Jain Digest 2000 03 Vol 16 No 1

Author(s): Federation of JAINA
Publisher: USA Federation of JAINA
Catalog link: https://jainqq.org/explore/527077/1

Page #1
The Magazine of the Federation of Jain Associations in North America JAIN DIGEST SPRING 2000 VOLUME 16, NO. 1 YATRA 2000 68uu YJA CONVENTION LOS ANGELES, CA - JULY 4, 2000

Page #2
JAIN TEMPLE, WASHINGTON, DC Cardiology Vinod K. Shah, MD, FACC A. A. Patil, MD, FACC Mahesh Shah MD.FACC Anil K. Shah, MD, FAOC Anantha Rao, MD, FACC Gastroenterology Umed K. Shah, MD, FACG Arul R. Shah, MD, FACG Nayan R. Shah, MD, FACG Sreenivas Mannam MD Pulmonology Kiran D. Mehta. MD, FCCP Neurology Boena A. Shah, MD Internal Medicine Bhasker A. Jhaver, 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. Jhaveri, MD Pediatrics Ila V. Shah, MD, FAAP M.EO. Lafeer, MD, FAAP Dawn Bertram-Stewart, MD Beena Khepal, MD Fahmi H. Fahmi MD Pediatrics/Internal Medicine James L. Harring, MD, FAAP, FACP Family Practice John E Fenwick, MD 1. Patrick Jarboe, 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 Tourtelor, MD JAI JINENDRA aha! aho! zrI sadguru, karuNAsiMdhu apAra 31 T4F RTY CUT, TET! 376T! 34R (28) Thanks! the Holy True Teacher! Unfathomable ocean of compassion; I'm highly obliged; Oh! good Teacher, The Pupil poor has no expression. (124) zaM prabhucaraNakane dharUM? AtmAthI saha hIna; te to prabhule Apiyo, vartu caraNAdhina (125) 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 640 24035 Three Notch Road Hollywood, MD 20636 301-373-7900 Leonardtown Offices Shanti Medical Center PO Box 604 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 II 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 Area 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 www jainelibrary.org

Page #3
JAIN DIGEST PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE SPRING 2000 VOL 16 NO. 1 CIRCULATION: 7600 Dear Sahdharmic Brothers and Sisters: In this issue Jai Jinendra Meet the committee Chairpersons ............. Letters to Editor ...... Headquarter News.............. Regional News ........ Rituals or new awakening ....11 Committee News ............. Affiliate News ................... Jaisalmer to Palitana ... International News ..........1 10th JAINA convention ....19 Book Review Hope this letter finds you in the warmest of spirits after this year's freezing winter. The winter could be cold and severe but our spirits and activities should always remain filled with the warmth of friendship and compassion in the new century and millennium. The response to our 2000 JAINA Calendar and Book Source has been very enthusiastic. Encouraged by the response JAINA has decided to make the JAINA Calendar an yearly event. I am in contact with well-known Jain Scholars in India to write an introductory book on Jainism for the use of our youngsters and non Jains as well. This book will deal with the basics of Jain Principles and will be reviewed by our scholars in North America for its usefulness in this part of the world. If approved by our scholars, we hope to make it available to all Jain families in N.A. by the upcoming convention in July 2001 or even earlier by the end of this year when the year 2001 calendar reaches you. During my recent visit to India, I met with many leaders of the Jain Community who are jointly planning a full year of grand celebration of the 2600th Janmkalyanak of Bhagwan Mahavir in the year 2001 - 2002. The leaders have requested an active participation by JAINA for this yearlong celebration. Our Mahavir Memorial Committee under the chairmanship of Dr. Manoj Dharamsi is proceeding in this matter. I also attended Bhagwan Rishav Dev Nirvana Mahotsav on February 4, 2000 celebrated at Red Fort, Delhi with Hon. Atal Bihari Vajpai, the Prime Minister of India as its chief guest. This is also being celebrated for the whole year on an international level. It is possible that both these yearlong celebrations will be facilitated under one organization. The essence of it being to spread awareness of the first and the twenty fourth Tirthankaras and also the 22, which are in between them. Please participate wholeheartedly in these important celebrations of the new century. Our Regional Vice Presidents and Directors will be holding JAINA DAY around Bhagwan Mahavir Jayanti in association with our affiliate Jain Centers; please participate and cooperate in this activity. Hope you are one of the participant to our much sought for YJP and YJA conventions this year. Our committees for Scholar Visitation, World Community Service, Senior Citizens, Jirnodhar, Temple, MIS, Ahimsa and others are all active towards their goals. JAINA Tirth Yatra organized by our Pilgrimage Committee again became a memorable and rejuvenating occasion for all the Bahbya Jeevs who participated in it. Jaina also sincerely thanks and congratulates all the Physicians, Surgeons and Volunteers who gave their services at medical camps at Bidada (Kutch) and Bhagyodaya Teerth (Sagar M.P.) in February this year. We are all proud to know that JAINA is fast becoming a well-recognized organization all over the world for its unity, activities and services. All eyes are watching us closely and are seeking us for our guidance and help. Congratulations to you all for making this happen and I urge you to keep up the good work. JAINA Current Financial Statement............................ Life Members Update .......21 MIS Registration Form ...22 MIS Inforamation......... 23 Matrimonials ............ Young Minds ............ Young Jain Professionals ...30 Moving? Receiving duplicate copies? Send your address corrections to: Thanking You, confondya JAIN DIGEST CIRCULATION Federation of JAINA P. O. Box 700 Getzville, NY 14068-0700 Mahendra K.Pandya President, JAINA Jain Education Intemational JAIN DIGEST SPRING 2000/1

Page #4
S E A publication of the FEDERATION OF JAIN ASSOCIATIONS IN NORTH AMERICA (JAINA) Federation of Jain Associations in North America (JAINA) HEADQUARTERS PO Box 700, Getzville, NY 14068-0700 Phone/Fax: 716/636-5342 Telephone Hours: Monday - Friday, 2 PM-5PM EST JAINA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE President Mahendra K. Pandya Phone: 718/816-0083, Fax: 212/319-6781 EDITOR IN CHIEF Lata Champsce 35 Whitehorn Crescent Willowdale,ONT M2J 3B1 Canada Phone: 416/493-1666 Fue 416/493-1667 Larachampsee usa.net REGIONAL EDITORS Canada Dr. Mahendra Mehta 26 Vancho Cres Islington, One M9A 4Z2 Phone/Fax 416/241-2044 Long Term Planning Prabodh Vaidya 630/985-9144 Mahavir Memorial Dr. Manoj Dharamsi 703/620-9837 Marriage Information Service Hasmukh Shah 727/376-7989 First Vice President Bipin D. Parikh Phone: 847/699-1294, Fax: 312/726-4274 Regional Vice Presidents Jasvant Mchta, Canada Phone: 780/435-9070, Fax: 780/497-5598 Ila G. Mehta, Midwest US Phone: 419/865-2727, Fax: 419/868-7476 Hansraj C. Maru, Northeast US Phone/Fax: 203/775-1906 Midwest, US Manubhai Dashi 931 Golden Road Lake Forest, IL 60045 Phone: 847/735-0120 JAINA COMMITTEES Ahimsa 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 8471669-1294 Gout. International Organizations Relations Dhiraj H. Shah 716/773-1314 Interfaith Activities/World Council of Jains Manoj Dharamsi 703/620-9837 Rashmi Gardi 847/428-4298 Jain Poojas Naresh Shah 516/741-9269 Arhant Jain 905/827-7494 JAIN DIGEST Membership Keerti Shah 630/837-8716 JAINA Bulletin Board Service Pravin Shah 919/469-0956 JAINA Temple Guidelines Jagat Jain 716/688-0104 Jis Daya Ratibhai Shah 817/430-8081 Library and Education Prem Gada 806/794-4777 Deepika Dalal, Southeast US Phone: 954/431-5957, Fax: 954/545-6501 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 Media Watch/Public Relations Sushil Jain 301/670-0519 Membership Kamlesh Shah 301/838-9778 N. American Jain Families Assitance Program Ila Mehta 419/865-2727 Pilgrimage Dilip V. Shah 215/561-0581 Senior Citizens Kantilal Shah 949/831-8687 Scholar Visitation Nirmal Dosi 732/390-0296 Tirzhodhadhar Kirit Daftary 254/776-4209 VR Gandhi Scholarship Find Pravin C Shah 516/248-8265 World Community Service Bachubhai Ajmera 301/924-8070 Bhadresh Dhila 301/589-4610 Prakash Mehta 703/318-8252 Young lains of America (YJA) Shubhra Jain 314/345-3296 Naishadh Shah 732/651-8734 Young Jain Professional (Y/P) Mona Kothari 905/820-0659 Girish P. Shah, West US Phone: 408/378-8765, Fax: 650/694-6961 Southeart, US Surendra Shah 1465 Sumter Drive Marierra, GA 30064-2920 Phone: 770/422-1483 Secretary Vinay K. Vakani Phone: 201/967-9344, Fax: 201/967-9344 Treasurer Anop R. Vora Phone: 716/473-9290, Fax: 716/473-9450 Southern US Jadavji Kenia (jkeniaminame.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 Wiest, US Chandrakant Parekh 12914 Wolverton Lane Cerritos, CA 90703-7265. Phone: 562/865-1679. Fw: (562) 865-0851 engayseaol.com ASSOCIATE EDITORS SPECIAL OFFICE BEARER Executive Director of JAINA Kamalesh Amin Phone/Fax: 716/636-5342 jainahq@aol.com Tulsa BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEMBER ORGANIZATIONS Regale: Two directors on JAINA Board Cover 50 families). A CANADA NORTHEAST Regular Reralar Toronto Boston Associs Buffalo Edmonton Cherry Hill Montreal Essex Fells Ottawa Hudson Valley Vancouver New York Orange MIDWEST Philadelphia Regular Pittsburgh Chicago Rochester Cincinati/Dayton Washington, DC Cleveland Associate Columbus Albany Detroit Allentown St. Louis Elmira Asociate Harrisburgh Kansas City Hartford Minneapolis Syracuse Milwaukee car. One director on JAINAS Board (up to 50 families) SOUTHEAST SOUTHWEST Regular Regular Atlanta Dallas Miami Ho Aurige Phoenix Augusta Ant Charlotte Fr. Meyers Lubbock Jacksonville Colorado Memphis Middle Tennessee WEST Morgantown Rarular New Orleans Los Angles Orlando San Francisco Palm Beach Associate Pordand Tampa Sacramento San Diego Your Mind Reshma Modi 248/ 851-9965, reshmamodimail.com All Board of Directors names to be printed in the Summer 2000 issue. Rajan Mehta Phone: 510/704-5683, rajmehual mail.com Raleigh Marrimonials Hasmukh Shah 8721 Scrimshaw Drive New Port Richey, FL. 34653-6623 Phone: 727/376-7989 JAINA CHARITABLE TRUST Executive Council Chairmen - Dhiraj Shah. Buffalo, NY Mahendra Pandya, New York, NY Comptroller - Jagat Jain, Buffalo, NY Secretary General - Kirit Kapadia, New York, NY Member-ar-large Rajen Jaswa, Saratoga, CA Bipin Parikh, Chicago, IL. Bhupendra Tolia, Norwood, NJ AFFILIATES JAINA FOCUS MANAGING EDITORIAL BOARD Lan Champioe, Manubhai Doshi. Jagat Jain, Ramesh Jan, Vijay Jain, Harshad Shah, Anap Vora Trustees All Trustees names and photos to be printed in the Fall 2000 issue The Managing Editorial Board will endeavor to publish all material submitted but reserves the ciglu to edit and/or reformat for darity and space metriction The views expressed in the artides are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the Managing Editorial Board of JAIN DIGEST PUBLICATION DATES AND DEADLINES Spring (March February 15 Summer (Jane) May 15 umber) August 15 Winter (December November 15 Brahmi Jain Society, US and Canada International Alumni Association of Mahavir Jain Vidyalaya, Rochester, NY International Mahavir Jain Mission, US and Canada Jain Meditation International Center, US & Canada Jain Social Group. LA and Toronto Kucchini Gurjar Jain Society, Grand Island, NY Kutchhi Oswal Samaj, San Francisco Shri S. S. Jain Foundation, Toronto, Canada Shri Mahavir Jain Foundation, Santa Ana, CA Jain Academic Foundation of N. America, Lubbock, TX JAINA publishes the JAINA Focus monthly newsletter for administrative purposes. It is sent to all member organizations and committee members of JAINA All news items for publication in the JAINA Focus must be sent to the Editor by the 10 th of each month: Dilip V Shah 1902 Chestnut Street Philadelphia, PA 19103.4678 Phone: 215/561-0581, Fax: 215/567-3146 dilapvshah@aol.com JANA ON THE INTERNET TAINA WINE Jain BBS http://www.jaineorg/hep://www.jalni non Young Joint of America http://www.yu.org/ AR LETTERS TO THE EDITOR OF JAIN DIGEST H We encourage our readers to send their questions, comments or views on current issues or concerns facing the Jain community of North America to the Editor in Chief. Lata Champree. We endeavor to publish all letters, space permitting. The JAIN DIGEST reserves the right to edit all material for clarity and/or space. All letters must include the sender's name, address and phone number to be considered for publication 27 JAIN DIGEST SPRING 2000

Page #5
Meet your committee chairpersons: Co Ahimsa Day Celebration Dr. Surendra Singhi d eship and Ramesh P. Shah Environment/Ecology Nancy Jain Essay Competition Chhaya Kapadia Govt. & International Organizations Relations Dr. Dhiraj H. Shah Interfaith Activities/WC) Manoj Dharams Interfaith Activities/WC Rashmi Gardi JAIN DIGEST Membership Kerti Shah Jain Poojas Naresh Shah Jain Poojas Arhant Jain Jain Poojas Anand K. Jain JAINA BBS Pravin K. Shah JAINA Charitable Trust Dr. Dhiraj H. Shah AINA Convention Board Bipin Parikh Photo not available Photo not available JAINA Patrons Program Dr. Surendra Singhi Jaina Co-ordinator to United Religion Initiative Ramesh P. Shah Jaina Coordinator YJA and YJP Pravin K. Shah Jaina Coordinator YJA and YJP Vinay Valchani JAINA Temple Guidelines Dr. Jaga Jain Jiv Daya Ratibhai Shah Library and Education Dr. Prem Gadis Long Term Planning Prabodh Vaidya Mahavir Memorial Manoj Dharamsi MIS Hasmukh Shah Media Watch/PR Dr. Sushil Jain Media Watch/PR Anant K. Jain Media Watch/PR Manoj Jain Membership Kamlesh Shah Photo not available Photo not available Nomination and Election Dr. Vinay Jain NA Assistance Program Ila Mehta Pilgrimage Dilip V. Shah Scholar Visitation Nirmal Dosi Senior Citizens Kantilal Shah Tirthodhdhar Kini Dafury V. R. Gandhi Scholarship Pravin C Shah Photo not available World Community Service Hadubhuimers World Community Service Bhadresh Dhila World Community Service Prakash Mehta Young Jains of America Nashadh Shah Young Jains of America Shubhra Jain Young Jain Professionals Mona R. Kothari Young Jain Professionals Saurabh Dald Photo not available Photo available in Education Intemational JAIN DIGEST SPRING 200063ry.org

Page #6
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Dear Editor: I am the desperate mother of a 14 year old son who has leukemia. The only cure for him is a bone marrow transplant. With a good matching bone marrow transplant, he will be cured of the leukemia, otherwise he could die. For the past five months, we have called hundreds of people to organize bone marrow drives in their city's temples or other functions. We have been only moderately successful in organizing bone marrow drives, but we have yet to find any matching bone marrow for my son. We are exhausted, frustrated and very scared. Since we are Indians and Jain, the possibility of finding a match is higher among Jains and Indians. Even within the Indian population, the odds are one in 100,000 of finding a perfect match. On the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) there are only about 6,000 Indians registered. We need to increase the number of Indians in a NMDP registry to save some lives. To organize a bone marrow drive call one of the numbers below or call us at 217/787-7739 and we will help you set up a drive. The NMDP staff would come to your function, party or Puja and take blood samples from prticipants in bone marrow drive. The result of your blood test is entered into the National Registry. When a person needs a bone marrow transplant, they contact the National Registry who in turn contacts you (if your bone marrow matches) asking for your bone marrow. Giving bone marrow is not dangerous or very painful. Through a simple surgical procedure (usually as an outpatient) blood is drawn from your bone marrow, from the hip and not the spine. Your body regenerates that blood within a week. The donor would experience some soreness for two to three days but that is all. In return, you are SAVING THE LIFE of a child or a person desperately in need. You are giving a mother back her son! How can we go wrong in doing this? How can we not do it? Is this not what our religion is all about? Bone marrow is a gift of life. Please give. I am appealing to all your readers to organize a bone marrow drive in your city or temple. Even if you have organized a drive in the past, every new person who registers has a potential to save my son's life; so please help organize a bone marrow drive - big or small. I hope and pray that no other parents have to go through what we are going through right now. This would help save my son's life. Jai Jinendra! Kalpana Desai Numbers to call * * National Bone Marrow Registry at 800-627-7692, or South Asian Marrow Assoc.of Recruiters at 718-592-0821 Asians for Miracle Marrow Matches at 888-236-4673, or Your Local Red Cross or Blood Bank 4/ JAIN DIGEST. SPRING 2000 Dear Editor: Thank you for your beautiful Year 2000 Calendar. The Calendar is a depiction of the rich culture inherited by the Jain community in different parts of India. I am sure, it would be welcomed by all Indian Americans. I am aware of the good work being carried out by the Federation of Jain Associations in North America in keeping the community abreast with spiritual, artistic and cultural developments. I had earlier received the diskette containing the addresses of members of JAINA, which has been added to the Embassy's data base on the Indian American community in the US. Please keep me posted regarding the various cultural events, particularly, those at the national level to enable me to include these in the Calendar of Events of the Indian American community in the US which we maintain. Wishing you and all members of JAINA a very happy, healthy and prosoerous New Year. Yours sincerely, Anil Chowdhry, Minister (Community Affairs) Embassy of India, Washington, DC 20008 Dear Editor: Great congratulations for having decided to publish the JAINA calendar. Many times in the past I have asked to publish information on Jain Festival dates. With this a calendar you have added to the usefulness of such information. It has splendid photography of Jain temples. JAINA have also achieved the wish of Jain devotees to have their own calendar and to make their presence better known in our world. May your initiatives be greatly appreciated and be continued for many many years to come. Pierre Amiel, Nice, France COVER CAPTIONS: 1 2 Photo 1: Ceiling Ranakpur temple Photo 2: Yatra 2000 yatries looking at the ceiling Cover Design: Rajesh Arora

Page #7
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR The calendar is most beautiful. The photos should be collected over the years from all calendars and it would make a very beautiful book. - Brigitte M. Walker, St. Petersburg, FL Calendar is very good. It gave us chance to pay respect to Bhagwan every morning, afternoon and evening. Bigger pictures of Tirthankars would be nice. - Nita Kapadia, Lakeworth, Fl. Calendar was very informative for youths to understand our religious sites. Youths liked it very much. - Surendra Jain, Toronto We are very happy to receive calendar and we are thoroughly enjoying it. We suggest that next calendar should feature more of our temples. -S. Dalal, Bridgewater, NJ This was a great idea. It has been well received in our friend circle. Just a suggestion, in future please try and improve the clarity of the pictures, make them more vivid and variant. - Shanti Satra, Crite, Il If possible please write brief history of our and give more importance on vegetarianism and non violence for our next generation. Please continue with the project. Kishore Parekh, Elmhurst, NY Write principles of Jainism either on the temple pictures or create a space on each month or replace it with Navkarmantra. Thank you very much for the calender and appreciation for your hard work. - H. Shah, Las Vegas, Nevada Excellent attempt. Could include artistic features of temples in Mount Abu, Delwara, Ranakpur. Include overseas temples as well. - Navin B. Shah, Sinking Spring, PA Instead of publishing calendars which only has pictures, Jaina should publish educational materials including CDs etc specially aimed at the youner generation to understand the fundamental Jain philosophy. -Chand and Niroo Chandaria, Toronto, Canada It is a beautiful calendar. I have not been to most of these temples, so it was a treat to see the pictures of them. Please try to include more detailed descriptions of our temples next time. - Nitin Shah, Albuquerque, NM Please do not include Tirthankars' pictures. Pictures can be discarded into rivers and streams. It is most difficult to find the waterways. It is against the Jain principles to discard pictures into the garbage etc. - Pravin Shah, Naperville, Zl. Our sincere compliments to you and the Executive Committee for outstanding quality of the calendar. You have ignited a genuine interest in our family to visit the Jain temples in India. Please continue the project. - Dhanu Kothari, Unionville, Canada On behalf of Dr. Mahendra Pandya and the JAINA Executive Committee, I would like to thank the Jain Community overwhelming response to the Calendar Project. Many of you came forward, sent us generous donation and some of you even took the time to write a note of appreciation. It was way beyond our wildest expectations. JAINA is very grateful for your support. This gives us a lot of encouragement to pursue other projects for the benefit of the community. Anop Vora, JAINA Treasurer The calendar should focus on educating people - Jains and Non-Jains. A theme may be selected each year and calendar can be based on that theme. Too many pictures of Tirthankars causes a moral problem at the time of disposing. - Nalin Jain, Fairfax, VA Excellent idea of producing Jain calendar. This calendar consisting of Jain temples is very beautiful. - G. & C. Rosenberg, Escondido, CA It is very good to idea to keep calendar like this all year around to our children. I am proud of you to have very brilliant idea like this. Continue with the project next year. -Shashi Bhavsur, Oceana WV Another calendar might include symbols and ceremonies of the Jain practice, with explanations. Another idea might be to display Jain temples around the world. - Ila Shah, Oak Brook, IL Next year's calendar with more photos of our temples, if possible bigger. Please include some pictures of Jain Acharyas of all sects. - Babulal Banthia, Greenwood, IN My daughter has suggestion to convert the pictures of temple in to screen saver CD also, she would like that on her computer. - Kumar Khona, Placentia, CA Please have calendars ready by Sept-Oct 2001. One can send out and if there is a set price, people can order to give as gift to their friends. -Naya Dashi Flipse, Williamsport, PA JAIN DIGEST. SPRING 2000/5

Page #8
HEADQUARTERS NEWS.... THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON September 24, 1999 Dhiraj H. Shah President Federation of Jain Associations in North America 135 Morningside Drive Grand Island, New York 14072 Dear Friends: Warm greetings to all those observing Ahimsa Day, sponsored by the Federation of Jain Associations in North America. Violence, in one way or another, affects every individual in every community around the world. By promoting tolerance and understanding, Ahimsa Day reminds us that every citizen must play a role in ending the scourge of violence in our world and fostering peaceful cooperation. My Administration is working hard to confront both the effects and the fundamental causes of violence by helping to restore distressed communities, strengthen families, and sustain an economy that creates jobs for our people. But no government program will be truly successful without the commitment of every individual to restore civility and compassion to his or her community. Only through shared responsibility and a willingness to change can we turn the tide against the forces of violence. I commend all those participating in Ahimsa Day activities for your leadership in this endeavor. You are helping to forge a brighter, more secure future for us all. Best wishes for a successful observance. Brie Curitou 6/JAIN DIGEST. SPRING 2000

Page #9
HEADQUARTERS NEWS.... PARLIAMENT OF THE WORLD'S RELIGIONS JAIN PRATISHTHA MAHOTSAV Bharatiya Temple of Lansing 955 Haslett Road, Haslett, MI 48840 Phone: (517) 339-6337 http://www.nscl.msu.edu/-raman/btl Jain Community of the Greater Lansing area and the Board of Trustees of Bharatiya Temple of Lansing are pleased to announce the Jain Pratishtha Mahotsav, May 26 - May 29, 2000. This most auspicious, festive, and once-in-a-lifetime event for our Jain Mandir will include a series of religious ceremonies (both Swetambar and Digambar), spiritual discourses, and cultural pro- grams including music recitals by internationally acclaimed artist Shri Purushottam Das Jalota. The deities in the temple are of Mahavir Bhagwan and Parshwanath Bhagwan. The main Pratishtha events will be on Saturday, May 27 and Sunday, May 28. The ceremonies will be performed with the blessings of Gurudev Shri Chitrabhanuji. Pradhana priest will be Shri Narendrabhai Nandu. Please support this auspicious celebration by making plans to attend it and by your generous sponsorship of various events. For additional information, please contact any member of the Pratishtha Coordinating Group: Mahendra Jain (517-349-2867), Anil Jain (517-349-9153), Ramesh Dedhia (517-349-8213), Madan Lalwani (517-337-2086) or Navin Jain (517-347-4168). SHREE BIDADA SARVODAYA TRUST 1.6 MILLIAON PATIENTS TREATED IN 26 YEARS The Third Parliament of the World's Religions was held in Cape Town, South Africa from Dec. 1" to 8th, 1999. There can not be a better selection of site like Cape Town, a location where two oceans, the Atlantic, and Indian meet. A location, which has historical significance of uniting west and east since Vacso-DeGama in 1548, found the sea route to travel from Europe to India. While the world is becoming a global village, there cannot be a better choice than Cape Town where the process of globalization began, way back in the 15th century. More than 3000 delegates from all over the world representing Christians, Jewish, Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim Bahai, Sikh, Zoroastrian and Jain religion attended the Parliament. There were 32 Jain delegates from all over the world including India, North America, U.K., and Kenya. The 'JAIN' delegation was coordinated by Nemu Chandaria of the 'Institute of Jainology', U.K. JAINA was represented by immediate past presidents, Dhiraj Shah, Manibhai Mehta, and Pravin and Aarati Shah of Raleigh, NC, Narendra Shah and Vijay Shah of Atlanta, GA, Savita Mehta of LA and C.A. Patel of Gaithersburg, MD. Jain speakers included Dr. L.M. Singhvi, Dr. N.P. Jain, Mr. Niraj Jain, Sadhvi Shilapiji, Dr. Kumarpal Desai, Dr. Vinod Kapashi, Dr. Sohanlal Gandhi, and Mr.Pravin Shah. Gurudev Chicrabhanu's lecture was read by Dr. N.P. Jain in the absence of Gurudev, because of his health. The conference covered a wide variety of subjects includino discussione on the environment, health, non-violence global understanding, earth charter, and different faith traditions. The Parliament was held at very appropriate time when "Today there is a broad and deep movement towards openness, goodwill, and warm-hearted and loving engagement among religious and spiritual communities around the world. Sustained encounters between people of different religious, spiritual and cultural traditions have created heightened momentum towards actualizing our many visions of a better world as well as stronger possibilities for establishing ethical common ground. New awareness and shared ethical principles opens the way into a new era of creative engagement, where we find and implement new modes of outreach, cooperation, and constructive common action, not only among the world's religions but among all of the world's guiding institutions." (From Gifts of Service to the World). The Parliament ended on positive note. Anglican Archbishop Ndungane called for a New World order that puts people ahead of profit. The 26th Medical camp was organized from January 3 to 17, 2000 covering 18 medical specialties. 15,573 patients were treated, 2,314 patients went for special investigations or operations, 101 patients were referred to Mumbai for major surgeries. Trust extended the medical activity in Atmavallabh Hospital, Idar, Gujarat, and plan to continue every year. Urologist Dr. Manibhai Mehta from CA inaugurated the camp and it was sponsored by Radiologist Dr. Naresh Shah from Wilkesbare, PA. 53 volunteers and donors from America participated in the camp including 9 doctors and 5 resident doctors. England's Deputy High Commissioner, Mr. Michael Bates inaugurated the cardiac and rheumatic heart camp, which was sponsored by Jain Center of Southern California and JAINA. Highlight of the camp was a major surgery of a 7 year old Manjula for a 10 pound tumor in the abdomen. The girl was operated by Dr. Ila Meisheri, Dr. Rashik Shah, Asst. Dr. Bela Chheda (USA), and Team of Medical people. Thank you for your kind support for the humanitarian activity and please plan to attend Medical Camp in January 2001, Village Bidada, Kutch, Gujarat, INDIA. (Headquarters News Continued on Page 20) JAIN DIGEST. SPRING 2000/7

Page #10
REGIONAL NEWS.. SOUTHWEST Jadavji Kenia, Regional Editor Phoenix, AZ Jain Center of greater Phoenix organized its 6th Annual Jain Camp "Jainism in the next Millennium" during February, 2000 at Camp Shadow Rim Ranch in Payson. Sixty eight Jain members attended the camp. There were sessions on Happiness, Jain Universe, Soul's relationship with matter and Karma Theory. Separate sessions were held for children and adults. Pathshala teachers Kirit Gosalia, SOUTHEAST Varsha Shah and Mital Gosalia conducted Surendra Shah, Regional Editor the above sessions. Children 18 years and under participated in essay writing compe tition. The topics were "Practice of Jainism in day to day life" and "Why one should be compassionate to others". Debate moderated by Mahendra Shah on "Parent-Child Relationship" was well participated. Other activities included session on Body Mechanics by Lata Desai, Mital Gosalia and Varsha Shah. Kusum Savla shared her knowledge of Yoga with the group. Ashok Jain and Piyush Shah lead Team building activities. Center would like to thanks all the volunteers. Special thanks to Asha Jain for coor dinating camp activities. Jain Center of Greater Phoenix Email address is jain_phoenix@hotmail.com (Bhakti Gosalia at (623) 561-2148) DALLAS, TX 44 teenagers gathered for Thanksgiving Convention of 1999 entitled Back to the Future. The Jain Youth Groups of Tulsa, Houston, Lubbock, and Dallas congregated to remember their Jain roots. This convention united the Jain principles and practices from the venerable past into our modern world. Knowledgeable speakers, such as Dr. Gada, Dr. Gosalia, and Shardaji, explained relevant aspects of core Jain philosophies, Jain Eras, Role of Thirthankars, Soul, and Jain Meditation. Introspective discussions were then organized to utilize these Jain principles into the daily lives of Jain Youth. workshops such as the Snaatra Puja and Six Essentials workshops, analyzed traditional Jain practices to assist Jain Youth to integrate these practices into their lives. Overall, the convention provided a place of reflection for young Jains to discover what aspects of Jainism they wanted to carry with them into the new millennium. Some internet enthusiasts are working on a web page. Check out www.dfwjains.org after mid-March. JSNT contact is current president Kirit Daftary at 254-776-4209. 8/JAIN DIGEST. SPRING 2000 Atlanta, GA Jain Society of Greater Atlanta held elections for the Society held on December 12, 1999, the following were elected: President: Madhuben Sheth Vice President: Shirish Gandhi General Secretary: Hitesh Shah Treasurer: Bharat Shah Members: Anil Shah and Rajesh Shah Youth Coordinator: Virbala Jain Sapanaboli was conducted on Mahavir Jayanti during Paryushana Parva celebrations and about $35,000 was collected. Lectures by Rajmohan Gandhi (grandson of Mahatma Gandhi) and Janice Leosko (University of Texas at Austin) are planned in upcoming months. Dr. Narendra Shah and Surendra Shah participated in the Parliament of World Religions held in Capetown, South Africa in December. Raleigh, NC Jain Study Center of North Carolina (Raleigh, North Carolina) Mr. Pravin and Arti Shah attended the Parliament of World Religions at Capetown, South Africa. Mr. Pravin Shah made several presentations on Jain theory of Karma that were very well received by Jains and non-Jains alike. Orlando, FL The Jain Society of Central Florida, Orlando has selected a new committee for the year 2000. The new members are as follows: President: Bhupendra Shah 407-352-0225 Treasurer:Bakul Kamani 407-345-4973 Secretary: Hina Shah 407-330-1413 New Trustee : Suryakant Dawawala Existing trustees :Kishor Tolia, Kumud Mehta The permanent address for the Society is C/O. Rajendra Mehta, 1689 Grange Circle, Longwood, FL 32750 NORTHEAST Dinesh Chheda, Regional Editor Essex falls, NJ Gyan Pancham, Dev Diwali/Kartaki Poonam, and Maun Ekadashi were celebrated at Caldwell Derasar during November/December. Members, particularly students were briefed about the importance of Gyan Poojan in their lives and its aaradhana eliminates Gyanavarniya Karma. Monthly Pooja, Samuh Samayik and Pathshala classes at two locations are continuing with very good response from members. Regular Swadhayay classes are held on Friday evenings and they are given by local Jain Scholars. A Health Fair was a great success. More than 15 doctors had volunteered their services for EKG, Blood Tests, Dental Care, Diet guidelines, children's health, Bone Marrow donation drive etc. Bone Marrow donation has yielded one match for a fortunate person. For more information contact President Diwakar Shah at (908) 7540891. Cherry Hill, NJ The executive committee and the board of trustees will present the Temple extension plan and seek approval of the general body to proceed with the construction on 27th February, 2000 meeting. The plan was

Page #11
presented on December 12, 1999. The plan drawings have been placed on the wall in the Temple house. The plan has been submitted to the township for zoning approval. A hearing was held on 7th and 28th December '99. The committee has promised the following to the neighbors and the township to resolve complaints from the neighbor: 1. Temple members will not park on the street in front of the houses and driveways. 2. Temple will receive a formal letter from Safety Bus Co., to allow parking up to 25 cars during major events in their parking lot (Completed). 3. Temple will make an effort to seek parking permission from the Masonic Hall on Park Ave. (across the rail tracks). 4. Temple will hire an off-duty officer to direct and control parking during major events. Temple committee requests everyone to park their vehicles in the authorized park ing lots only and not in front of any drive ways. The organizer request members to log on website at www.jainsangh.org to provide input for improvement in writing to the secretary or president. For further information contact President Kirti Shah at (856) 983-2974. sented the un-audited financial report for the year 1999. He also presented the audited financial statements for the year 1995 and 1996 and they were approved by the members. Next motion was made and it was unanimously approved to appoint S. N. Majmudar as an independent auditor. Himmatlal Desai, the election officer announced the results of the election for the year 2000. Following members were either elected or subsequently appointed. Executive committee: President; Pravin Dand Vice President; Kanta Dharamsi, Secretary; Shilpa Mehta JT. Secretary; Dr.Pawan Jain,Treasurer; Manu J. Shah, JT. Treasurer; Ashok Shah* Members-At-large Dr. Sushil Jain, Bipin Pancholi, Kamlesh Shah, Jain Education Intemational Youth Committee: Coordinator; Hariti Shah* Members Arpit Doshi*, Amee Mehta,Mr. Jatin Shah* Sejal Vaywala* Board of Trustees: Chairman Dr. Manoj Dharamsi Trustees Mr. Bachubhai Ajmera Dr. Arvind Mehta,Mr. Vasant Gala Chicago, IL Washington, DC The Jain Religious Center of Wisconsin presented a fund raising drama in JSMC The Annual general body Meeting was Center on November 14 1999 for the benheld on Sunday, December 12, 1999 at the efit of the proposed Jain temple in MilJain Center. Manu Shah, Treasurer pre-waukee. About 600 people took advantage of that presentation. All the proceeds were earmarked for the benefit of the said Center of Wisconsin. the members to participate actively in the Pravin Dand, president, appealed to all management and all other activities of the society. He also emphasized on the importance of members for their participation in Swamivatsalya dinner during major functions. He expressed it is difficult to guess the number of members that will attend the dinner, so that adequate food can be prepared." The members made several suggestions and it was decided that the executive committee should take the appropriate steps to resolve this issue. The meeting ended with a prayer. MIDWEST Manubhai Doshi, Regional Editor The biennial election of the JSMC for the two positions of Trustees and for Executive Committee was held in November. The following members were elected. Kishor C. Shah and Samrati Shah, Trustee President; Prabodh Vaidya, Vice President; Kanti Ravani, Secretary; Jagat Shah, Treasurer; Girish Shah, Jt. Treasurer; Ajay Shah, Education Dr. Mukesh Doshi, Membership; Hitesh C. Shah, Youth; Hitesh K. Shah Food; Arvind Shah Detroit, MI The Society celebrated on February 6th (The Meru Terash) as Lord Rushabhdev's Nirvan Kalyanak day. Bhaktamar Pujan was performed at that time. The function was attended by more than 200 people.Sur Sadhana program was organized on Febrauay 12th and was well structured by Narendra Sheth of Geetmala Radio Program.Beginning with the new year, the study classes are now conducted twice a month. The theme of the second class in January was 'Learn with Fun'. WEST Chandrakant Parekh, Regional Editor Los Angeles, CA of Directors for the Jain Center of SouthFollowing an election, the new Board ern California consists of Sumati Shah, President; Nitin Shah, Vice President, Shailesh Desai, Secretary; Ashok Savla, Trea surer; Ramesh Doshi, Public Relations; and nine Members-at-large - Vijay Chedda, Dhiraj Dedhia, Chandrakant Parekh, Dina Parekh, Dinesh Shah, Prafulla Shah, Virendra Shah, Vipin Vadecha, and Harkishan Vasa, A number of sub-commitment various programs, activities and adtees have been organized to plan and impleministrative functions. The Planning Commission of the City of Buena Park unanimously approved the JCSC's proposed project for a new Jain Bhavan. The proposed plan includes the renovation of the existing building, a new auditorium building with underground parking, and the exterior renovation of the Post Office building. The exterior and the interior of the existing and the proposed single, homogeneous facility. The exterior new buildings will be fully integrated as a of the integrated facility will resemble the distinct architectural style of a Jain temple. Nearly 80 children and 20 adults participated in an annual JCYC Winter Camp. An interesting aspect of the camp JAIN DIGEST SPRING 2000/9

Page #12
REGIONAL NEWS (continued) was that several of the past JCYC students, landmark, in North America. This 24000- Sacramento, CA including my son Sheetal and daughter sq. ft. 2-story structure sits on a 1.7 acre lot Information about the regular activiShayna, volunteered as teachers and/or in the heart of the Silicon Valley. The 6,000 ties and forthcoming programs organized counselors. With over 850 participants, the Sq. ft. second floor will be reserved for reli- by the Jain Center of Greater Sacramento 4th Bi-Annual YJA Convention 2000 to be gious activities, and it will include a temple can be obtained by contacting Manoj Desai, held in Los Angeles from June 30 to July 2 with Pratimajis of all Jain Tirthankars. The JCGS President, at (916) 791-4111 or ewill be one of the largest gathering of the 18,000 sq. ft first floor houses a multi-pur- mail: m.desai@pbnec.com. Jain youths. Registration details are avail- pose Community Center for educational, able at http://www.yja.org website. The Jain social, cultural and religious activities. San Diego, CA Center members participated in a multi- The Pran Pratishtha of Mahavir Swami Regular activities organized by the Jain ethnic parade on February 5 in Santa Ana Pratimaji, which is going to be placed in Society of San Diego include - Navangi Puja celebrating the Black History Month the Jain Bhawan, was performed by H. H. at Shri Mandir every Saturday, a monthly Schedule of various activities and Acharya Vardhamansagarji in Jaipur, India Jainshala at the home of Kokila Doshi, and events is available at www.jainbhavan.com on February 6th through 10th. In parallel, a monthly Jain adult class at Shri Mandir. website. For further information, please JCNC held Bhavna, Bhakti and Jap here in For further information about the forthcontact Sumatibhai Shah, JCSC President, Bay Area. The auspicious Anjan Shalaka of coming programs, please contact Kokila at sumatil@hotmail.com or (562) 926- Mulnayak Adinath and Parsvanath Doshi at (858) 679-7645 or e-mail: 4075. Pratimajis is scheduled to be performed by kdoshi@acusd.edu. H. H. Acharya Padmasagarji in Pune, InSan Francisco, CA dia on April 13th through 17h. Everyone is Canada Jain Bhawan which is being built in welcome to attend the most auspicious Dr. Mahendra Mehta, Regional Editor the City of Milpitas. So far a total of 4 mil- Anjan Shalaka in India. lion dollars have been raised. Jain Bhawan JCNC has a very comprehensive Edu- Edmonton, AL is estimated to cost more than 6 million cation Plan, which consists of 35 pages out Shree Padamvati Devi's Murti arrived dollars and will be ready in August 2000. lining all the details by our Education Com- in the middle of January, 2000. The Murti JCNC has ser a goal of having Akhand Tap mittee Coordinator and Vice-President was made in Jaipur under the directions of Aradhana of 2501 Tapascharya until our Harendra Shah. JCNC has specifically de our Dr Mahendra Jain who personally went Jain Bhawan is built of which over 2200 veloped education material for High School to India to place the order and visited the Tapascharya are completed. Shrimati and older youths, and for adults in a simple site several times during his stay. The conSarojben Dagli, Shri Himatbhai Dagli, American language. In addition to JCNC, cept of the Murti was derived from photo Shrimati Taraben Patel, Shri Bharatbhai this material is used in Chicago, Los Ange of Padamvati Devi supplied by Sharadbhai Shah and Shrimati Vibhaben Vora are per- les and other areas. The material can be ac & Naliniben Shah of Jain Society of Greater forming Varsitap for this upcoming cessed from our website. We have about 15 Detroit.A new temple of Padamavati Devi Pratishtha Mahotsav. On behalf of entire books to support our education curriculum. was constructed next to the current Jain JAIN Sangh, we're asking for their sukh- In addition, JCNC has compiled Samayik Temple at a cost of $1,500 under guidance shata. and Pratikraman in English with meanings. of Shree Sushil Kalia and Pandit Shiv a Mahotsav: lain Center of In addition, we have acquired Samayik kits Shanker Dwivedi. The Pratistha Ceremony Northern California invites everyone to join for children and youths. will be performed on Mahavir Jayanti, April in celebrating Pratishtha Mahotsav of Jain For additional details and educational 16, 2000. Donations are accepted and Bhawan on August 4th through August 7th, material, please visit JCNC's website: http:/ cheques should be made in favour of Hindu 2000 at Jain Bhawan, 722 South Main /www.jcnc.org which is continuously up- Society of Alberta and mailed to Jain SociStreet, Milpitas, California. This will be the dated. In addition, significant amount of ety of Alberta, 2136 - 104 B Street, First Jain Temple in the North America to useful Jain Reference material is posted. The Edmonton, Alberta TOJ 5G8. For more have Pratimajis with Pran Pratishtha, unit- website gets over 13000 hits per month. or Info, please contact Jasvant Mehta at (780) ing all Jains under one roof - Shwetambar, contact Jitendra B. Shah at (408) 729-7916 435 - 9070. Digambar, Sthanakwasi, Terapanthi and or Harendra Shah at (510) 651-5284. the inspired ones by Shrimad Rajchandraji. Jain Bhawan: Jain Bhawan's authentic design and architecture makes it a unique 107 JAIN DIGEST SPRING 2000

Page #13
TERRIER SERIOUS RITUALS OR A NEW SPIRITUAL AWAKENING INC -Dr. Pravin L. Shah, Reading, PA Today we are very proud as Jain community to have Jain cen- teacher Srimad Rajchandra cautions us on overly ritualistic activters in every state and in every metropolitan area, thanks to the ity in Atmasiddhi Sastra as follows: vision of JAINA and visionary leaders like Gurudev Chitrabhanu Koi kriya jad thai rahya, shushkagnanma koi and Acharya Sushilkumarji. maane marag mokshano karuna upaje joi As we are on the threshold of the new millenium, we may (Atamasiddhishastra-Shrimad Rajchandra) stop to do some soul searching to reflect on what is our purpose Following seven point program would allow our generation on earth, whom am I, what is my true form, and how can I fulfill to understand the purpose of rituals and begin a new journey to my dreams spiritually, socially, emotionally, economically and be spiritual awakening in the new millenium. worthy to my fellow Jain brothers and sisters. We need to exam * Change the emphasis of our temple activities from rituine our inner soul to answer some questions. For example, we as alistic and entertainment events into spiritual activities stressing Jain community are spending millions of dollars and countless years of devoted effort to build very valuable Jain centers and beau more on Swadhyay, meditation and reading of scriptures. tiful Jain temples all over America. Are we making good use of Schedule puja events with emphasis on understanding those centers for the benefit of Jain community? Are we advanc- the meaning of each verse of the puja away from the current acing spiritually every year? Or are we falling into power struggle cent on how well we sing or be entertained by music. and routine rituals with irrational faith? Invite local Jain scholars from different centers to conAccording to the most respected Jain texts, Tatvarthsutra, the duct truly spiritual Shibirs and Swadhyay activities year round. main objective of this human life is to attain self realization by We need not depend upon four months of "scholars - imported devoting major portion of our time to study of the scriptures. from India". Summer activities to transform us from ritualistic society into a spiritually oriented Jain community. There is plenty It says of talent in America; let us utilize it and appreciate it. Samyag darshan gnana charitrani mokshmargah * Use some of the gheeboli funds and donations to help tattvartha shraddhanam samyagdarshanam needy Jain families, battered women and children, and set up funds (Tattvartha Sutra- Acharya Umaswati) for Jain scholarships on merit basis for youngsters in North America. In other words, first we must prepare ourselves to study the We need to stay in touch with the community in North America. Jain philosophy including the properties of soul and matter, theory . Develop keen interest among all Jain families to devote of karma, and perform all our activities in such a way that it at least one hour every day at home to read Jain scriptures reguallows us to grow spiritually. This would only happen if we change larly. This habit can transform a ritualistic mind into a spiritual our course of religious practices from simplistic rituals to study of person in due time. scriptures and self introspection. Each family should make a habit of involving all the family Let us examine typical activities of a Jain temple. It mainly members in a religious discussion at home on a regular basis. When consists of conducting monthly pujas, Mahavir Jayanti celebra- children are young it is the best time to get them interested in tions, Paryushana activities with big event being the Swapana family worship. Remember the saying "the family that prays toDarshan and Diwali and New Year Manglik jap. If we take the gether stays together". percentage of time and effort we spend in temples, it appears like Encourage youngsters to participate in all temple activialmost 75% of our activities are mostly ritualistic, which also in ties by being good role model and organizing special events for cludes playing of dandiya raas and gheeboli. In performing these them. Time that we invest in our children to have them underrituals, we seem to ignore the real purpose of the pujas. Various stand our religion will benefit us all. Let us strive to make Jain pujas, such as Snatra or Antray Karma Nivaran were designed by community thrive spiritually. great Jain acharyas with a depth of spiritual meaning. Unfortunately, they are performed as means of social entertainment with major emphasis on mundane aspects of how well we are dressed up to stand up with a divo or how fast we can recite them. Does it not seem like we have been following the rituals blindfolded without giving much thought to spiritual meaning of each puja or event? Do we want to spend valuable time in simply rituals or do we really want a true spiritual awakening? Great Jain Jain Education Intemational JAIN DIGEST SPRING 2000/11

Page #14
COMMITTEE NEWS.. JIV DAYA COMMITTEE SHOULD YOU BECOME A LIFE MEMBER OF JAIN DIGEST? Jiv Daya Committee supports a large (4,000 children) school in Jain Digest, our quarterly magazine is a lifeline of the Jain Maharashtra and have "a sponsor a child" program.Over 200 chil- community living in North America It reaches every Jain in dren are sponsored by U. S. residents. Listed are some of the North America free since 1985. It provides the news about acacitivities of Jiv Daya Committee: tivities of all 57 Jain Centers of North America and their mem1) AHIMSA - with only 4 active volunteers, have networked bers. It educates us in the field of religion by publishing religious with hundreds of animal right groups to educate general public articles. It provides us the news about the activities of our youth. on the plight of animals in the USA. We are networking with It also brings together Jain Youth of marriage age by publishing a many groups to stop the killing of healthy innocent animals at matrimonial column. It publishes news about Jains living in other animal controls and shelters. We encourage and educate the parts of the world. public to spray and neuter their pets so unwanted animals will The most important task of Jain Digest is to provide idennot be killed. tity to our youth who are born and brought up in North America. 2) In the name of Jiv Daya and Ahimsa, we have dedicated the Each issue of Jain Digest is a result of love for scores of Dharma Donkey Sanctuary at a school in Maharashtra and this volunteers, The Editor in Chief is assisted by members of the sanctuary will be used to not only care for sick and abused and Editorial Board, regional editors, associate editors, regular and aged donkeys but to educate 30 surrounding villagers on care guest columnists all living in different parts of continent. They all and kindess to animals. $1800 was raised from Jains last year and that money was used to drill the water wells and create natu work by fax, phones and E-mail to put together a snapshot of our ral fencing for this sanctuary. So far the 145 acres of land, the community in timely fashion producing the most visible evidence spray and neuter clinic, sterilization clinic for people, health clinic, of unity among Jains of North America. computer center etc. have been funded by us personally and 2 Without placing monetary value on time and efforts of the computers donated by the Indian Lions Club of Dallas. volunteers, it costs about $40,000 per year to publish four issues 3) At least 12 Jain families are sponsoring needy children annu- of Jain Digest and send to every family in North America and ally. Jain Sanghs abroad free of charge. 4) We invite the local Jain Temple youth groups to visit our 30 The JAINA has created an endowment fund for this puracre sanctuary and learn more about the animals who live here pose. So far $60,000 has been collected in this fund. More than with us and educated them about the needs of all animals and 500 Jain families have contributed $101 (tax deductible) by behow they can help. We try to involve them to do work with their coming a life member of Jain Digest. The principal of endowlocal humane societies. ment fund is never used to support Jain Digest, only the interest 5) Our presence at many Jain temple meetings makes people income is taken out every year to support Jain Digest. At the ware of the needs of animals. moment it amounts to about $4000 per year. Advertisements 6) By working with PFA of India and represent them in the USA bring about another $6000 per year leaving $30,000 deficit per we are starting a program where any Jain family can donate money year. via Jiv Daya committee and earmark it for anywhere in India - JAINA is committed to continue quarterly publication of their native village or city. We can guarantee that the money will Jain Digest with the help from generous donors. It is essential be delivered via PFA and us to someone who willl use it to help for all of us to become life members of Jain Digest, by contributanimals. They will hear directly from that person and be assured ing tax deductible donations of $101. It will assure all of us and that every rupee of their money is being used properly. our future generations to continue to receive Jain Digest. 7) Our other accomplishment is education. We have been preaching to Jain groups in both India and U.S. that giving money to List of all life members was published in fall 1999 issue and panjrapoles in India is a total waste of money. Instead we ask updated in last issues. Please check last two issues of Jain Digest them to give money to Jiv Daya so the money is used for the to verify your name. Please fill out the Jain Digest Membership animals. The vast majority of panjrapoles do not provide proper Form and mail it along with $101 check to Keerti Shah, at 842, veternary care for the animals. They do not sterilize and so more Lakeside Drive, Bartlett, Illinois 60103-4718, Tel. 630-837-8716. animals are born into miserable coniditons in the panjrapoles. Dr. Mahendra K. Pandya, Dr. Bipin Parikh President, JAINA 1st Vice President,JAINA Ratibhai and Bonny Shah Jiv Daya Committee Keerti Shah, Chairman, Dr. Dhiraj Shah, Member Jain Digest Membership Committee Jain Digest Committee 12/ JAIN DIGEST. SPRING 2000

Page #15
JAINA PATRON PROGRAM UPDATE: The following individuals have become JAINA patrons: NAME Mr. & Mrs. Mahesh & Priti Badani Mr. & Mrs. Vinod M. & Rekha Badani Mr. & Mrs. Yogesh & Smita Bakhai Mr. & Mrs. Ashok & Anjali Bhaiji Dr. & Mrs. Narendra & Chitra Bhandari Mr. & Mrs. Bipin & Bharati Bhayani Mr. & Mrs. Dilip & Suman Bobra Mr. & Mrs. Mukesh & Priti Chatter Mr. & Mrs. Pradeep & Rashmi Chhadva Mr. & Mrs. Ashok & Deepika Dalal Dr. & Mrs. Bipin J. Dalal Mr. & Mrs. Harish & Asha Dand Dr. & Mrs. Prakash Doshi Mr. & Mrs. Vijay & Nalini Doshi Mr. & Mrs. Ram & Neena Gada Mr. & Mrs. Mulraj & Sarla Gala Ms. Minaxi Gandhi Dr. & Mrs. N. & Hansa Hadpawat Mr. & Mrs. Adish & Asha Jain Mr. & Mrs. Amar Jyoti Jain Dr. & Mrs. Jagat & Urmila Jain Mr. & Mrs. Lakhpat & Neera Jain Mr. & Mrs. Mohan & Mohini Jain Mr. & Mrs. Navin & Madhu Jain Mr. & Mrs. Pawan & Nisha Jain Mr. & Mrs. Piyare & Sulakshna Jain Dr. & Mrs. Pratap Singh Jain Mr. & Mrs. Pravin & Neeraj Jain Mr. & Mrs. Prem & Sandhya Jain Dr. & Mrs. Raj K. & Kiran Jain Mr. & Mrs. Sunit & Seema Jain Dr. Vinay Jain Mr. & Mrs. Yawantraj & Sampurna Jain Mr. & Mrs. Ramesh & Nisha Jhaveri Mr. & Mrs. Bharat & Bharati Kamdar Mr. & Mrs. Bhavesh & Panna Kamdar Mr. & Mrs. Kirit & Urmila Kamdar Mr. & Mrs. Yogesh & Bhakti Kamdar Drs. Shantilal & Rukhmani Kenia Dr. Chandra K Khasgiwala Mr. & Mrs. Mayur & Purnima Kothari Mr. & Mrs. Santosh & Sarala Kothari Mr. Vinay Kothari Mr. & Mrs. Hans & Usha Maru Mr. & Mra. Jayanti & Jaya Maru Mr. Bachubhai Mehta Mr. & Mrs. Bansi & Sushila Mehta Mr. & Mrs. Gunvant & Ila Mehta Dr. & Mrs. LabhShankar&Kumud Mehta Dr. & Mrs. Mahendra & Neela Mehta Mr. Mrs. Prakash & Kirtida Mehta Dr. & Mrs. Pradip & Jayashree Morbia Mr. & Mrs. Vasant & Jyotsna Nagda Mr. Bipin Pancholi Asha & Mahendra Pandya Mr. Rajeev K. Pandya CITY, STATE Irvin, CA Fremont, CA Williamsville, NY Strongsville, OH N. Brunswick, NJ Bourbonnais, IL Tempe, AZ Hopkinton, MA Pembroke, FL Cooper City, FL Fairfield, CT Bedford, TX East Hanover, NJ Charlotte, NC St. Paul, MN Hopewell Jnct., NY Forest Hills, NY Woodmere, NY Avon, CT New York, NY Williamsville, NY Pembroke Pines, FL Allentown, PA Los Gatos, PA Rockville, MD Williamsville, NY New York, NY San Jose, CA Fremont, CA Forest Hills, NY Schaumburg, IL Wellesly, MA North Hills, NY Cypress, CA Monte Sereno, CA Clarence, NY St. Charles, IL Hamden, CT Westfield, MA Lowell, MA Roslyn, NY Rosewell, GA Forest Hills, NY Brookfield, CT Norwalk, CT Syosset, NY Gloversville, NY Maumee, OH St. Catharines, ON Islington, ON Herndon, VA Port Neches, TX Newton, MA Herndon, VA Staten Island, NY Staten Island, NY NAME CITY, STATE Mr. & Mrs. Dilip & Sushma Parekh Los Angeles, CA Dr. & Mrs. Bipin & Rekha Parikh Des Plains, IL Mr. & Mrs. Girish & Kokila Parikh Reynoldsburg, OH Mr. & Mrs. Bipin & Harsha Patadia Upland, CA Dr. Chandrakant C. Patel Turlock, CA Mr. & Mrs. Pravin & Manjula Patel Clarksville, TN Mr. & Mrs. Devendra & Meera Peer Huntingdon Valley, PA Dr. M. Raivhand Downer Groove, IL Mr. & Mrs. Jayant & Hansa Sanghvi Hicksville, NY Mr. Mrs. Dilip & Shashi Sethi New York, NY Mr. & Mrs. Ajit C. & Darshana Shah Westlake, OH Dr. & Mrs. Anil B. & Bharati Shah Burr Ridge, IL Mr. & Mrs. Ashok & Nirmala Shah Morton Grove, IL Mr. & Mrs. Ashok & Sunanda Shah Attleboro, MA Mr. & Mrs. Ashvin & Jayashree Shah Orange, CT Mr. Mrs. Ashvin & Sushila Shah Baldwinsville, NY Mr. & Mrs. Bipin & Kerki Shah Ft. Myers, FL Mr. & Mrs. Chandrakant & Leena Shah Macungie, PA Mr. & Mrs. Chandu & Pushpa Shah West Chester, OH Mr. & Mrs. Damaroo & Jyoti Shah Piqua, OH Mr. & Mrs. Deepak & Sampurna Shah Roswell, GA Dr. & Mrs. Dhiraj & Pratima Shah Grand Island, NY Dr. & Mrs. Dhiren & Sushila Shah Dallas, TX Dr. & Mrs. Dilip & Tara Shah Oakbrook, IL Mr. & Mrs. Girish & Datta Shah Campbell, CA Mr. & Mrs. Harshad K. Shah Guttenberg, NJ Mr. & Mrs. Hemendra & Alka Shah Schaumburg, IL Mr. & Mrs. Jagdish & Sonal Shah Cheshire, CT Mr. & Mrs. Jitendra & Panna Shah Port Jeferson, NY Mr. & Mrs. Kantilal & Bhanuben Shah Clementon, NJ Mr. Kantilal T. Shah Laguna Hills, CA Mr. & Mrs. Kaushik & Gita Shah Orchard Park, NY Mr. & Mrs. Kirti & Vasant Shah Houston, TX Mr. & Mrs. Mahendra & Kusum Shah Maple Grove, MN Dr. & Mrs. Mahesh & Chandrakala Shah Dayton, OH Dr. & Mrs. Nalin & Jyoti Shah Greenwood, IN Dr. & Mrs. Narendra & Hansa Shah Athens, GA Mr. & Mrs. Naresh & Minaxi Shah Garden City Park, NY Mr. & Mrs. Navnitlal & Manjula Shah Martinez, GA Mr. & Mrs. Paresh K. & Meeta Shah Westwood, MA Mr. Praful Shah Arvada, CO Mr. & Mrs. Raju & Manjula Shah Bowling Green, KY Mr. & Mrs. Ramesh & Rekha Shah E. Amherst, NY Mr. & Mrs. Ramnik & Hansa Shah Wilmington, DE Mr. & Mrs Satish & Debra Shah Elkhart, IN Mr. Satish R. Shah Glendale Heights, IL Mr. & Mrs. Shashikant & Smruti Shah Naperville, IL Mr. & Mrs. Sudhir & Ketki Shah Paramus, NJ Mr. & Mrs. Vinod & Anila Shah Burnsville, MN Drs. Vinod & Rasila Shah H untingdon Valley, PA Mr. & Mrs. Surendra & Sushila Singhvi Dayton, OH Dr. & Mrs. Bhupendra & Chandrika ToliaNorwood, NJ Mr. & Mrs. Jit & Manda Turakhia Liverpool, NY Mr. & Mrs. Vinay K & Vimla Vakani Oradell, NJ Mr. & Mrs. Vinod & Suman Vakhariya Grosse Ile, MI Mr. & Mrs. Anop R. Vora Rochester, NY Mr. & Mrs. Kishor & Rashmi Vora Owensboro, KY Kishor N. Vora Owensboro, KY Mr. & Mrs. Mahendra & Sangita Vora West Chester, OH JAIN DIGEST SPRING 2000/13

Page #16
AFFILIATE NEWS JAIN MEDITATION INTERNATIONAL CENTER INTERNATIONAL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION OF SHRI MAHAVIR JAIN VIDYALAYA MESSAGE OF AHIMSA IN MIDDLE EAST Gurudev Shri Chitrabhanuji's first visit to Dubai was a unique IAAMJV (International Alumni Association of Shri Mahavir event. The lectures attracted a lot of interest among Jains and non- Jain Vidyalaya) has awarded 14 scholarships each worth $2,000 Jains alike. In a series of lectures Gurudev highlighted Ahinsa during 1999 to the following students from India. Their names Parmodharma as basic to all religions. The Dubai group discussed and fields of studies are listed below: with him their plans for a place of worship where they will install a statue of Mahavir. Name Field of Study The visit to Muscat was truly memorable as well. The local 1 Maulik R. Shah M.S. Environmental Engineering Jain Community took the initiative for organizing events which 2 Gaurav M.Shah M.S. Computer Science involved a number of public lectures that attracted Jains, Hindus, 3 Nehal N. Shah M.S. Computer Science Sikhs and all others. The visit was made possible by the efforts of 4 Chirag S.Shah M.S. Computer Science B.S. Mehta and Dileep Mehta among others. Gurudev praised the 5 Nikunj B. Shah M.S. Bio Medical Engineering achievements of the community and counseled them about the 6 Bhavesh J. Shah M.S. Industrial Engineering need for spreading compassion and fostering brotherhood/sister 7 Sunetra D. Maniar M.S. Computer Science hood in this haven of peace. 8 Pankil R. Shah M.S. Computer Science Visit to Nairobi:Gurudev Shri Chitrabhanuji and Pramodaben M.S. Mechanical Engineering visited Nairobi on the 16th anniversary of the Muni Suvrat Swamy 10 Rahul M.Zaveri M.S. Environmental Engineering Temple - a magnificent and unique replica of the Jain Delwara 11 Jignesh H. Shah M.S. Computer Science Temple in Mount Abu. The temple's setting is impressive and has 12 Keyur Shah M.S.Pharmaceutical been an inspiration because of its multifaceted activities. The temple M.S.Chemical Engineering complex was first initiated in 1971 with guidance of Guruji. The dedicated Oshwal Jains of Nairobi have enriched a vibrant cul 14 Kulin N. Kothari M.S. Computer Science tural centre, a school from kindergarten to graduate levels, a hos IAAMJV has awarded loan scholarships worth $83,000 since pital established by M.P. Shah provides free treatment to under its inception in 1991 to deserving Jain students irrespective of sect. privileged Africans. During this visit, Guruji delivered eight lec These loan scholarships are for a duration of 2 years and once the tures and thousands of people took advantage of it. Pramodaben people took advantage of it. Pramodaben loans are refunded, they are recycled for the benefit of other stualso gave talk on Jainism and its Importance in Today's time. dents. If you wish to support this cause, please contact Anop Vora, President, IAAMJV at 716-473-9290 for further details. Asia Pacific Regional Conference:The Conference on "Reverence for All Life" was held in Mumbai on November 20, 1999. It was inspired by Sadhu Vaswani Mission. Guruji was invited to give valedictory address for this successfully arranged conference GURUDEV CHITRABHANUJI'S SCHEDULE FOR 2000 at which more than 1000 people participated. The emphasis was on the idea that the "Reverence for All Life" permeates all aspects April 7 Westbury, NY Nishadh Shah 732-501-6515 of our growth. The question that Gurudev posed was "How can April 15 Atlanta, GA Madhu Sheth 404-325-0627 one grow, who does not have the reverence for the Self, for one's April 22 San Jose, CA Girish Shah 408-373-3564 existence and for one's living?. May 6 Williston Pk, NY Pravin Vakani 516-741-2820 Annual Vegetarian Awards: The Annual Awards Ceremony May 13 Whitmore LK, MI Chetna/Cathy 313-449-2101 May 14 Detroit, MI Niranjan Mody 248-851-3965 of The Vegetarian Society was held on Nov 19, 1999 in Mumbai. May 21 Lincrift, NJ Ari K. Jain 732-842-5805 The function was attended by leading dignitaries involved in the May 27 Lansing, MI Suman Kashyap 517-349-5220 cause of vegetarianism. The Society gave The Indian Award to June 11 Chicago, IL Kinnaben Shah 847-426-1088 Shri Ratanlal Bafra. The International Award was given to Dr. June18 Blairstown, NJ Niraml Dosi 732-390-0296 Pichai Tovovich, a Thai scholar and dignitary who has been con- Jn 30-July 1-3 Los Angeles, CA Subhra Jain 314-345-3296 sidered for a Noble Prize in Chemistry and has given -by his tow- July 10-16 Toronto, Canada Ashok Shah 416-221-5347 ering stature- legitimacy and prestige to a vegetarian event in Thai July 26 Gurudev's 78th Birthday land. Gurudev lauded the work of the Society and particularly the August 4-7 San Jose, CA Girish Shah 408-729-7916 work of the Secretary General Jashubhai Shah, a leading solicitor, who has been a driving force behind the efforts of the Society. 14/JAIN DIGEST SPRING 2000 Jain Education Intemational

Page #17
WITH JAISALMER TO PALITANA - YATRA 2000 By Dilip V. Shah, Philadelphia, Chairman, JAINA Pilgrimage Committee A Tirthyatra is an opportunity to wash away sins of many with colorful ribbons for Yatris for easy identification. Dr. Jaya previous lives. In the footsteps of the spectacularly successful Shah from Cleveland gathered cartons of surplus medical supfirst ever JAINA pilgrimage of October 98 covering Samet Sikhar plies (syringes, I.V. insertion kits etc.) from area hospitals for and nearby Tirths, JAINA executive committee created a Pil donations to Orissa relief program and other hospitals. Gurudev grimage committee with the responsibility to organize at least Chitrabhanu offered to come to the Bombay airport, at the be Chitrabhanu offered to come one pilgrimage every year. This time, Dr. Dhiraj Shah sug ginning of the Yatra for Manglik Vanchan. Navkar Sarvar Kendra of Ahemdabad agreed to hold the medical camp in Palitana for preliminary itinerary JAINA YATRA 2000 - was distributed at Sadhus and Sadhvis. They also provided musical group for couple JAINA convention in Philadelphia. of evenings for Bhakti Geets. Federation of Jain Social Groups in Several suggestions poured in resulting in the final Yatra Bombay requested their chapters in the cities we were going to plan which was presented in September. Very ambitious 2 week be to help us in any way they can. We got warm cooperation itinerary including temples of Kesariyaji, Ranakpur, Jodhpur, from every organization we contacted. Jaisalmer, Nakodaji, Mt. Abu, Ider, Mehsana, Patan, Sankheswara, Day of departure January 18 was a beautiful day (We and Palitana was just the first agenda. This Yatra was also designed dodged a brutal snow storm on the east coast by a whisker). At the to cover the second type of Jain Tirths- our Sadhus and Sadhvis. New York JFK terminal, many prominent members of New York Vandans and Vaiyavachcha of our monks were to be the integral Sangh along with the newly elected President Dr. Sumtibhai Shah part of this Yatra. To achieve this goal, JAINA's Tirthodhdhar came to bid ceremonial send off. Arrival in Bombay was uneventcommittee's help was sought. Mr. Kirit Daftary, Chairman of the ful except the customs- We did not have sufficient paperwork for Tirthodhar committee readily agreed to join hands and during the medical supplies we were carrying in 7 huge cartons but in the October JAINA meeting at Siddhachalam, detailed plans for col end, after 4 hours of negotiations, cooler heads prevailed and our laboration between the Pilgrimage committee and Tirthodhdhar precious ca precious cargo was permitted to go through. During this time ancommittees were formulated. Kiritbhai proposed a medical camp other Air India flight from Chicago with 30 Yatris arrived and we in Palitana for Sadhus and Sadhvis for the two days we were plan- all proceeded to the domestic airport for flight to Udaipur. ning to be there. Our Yatris will have opportunity to perform a Two of our Yatris, Dr Kantibhai Shah of Oklahoma and fundamental duty of Shravaks and Shravikas- serving our Sadhus Dr. Anil Shah of Chicago, veterans of the Samet Sikhar Yatra agreed and Sadhvis. once again to serve as medical officers for the Sangh. Dr. Anil The third aspect of this Yatra was visiting some Jain Shah also served as one of the 6 group leaders. Other group leadinstitutions along the way to observe how Jainism is practised. ers were - Kirit Daftary of TX, Madhukar Mehta of NC, Keerti To this end, we chose to visit a Pathshala, a Panjarapol, couple of Shah of Chicago and Sevanti Shah of Phoenix, AZ. These leaders Poostak Bhandars, a research institute, a hospital run by a Jain and their wives worked hard to look after Yatris and assured smooth charitable trust, couple of ashrams, a Jain primary school and a functioning of the Sangh. Anil Shah of NJ was appointed as the Jain art museum. We also planned to meet with local Jain com- treasurer for our Sangh. He and his wife Hemlata disbursed donamunities through local chapters of Jain Social Groups. Thus be- tions to temples and other institutions in the name of JAINA from gan a stream of letters, faxes, phone calls and e-mails making the special Yatra fund created with voluntary contributions of Yatris. contacts in India and selection of travel agents, contractors for From Bombay we had purchased sets of Poojapo (Traditional of land arrangements, hotels, dharmsalas etc. We entrusted Metro fering of Snatra Pooja Samagris, saffron, new pooja clothes etc. to Travel of Eslin, NJ to arrange air travel to and from India and temples from visiting Sanghs as an effort to replace temple items flights within India. Meena Shah of Metro Travel also helped used by Yatris). Chandrakant and Bhanuben Shah of NY took with details of the itinerary and she was so committed to the charge of distribution of these items at each temple. success of the yatra that she also traveled with us all the way to On the morning of 20th January, we reached Udaipur Udaipur just to make sure that all the air travel went smoothly. and settled in a country style hotel with cottages. This was desigAltogether 84 Yatris registered from many different states. nated as a day of rest but instead, in the evening, Yatris took the Our youngest Yatri was 22 year old and few in their sixties and opportunity to visit the City Palace, a lake and a temple of Shri up. We had a good mix of all the different sects fairly repre Padmanabh who will be the first Tirthankara of the next Chauvisi. sented. Our Sangh looked like a true delegation of JAINA. A special Yatra souvenir prepared by Diptiben Shah of Bombay Offers of help came from many sides. As they had done with information on all the Tirths, maps and Stavans was distriblast time, Jit and Manda Turakhia donated special Yatra 2000 badges uted to the Yatris and it proved to be very useful at every juncture JAIN DIGEST SPRING 2000/15 Jain Education Intemational

Page #18
in the Yatra. At night a special musical group from Ahemdabad arrived for a spiritually uplifting singing of Bhakti geets. We divided Yatris into 6 groups of 14 Yatris each with a team leader. We started next morning in 3 air-conditioned luxury buses for Kesariyaji temple. Shri Adinath temple in Kesariyaji is over 600 years old but the black idol is believed to be from the era of Shri Munisuvratswami. This town is the Dhuleva Mandap town we sing in Aarti. Traditionally people (Jains and Non Jains) offer lots of Kesar (saffron) and as a result, the temple is known as Kesariyaji. After Darshan and Pooja, we proceeded to Ranakpur. It was a night of full moon and at 8:30 the temple had just closed. It would take at least an hour before we could get rooms but our Yatris were not disheartened in any way. Outside the temple they all set down on the floor and under the moonlight enhanced the quiet of the serene atmosphere with the sounds of Bhaktamar Stotra and other Bhakti Geets. There was no doubt that this Yatra was going to be a spiritual extravaganza. Next morning Yatris were in the temple before 7:00 A.M. for Darshan and recitation of Bhaktamar Stotra. Splendor of Ranakpur temple at sunrise slowly sank into yetis. The architecture for which Ranakpur temple is most famous is amazing - the 1444 carved marble pillars designed in such a way that from any given point in any direction you look, one of the idols is visible. Jodhpur was our next stop. The long bus trip was made bearable by group singing and chanting in the buses. We settled in a hotel for the night and next morning visited a 250 year old Parswanath temple on a lake. Inside the compound in front of Padmavati Devi, we all sat down to listen to Dr. Jwala and Aruna Prasad of Cincinnati, as they recited stotras and narrated story of Jindattcharaya of Humcha. Together they also sang Padmavati Stuti in Sanskrit in a beautiful melody. This was a very moving scene. Many of us, not familiar with south Indian languages are not aware of how deep rooted Jainism is in the southern part of India. Learning from each other is an added bonus of a Sangh Yatra and this was a very good example of how JAINA is bringing Jains of all stripes together. Yatris were developing new bonds with others on their bus and in anticipation of reaching Jaisalmer that night smiles were all over. On the way, we visited Osianji temple and Falodi. Luckily for us, the hotel in Jaisalmer where we were to spend two nights was a beautiful fort like complex just recently opened for the tourists. After breakfast early next morning we proceeded to the fort and the temple. The tour guide at the Chintamani Parswanath temple was very knowledgeable and he explained some of the fundamentals of Jain Moorti Shastra and temple construction particularly the 12 dancing Devis in the Rangmandap. In the next temple, he pointed out a carving in the size of a rice grain of a temple and an idol within. We saw stone carving of Jain cosmology and many more salient features and also visited the Poostak Bhandar underneath the temple. - a true treasure of ancient Jain manuscripts. Because of the special arrangements made on our behalf, three 16/JAIN DIGEST. SPRING 2000 trustees of the Jaisalmer Teeth were present to provide a rare access to the inner sanctum of the vault. This is where most of the manuscripts are carefully guarded in steel cabinets and aluminum boxes of various sizes customized for the size of manuscripts. A small window at the bottom of the floor is the only entrance to the wall and one has to crawl to enter. But rewards of the effort to get there were immediate and immense. We also saw a mysterious pillar containing hidden knowledge believed to be waiting for appropriate person (Yug Purush) to come and for whom the pillar will open and the knowledge will be bestowed upon him. After coming down from the steps of the fort and the emotional high, we visited Parwa Haveli - world famous tourist attraction with exquisite stone carvings that take your breath away. In the evening, we went to Thar Desert. Unlike other tourists, we did not ride the camels but instead hired the camels just to walk with us or take pictures with. On couple of sand dunes Yatris watched the sunset and contemplated on the very uplifting day that had just ended. Back at the hotel, with dinner we were entertained by Rajasthani folk singers and dancers. Next morning we went to Amarsagar for Darshan and Lodravaar for Darshan and Pooja of Sahastrafeni Parswanath. After lunch before we started long journey to Nakodaji, everyone posed for one group photograph in front of the hotel. To foster friendship between Yatris, half the Yatris changed buses to meet new people. On our way to Nakodaji, we stopped at three temples of Badnasar for Darshan and dinner and arrived at Nakodaji Dharmasala late at night. Next morning on January 26, after darshan and pooja at Nakodaji, few of us went to a local school for flag hoisting ceremony. Shanti Niketan School, run by a Jain Trust was a very gracious host to our Sangh and kids presented variety entertainment program filled with such items as Yoga demonstration, patriotic songs and regional dances. We all joined kids on stage singing "Saare Jahan Se Achha Hindustan Hamara". Some of our yatris wanted to donate funds to the school but were politely turned down. On the way to Mt. Abu we stopped near Jhalore where a new Shantinath temple in the shape of a Ship is being built. From there we went to Bramanwada where Bhagwan Mahavir had Upsarga - nails driven through his ears. We saw the mini Samet Sikharji and reached Mt. Abu late at night. Morning was reserved for visit to the Adinath temple at Delwara. The world famous artistry and carvings in marble spellbinds you eternally with dreams of white marble clouds journeying you to salvation. From the Delwara temples we went to Adinath temple at Achalgadh. In the evening we went to the sunset point, a very prominent tourist spot and Nakhi lake. On the way to Ider next morning we stopped in a small town near Vadali where a new Tirth is being built to install 23 of the many idols unearthed from Samprati Maharaj time. In Ider

Page #19
we first stopped at Atmavallabha hospital run by a Jain trust. A warm reception at the gate of the hospital was arranged and we entered the compound singing "Maitri Bhavnu Pavitra Jharnu". We presented a carton of medical supplies and doctors among the Yatris took a tour of the hospital. In the lobby of the hospital we saw a huge sign on the wall acknowledging donations from JAINA and Jain Centers of Chicago, New York and New Jersey. In the afternoon we went to Shrimad Rajchandra's ashram on a small hill. Shantibhai Kothari gave a very inspired talk about Shrimad's teachings. Yatris spent some time meditating and listening to one Sadhu. Some of the yatris visited Ider Gadh - Shri Shantinath temple established by Samprati Maharaja. On the way to Mehsana from Ider, although not on our itinerary, we took a chance to visit Mahudi. But it was not to be, the temple had just closed and disappointed we proceeded to Mehsana. The Water Park hotel outside Mehsana complex was one of the best accommodations during the Yatra. We visited Shri Simandherswamy temple for Darshan and pooja and Choumukhi Adinath temple. In the same temple complex, there were some Sadhus and we paid our respects. The local Jain Social group had arranged a reception and refreshments for the Yatris. In the afternoon we visited Yashovijay Jain Sanskrit Pathshala. Here students live and study Jain scriptures for four to six years. Most Pathshala teachers in India are graduates of this school. North American Jain community is familiar with Pandit Dhirajlal who is a former student of this institution. We were so mesmerized by the talk given by a young student that we invited the entire student body to our hotel at night for more interaction with them. From the Yatra fund, we donated Rs25,000 for sponsoring a student for full four years. This inspired three others among us to sponsor one student each and raised enough money for a fifth student. In the evening we visited Linch Mahajan Panjarapol. Many Yatris confessed to have never seen a panjrapol before. Jain principle of Karuna for all living beings is practiced in these institutions that run entirely by charity. This Panjarapol just outside Mehsana is in a poor town.Harsh weather of last two years have put this Panjrapol in financial straps. That night after dinner at the hotel, the Jain Social Group of Mehsana had arranged a Bhavna program at the hotel. We were lucky to have Jain Social Group's support in various cities as they helped with logistics, emergency medical help and smoothing our paths. Next morning we proceeded to the 1200 years old Panchasar Parswanath Temple in Patan. This 52 Jinalay temple was last rebuilt in 1955. This is one of the 108 Parswanath Tirth and Just out side the temple is the Gyan Mandir of Kalikal Sarvagna Shri Hemchandracharya. Patan Jain Mandal had kindly arranged for a very knowledgeable scholar to show the rich collection of old manuscripts and artifacts. Some of our Yatris spent four hours in this revered house of knowledge. In the afternoon we went sightseeing. Ranki Vaav - a well with seven story stone carving was awe-inspiring. Patan is most famous for Patola weavers of Patan. This is a vanishing art as there are only 5 families that are still producing Patolas and one has to order them three to six months ahead as each Patola takes three months of weaving. From Patan we started for Sankheswara and arrived at the Dharmasala late at night. Darshan and Pooja at the main temple was eagerly awaited by many Yatris. Individually, Yatris also went to Agam Mandir and 108 Parswanath temple. At the 108 Parswanath temple, Acharya Labdhisuri Maharaj was present. The temple was celebrating completion of his 50th year of monkhood. An exhibition of books and musical Pooja in the Rangmandap was added bonus to the Yatris. We started for Palitana that afternoon and the six hour Journey became a ten-hour affair. We reached Palitana Dharmasala at two in the morning. Most did not retire until 3:30 A.M. but Pahad Yatra early that morning was not something anyone was going to miss. Mysteriously, every one was energized and present in Dada's Darbar for Pooja and Darshan. Also at 9:00 am in Palitana, 2-day JAINA Medical Camp with help of Navkar Sarvar Kendra was inaugurated. Bharatbhai Kothari, the 70 year old leader of Navkar Sarvar Kendra was present for the inauguration of Medical camp although that day was his birthday. Instead of celebrating his birthday with his grand children, he spent that day and the next in service of the cause he has championed. Many items like tiger balm, magnifying plastic sheets, cotton socks, kamblis etc. were distributed to the Sadhus and Sadhvis as they were also examined by Vaidrajs. Only Ayurvedic medicines that are also acceptable to Jains is carried by the Navkar Sarvar Kendra. Many of our Yatris got to meet and talk with our holy Sadhu/Sadhvis in the bhakti atmosphere. This was quite a learning experience as well as rewarding one to the Yatris. At night we had a Bhavna Geet program arranged by Navkar Sarvar Kendra and during that program, the Yatris thanked the 46 member staff of Patni tours for wonderful food and service provided during the yatra. Each staff member was called by name, applauded and handed an envelope with cash as further sign of gratitude. Dr. Kantibhai Shah, in celebration of his birthday distributed a book by Shri Anandghanji to all the yatris and Navkar Sarvar Kendra gave a two volume set on Tirthdhams to each Yatri families. Kirit Daftrary and his wife Pramilaben also presented a check for $7,000 from the Tirthodhdhar committee of JAINA to Navkar Sarvar Kendra. After a good night's sleep, next morning was free for yatris to visit other temples in Palitana and after lunch we started towards Ahemdabad. Our first stop was Songadh where beautiful temple complex with a model of Nandi Dwip and Shri Kanji Swami's Ashram is located. Next, we stopped at Bagodra, where a 12' Pratima of Parswanath is installed in what one day will be a mini Samet Sikhar Tirth. The last stop of the day was Koba. Al JAIN DIGEST SPRING 2000/17

Page #20
though we were one hour late arriving Koba, Shri Atmanandji addressed the assembly and gave his blessings. They had also made very comfortable arrangements for night stay of all the yatris and the Patni's staff. This last day was now looking like a very long day. By the afternoon as we reached Hathesingh Temple everyone was tired. Yatris Rashmikant and Bakula Jhaveri sponsored the lunch and that did revitalize us. A small ceremony was held to thank 11 member Patani family who had made all of our travel arrangements. Our Sangh's resident poet, Ila Mehta of Ohio dished out a very moving poetry praising their efforts and expressing feelings of the Yatris. They fed us wonderful meals, took care of us and arranged 15 day Yatra very comfortably, not just as customers but as though we were members of their family. We presented a JAINA plaque of "Excellence in Service" to them. Tears were on many faces as every one realized that yatra 2000 was about to end, and separation from newly acquired friends was inevitable. In the morning, the last day of our yatra, once again the Yatris got to hear Atmanandji as he participated in Bhav Pooja. Next door to the Ashram stands a beautiful temple, Jain art exhibition and Poostak Bhandar. Koba is commendable job of cataloging old manuscripts of other Poostak Bhandars like that of Jaisalmer and Patan in the country. Their plan is to copy the INTERNATIONAL NEWS.. material digitally for preservation and world wide distribution. It would be a fitting memory of this Sangh to fund latest equipment (Scanners, computers and a CD burner) so that our Jain heritage is preserved for the future generations. From Koba, we proceeded to Tapovan. The serene atmosphere in this Jain Boarding School for about 350 students is a sight to behold. A neat and clean establishment with a Goshala, beautiful temple, and learning halls with names like Nalanda. Bright young boys Veer Sainiks of tomorrow in their white uniforms won hearts of the yatris. We saw their computer class room and noticed many of their computers were so old that they could not load Windows on them and students were using WordStar for word processing! Outside the classrooms Yatris raised within minutes enough money to buy one Pentium II based computer. We also donated money to sponsor one student for full four years. Students presented an inspiring program on the stage and as we left Tapovan with the feeling that institutions like Tapovan will assure bright future for Jainism. Our last stop was L D institute of Indology. Jain art exhibition at the institute could not possibly be seen or enjoyed in the couple of hours we had on hand. Lalit Kumar, curator of the museum was so knowledgeable and so giving that the Yatris felt guilty rushing out to the library and the research facility next door. Again, time was short but the elderly gentleman at the library patiently showed how they were preserving the old manuscripts and showed some old writings on palm leaves. The Yatra was now complete. Conscious efforts and goodwill of all the yatris to achieve something great did result in 18/ JAIN DIGEST. SPRING 2000 a memorable experience of a lifetime. The success of the yatra was also a result of excellent teamwork of the group leaders. Jain Education Intemational After dinner at a restaurant, many stayed behind in Ahemdabad and others took train to Bombay. Soon planning for the 2001 Yatra will have to begin. (The writer wishes to acknowledge gratefully very valuable help of Dr. Jwala Prasad of Cincinnati in preparing this article) SAMANS VISIT USA AND AFRICA Saman Sthitpragya and Saman Ashwanipragya, disciples. of Anuvrat Anusashta Acharyashri Mahapragya, successfully completed a six-month tour of USA and Africa. After a three-month stay in USA, Samans left on a tour of several African countries that included Nigeria, South Africa, Mauritius, Harare, Tanzania, Kenya and Dubai. In Nigeria, the Samans presented lectures on Stress Management and Preksha Meditation to the Nigerians. In South Africa, they addressed the Indian communities in Johannesburg and Durban on he topic of Anuvrat Lifestyle. The Samans had an opportunity to give a presentation on "Preksha Meditation" to nearly 8,000 participants who attended the Parliament of World Religions in Cape Town. In Mauritius, the Samans were interviewed on the topics of "Anger Management" and "Peaceful Family Life" which were aired on the radio and TV. In Harare, nearly 600 students attended their program on "Science of Living". A workshop on meditation and yoga was well received by the Indian community in Tanzania. The Samans participated in an eight-day program hosted by the Jain Samaj in Mombasa, Kenya. In Dubai, the Jain community had an opportunity to learn from them about the teaching of Lord Mahavir. Following such an extensive tour, the Samans returned to India on January 9, 2000. GURUDEV SHRI KANJI SWAMI CELEBRATION OF 111TH JANMA JAYANTI Mumukshus in North America and UK will celebrate the 111th Janma Jayanti of Gurudev Shri Kanji Swami, during NJ. Three days Adhyatmik Shibir is the main feature of this Memorial long week end (May 27-29) this year at Siddhachalam, event. Eminent scholars from India will conduct the Shibir. Besides this, multimedia presentation, Pooja, Bhakti and other programs are also included. Many Jains from North America and also from UK are expected to participate. For more information, please contact Jyotsana V. Shah, Phone: 570-287-7457 or Hasmukh M. Shah, Phone: 734-394-1731. Email. kahanguru@hotmail.com

Page #21
UPDATE ON 2001 JAINA CONVENTION The Jain Society of Metropolitan Chicago (JSMC) has agreed to host the 11th Biennial JAINA Convention in Chicago. JAINA and JMSC are actively engaged in finalizing the agreement on the JAINA Convention Guidelines that will be followed in organizing and managing the upcoming Convention. At the invitation of the JSMC, JAINA Executive Committee will meet on March 18, 2000 in Chicago. The appointment of JAINA Convention Board comprising of representatives of JAINA and JSMC will be finalized at this meeting. JSMC will present its plan for the Convention that will include among other things selection of site for the convention. JAINA Executive Committee intends to visit the proposed Convention sites with a view to finalizes the selection. JAINA Executive Committee, along with the JSMC and invited guests, will discuss the ideas to develop the theme of the 2001 Convention. All programs such as religious discourses, seminars, cultural programs and youth oriented programs will be organized around the selected central theme of the Convention. Jain Community of North America can participate in developing the theme of the Convention by forwarding ideas to the JAINA Headquarters, by Fax or E-mail. Vinay K. Vakani Secretary, JAINA Bipin D. Parikh First VP, JAINA 10TH BIENNIAL JAINA CONVENTION INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE PERIOD JAN 1, 1999 TO FEB 29, 2000* INCOME: Registration MIS Cruise Temple Donations Donations CME Banquet, Youth Dance & Dandiya Paintings Exhibition, Frames, Books & Murti Raffle Souvenir Advertisements Swamivatsalya TOTAL INCOME EXPENSES: Registration Valley Forge Convention Center Temple Installation at Convention Temple Reconst. Res (Siddhachalam) Speakers Cultural Programs Youth Cruise Misc. Food Expenses Paintings Exhibition, Frames, Books & Murti Advertising & Publicity Bus & Transport Audio/Visual Souvenir Printing & Production Other Printing Secretarial Services Furniture & Equipment Postage & Telephone Insurance Security & Professional Fees TOTAL EXPENSES CASH BALANCE Add: Accounts Receivable - Collectible Less: Accounts Payable for expenses NET SURPLUS / (DEFICIT) AMOUNT $ 365,203 13,450 35,550 46,565 150,716 21,600 6,054 12,753 34,295 27,496 116,511 32,952 863,145 20,164 372,027 25,635 20,000 57,002 40,941 37,500 14,087 35,355 20,539 18,121 20,597 49,677 39,919 23,345 21,602 4,564 11,777 1,843 16,280 850,975 12,170 29,756 -54,375 $ (12,449) Submitted by: Devendra T. Peer Convenor Samarpan Jain Sangh 1. *This covers all the Income and Expenses for the Convention. 2. No payment for any services were made to any members of the Convention Board or our Sangh. Rajnikant S. Shah Chairman, Finance Committee Samarpan Jain Sangh 3. Temple reconstruction reserve is for reinstallation of temple at Siddhachalam. Note: All donors/advertisers are urged to make payments of their pledges, to allow completing of the accounts. JAIN DIGEST. SPRING 2000/19

Page #22
BOOK REVIEW... Twelve Facets of Reality - The Jain Path to Freedom Realize What You Are The Dynamics of Jain Meditation The Psychology of Enlightenment - Meditations on the Seven Energy Centers PANCHAMRUT The Philosophy of Soul and Matter Ten Days Journey Into The Self For the new millennium the elder Jain master Gurudev Chitrabhanu - has bottled the keys to enlightenment in this set of five books, a foundation for all seekers of truth, the basic principles of Jainism and inner happiness. In his characteristic clear English and succinct examples, he has distilled very complex subjects into a readable delight. Ten Days Journey Into The Self: is an elaboration of Gurudev's Immortal Song "Maitribhavnu Pavitra..." He considers the four virtues amity, appreciation, compassion and equanimity as four pillars A 5-book set by Gurudev Shri Chitrabhanu on which life can be built. He moves on to the glory of Navkar Mantra as the universal Mantra and how meditating with Navkar Mantra can overcome our inner enemies. Twelve Facets of Reality: is "Shant Sudharas Sagar" of Mahopadhyaya Vinayvijayji- 12 Bhavnas in capsule form. This book is the preface to his immortal song "Maitri Bhavnu Pavitra Jhurnu". If you like the song, you will love this book. The concepts of Anitya, Asharan, Aashrava, Nirjara, Nitya, etc. routinely take thousands of words and a great deal of contemplation but the Gurudev has magically converted them into twelve facets of the most precious of gems - Mukti. Realize What You Are: is a collection of instructions given by Gurudev on the fundamentals of Jain Meditation: a primer for a 5week meditation course. This step by step approach for the uninitiated is heaven-sent. He describes meditation not as a religion but as a means of learning the art of living, growing and communicating. As a first step, he has prescribed 24 minutes a day for practice. For those whose life is so busy that they cannot find one minute out of every hour of the day for themselves, he has just these words: "Reorder your priorities!" After a few preliminary matters of selecting the time and space for meditation, the book quickly gets down to the serious business on hand and soon the reader will be chanting Veerum and Sohum. The book goes on to philosophy of meditation and its role in our daily lives. He asserts that meditation will improve your communication skills and you will be at peace with yourself. The Psychology of Enlightenment: advances his meditation instructions, dealing with each of the seven centers of energy corresponding to seven levels of awareness from which we can begin to discern our true nature. Practical meditation techniques for each center Muldhara, Swadhisthana, Manipura, Anhanta, Vishuddha, Ajna and Sahasrara are described in simple steps. The book shows how the energy centers can be used for health and healing. The summary chart at the end of the book is a precious resource. 20/JAIN DIGEST SPRING 2000 The Philosophy of Soul and Matter: is the heart of Jainism. From the laws of Karma to the matters of soul, in his anecdotal style. Gurudev has presented in less than 75 pages, eight types of Karma, a complex theory in simple and clear terms. In the most modern lan guage he has shown the oldest path to liberation: Samvara and Nirjara. Here he calls for self cleansing - evicting the old tenants (negative thoughts) and getting in touch with the latent energy within. The set of five books is available for a special package price of $35.00 (postage included) Order from: Jain Meditation International, PO. Box 230244 Ansonia New York, NY 10023 0244. Phone or fax (212) 362 6483 By Dilip V. Shah, Philadelphia COMMITTEE NEWS (Continued from page 7) JAINA CHARITABLE TRUST UPDATE The Trust, established in 1994 with 24 Trustees and $26,006 in donations, now has 98 Trustees and $170,000+ in donations and trust income after spending about $86,500 on various activities of JAINA Charitable Trust. Congratulations, and thanks to the to the following new members for their generosity. Name Mr. Ishwarlal Bhuta Mr. Kirit Daftary Mr. Rajendra Jain Dr. Rajendra Jain Mr. Ramesh Jain Dr. Sushil Jain Mr. Vinay Jain Mr. Bhavesh Kamdar Mr. Kirit Kapadia Dr. Vasantha Kumaraiah Mr. Prabodh Mehta Dr. Babulal Paragani Mr. Virendra Sethi Mr. Dinesh G. Shah Dr.Mamta Shah Dr. P.C. Sogani Mr. Ajit Vora CITY Montgomery Waco Manhasset Barboursville Monaca Gaithersburg Parsippany Williamsville Great Neck Olympia Fields Houston Martinsburg Houston Stone Mountain Kings Point Cresskill Syosset ST. AL TX NY WV PA MD z = ZZZ NJ NY NY IL TX WV TX GA NY NJ NY Dr. Dhiraj H. Shah, Chairperson

Page #23
PARUKER JAINA CURRENT FINANCIAL STATEMENT J AINA DIGEST LIFE MEMBERS UPDATE SONNTAR RES JAINA FINANCIAL STATEMENT AS OF 2/15/00 525U ANIL KUMAR & ALKA JAIN, DESPLAINS, IL JAINA General Fund $18,386.21 526U DILIP & BHAVNA SHAH, OAKBROOK, IL Various sub-committee balances: 527U ARVIND & KALPANA SHAH, DESPLAINS, IL Education Committee $6,169.92 528U ASHWIN & KIRTIBALA SHAH, LOMBARD, IL Jiv Daya Committee 0.00 529U DIPAK & JYOTI SHAH, GLENVIEW, IL World Community Service 38,184.21 Temple Guideline 1,401.00 530U PRADIP & DARSHNA SHAH, BOURBONNAIS,IL YJA 786.11 5310 MUKESH & USHA DOSHI, SCHAUMBURGH,IL Virchand R. Gandhi Fund 8,129.00 532U HITESH & USHA SHAH, SCHAUMBURGH,IL N. American Jain Family Assistance Program 5,484.00 533U PRADIP & JYOTI SHAH, SCHAUMBURGH,IL Tirthoddhar Committee 957.55 Pilgrimage Committee 0.00 5340 SURENDRA & VASANTI SHAH, NAPERVILLE,IL JAINA Book Source Committee 29.449.63 535U VIJAY & PARESHA SHAH, ROCKFORD, IL 536U H. & CHANDRIKA MEHTA, NAPERVILLE,IL COMMITTEES TOTAL 537U PINAKIN & PALLAVI SHAH, MT.PROSPECTIL Money Market fund for JD Endowment $11.214.80 538C AMIT ARYA, COQUITLAM,B.C. CD for JAIN Digest Endowment Fund $55,123.25 JAINA Charitable Trust as of 11/22/99 $170,361.53 as per information supplied by Jagat Jain V. R. GANDHI FUND UPDATE GRAND TOTAL $345,647.21 1. Chandrakant & Bhanu Shah Floral Park, N.Y. $ 301 submitted by 2. Dilip & Rita Doshi Rego Park, N.Y. $ 101 Anop R. Vora, Treasurer SISEST - - L - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 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. HECTOR Mail this completed form and your financial contribution to: JAINA Headquarters PO Box 700 Getzville, NY 14068 | I want to be a Trustee of JAINA Charitable Trust and will Name - 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: $10 a $25 $50 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. 1 | L JAIN DIGEST- SPRING 2000 121 Jain Education Intemational

Page #24
D ISSA MIS REGISTRATION FORM - PAGE 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 OR shahsam 2@hotmail.com _ Name (please print): LAST FIRST MIDDLE Address: STREET CITY STATE ZIP Phone: () Fax: () Email: Date of Birth: Height: Weight: Are you a vegetarian? YES NO Do you smoke? YES NO Do you drink? YES NO Have you been married before? YES NO If yes, indicate the name of your divorced spouse. -- What is your visa status in the USA/Canada? _-When did you enter the USA/Canada? MONTH/YEAR What languages do you speak? What is your religion? - What languages do you read? What languages do you write? Education: DEGREE YEAR RECEIVED MAJOR NAME OF UNIVERSITY/COLLEGE Work experience: COMPANY'S NAME POSITION DURATION Father's Name: Occupation: Mother's Name: Occupation: Brother(s) and/or Sister(s) - NAME(S) AGE(S) EDUCATION OCCUPATION Do you have other relatives living in the North America? NAME RELATIONSHIP OCCUPATION ADDRESS Other relevant information (use additional paper if necessary): Candidate's signature: Date: 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. 22 / JAIN DIGEST- SPRING 2000 Jain Education Intemational

Page #25
MIS REGISTRATION FORM - PAGE 2 MIS INFORMATION: THIS IS HOW IT WORKS 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 system that is very worth while, with us. Accept the challenge and make your choice be a worth while one. A. Name: Address: Phone: Member of: B. Name: Address: Phone: Member of: ORGANIZATION'S NAME ORGANIZATION'S NAME and or open. 2. Indicate your personal preference of these criteria for the match. Age: Between the ages of Height: Between the height of Weight: Between the weight of Education: Bachelor and or open. or open. Other Major: Vegetarian: YES NO Residence: (state) and Masters Degree Work experience: YES NO Visa Status: Length of time in North America: Language. English: YES NO Other (specify): years. Congratulations! Female: 103, Male: 90 (Married / Engaged) JAINA would like to congratulate all couples who have come together with the help of the services of the MIS. JAINA wishes to thank them for their generous donation. More and more Jains around the world are not only appreciating this much needed service, but are also taking advantage of it. Simulta-neously, the flow of ads in JAIN DIGEST is gradually increasing. Guideline to all perspective participants Be positive, constructive, creative and friendly! No match is going to be "perfect." Complement and support each other practicing respect,sharing, acquire knowledge and maintaining your uniqueness while keeping an open mind. These are the qualities that make for human perfection. Placing an Ad and Registration with MIS Anyone wishing to place an ad and register with the MIS must follow these instructions care-fully: 1. Fill out the attached Registration Form. The registrant must fill out this form. Do not leave anything blank. 2. Mail the the completed form + a check in the amount of $25 payable to Hasmukh M. Shah. Leave the Memo or For column blank. 3. A recent, full-length photo of yourself with your name printed on the back. 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, JAIN DIGEST is a quarterly publication. Placing an Ad Only If you do not wish to register with the MIS and wish to draft an ad yourself, you may do so in 30 words or less. Remember, that the MIS reserves the right to edit all such ads. Follow step 2 above, but submit your own ad instead of a completed form and photo. As a rule, all MIS ads include the phone number of the registrant. However, if you do not wish to publish your phone number, you must specifically notify Hasmukh M. Shah. Full name, address and phone number of the candidate must be furnished for MIS records, along with the ads. Responding to an Ad (only if contact info isn't available). If the phone number or address is not given in the ad, then you 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 lefthand corner of the envelope. Leave space on the envelope for an address. Place this envelope in another envelope with your return address in the upper left-hand corner and mail it to Hasmukh M. Shah. Upon receipt of these responses the MIS will place the ad holders address on the inner envelope and mail it. Remember, MIS is not responsible for responses that do not conform to these instructions. Please notify the MIS Please notify the MIS when an engagement or marriage has been announced. This helps us to know if this community service is working to help maintain our traditions. Please note that if a successful alliance has taken place, both parties will agree to donate what ever amount they wish to JAINA to help defray the cost of publication. JAIN DIGEST SPRING 2000/23

Page #26
MATRIMONIALS MALE M508: Correspondence invited for handsome, slender, JD, Jain Gujarati Attorney, 32, 5'10", graduate of Ivy League Law school and practicing at prestigious law firm, from beautiful, slim, sophisticated, US raised girls, at least 5'4", caste, religion no bar. Photo must. Phone: 1-800-315-9844. M548: Jain parents seek responses from educated, attractive, vegetarian Girls, for very handsome, fair, talented, highly educated son, 30 yr., 5'8", MS, currently completing MBA at a prestigious school in USA & will settle in NY area upon completion. Call: 716/473-6035. Email. Ajain2025@aol.com M639: Gujarati Jain parents invite responses for handsome, vegetarian, US raised / citizen son, born Aug 68, 5'8", 168 lb, BS (comp sc), Computer consultant, well employed with multinational company in Chicago, from pretty, educated, vegetarian girls. Call: 847/541-4155. M657: Alliance invited from cultured, educated girls for handsome, talented, vegetarian, Gujarati boy, born Oct 69, 5'11", BS (comp sc), well employed as IT consultant. Call: 732/821-2055. M699: Alliance invited by prestigious Gujarati parents for handsome, fair, bright, vegetarian, US born / raised son, July 74, 5'7", BS (Fin. with accounting), pursuing CFA, well positioned in National co. from US raised, educated, pretty, slim, Gujarati girls. Call: 708/493-2300. M718: Gujarati parents invite proposals for handsome, fair, talented, successful, vegetarian son, born Jan 71, 5'6", 138 lb, MBA, well employed with reputed co., from cultured, educated, vegetarian girls. Call: 770/690-9166. M730: Alliance invited for handsome, bright, vegetarian, Gujarati boy, born Nov 24/JAIN DIGEST SPRING 2000 72, 5'6", 140lb, MS (comp sc), MS (ME), well positioned with reputed co.,from pretty, educated cultured girls. Call: 248/ 608-8990. M760: Jain parents invite correspondence for handsome, vegetarian, US born son, Oct 76, 5'10", doing internship in pharmacy. Send biodata / photo. Vinay Jain, MD, 10 Bonnie Lynn Ct, Roslyn, NY 11576. Phone: 516/365-2769. M768: Proposals invited for handsome, talented, vegetarian, Gujarati boy, born Nov 74, 5'6", 150 lb, MS (EE), well employed with well known co., from educated, pretty, cultured girls. Call: 414/717-0971. M769: Gujarati parents invite proposals with biodata / photo, for handsome, fair, Intelligent son, born April 71, Third year Medical student, from professional, preferably MD, vegetarian girls. Call: 407/ 366-8810 or 407/366-7439. M772: Gujarati parents well settled in Geneva, Switzerland invite correspondence for very handsome, fair, accomplished, vegetarian son, born March 74, 5'9", 138 lb, HEC, well positioned in Fin. dept. of an International co., from cultured, educated girls. 17 Rue De La Dole, CH 1203 Geneva, Switzerland. Phone:004122-3456372.email: sanghvi_arat@ infomaniak.ch M774: Alliance invited for handsome, fair, intelligent, vegetarian Gujarati boy, born March 70, 5'11", 164 lb, DDS, practicing Dentist, from cultured, educated girls. Call: 909/898-0652. M775: Gujarati parents invite proposals for handsome, fair, bright, vegetarian son, born May 74, 5'8", 160 lb, pursuing BS (comp sc), Dip. Comp programming, well employed as programmer, from cultured, vegetarian girls. Call: 609/347-6713. M776: Correspondence invited by Gujarati parents for handsome, fair, successful, vegetarian son, born Jan 73, 5'7", 158 lb, MBA/MIS, well positioned in a reputed multinational co.,from cultured, vegetarian, educated girls. Call: 732/596-1114. M786: Gujarati parents invite responses for good looking, bright, vegetarian, US citizen son, born June 75, 5'8", 150 lb, BS (Fin), well employed with reputed corp., from cultured, educated girls. Call: 941/561-2731. M787: Alliance invited by Gujarati parents for handsome, talented, vegetarian son, born April 72, 5'10", BS (Fin), well employed & also having own business, from cultured, educated girls. Call: 847/296-9796. M788: Proposals invited for handsome, sincere, vegetarian, US citizen, Gujarati boy, born Dec 73, 5'8", 160 lb, BS (criminal justice), well employed, from educated, cultured girls. Call: 909/264-0885. AM179: Very handsome, fair, 6'1", 29, MS (EE), CEO in a large Internet co., son. Loving Gujarati Jain family seeks a compatible match. Call: 714/730-1570. AM214: Practicing Surgeon seek educated, professional, active, vegetarian & pretty lady around forty years, residing in USA. Please mail biodata / returnable photo at: 11412 Rouen Drive, Potomac, MD 20854. AM248: Alliance invited by parents for handsome, fair, intelligent son, born June 74, 5'11", 145 lb, BS IE, pursuing MBA (part time), employed as Material Manager with a successful electronic co., Call: 972/ 473-7417. 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. AM254: Rajsthani Jain parents invite correspondence for handsome, athletic, US citizen son, born Jan 67, 5'7", MS (ME), employed at Ford Motor co., as Product development engineer. Call/ Fax: 219/8659504. Email: Mehta@netnitco.net

Page #27
AM255: Gujarati Jain parents invite student, from professional boys, preferably by multinational large Corp, from responses for their 6'2", 170 lb, MD or Medical student. Call: 407/366- educated, cultured, US raised boys.Call: vegetarian, Physician (MD) son, completing 8810. 818/349-5254. residency at Harvard University, Boston, MA.Born 25 September 1973. Call: 6171 F628: Alliance invited by Gujarati Jain F739: Brother invites an alliance from 278-9187. family for beautiful, slim, charming, caring, cultured, educated boys for his beautiful, vegetarian daughter, born April 74, 5'3", slim, vegetarian sister, born Dec 72, 5'5", AM257: Brother invite responses for MS (Inf. Management), well employed as BS, well employed in Bombay and willing handsome, successful brother, born Oct 64, Manager in a reputed co., Blend of east / to settle in USA. She is currently on a visit 5'10", MBA, well settled with franchise west, family values, outgoing with good to USA. Call: 201/325-9202. business near Boston, MA, from good sense of humor, from cultured, well looking, educated, cultured girls. Call: 978/ educated boys. Call: 732/596-1114. F748: Correspondence invited for pretty, 392-4533 vegetarian, cultured, US citizen widow, F636: Jain parents invite proposals with born April 61, 5'0", 120 lb, BS, well AM260: Gujarati parents invite proposals biodata / photo from well educated, employed, from educated, professional, for their good looking, intelligent, professionals for their beautiful, vegetarian, caring, cultured match. Reply: PO Box: vegetarian son, born Aug 74, 5'6", BS, US raised daughter, born Jan 73, 5'4". 115 3154, Gaithersburg, MD 20885. Comp. Engineer, well employed by a High Ib, MSEE, well employed with Tech. co., in NJ, from suitable match. Call: multinational co., Call: 815/397-3740. F751: Responses invited for beautiful, 732/568-0660. cultured, vegetarian Jain Gujarati girl from F655: Jain parents invite alliance for pretty, well settled family, born March 74, 5'6", highly accomplished, vegetarian, US raised studying MD, residency beginning in June FEMALE daughter, born Jan 73, 5'1", BA (Harvard 2000. She is fun-loving, well-rounded, east Uni), well employed in a worldwide / west balanced, compassionate, sociable, F355: Alliance invited for Gujarati, financial organization, from well educated, Seeking similar-valued, vegetarian, beautiful, talented, caring, North American professional boys.Call: 916/488-2601. professionals.Call: 248/926-0863. born daughter, Dec 71, 5'2", blend of east / west, BA, BAS, pursuing CPA (2000), well F670: Alliance invited with biodata and F770: Brother invites correspondence from employed with CPA firm in USA, from returnable photo for a bright, beautiful, well educated, cultured boys, for pretty, professionals (Doctors, Lawyers etc). caring, US raised vegetarian girl, born fair, bright, cultured, vegetarian, India Call:416/290-6908 or leave message 416) May 73, 5'3", MD, doing residency, from raised sister, born Dec 72, 5'4", 114 lb, MS 618-6485.Email. Banos 12@yahoo.com well educated, professional boys. Call: (comp sc), working as software engineer in 440/357-6148. Silicon Valley. Call: 812/944-6682. Email: F564: Gujarati parents invite proposals for ghiyav@yahoo.com their beautiful, fair, charming, bright, F675: Jain parents invite correspondence vegetarian, US born daughter, Dec 75,5'3", for their slim, beautiful, charming, US born F771: Alliance invited for pretty, talented, Occupational Therapist, from vegetarian, daughter, Oct 75, with MS degree, well vegetarian, Gujarati girl, born Feb 67, 5'4", cultured, professional, Gujarati boys. Call: employed, from Gujarati / Marwari 125 lb, MS (comp sc), well employed as 4 2 5/8 8 5 - 3 3 35. email. families. Call: 1-800-241-7720. Pin # 00. software consultant, from cultured, well Sudhir.shah@attws.com educated, never married boys. Call: 423/ F729: Gujarati parents invite proposals for 954-1734. Email: surbhi.m@usa.net F569: Gujarati parents invite responses with slim, pretty, talented, accomplished, biodata / photo for their pretty, fair, caring, vegetarian, US raised daughter, born June 5777: Alliance invited by Gujarati family, well rounded, highly accomplished, 75, 5'1", PharmD (Doctor of Pharmacy), for pretty, cultured, vegetarian, permanent vegetarian, US born daughter, June 73, well employed, from cultured, professional, resident daughter, born April 67,5'0", 105 5'7", 120 lb, BS, well employed as MIS vegetarian boys. Call: 847/965-4718. b, DCA, from cultured, educated boys. specialist, from cultured, well educated Call: 856/692-6376. boys. Call: 610/670-9919. F737: Gujarati parents invite proposals for very beautiful, attractive, talented, F778: Gujarati parents invite proposals for F621: Gujarati parents invite responses for vegetarian, US raised daughter, born Oct, pretty, attractive, US raised daughter, born beautiful, talented, vegetarian, US born 75, 5'4", BS (Accounting), well employed June 71, 5'5", 110 lb, MD (2000), 4th year daughter, Dec 73, 5'7", 3rd year Medical JAIN DIGEST- SPRING 2000 / 25 Jain Education Interational

Page #28
MATRIMONIALS Medical student, from cultured, well educated, professional boys or MD medical student.Call: 626/810-3002. F779: Alliance invited from cultured, well educated boys for beautiful, attractive, brilliant, vegetarian, British citizen girl, born Aug 71, 5'3", LLB Hon, practicing as Solicitor in London and willing to settle in USA. Email. kamini@lineone.net. USA contact phone: 512/335-4563. F780: Correspondence invited for beautiful, charming, intelligent, vegetarian, British citizen girl, born Oct 69, 5'3", BS (biochem /pharmacology) Hon, born Oct 69, 5'3", 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. alka.amit@lineone.net USA phone: 512/335-4563. F781: Alliance invited for pretty, intelligent, slim, vegetarian, Gujarati girl, born Dec 69, 5'4", 107 lb, BS (Pharmacy), registered pharmacist, working with reputed co., as Pharmacist in charge, from cultured, educated boys. Call: 512/502-1981.Email: nanmehta@yahoo.com F782: Gujarati parents invite proposals for beautiful, slim, charming, vegetarian, US citizen daughter, born Oct 76, 5'4", 103lb, pursuing Bachelors in Nursing (RN, 2001), from well educated, cultured, boys. Call: 440/284-3947. Email: SHAHResi@AOL.com F783: Uncle invite proposals from Gujarati, cultured, educated boys, for beautiful, fair, attractive, virtuous, vegetarian niece, born Oct 75, 5'2", 110 lb, BS (micro biology), DMLT (Bom Uni), well employed as Lab Tech. In Bombay, and willing to settle in USA. Call: 973/428-1407. F784: Correspondence invited for pretty, attractive, charming, Gujarati female, born Oct 66, 5'5", 125 lb, MD, 2nd year resident in Int. Medicine, innocently divorced, 26/JAIN DIGEST SPRING 2000 Jain Education Intemational marriage not consummated, from suitable cultured, family oriented Match. Call: 718/ 575-2972. Email. Aash1000@aol.com F785: Jain family invite proposals with biodata for beautiful, intelligent, professional, multi talented, family oriented, vegetarian daughter, born Aug 74, 5'3", BS (IndEngg), MCSD, from professional boys. Call: 519/474-3355. F789: Jain parents invite alliance for their beautiful, attractive, slim, bright, vegetarian, US citizen daughter, born July 74, 5'3", MD, 1st year Resident, from professional boys preferably MD. Call: 718/740-3397. 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 & biodata. Call: 714/730-1570. AF217: Gujarati parents invite proposals for beautiful, attractive, talented, vegetarian, east/west blend, US born daughter, Feb 70, 5'1", 100 lb, PharmD (Doctor of Pharmacy) 2000, professionally well employed, from well educated, professional, cultured boys. Call: 908/526-1328. AF235: Gujarati parents in Singapore invite responses for very beautiful, slim, bright, vegetarian daughter, born June 74, 5'3", CPA, well employed, from cultured, well Educated boys. She lives in Singapore, visiting USA during March 2000, willing to settle in USA. Call: 972/208-9828. Singapore Ph. 065-4424567. 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: 310/750-0999. AF256: Caring, independent, well-settled, vegan, non-drinking, fun-loving, US raised, Gujarati female, age 29, 5'1", MA psychology, seeking friendship and companionship from sweet, compassionate person, age 26-31, vegetarian, raised in the west, with a sense of humor, high moral values and spiritual foundation. E-mail: ahimsa1000@hotmail.com invite AF258: Gujarati parents correspondence, for their beautiful, fair, intelligent, outgoing, US raised daughter. born Nov 71, 5'6", MS (Finance), well employed, from cultured, well educated boys. Call: 248/349-5130. AF259: Gujarati parents invite responses for slim, pretty, talented, vegetarian, US born daughter, Dec 72, 5'6", 4th year Medical student, from professional boys, preferably MD or Medical student. Call: 617/739-1319. AF 261: Alliance invited by aunt from well educated, cultured boys, for her beautiful, intelligent, vegetarian, Gujarati niece, born Feb 72, 5'2", BS (Microbiology). Currently in Ahmedabad and willing to settle in USA.Call: 410/750-6426. AF262: Gujarati parents seek responses for pretty, slim, vegetarian, US born daughter, Feb 76, 5'1", 3rd year medical student in DC, well rounded, venturesome, cultured, compassionate, from well educated, similar valued boys. Call: 302/645-7669. AF263: Alliance invited by Gujarati parents for beautiful, charming, bright, cultured, east west blend, caring, vegetarian, US born daughter, April 73, 5'3",110 lb, JD (Law), professionally well employed, from well educated, professional boys. Call: 908/ 526-1328. F773: Gujarati parents well settled in Switzerland, invite correspondence for exceptionally beautiful, fair, charming. attractive, virtuous, vegetarian daughter, born Oct 76, 5'6", 119 lb, MD (2001), Medical student, from well educated, professional, cultured boys. She is willing settle in USA. 17 Rue De La Dole, CH 1203 Geneva, Switzerland. Ph: 0041-22-3456372 email: sanghvi_arat@infomaniak.ch

Page #29
YOUNG JAINS OF AMERICA 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 parastomyojIbAlama UNELLI Jai Jinendra! CHAIRS 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 Parekh (504) 862-8000 x3945 shefaliparekh@mail.com South Jay Doshi (713) 790-1259 jaydoshi@mail.com Southeast Heerain Shah (404) 206-4338 heerainshah@mail.com West Milan Mehta (408) 436-1522 milanmehta @mail.com Many of you know that YJA Executive Board and the Los Angeles Convention Committee (LACC) are diligently planning and preparing for the 4th Biennial YJA Convention 2000 in Los Angeles, CA. The theme of this year's convention is Four Days Journey Into The Self. This is a reflection of YJA's commitment to provide an educational forum for discussion regarding the importance and application of Jainism while living in a contemporary society. The high standards set forth by past conventions in Chicago, San Francisco and Houston continue to serve as a guideline for the upcoming one. The LACC hopes to organize a conference that is not only fun and educational, but also gives the attendees, especially older youth, an opportunity to engage in events not normally found at a YJA conference. For example, we are currently researching the possibility of doing community service at local organizations and dance lessons in salsa and swing. Since YJA wants to facilitate attendance at the convention for as many youth as possible, fees were kept to a minimum. In fact YJA is subsidizing $125 for every youth attending the convention. In addition, we have expanded the convention capacity from 700 to 800, which brings our overall budget to well over a quarter of a million dollars. In order to make this a successful event, our target fundraising goal is $100,000. As you can see, it is clear that the execution and success of this convention depends on the support of the Jain community. Thus, we are asking you, our Jain community friends and pro-youth supporters, for a $150 donation to support YJA. We trust that you would like the youth to have continued educational opportunities, such as this convention, to extend our Jain heritage into the future. As a sign of our appreciation, we will acknowledge your support with an acknowledgement in the 2000 Convention souvenir edition of Young Minds. Please keep in mind that this is only a suggested amount. We will sincerely appreciate any donation that you are able to make. All donations are tax-deductible. Please make your check payable to YJA Convention 2000 and send it to, YJA Convention 2000 650 N. Rose Drive #174, Placentia, CA 92870 We encourage youth of all ages (14-29) to participate in the conference in any way possible. If you, or someone you know, is a creative person with graphical expertise, willing to write an article for the souvenir book, interested in moderating a discussion, participating in a debate, or would like to assist with general convention activities, please send an email to chairs 2000@egroups.com. Thank You! Shubhra Jain and Naishadh Shah Co-Chairs Young Jains of America (YJA) is the umbrella youth organization of the Federation of Jain Associations in North America (JAINA). The mission of YJA is to be recognized nationally and internationally as an umbrella youth organization for establishing a network to share Jain heritage and religion through youth. JAIN DIGEST. SPRING 2000/27y.org

Page #30
4th Biennial YJA Convention 2000 Hosted By the Los Angeles Convention Committee and Young Jains of America REGISTRATION PROCEDURE Registration for the convention begins on February 1, 2000. The registration form is available in several locations: 1. On the Internet at http://www.yja.org/convention 2000 2. In the latest issue of Young Minds 3. At your local Jain center 4. By contacting Bhumika Khona at bhumikalace@email.com or 714-579-3356 Based on experience and feedback from past convention attendees, the YJA Executive Board has decided to reorganize the registration process to ensure Convention 2000 is a rewarding experience. Six categories have been designated based on age and gender. There will be approximately equal numbers of each gender in the following age groups: 14 - 17, 18 - 21, and 22 - 29. Attendees will be distributed geographically as well; this will ensure that Jains are represented in an equal manner. The registration committee will collect all applications sent in with a postmark no earlier than February 1st and no later than March 7th. After the initial collection period, if a category has more than its allocated applications, spaces will be filled by the earliest postmarked applications. Therefore, it will still be advantageous to send in your application as early as possible. Subsequent to March 7th, all remaining spaces will be filled on a first come, first served basis. If you have any questions regarding the registration process, please contact Birud Jhaveri at birudjhaveri@mail.com or at (503) 2921965. Donor Form Donor Name: _ City: - _ST: _ Zip: Address: Day Time Phone: ) Evening Phone:( E-Mail: Please refer to the following table to determine your donation. Donor Level Patron Benefactor Grand Benefactoru Bronze Sponsor Silver Sponsors Gold Sponsor Platinum Sponsor Diamond Sponsor Donation Amount $125 $251 $501 $1.001 $5,001 $10,001 $12,501 $15,001 Advertisement Space One-eighth page (business card size), black & white One-quarter page, black & white One-half page, black & white Full page, black & white Full page, color Front side of back flap (4 \ " X 11") Inside back cover, including backside of flap (12 %* X 11") Front side of the front flap (4 12" X 11") BE Donations of $5000 or more will be recognized in opening ceremonies. (A receipt for your tax-deductible donation will be sent to you.) U Please fill in the amount that you wish to contribute: $ (Donations of all amounts are appreciated.) If you would like to make a contribution in kind such as merchandise, printing, etc., please contact Sneha or Shital. Please make your check payable to YJA Convention 2000. If you have any questions, contact Sneha Dedhia at (949) 552-8089, Shital Gala at (714)956-5998, or Vishal Ghiya at (215)882-0787. Mail your form and check to YJA - LACC, 650 North Rose Drive #174, Placentia, CA 92870. 28/JAIN DIGEST SPRING 2000

Page #31
Y2J-CALL FOR CREATIVE WORK Are you a writer, artist, poet or photographer? Is your work inspired by Jainism? Does it depict Jain images? This is your chance to be published! We are looking for creative works to be included in the Convention 2000 Souvenir Book entitled Four Days' Journey into the Self. This book is a serious undertaking. Books from previous conventions have been archived by the U.S. Library of Congress. We need your help in making it great! You can: SPARK AN INTEREST in youth power for national and community development. INSPIRE US THROUGH STORIES of the courageous lives and exploits of prominent Jain figures of history. EXPRESS YOUR INNER BEING through poetry. TELL US ALL ABOUT the special things your youth group does. Who are you, and what makes you guys unique? RESOLVE THE CONTROVERSY of our individual and community practice of Ahinsa: Why is Ahinsa foremost? Where do we comply and where do we compromise? How can we best practice what we preach? ADDRESS THE ISSUES which relate to the male and female genders. Is it important to marry Jain? Tell the guys and gals what they need to hear. ENLIGHTEN US on the cardinal virtues of forgiveness, self-control, and vigilance. PROFESS TO THE WORLD why you choose to be Jain. PROVE WITH YOUR EXPERIENCE the importance of learning Jainism and practicing its teachings. EDUCATE US on the meanings of the Jain traditions, rituals and practices. SHARE YOUR WISDOM AND INSIGHT into how we can explain our philosophy to non-Jains: How does one address a hard-core meat-eater? A devout Christian? A Hindu acquaintance? An atheist? CONNECT Jainism with how one makes a living. How can Jain thinking and conduct) set us up for success? How does it show in the material "wealth" of the Jain community? Can one be a Jain and Bill Gates at the same time? HELP US PRACTICE AHIMSA with your vegan and veggie recipes. ANSWER THE QUESTION: Why does life suck without Jainism? Or write and be heard on whatever Jainism- or community-related issues are important to you. Written pieces need to be in electronic form and should not exceed 1500 words, but we'll try to be flexible. 15 ENEROWANE we are also looking for cover art for the souvenir guide Send us your written submissions by May 8, 2000 to yja2000souvenir@yahoo.com YJA 2000 - ILLUSTRATION CONTEST We want to see Jainism through your eyes! If you or someone in your youth group has interesting ideas and a creative eye, and would like to express them through photography, drawing, paining, pencil art, or any other two-dimensional medium, we want to print your work. Submissions will be accepted both from youth groups and from individuals. (No more than two (2) entries per youth group or per individual, please.) You'll see the "best" entry (or two) published on a full page in the souvenir book and in full color. All entries received will be placed on display at the LA convention. Share your insight with the world through the visual medium. Awe us with your originality, dazzle us with your creativity, and enlighten us with your message! SEM 20 To Send Art Work: contact us first by email souvenir2000@yahoo.com". For more information contact us first by emailing souvenir 2000@yahoo.com". Or, call us: Pina Shah (714-343-0772) or Amar Salgia (310-542-0414). All entries need to be RECEIVED by May 8, 2000. Also, contact us for any research, reference, illustrations or other materials you'll need to make your article the best it can be. We'll send you whatever you need free of charge. JAIN DIGEST. SPRING 2000 / 29 Jain Education Intemational

Page #32
NOPSIS MAS Young Jain Professionals Summer 2000 Event (YJP) Jai Jinendra! We regret to inform you that we have to change our next event. Though many people told us that the April event date was better for them, we did not get the kind of turn-out expected. By the close of the early registration period, the number of registrants was significantly lower than we required to sign the contract with the resort. We negotiated based on a larger event given our turnout at the cruise and at the Leadership Session at JAINA as we felt that it was our responsibility to plan an event for up to 200 people. If the Board had gone forward with the contract we would have incurred a substantial financial risk with the resort. We hope that you understand the tough decision Board had to make. Again, we extend our sincerest apologies to you that we have had to create a change and hope you will join us at our new event. Young Jain Professionals Board (Mona Kothari, Jugna Shah, Shilpa Shah, Saurabh Dalal, Manav Jain, Birju Patel, Ronak Shah) WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE: "LIVING JAINISM ON THE AMERICAN RIVER" DATE: Friday June 9, 2000 to Monday June 12, 2000 PARTICIPANTS: Geared Towards Jains Between The Ages Of 24 And 39 Come join us on a white water rafting and camping trip set in a naturally beautiful setting in northern CA (near Sacramento) for the next YJP gathering. This will be a unique opportunity for you to escape your hectic schedules for a weekend in the great outdoors where you will enjoy rafting, camping, sessions on Jain related topics, and socializing. We truly envision this event being a living exploration of the importance of Jain principles and their relevance to us today. Sessions will reflect on our relationships with the natural world and how we can incorporate simple living into our daily lives. You will use your rafting teams for discussions and enjoy social and fun activities with the whole group. The package includes: a Friday night hotel stay at quad occupancy in Sacramento where we can dine out and enjoy the city, transportation to/from the hotel to the river/campsite; all vegetarian and vegan meals from Saturday breakfast to Monday breakfast; use of tents (2-person tents), sleep kits, rafts and related equipment. O.A.R.S. is the largest and most popular rafting outfitter in the region, offering the highest levels of safety and convenience for rafting and camping. Not only do their guides have tremendous experience navigating the river and rapids, but they will also cook our vegetarian and vegan meals which they have experience in doing. Friday We expect that most people will be able to arrive into Sacramento for a late dinner. We plan on hanging out and relaxing after a hard workweek and before two days of camping and rafting. Everyone will stay in Sacramento Friday night and we'll organize a trip into the city to have some fun. For those of you arriving late and missing the icebreakers, don't worry, there will be plenty of time to get to know your fellow rafters and campers once we hit the river. Saturday Saturday morning will begin very early as we have an hour and a half ride to the rafting/camping grounds. Our day will include rafting on Class III Rapids (beginner to intermediate level) to challenge us physically, discussions in the sun about the reality of living the vrats to challenge us mentally and spiritually, and veggie meals for sustenance for the day's journey. Evenings will be spent chatting around the fire, going for a walk and generally enjoying everyone's company. We will retire to tents (2 per tent). While this all seems very nature based, there will be hot and cold water bathing facilities and flush toilets. J Sunday Sunday will start with Yoga, a hearty breakfast and then back to the rapids for a few hours of rafting through the scenic gorges of the American River. After lunch, we will take our personal exploration deeper by expanding our conversation to include some of the Vrats that are harder to grasp and incorporate into our daily personal and professional lives. After stimulating our minds, we will complete the final leg of our journey down the American River. For those who still have lots of energy, you may be interested in volleyball or going for a hike after we are done. The rest can freshen up and relax until dinner, which will linger into more conversation for the evening, Monday We will head back to Sacramento, knowing things about one another that you can only learn from working hard together, and sharing stories by the campfire. In addition to learning some things about others, we hope that this nature-based trip will have given 30/ JAIN DIGEST SPRING 2000

Page #33
Young Jain Professionals Summer 2000 Event (YJP) you an opportunity to learn some new things about yourself. We will realize all too soon that almost as quickly as it began, our time together is over until the next event... Please visit: www.homestead.com/yjp to download the registration form and link to the rafting outfitter we have selected. Don't Forget to attend the YJA Conference in Los Angeles in July. We encourage you to attend because there will be age specific programming and YJP will participate in the development of content for this conference. Please see http://www.yja.org/ for more information. PLEASE REGISTER ME NOW FOR THE JUNE YJP EVENT! Registration is limited to 66 people, based on the number of rafts available. Please complete the form below, and submit it by March 22, 2000 to qualify for EARLY registration pricing. All registrations submitted between March 23 and May 1 will be subject to late registration pricing and availability. A portion of the spots will be held for existing members until March 22. Therefore, we encourage everyone to sign up early, as space is quite limited. After March 22, all unused "member spots" will be in the general pool. No registrations will be accepted after May 1. Reminder: YJP events are geared towards Jains between the ages of 24 and 39. Name: Address: City: Birth date: Insurance Co.: Medical Limitations: Emergency Contact: Step 1: Applicable Registration Fee $330 USD or $370 USD or $360 USD or $410 USD or Profession: State/Province: Zip/Postal Code: All food will be vegetarian. Additional dietary needs: Vegan (no dairy). Policy #: Tel: ( E-mail: Tel: ( $400 CAD YJP dues paying members $440 CAD Non-members registered by March 22 registered by March 22 - $430 CAD YJP dues paying members - registered between March 23 and May 1 $480 CAD Non-members - registered between March 23 and May 1 Gender: M or F Jain (no root vegetables). Note: Your YJP membership dues must be paid to qualify for the member rates listed above. If you would like double occupancy on Friday night, please contact us as your price will be higher. Refund Policy: If you contact us prior to May 9th to cancel, we will refund you the amount paid MINUS $120 which represents our fixed costs associated with your not being able to attend. Step 2: Identify Roommate(s) (A) If you have selected roommate(s) for Friday/Saturday/ Sunday night, list their names below and ensure they list your name on their form: Friday_ Saturday/Sunday (B) If you need a roommate(s) for Friday or a tent-mate for the weekend please indicate your preference: Male Female Suggestions/Comments (continue on back): Please mail the form and check to payable to YJP: YJP, C/O Ronak R. Shah, P.O. Box 130481, St. Paul, MN 5113-0005 For more information, contact: Shilpa Shah, 404-321-4637, shilpashah@attglobal.net, Saurabh Dalal, sdalal@erols.com or Mona Kothari, 905-820-0659 monesk@yahoo.com JAIN DIGEST SPRING 2000/31

Page #34
"Rejoicing Jain Dharma" PRATISHTHA MAHOTSAV August 4 - 7, 2000 Of Pran Pratishthit-Anjan Shalaka Pratimaji of Bhagwan Shri Adinath(Mul Nayak), Shri Parshwanath, Shri Mahavirswami with Pratimajis of all 24 Tirthankaras, Simandharswami, Bahubaliji, Gautamswami, 9 Dev Devis and Shrimad Rajchandraji in a Uniquely Architectured Temple. The Jain Center of Northern California with the blessing of Bhagwan Shri Adinath, cordially invites you with family and friends at this once in a lifetime event of auspicious Pratishtha Mahotsav which will create a history at our landmark Jain Bhawan in Milpitas, CA (San Francisco Bay Area). Jain Bhawan (Jain Temple and Community Center) AAA AMALAN The Pratishtha Mohotsav will be conducted under the spiritual guidance of Shri Jinchandraji Maharaj, Shri Devendrakeerti Bhattarakji; and will be graced by prominent religious leaders including H.H. Acharya Chandanaji, Muni Roopchandji, Gurudev Shri Chitrabhanu and many others. We are inviting articles, poems and other Jainism related material for the Mahotsav Souvenir book. Please send your material by April 30, 2000 to Jay Kamdar, 10080 Carmen Road, Cupertino, CA 95014 Phone: 408-343-1177, Fax: 408-343-1010, email: jay@jeditech.com For further Information Call: For latest info. visit our web site: www.jcnc.org Dr. Parveen Jain 408-559-6987 Jitendra B. Shah 408-729-7916 32/ JAIN DIGEST SPRING 2000

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 SEE vou 'namo arihaMtANaM namo siddhANaM namo AyariyANaM namo uvanjhAyANaM namo loga savasAhaNaM emo paMcanamukArI, sabapAvApaNAsaNo HOUETTET. par3hamaMhavaDa maMgalaM' SINONDO Love and Les Love All. Serve A Tirthankar Parsavnath Tirthankar Mahavir Jain temple format Jain Education Interational www.jainelibracy on

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 TELEPHONE Suite 260 248/358-9100 Southfield, MI 48076 FAX USA 248/372-4806 Rizvi House 34 Hill Road Bandra (West), Bombay 400050 INDIA TELEPHONE 6423031 6420402 6425222 FAX 6436421 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 Moving? Receiving duplicate copies? Send your address corrections to: JAIN DIGEST Circulation Federation of JAINA P.O. Box 700 Getzville, NY 14068-0700 www.jainelibrary