samani Jayant Pragyaji was organized at Camp Cedar Falls, Angelus Oaks in California in April. About 50 people, including 15 Americans, participated in the program. Dr. Sukhsampat and Kalyan Mehta made the camp arrange
ments.
The practical sessions at the camp involved Preksha Meditation, Yoga, Relaxation, and Anupreksha (Contemplation). Lectures were presented on "How thoughts influence breathing?", Stress Management. Transformation Through Contemplation, Self Control, and other subjects. During a question-answer session, Samaniji's addressed a number of topics including How Old is Jainism?, Jain Principles, Application of Jainism in our daily life, Theory of Preksha Meditation, Lifestyle of Jain Monks and Nuns, Saman and Samanijis, Jain Vishwa Bharti, and the University of Ladnau,
About 45 people, all Americans, attended a similar program organized in the Community Center in Redlands. Following a successful visit to Southern California, Samaniji's returned to Orlando where a Jain Vishwa Bharti center has been established at 7819 Lill Will Avenue, Orlando, FL 32809. The center can be
contactedat407/295-8694or by e-mail at jainvishwa@hotmail.com.
SHRI KANJI SWAMI 111TH JANMA JAYANTI CELEBRATION IN NORTH AMERICA
For the first time in North America, hundreds of Mumukshus gathered at Siddhachalam, NJ, during May 27-29, 2000, to celebrate the 111th Janma Jayanti of Gurudev Kanji Swami. Jains from far away places like Nairobi (Kenya), Canada, California, Arizona, Florida, Michigan, Texas, IL, WI had Joined the celebration. Dr. Mahendra K. Pandya, President, JAINA, was present on May 28, to grace the occasion. Lodging, Boarding arrangements were made at the Siddhachalam for those who wished to stay at Siddhachlam. Three days Adhyatmik Shibir was the main feature
of this event. Eminent Scholars from India conducted the Shibir.
There was one session for children. Besides this, Gurudev's taped Pravachan, Panch Parmesthi Vidhan Mandal Poojan, Tatvacharcha, Video on Gurudev, Guru Bhakti were in the daily schedule. Exhibition of huge pictures of Gurudev Kanji Swami and his Sadhana Bhoomi Songadh, magnificent Temples of Songadh, was arranged by Dr. Kirit Gosalia, Phoenix, AZ. The celebration was accomplished with great enthusiasm.
2010_02
AFFILIATE NEWS
INTERNATIONAL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION OF SHRI MAHAVIRA JAIN VIDYALAYA
International Alumni Association of Shri Mahavira Jain Vidyalaya (IAAMJV) has undertaken a very ambitious project to help the bright and needy Jain students residing in the Udaipur area obtain college education.
The project entails establishing a branch of MJV at Udaipur by June 2001 and is estimated to cost around $435,000. The branch will be a state of the arts facility and offer lodging and boarding to 72 college bound students. The land, a 55,000 sq.ft plot, has already been acquired for $90,000.
On Feb.15, 2000, a Bhoomi Pujan and Shila Nyas was performed at Udaipur by Shri Dipchandbhai Gardi and other trustees of MJV. About 150 people participated in the event.Dr. Mohan Jain, Chairman, Udairpur Project, Allentown, PA has established a Steering Committee in Udaipur led by Shri Babubhai Bafna and a similar committee in Bombay led by Shri Premraj Bafna and Shri Mohan Sanghavi. His contacts in India have assured him of raising about Rs. 60 lakhs ($140,000).
The noteworthy donations from the USA include $75,000 from Dr. & Mrs. Y.P. Jain, Long Island, NY; $45,000 from to Dr.
& Mrs. Mohan Bafna, Cleveland, OH, and $35,000 from Dr. &
Mrs. Mohan. Jain, Allentown, PA. The project still shows a shortfall of about $110,000. Anyone interested in supporting this project, please contact Dr. Mohan Jain at 610-437-9596 or Anop R. Vora, President, IAAMJV, Inc. at 716-473-9290.
VARDHMAN FUND
The Bhagwan Vardhman Global Education Fund (founded with the inspiration of Gurudev Shree Chitrabhanuji) recently sponsored one of their distinguished teachers to address a youth regional convention in Texas. Ms. Sharda conducted meditation sessions for two days. She conducted special sessions for beginners. Upon conclusion of the sessions, the participants greatly appreciated her teachings.
Vardhman Fund has a number of experienced teachers for various Jain topics. If you would like to invite one of the teachers for the upcoming event in your area, please contact us as early as possible to assure their availability.
For more information call Kamlesh Shah, Phone and Fax: (301) 838-9778.

JAIN DIGEST SUMMER 2000/23

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JAINA DIGEST LIFE MEMBERS UPDATE
S
ES
ELLE
489U Jigney Shah
Rochester Hills, MI 4900 Dinesh and Jyoti Shah
Stone Mountain, GA 491U Kishor and Indira Mehta
Barrington, IL 4920 Bipin and Nutan Shah
Melrose Park, IL 493U Ashwin and Bharti Shah Hanover Park, KS 494U Yash and Sunayana Bhandari Olathe, KS 495U Indrajit and Alka Shah
Elk Grove Village, IL 496U Dinesh and Reena Sheth
Inverness, IL 497U Jagdish and Urvashi Shah Bloomingdale, IL 498U Parimal & Dharmishtha Parekh Orland Park, IL 500U Gunvant and Rekha Shah Oaklawn, IL 510U Hemant & Purnima Gajarawala Missouri City, TX 502U Sudhir and Bindu Shah
Hoffman Estate, IL 503U Nimish and Sejal Shah
Lake Zurich, IL 504U Devendra and Bindu Shah Hoffman Estate, IL 505U Jagat and Rita Shah
Bloomingdale, IL 506U Yashwant Shakuntala Shah Mount Prospect, IL 507U Kishor and Varsha Chikani Niles, IL 508U Ajay Jain
Garland, TX 5090 Dipak and Vishakha Jhaveri Skokie, IL 510U Ajay and Nia Shah
Elk Grove Village, IL 5110 Kanti and Vina Ravani
Schaumburgh,IL 512U Manoj and Rupali Shah
Hoffman Estate, IL 513U Arvind and Kusum Shah
Hopewill Juction, NY 5140 Mahavir N. Shah
Pentsville, KY 515U Deepak & Rashmika Kapadia Hillard, OH 516U Hitesh and Rupal Shah
Mount Prospect, IL 517U Gopaldas and Sudha Turakhia Fairport, NY 518U Mahendra and Pushpa Mehta Mission Veijo, CA 5190 Ramesh and Lata Shah
Glen Oaks, NY 5200 Jain Society of Charitable Fund N. Caldwell, NJ 521U Rajni and Sudha Doshi
Park Ridge, IL 5220 Bharat and Veena Shah
Prinston Juction, IL 5230 Kanti and Shridevi Doshi Overland Park, KS 5240 Shrikant and Manjari Anagol Glendale, CA 5250 Anilkumar and Alka Jain
Desplaines, IL 526U Dilip and Bhavna Shah
Oakbrook,IL 527U Arvind and Kalpana Shah Desplaines IL 528U Ashwin and Kirtibala Shah Lombard, IL
529U 530U 531U 5320 533U 534U 535U 536U 5370 538U 5390 5400 541U 542U 543U 5440 5450 546U 5470 548U 549U 550U 551U 5520 553U 5540 555U 556U 5570 558U 5590 5600 561U 5624 563U 5640 5650 566U
Dipak and Jyoti Shah Pradip and Darshna Shah Mukesh and Usha Doshi Hitesh and Usha Shah Pradip and Jyoti Shah Surendra and Vasanti Shah Vijay and Paresha Shah Hemendra & Chandrika Mehta Pinakin and Pallavi Shah Pradip and Hardika Shah Naimish and Minal Shah Parag and Jayshree Shah Rajen and Saroj Mehta Rashmikant & Tarulata Vora Dhirendra Vasa Gunvant and Ila Mehta Nikhil and Rajul Gandhi Kishor and Trupti Kuvadia Ashok and Megha Doshi Chandrakant and Lata Mehta Mahendra ad Hansa Shah Kevin K. Shah Anoop K. Shah Nikhil K. Jain Pravin and Jyotsna Shah Jain Center of Minnesota Ghanshyam& Susmita Mehta Jayendra and Nalini Vora Anil and Ranjan Shah Jaswant and Kalpana Shah Nikhilesh and N. Mehta Seventilal and Seresha Shah Babulal Pragani Mukundray and Nalini Shah Suman Jain Ramesh&Shukriya Bhandari Anonymous Donor-PCS Nilesh and Indira Shah
Glenview, IL Bourbonnais, IL Schaumburgh,IL. Schaumburgh, IL Schaumburgh,IL Naperville, IL Rockford IL Naperville, IL Mount Prospect, IL La Mirada, CA Schaumburgh, IL Schaumburgh, IL Schaumburgh, IL Oakbrook, IL Plano, TX Maumee, OH Naperville, IL South Barrington, IL Lake Forest, L Naperville, IL Newtown, PA Santamonica, CA Allentown PA Manalapan NJ Palinfield St. PAUL.MN Bolingbrook, IL Granger, IN Chicago, IL Darien, IL Manahawkin, NJ Phoenix, AZ Martingsburg, WV Irvine, CA Scarsdale, AZ Vestal, NY Ny, NY Nitro, WV
CANADA 60 C Amit Arya
Coquiltom, BC
This is a updated list Life Members who has paid Life Membership dues from last quarter of 1999 till May 26, 2000. Due to printing error only partial list was published in Spring 2000 issue of Jain Digest. We apologize on behalf of JAINA.
Keerti Shah Chairman, JainDigest Membership Committee
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BOOK REVIEW...
By Dilip V Shah, Philadelphia JAINA CURRENT FINANCIAL STATEMENT
REFLECTIONS OF AN AMBASSADOR Jainism - A Pictorial Guide to the Religion of Non- Violence By: Kurt Titze 267 Pages 2500 Rs. Motilal Banarsidas Publishers, Delhi
When German born Kurt Titze first visited temples of Mount Abu and Shravanbelagola in 1968, he was so impressed that he decided to become a kind of Ambassador of Jainism to the world. Over the next 3 decades he and his wife made several pilgrimages to many remote Jain temples not typically visited by tourists.. As a result we have this delightful guide to Jainism with 350 photographs in a simple but knowledgeable language.
The book is a layman's study of an undeservedly overlooked religion (to the western world). It is an exhaustive collection of maps, floor plans of temples, photographs, archeological illustrations, quotations from scriptures, descriptions of rituals like Diksha, Pooja, daily lives of monks and householders. He has drawn attention to the imprint of Jain instincts on many aspects of Indian culture. There are contributions from other scholars such as Klaus Bruhn, Jyoti Prasad Jain, Noel King and Vilas A. Sangave on art and culture of Jainism and chronology of the dawn of Jainism in the west.
The chapter on Jain art of Gwalior and Deogarh (by Klaus Bruhn) is a fascinating lesson on history, Jain temple art and the restoration programs of old Jain temples. The author joyously points to the building of numerous new temples along with the old ones as a sign of renaissance of Jainism today.
During his long travels, the author met many prominent Jain monks and nuns and these encounters along with the story of one sixty-year-old businessman preparing for Diksha are the most vividly narrated parts of the book. Another chapter dealing with "charitable and social traditions in Jainism" attempts to explain
JAINA FINANCIAL STATEMENT AS OF 5/18/00
JAINA General Fund
Various sub-committee balances: Education Committee Jiv Daya Committee
World Community Service Temple Guideline
YJA
Virchand R. Gandhi Fund
N. American Jain Family Assistance Program Tirthoddhar Committee
Pilgrimage Committee
JAINA Book Source Committee
COMMITTEES TOTAL
Money Market fund for JD Endowment CD for JAIN Digest Endowment Fund JAINA Charitable Trust as of 3/13/00 as per information supplied by Jagat Jain GRAND TOTAL
2010_02
submitted by
Anop R. Vora, Treasurer
1. Dr. Kirti & Vasant Shah, Houston, Tx. 2. Mrs.Latika Jain, Houston, Tx.
$28,640.87
V. R. GANDHI FUND UPDATE
$8,392.92
740.00
11,284.21
1,401.00
786.11
8,729.00
5,484.00
1,895.55
0.00 26,629.75
$65,342.54
$16,683.80
$55,123.25
$170,361.53
$336,151.99

the utopian spirit behind Dharamsalas, Gurukul, women's ashram, Veeraytan, Jain eye hospital, Panjarapols etc. illustrating how Jain principals of Ahimsa and Anukampa are practiced everyday.
$ 500.00
$ 100.00
Towards the end of the book is a chapter on Symbols, Mantras and Parables in Jainism. In just a few pages many of the sacred symbols and concepts are accurately described. The author has also taken note of Jain devotional music and dances. The book concludes with the chapter on dawn of Jainism in the west. This scholarly work contains useful appendices on the distribution of Jain population in India, a glossary, a bibliography, addresses and a list of books and periodicals. The index is divided in three categories places, names and subjects, a novel but extremely useful resource.
Spectacular as the photographs are, what engages the reader is the choice of subjects he has touched on. His zeal is evident in the fact that he himself took most of the photographs, drew the maps and in vivid detail described art and architecture of Jain temples of almost all regions of India. He traversed the length and breadth of the country in pursuit of the remotest temples as a true pilgrim. Due to lack of funds it took him nearly three decades and numerous trips to present us a comprehensive study of Jainism's history. As a self appointed ambassador of Jainism, he has served a noble cause with devotion and deserves commendations of the entire Jain Samaj.
JAINA has obtained a number of copies of this book for distribution in North America at an attractive price of only $25.00. This is an opportunity to own a rare gem and simultaneously pay tribute to the gallant attempt of one man to make Jainism better known to the western world.
JAIN DIGEST. SUMMER 2000/25

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रस्ते जीवान्डम
I
CHAIRS
部
Shubhra Jain (314) 345-3296 shubhrajain@mail.com Naishadh Shah (516) 609-8098 naishadhshah@mail.com
DIRECTORS
Education Monica Shah (312) 587-1241
monicashah@mail.com
Finance/Fundraising Vishal Ghiya (215) 882-0787 vishalghiya@mail.com Membership/Records Mudita Shah (405) 329-1465 shahmudita@mail.com
Publications Rajan Mehta (510) 704-5683 rajmehta@mail.com Public Relations Nirav Shah (313) 598-6754 nirav_shah@mail.com
Webmaster Pinkesh Shah (248) 324-4442 pinkeshshah@mail.com
REGIONAL
COORDINATORS
Mid Atlantic Anita Shah (516) 873-7104 anitashah@mail.com
Midwest Reshma Modi (248) 851-3965 reshmamodi@mail.com
Northeast
Shefali Parckh (504) 862-8000 x3945 shefaliparekh@mail.com
South
Jay Doshi (713) 790-1259 jaydoshi@mail.com
Southeast
Hecrain Shah (404) 206-4338
heerainshah@mail.com
West
Milan Mchta
(408) 436-1522 milanmehta@mail.com
YOUNG JAINS OF AMERICA
26/JAIN DIGEST SUMMER 2000
2010_02
Federation of Jain Associations in North America
A Non-Profit Tax Exempt Religious Organization. IRS Code Section 501 (c) (3) El #54-1280028
yja-exec@egroups.com
http://www.yja.org/
Jai Jinendra!
The YJA and LACC board members continue to count the days before YJA Convention 2000 takes off. The June 30th to July 3rd celebration will be the pinnacle of the evolution of Jain youth in the United States. The goal is to expand the horizons of the attendees while allowing them to fully enjoy the social experience.
Our early start on the convention planning process is finally paying off as we see the last couple of details fall into place. It is really an incredible experience to observe thirty devoted youth combining their efforts to create a weekend of enlightenment for their peers. For the organizers, this is more than a convention; it is their free time for the past year, their time away from family and friends. So we are pretty confident when we guarantee this to be an incredible convention experience.
Recently, we have added age and interest specific speakers to our programming menu. For example, Dr. Neal Barnard, president of PCRM (Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine), will be educating our medical students along with Dr. Vijay Mehta. YJP (Young Jain Professionals) has helped us organize sessions for our professionals and entrepreneurs. As if that is not enough, we have divided each session up between different age groups and maturity levels. The attendees of Convention 2000 will get what they need and want for their stage in life.
With the convention now days away, we only have one issue of major concern: MONEY. The registration fee for Convention 2000 is only $200. The cost per attendee of putting this convention together is $325. Thus, in our effort to make this Jain experience more affordable for the attendees, we have subsidized $125 of the registration fee. With 850 convention attendees expected, you can do the math and realize that we are in dire need of fundraising. The assistance of individuals in the Jain community will be greatly appreciated. It is up to our community to ensure we made the right decision in investing in the education of our youth. We need donations of any amount to help us recover the subsidies we have given the attendees. Please, send us whatever you can using the donation form located in this Jain Digest. We are ready to put in the effort and labor, but we need your resources to make it a
success.
Even with school exams, business meetings, and social engagements- the calendars of YJA and LACC members seem to exist for the sole purpose of the July 4th weekend. We know it will be worth the wait and preparation, we just can't wait for all of you to see what we have been preparing.
Sincerely,
Naishadh Shah & Shubhra Jain Co-Chairs, 1999-2000
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.

Page #29

MIS REGISTRATION FORM - PAGE 1
Name (please print):
Address:
STREET
Phone: ()
Date of Birth:
Send this completed form, a check in the amount of $25 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 34653-6623 Phone: 727/376-7989 kahanguru@hotmail.com
What languages do you speak?
What languages do you read?
What languages do you write?
LAST
Are you a vegetarian? YES NO
Have you been married before? YES NO
Fax: ()
Candidate's signature:
Height:
2010_02
FIRST
If yes, indicate the name of your divorced spouse.
Your visa status in the USA/Canada?
CITY
Weight:
Do you smoke? YES NO
MIDDLE
STATE
Email:
Occupation: Occupation:
When did you enter the USA/Canada?
Education:
DEGREE YEAR RECEIVED MAJOR NAME OF UNIVERSITY/COLLEGE
Work experience:
COMPANY'S NAME POSITION DURATION
Father's Name:
Mother's Name:
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):
Do you drink? YES NO
What is your religion?

Date:
ZIP
Important Considerations:
It is important to remember that the MIS is a non-for-profit, voluntary community service. The MIS and JAINA assume no respon-sibility 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 themselves. 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.
MONTH/YEAR
JAIN DIGEST SUMMER 2000/27

Page #30

SER
MIS REGISTRATION FORM - PAGE 2
MIS INFORMATION: THIS IS HOW IT WORKS
or open.
1. Two references who are members of the Jain Community or Our world is shrinking and we are a global village and life is not alother Indian organizations.
ways easy. However, we can carry our philosophy and our value sys
tem that is very worth while, with us. Accept the challenge and make A. Name:
your choice be a worth while one. Address: Phone:
Placing an Ad and Registration with MIS
Anyone wishing to place an ad and register with the MIS must follow Member of:
these instructions care-fully:
1. Fill out the attached Registration Form. The registrant must fill ORGANIZATION'S NAME
out this form. Do not leave anything blank. B. Name:
2. Mail the the completed form + a check in the amount of $25 pay
able to Hasmukh M. Shah. Leave the Memo or For column blank. Address:
3. a recent, full-length photo of yourself with your name printed on Phone:
the back. Member of:
4.Upon receipt of this information the MIS will draft an ad for you
and it will appear in the JAIN DIGEST—but only once. Remember, ORGANIZATION'S NAME
JAIN DIGEST is a quarterly publication. 2. Indicate your personal preference of these criteria for the match. Age: Between the ages of _ _ and __or open. Placing an Ad Only Height: Between the height of ____ and __
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 Weight: Between the weight of and — or open.
reserves the right to edit all such ads. Follow step 2 above, but submit Education: Bachelor Masters Degree Other your own ad instead of a completed form and photo. Major:
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 Vegetarian: YES NO Work experience: YES NO
specifically notify Hasmukh M. Shah. Full name, address and phone Residence: (state)
number of the candidate must be furnished for MIS records, along Visa Status:
with the ads. Length of time in North America:
Responding to an Ad (only if contact info isn't available). Language. English: YES NO
If the phone number or address is not given in the ad, then you Other (specify):
must contact the candidate through MIS. Follow these step-by-step instructions. Place your bio-data and a recent photograph of yourself in a sealed, stamped envelope with your return address in the upper
left-hand corner and the MIS ad reference number in the lower leftCongratulations!
hand corner of the envelope. Leave space on the envelope for an address. Female: 103, Male: 90 (Married / Engaged)
Place this envelope in another envelope with your return address in JAINA would like to congratulate all couples who have come together the upper left-hand corner and mail it to Hasmukh M. Shah. Upon with the help of the services of the MIS. JAINA wishes to thank them receipt of these responses the MIS will place the ad holders address on for their generous donation. More and more Jains around the world the inner envelope and mail it. Remember, MIS is not responsible for are not only appreciating this much needed service, but are also taking responses that do not conform to these instructions. advantage of it. Simulta-neously, the flow of ads in JAIN DIGEST is gradually increasing.
Please notify the MIS
Please notify the MIS when an engagement or marriage has been Guideline to all perspective participants
announced. This helps us to know if this community service is working Be positive, constructive, creative and friendly! No match is going to help maintain our traditions. Please note that if a successful alliance to be "perfect." Complement and support each other practicing re- has taken place, both parties will agree to donate what ever amount spect,sharing, acquire knowledge and maintaining your uniqueness they wish to JAINA to help defray the cost of publication. while keeping an open mind. These are the qualities that make for human perfection.
years.
28 / JAIN DIGEST SUMMER 2000 Jain Education Interational 2010_02

Page #31

MATRIMONIALS
MALE
M678: Gujarati parents invite responses for handsome, talented, US raised son, born May 73, 5'8", 145 lb, MD, 3rd year internal medicine resident, from well educated, professional girls. Call: 609/597-2498.
M735: Alliance invited from educated, cultured girls, for Gujarati, vegetarian, good looking, bright, US citizen boy, born Oct 24, 70, 5'4", 125 lb, BBA, planning to pursue MBA shortly, well employed, from educated, cultured girls. Polio on right leg, but very independent. Call: 770/939-5227.
M791: Gujarati parents invite correspondence with biodata / photo, for US born, handsome, family loving son, July 72, 5'10", 155 lb, MS, well employed as R&D Engr, from professional, vegetarian, cultured, slim females 23-27. Call: 516/827-0055.
M792: Gujarati parents invite correspondence with biodata / photo, for US born, handsome, vegetarian, vivacious son, March 73, 5'8", 160 lb, MD, doing residency, from professional, attractive, US raised/born, Jain vegetarian girls. SHAHS - PO Box 1374, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055.
M798: Alliance invited for handsome, vegetarian, brilliant Gujarati boy, born April 77, 5'7", 150 lb, MD, doing Externship since 6 months, from educated, cultured girls. Call: 732/4049321. hkhara@usa.net
M802: Gujarati parents invite proposals for handsome, talented, family loving, US born son, Feb 75, 5'5", 145 lb, MD (NeurosurgeryResident), from cultured, educated girls. Call 215/699-2317.
AM124: JD/MBA with very successful career, 6'1", 30, exceptionally handsome, fair,athletic son. Gujarati Jain parents invite correspondence. Call: 949/371-0150.
2010_02
AM179: For their very handsome, very fair son, 6'1", 29, MS (EE), CEO in a large Internet Co, loving Gujarati Jain family seeks a compatible match. Call: 949/371-0150.
AM264: Correspondence / photo invited for successful, adventurous, westernized professional MBA, born June 62, 6'2", from outgoing, independentladies preferably in California. Call: 650/8547490. Ken_Parekh@excite.com
AM265: Responses invited for North Indian, handsome, vegetarian, teetotaler, non smoker, Jain boy, born Oct 66,5-10", 1471b, completing PhD (Neurolinguistics), from cultured, educated girls. He is currently in India and willing tosettle in USA.Email: prasannanshu@hotmail.com Address: 942/34, DDA Flats, Kalkaji, New
Delhi 110019.
AM253: Jain parents invite proposals for handsome, outgoing, US born son, March 74, 6'2", BS (IE), pursuing MBA, employed with multinational co., from attractive, educated girls. Call: 810/750 0999.
AM266: Alliance invited by Jain parents for handsome, fair, successful, vegetarian, US born son, June 74, 5'8", 165 lb, BS (comp eng), MS (telecom), employed with international co., from educated, cultured, vegetarian girls. Call: 972/530-7356.
AM267: Responses invited for good looking, Gujarati, vegetarian boy, born May 70, 5'7", 150 lb, MBA (NY), well employed as business analyst, from educated, cultured, open minded girls. Call 416/253-5315. Email: cup99@sprint.ca or danny26@hotmail.com

FEMALE
F326: Correspondence invited for pretty, virtuous, intelligent, vegetarian, caring. US citizen, Jain widow, born March 59, 5'3", BS, well employed, from vegetarian, family loving, caring professional match age 41-48. Call:714/779-2653.Email:
jain59@yahoo.com
F569: Gujarati parents invite responses with biodata / photo for their pretty, fair, caring, well rounded, highly accomplished, vegetarian, US born daughter, June 73. 5'7", 120 lb, BS, well employed as MIS specialist, from cultured, well educated boys. Call: 610/670-9919.
F581: Gujarati parents invite responses for beautiful, talented, cultured daughter, born Dec73,5'1-110 lb,BS(Molecular Biology), biotech/software professional in silicon valley, CA, from well educated Gujarati professionals. Call: 408/272-6833.
F591: Gujarati parents invite proposals for pretty, vegetarian, family oriented, US raised daughter, with Indian values, culture, born Nov 71, 5'3", BS (pharmacy), well employed as registered pharmacist, from well educated boys. Call: 717/541-8274.
F598: Alliance invited by Gujarati parents for beautiful, fair, attractive, intelligent, US citizen daughter, born April 77, 5'6", 130 lb, AA (Fashion degree), well employed, from educated, cultured boys. Call: 949/552-0564.
F636: Jain parents invite proposals with biodata/photo from well, educated, professionals for their beautiful, US raised daughter, born Jan 73, 5'4",115 lb, MS (EE), well employed with multinational co., Call: 815/397-3740.
F640: Proposals invited by Gujarati parents from cultured,educated boys, for their, beautiful, slim, charming, intelligent, vegetarian, US born daughter, Aug 74, 5'6", 120 lb, BS, well employed. Call: 847/985-6858.
TAIN DICOT. CLIMACO 2000/20

Page #32

MATRIMONIALS
F664: Jain parents invite proposals for very beautiful, slim, fair, attractive, vegetarian, UK born daughter, Dec 70, 5'5", BS Accounting, PGCE, well
employed in UK, willing to settle in USA or Canada, from cultured, professional boys. Call 44-20-89525757.Email. pankajjain@btinternet.com
F703: Alliance invited for beautiful, slim, caring, US citizen, Gujarati Jain 34 / 5'3", BS (Chemistry), MLT (ASCP), well employed, innocently divorced, no issue, from cultured, educated match. Call: 972/818-4031.
F737: Gujarati parents invite alliance for very beautiful, charming, talented, vegetarian, US raised daughter, born Oct 75, 5'4", BS (Accounting), well employed by multinational large corp., from educated, cultured, US raised boys. Call: 818/349-5254.
F779: Alliance invited from cultured, well educated boys for beautiful, attractive, Talented, vegetarian, British citizen girl, bornAug71, 5'3", LLB Hon, Practicing as Solicitor in London and willing to settle in USAEmail: Intrepid_diver@yahoo.com Phone: (805) 980-4606.
F780: Proposals invited for beautiful, charming, intelligent, vegetarian, British citizen girl, born Oct 69, 5'3", BS Hon, from well educated boys. She owns IT consulting co., Head of E-commerce in international medical & insurance co., in London and willing to settle in USA. Email: red ardency@yayoo.com Phone: (801) 505-7647.
F790: Gujarati parents invite responses for beautiful, fair, vegetarian, intelligent daughter, born Nov 77, 5'1", 100 lb, BS (com), studying for Masters in comp. applications, from cultured, educated boys. She is currently in India and willing to settle in USA. Call: 516/423-9647 or 610/ 863-6492 / 4146.
30/JAIN DIGEST-SUMMER 2000
2010_02
F794: Physician parents invite proposals for beautiful, fair, attractive, caring, slim, vegetarian, US raised daughter, born Aug 71, 5'4", 110 lb, BA, pursuing in Comp. Inf. Systems, from well educated, cultured boys. Call: 562/691-9803.
F795: North Indian Jain parents invite responses for their beautiful, tall, slim, charming, talented, US born daughter, Nov 73, 5'4", 110 lb, MBA, well employed, from cultured, professional boys. Call:
860/429-8520.
F796: Alliance invited for pretty, highly accomplished, virtuous, vegetarian,
well
Gujarati girl, born May 67, 5'2", 115 lb, MD, post-doctoral fellow, employed as Asst. Professor of Internal Medicine, from Physicians, professionals. Call: 614/326-2080.
F797: Gujarati parents invite proposals for beautiful, fair, attractive, vegetarian daughter, born Dec 77, 5'1", 105 lb, BA (8/2000) Comp.Sc., from well educated, professional, cultured boys. Call: 704/643
6201.
F799: Sister invites responses for beautiful, attractive, talented, slim, vegetarian, caring, family oriented sister, born Dec 66, 5'3", 100 lb, BS (micro), CMLT, (pathology), from educated, cultured boys. She is in India and willing to settle in USA. Planning to visit USA in summer.
Call: 408/453-0577.
F800: Alliance invited for pretty, slim, bright, vegetarian, Gujarati girl, born Nov 69, 5'0", 97 lb, doing double MS, scholarship, fromwell educated, cultured, professional boys. Call: 570/969-7543.
F801: Jain parents invite proposals for their pretty, intelligent, compassionate, vegetarian, US born daughter, July 76, 5'5", BS (Biochemistry), entering teaching profession, from cultured, well educated, professional boys. Call: 949/552-8089.

AF121: Exceptionally beautiful, very fair, charming, 26, 5'7", 112 lb, MS, pursuing JD (Law) with full scholarship, talented, highly virtuous, family oriented daughter. Loving Gujarati Jain family invite
photo and biodata. Call 949/371-0150.
AF129:
Gujarati parents invite correspondence for beautiful, charming, accomplished, vegetarian, US raised. daughter, born April 69, 5'3", MD, In a group practice with leading hospital of USA, from well educated, professional, cultured boys. Call: 410/882-9697.
AF235: Gujarati parents in Singapore, invite proposals for slim, bright, pretty,daughter, born June 74, 5'3", pursuing CPA, currently an Auditor, from
Gujarati Jain, vegetarian, cultural, professional boys. She is currently in USA & willing to settle in USA. Call: 972/ 208-9828 or 970/282-7587 (after 1* June)
AF241: Gujarati parents invite proposals for beautiful, fair, talented, caring, US citizen daughter, born June 73, 5'3", 100 lb, MD, doing residency in pediatrics, from MD or professional, cultured boys. Call:732/583-7039.Email: nisuchem@aol.com
AF251: Jain parents invite proposals for their good looking, slim, US born daughter, March 76, 5'6", BS (physiology). studying chemical engineering, from cultured, well educated, professional boys.
Call: 810/750-0999.
AF268: Alliance invited by Jain parents for their pretty, brilliant, US raised daughter, born Nov 76, 5'2", BS (chem sc), MS (physical therapy). well employed as Physical therapist, from well educated, professional boys. Call 607/748-9493

Page #33

11TH BIENNIAL JAINA CONVENTION
JAINA has accepted the invitation of the Jain Society of Vinay K. Vakani: (Documentation) Vinaybhai is a Director Metropolitan Chicago to hold the 2001 Convention in Chicago. of JAINA from the Jain Center of N.J., Essex Falls and is Secretary JAINA and the Jain Society of Metropolitan Chicago have Jointly of the Executive Committee of JAINA. He is also JAINA adviformed 2001 JAINA Convention Board (With seven representa
sor to YJA and YJP and involved in various JAINA Committees. tives from each and the JAINA First Vice President Bipin Parikh He is also actively involved in Jain Study Circular publication. acting as the Chairman), which was approved by the JAINA Executive Committee at their meeting on March 18,2000 in Chi
Virendra K. Shah: (Publication and Souvenir) Virendrabhai cago. The newly inaugurated JAINA Convention Board (JCB) was the President of Jain Society of Southern California and was also held its kickoff meeting in the evening of March 18, 2000 in very active in their temple expansion project. Chicago. Bellow is a brief description of the members of the board Gyan Chand Jain: (Oversight) Gyanchanbhai was President and their responsibilities.
of the Jain Society of Toronto. He has been associated with JAINA Bipin D. Parikh: (Chairman & Convenor) Bipinbhai is the for a long time. He is running a Charitable trust of his own. first Vice President of JAINA and was JAINA's director at large
Pravin M. Shah: (Hospitality) Pravinbhai has actively parfor four years. He was a trustee of Jain Society of Metropolitanticipated in facility management at all events of Jain Society of Chicago and originator of JCMC heritage Fund.
Metropolitan Chicago. He was responsible for excellent facility Kishor C. Shah: (Co-Convener) He is the Chairman of the operation during JAINA convention of 1995 at Chicago. Board of Trustee at Jain Society of Metropolitan Chicago and
Megha A. Doshi: (Cultural Programs) Meghaben is a very JSMC Heritage Fund. He was Co-convener of 1995 JAINA con
talented person to organize cultural programs. Meghaben was a vention in Chicago
major contributor in organizing Cultural program of 1995 JAINA Prabodh R. Vaidya: (Co-Convenor) He is the President of convention. Jain Society of Metropolitan Chicago. Prabodhbhai is a director
Mukesh R. Doshi: (Youth activities) Mukeshbhai is the Youth of JAINA. As President during last two years he has streamlined
secretary to the Executive Committee of Jain Society of Metro temple operations. As Chairman of long term Planning Commit
politan Chicago. He has achieved phenomenal success in educatee, he presented and proposed JAINA's future path.
tion registrants from about 50 to 300 in last 3 years. He is heavily Keerti N.Shah: (Finance) He is heading the committee for involved in JAINA's efforts in standardizing pathshala curriculum. Jain Digest Life Membership. Keertibhai is also a Trustee at the
Jagat J. Shah: (Exhibition, Souvenir and Essay Competition) Jain Society of Metropolitan Chicago. He is actively involved in
Jagatbhai is the Secretary to the Executive Committee of Jain SoJSMC Heritage fund Student Scholarship criteria selection. He
ciety of Metropolitan Chicago. Jagatbhai has been involved in many participates in financial management of Jain Society.
more activities at JCMC. Samprati Shah: (Programming) He was Jain Society of Met
Arvind M. Shah: (Food) Arvindbhai is the Food Secretary at ropolitan Chicago's director to JAINA. Sampratibhai was Program
Jain Society of Metropolitan Chicago. He has also led the cultural Committee Chairperson for the JAINA convention in 1995 at
programs' activities in the past. Chicago. He was President of the Jain Society of Metropolitan Chicago, and now he is a Trustee of the same.
This is a seasoned team of members with formidable creden
tials. This is a balanced partnership between the members of Jain Lata Champsce: (Registration) Lataben is the President of
Society of Metropolitan Chicago and JAINA volunteers. All of Toronto Jain Society. She is the Editor in Chief of Jain Digest.
these members have been active in their sanghs and have worked Lataben was the chairperson of the registration committee at 1997
in prior conventions. JAINA Convention in Toronto, Chairperson of MIS at 1999 Philadelphia Convention. President of Women's Association, Founder In addition to the above members, the JCB has appointed of AWIC Seniors Club, Board member of Toronto YWCA. Priya M. Shah of Chicago as a staff person to the convention board.
Many committees will be formed in the near future. If there are Dilip V. Shah: (Publicity) Dilipbhai is member of the execu
any areas in which you would like to help or reach any member of tive committee of Cherry Hill Sangh and Director of JAINA. He
the convention board, you can do so by sending an email to: was Secretary of JAINA and he is the chairman of JAINA's Pil
jainaconvention@aol.com. A web site for the convention is under grimage Committee and editor of JAINA FOCUS.
consideration.
JAIN DIGEST. SUMMER 2000 /31
Jain Education Intemational 2010_02

Page #34

11TH BIENNIAL JAINA CONVENTION
In accordance with JAINA Convention guidelines, JAINA Executive Committee has appointed Duli Chandra Jain (New York), Jagdish Sheth (Georgia) and Prem Jain (California) as mem- bers of Convention Activity Review and Advisory Committee. In addition to these three members, all the past Presidents of JAINA
Lalit Shah. Manoi Dharamsi. Tansukh Salgia. Sulekh lain, lagat Jain, Manibhai Mehta and Dhiraj Shah are the members of this committee, with present President Mahendra Pandya acting as its Chairman. This committee is charged with the responsibility of oversight of all activities that are planned for the 2001 JAINA convention.
served for the convention attendees. The convention center has room for about 100 booths. All the JAINA Committees will have an opportunity to have a booth and additionally, if your Sangh wishes to have a booth, please let us know. JCB is preparing guidelines that will be followed for acceptance of proposals from member Jain centers and other Jain organizations as well as private business organizations.
J AINA Convention Board is working resolutely to organize the 2001 Convention so that it will provide the North American Jain community the most enjoyable and unique learning experilain community ence. However, participation of all member Jain centers would be critical to make such a convention a success. JCB will be approaching all member centers for help in organizing convention activities that will include discourses on topics that are relevant to our practice of Jainism, Jain rituals, cultural programs and youth programs. Also, without the financial support of our community, we cannot take on such a mammoth task. Approximately $500.000 will have to be raised in donations for the Convention. JAINA Convention Board appeals to all Jains in North America to generously support this endeavor. Fund raising for the convention will begin soon. If you would like to help in fund raising, or bringing advertisement for the souvenir please contact the convention board.
The Convention Board has really gotten off to a running start. JCB held its first Telephone-Conference on May 20 and discussed the progress and plans for various activities. The theme for the 2001 convention is "Practicing Jainism in the 21 Century". Jain Society of Metropolitan Society has given an initial loan of $25,000 from ICMC Heritage Fund and a grant of $10,000 has been pro- vided from IAINA Charitable Trust. A preliminary budget has been prepared. Registration is proposed in four stages. Early bird registration will start October 1. Registration forms will be avail- able through your local sangh and in the fall issue of JAIN DI- GEST.
"Rosemont Convention Center near the O'Hare airport is se- If you have any questions, or would like to help us in various lected as the site of the convention and 1400 rooms at the hotels activities that are being planned, contact JAINA convention Board within walking distance of the convention center have been re- at jainaconvention@aol.com or by contacting JAINA headquar
ters at jainahq@aol.com. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
FEDERATION OF JAIN ASSOCIATIONS IN NORTH AMERICA APPEAL I want to help retaining Jain identity and culture by supporting JAINA and I want to be a proud Jain!
Please fill out this form and support JAINA.
OTD
Mail this completed form and your financial contribution to: JAINA Headquarters PO Box 700 Getzville, NY 14068
Name
I want to be a Trustee of JAINA Charitable Trust and will donate $500 every year
Address I want to be a JAINA Patron and will donate $251 every year I want to be a Life Member of JAIN DIGEST and will donate $101 I want to subscribe to JAIN DIGEST for one year (Winter 1999
Phone () to Fall 2000) for $11
Email other amount: $100 $25 $500 Please make checks payable to JAINA. Your donation is tax-deductible. Please advise if you wish to remain anonymous. 950 Jain families have already done so, would you not do so? If not for you, do it for your children and grandchildren.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 32 / JAIN DIGEST. SUMMER 2000 Jain Education Interational 2010_02

Page #35

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
RESSE
P
SKRU
19 ML
th
2007
नमो अरिहंताणं नमो सिद्धाणं नमो आयरियाणं नमो वज्झायाणं 100 नमो लोए सबसाहूणं एयो पंचनमुकासे. सबपावप्पणासणी मंगलाणंच गवारी पढम हवइ मंगलं
यामी ऑनलामी मिशाही,
ISAN INI
Liv and Le Live
Love All Serve All
Tirthankar Parsavnath
Tirthankar Mahavir
Jain temple format
Jain Education Interational 2010_02

Page #36
This cover is sponsored by Jaya Travel and Tours Girnar Hills Jain Temples, Gujrat Visit our North American office at: Visit our Indian office at: 26500 Northwestern Highway Suite 260 Southfield, MI 48076 USA TELEPHONE 248/358-9100 FA 248/372-4806 Rizvi House 34 Hill Road Bandra (West), Bombay 400050 INDIA TELEPHONE 6423031 6420402 6425222 FAX 6436421 FAX Also visit us at www.jayatravel.com JAIN DIGEST Circulation Federation of JAINA PO Box 700 Getzville, NY 14068-0700 NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID NIAGARA FALLS, NY PERMIT NO. 142 Address Service Requested ********************************3-DIGIT 276 PRAVIN K. ARTI SHAS 509 CARRIAGE WOODS CIR RALEIGH NC 27607-3969 234 Moving? Receiving duplicate copies? Send your address corrections to: JAIN DIGEST Circulation Federation of JAINA P.O. Box 700 Getzville, NY 14068-0700 2010_02