Jain Digest 2002 04

Author(s): Federation of JAINA
Publisher: USA Federation of JAINA
Catalog link: https://jainqq.org/explore/527084/1

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JAIN DIGEST A Publication by the Federation of Jain Associations in North America Summer 2002 Volume 22. No. 2 PEACE PAIX FRIE - NON-VIOLEN BHAVAN, USA ES ALL KAGA ---- WKOMES AL TO THE AHAVA commem GW Ahimsa Varsh Celebrations

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Cardiology Vinod K. Shah, MD, FACC A. A. Patil, MD, FACC Mahesh P Shah MD.FACC Anil K. Shah, MD, FACC 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 Beena A. Shah, MD Internal Medicine Bhasker A. Jhaveri, MD David M. Federle, MD Mary Kramer, MD Avani D. Shah, MD Dhiren Shah, MD Chandra B. Sajja, MD Manoj Panwala, MD Hematology/Oncology Gurdeep Chhabra, MD Harminder S. Sethi, MD Gerontology Anwar T. Munshi, MD, FACP Rita B. Jhaveri, MD Pediatrics Ila V. Shah, MD, FAAP M.EO. Lafeer, MD, FAAP Dawn Bertram-Stewart. MD Beena Khetpal, MD Fahmi H. Fahmi MD Pediatrics/Internal Medicine James I. Harring, MD, FAAP FACP Family Practice John E Fenwick, MD J. 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 Tourtelot, MD 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 664 26840 Point Lookout Road, Suite 101 Leonardtown, MD 20650 301-475-5577 301-475-5524 St. Mary's Medical Arts Building PO Box 306 22650 Cedar Lane Court Leonardtown, MD 20650 310-475-5021 301-475-5023 Prince Frederick Office Calvert Medical Office Building 110 Hospital Road, Suite 303 Prince Frederick, MD 20678 410-535-4333 Lexington Park Office 22335 Exploration 11,Suite 1030 & 1035 Lexington Park, MD 20653 301-863-7041 301-863-9000 California Office PO Box 540 23263 By the Mill Road California, MD 20619 301-863-5835 Charlotte Hall Office Charlotte Hall Medical Centre PO Box 507 29795 Three Notch Road Charlotte Hall, MD 20622 301-884-7322 301-884-7330 Mechanicsville Office Village Medical Annex 28160 Old Village Road, Suite A Mechanicsville, MD 20659 301-884-4666 Washington Area 831 University Blvd., #32 Silver Spring, MD 20903 301-445-44.30 JAIN TEMPLE, WASHINGTON, DC 2000 UNA mulaga STET JAI JINENDRA aho! aho ! zrI sadaguru, karuNAsiMdhu apAra A pAmara para prabhu karyo, aho! aho! upakAra (124) Thanks! the Holy True Teacher! Unfathomable ocean of compassion; I'm highly obliged; Oh! good Teacher, The Pupil poor has no expression. (124) zuM prabhucaraNakane gharaM? AtmAthI sahu hIna, te to prabhu Apiyo, vartu caraNAdhina (125) LO 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 - anal www 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 yar

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JAIN DIGEST SUMMER 2002 VOL.21 NO. 2 CIRCULATION: 8500 In this issue Headquarter News...... People in News...... 12th Jaina Convention.......8. Upcoming Events............ Committee News....10 Meaning of Temple............12 The concept of Tap from a new perspective.....................13. Jain model of learning Ashtamangala Regional News... Book review...... Matrimonials.......... .....16 JAINA Financial Statement23 JAINA Book Store...............23 For your information..........24 MIS Registration Form.......26 JAIN DIGEST CIRCULATION Federation of JAINA P. O. Box 700 Getzville, NY 14068-0700 17 .18 .22 Young Minds................. Young Jian Professionals.....31 .27 Moving? Receiving duplicate copies? Send your address corrections to: .29 PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE Dear Fellow Jains, It is indeed a pleasure and a privilege to watch so many JAINA volunteers selflessly promoting various JAINA activities. Let me mention just a few of them: Pathshala teacher's conference was held in Los Angeles with the support of Jain Center of Southern California, Los Angeles. Attended by Teachers from 26 North American Jain Centers. Celebration of Ahimsa Varsh: Started with Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan Program in Edison N.J. on March 13-14, 2002. United Nations Celebration of Mahavirs Message meeting. 165 members participated, of which at least 40 Non-jain members were present and shared their views on Ahimsa. Thanks to Arvind Vora and Jain Center of America, New York for organizing this program successfully. First Nation wide video JAINA broadcast presentation on TV Asia on March 28th 2002. The theme was Mahavir's message and the broadcast was graced by the messages from Gurudev Shri Chitrabhanuji and Dr. N. P. Jain Beginning of JAINA Day Program at Jain Center of Chicago in the form of Town Hall meeting March 31 2002. Mr. Dilip V. Shah is planning more meetings nationwide. Mr. Ramesh Shah's "efforts for hospital supplies to India" was very much appreciated by members of local center. Our plans are underway to broadcast via internet on topics like "let's visit Delwada Temples" or "the lecture series for Paryushan parva" or "How similar is Jainism and morden science" etc. * Preparation for 2003 JAINA Convention in Cincinnati is in full force. I am very proud of our convention team, which is a remarkable mix of young and old JAINA volunteers. JAINA Pilgrimage Committee is preparing for 2003 Samet Sikhar Yatra. Please register early as seats are limited and registration is strictly by first come first served basis. JAINA has started a fund raising campaign for aid for relief to people in Gujarat for devastating effects due to communal riots. Please see on page 11 for complete details. Now lets talk about representation of prominent Jain traditions: There are too many misconceptions about the role of JAINA Temple Guidelines. To begin with Temple layout is an inherently internal matter for any Jain center. JAINA can only show various ways a temple or Jain Shrine with a Hindu temple can be designed. To a large extent the design depends on economics, composition of a center by tradition and local and state government regulations. Hence the Executive committee of JAINA has requested Temple guidelines committee to come up with multiplicity of guidelines so various needs are fulfilled. To help small to medium size Jain Centers contemplating building of new temples, we already have requested all major centers to share their expertise with other centers to help in fund raising, designing and organizational matters. On a sad note, we have just learned of an auto accident in which Dr. Surendra Singhvi of Dayton & Cincinnati was seriously injured. All of us at JAINA wish him a speedy recovery. We also regret passing of Kiran Vasa of Jain center of Southern California. He was one of the hosts during last month's Pathshala conference. His loss will surely be felt by Jain Community of North America. Again, as always, I want to hear from you any constructive feedback. We want to take JAINA to maximum height that we can. I would like to listen and learn from all fellow Jains as I try to fulfill my duties as your President. Please send your e-mail to me at dmdmrch@core.com. Jai Jinendra! BABBRIKL Bipin D. Parikh, President JAIN DIGEST SUMMER 2002/1org

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JAIN DIGEST Federation of Jain Associations in North America (JAINA) A publication of the FEDERATION OF JAIN ASSOCIATIONS IN NORTH AMERICA (JAINA) HEADQUARTERS PO Box 700. Getzville, NY 14068-0700 Phone/Fax: 716/636-5342 Telephone Hours: Monday - Friday. 2PM - 5 PM EST JAINA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE JAINA COMMITTEES EDITOR IN CHIEF Lata Champsee 21 Swifedale Place Don Mills, ONT, Canada M3B IM3 Phone: 416/441-2200 fax: 416/ 441-2211 email: latachampsee@usa.net President Bipin D. Parikh Phone: 847/699-1294, Fax: 312/726-4274 First Vice President Anop R. Vora Phone: 716/473-9290, Fax: 716/473-9450 JAINA Website Committee Girish l Shah 408/378-8765 Long Term Planning Prabodh Vaidya 630/985-9144 Mahavir Memorial Dr. Manoj Dharamsi 703/620-9837 Marriage Information Service Hasmukh Shah 727/376-7989 Media Watch/Public Relations Sushil Jain 301/670-0519 COVER DESIGN Drumail Purohit email: dhrumilpurohitmail.com REGIONAL EDITORS Regional Vice Presidents Lata Champsee, Canada Phone: 416/441-2200, Fax: 416/441-2211 Ila G. Mchta, Midwest US Phone: 419/865-2727. Fax: 419/868-7476 Membership Kamlesh Shah 301/838-9778 Canada Dr. Mahendra Mehta email: mhmehra@sympatico.ca Phone/Fax 416/241-2044 Ahimsa Day Celebration Surendra Singhvi 937/885-7414 Calendar Committee Rajeev Pandya 212/319-8291 Community Leadership Council Ramesh Shah 440/442-4596 Environment and Ecology Nancy Jain 416/447-1650 Essay Competition Chhaya Kapadia 516/829-3316 JAINA Book Score Rohit H. Doshi 607/ 754 6010 JAINA Convention Board Bipin Parkih 847/669-1294 Goue & International Organizations Relations Dhiraj H. Shah 716/773-1314 Interfaith Activities/World Council of farms 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 Sushil Jain. Northeast US Phone/ 301/670-0519 Fax: 301/670-3937 N. American Jain Families Assitance Program Ila Mehta 419/865-2727 Pilgrimage Dilip V. Shaha 215/561-0581 Mahendra Mehta, Southeast US l'hone: 941/561-273, Fax: 941-275-4432 Midwest, US Manubhai Doshi email: Manudoshi@aol.com Phone: 847/735-0120 Hasendra Shah, West US Phone: 562/404-2851, Fax: 562/597-0648 Northeast, US Dineshbhai Chheda email: dchheda@pica.army.mil Phone: 973/394-1701 Udai Jain, Southwest US Phone: 281-980-0741, Fax: 281/980-2924 Secretary Kirit C. Daftary Phone: 254/776-4209, Fax: 254/753-1411 Southeast, US Surendra Shah Phone: 770/422-1483 srshah@bellsouth.net JAINA Education Committee Pravin K. Shah 919/859-4994 Senior Citizens Kantilal Shah 949/831-8687 Scholar Visitation Nirmal Dosi 732/390-0296 Tirthadhdhar Kirit Daftary 254/776-4209 V. R. Gandhi Scholarship Fund Pravin C. Shah 516/248-8265 World Community Service Bachubhai Ajmera 301/924-8070 Bhadresh Dhila 301/589-4610 Prakash Mehra 703/318-8252 Young Jains of America (YJA) Ronak Shah 918-269-7665 Chintan Shah 608-217-4807 Young Jam Professional (Y/P) Manav Jain 818/360-4178 Treasurer Gitish P. Shah Phone: 408/378-8765. Fax: 650/694-6961 AINA Temple Guidelines Jagar Jain 716/688-0104 Southwest, US Jadavji Kenia email: jkenia@iname.com Phone: 972/690-3593 Immediate Past President Mahendra K. Pandya Phone: 718/816-0083, Fax: 212/319-6781 West, US Chandrakant Parekh email: chandra.j.parekh@acro.org Phone: 562/865-1679, Fax: (562) 865-0851 engsysdaol.com Jiv Daya Ratibhai Shah 817/430-8081 JAINA Library Committee Virendra Shah 310/326-5685 JAINA Publication Committee Prem Gada 806/794-4777 SPECIAL OFFICE BEARER Executive Director of JAINA Kamalesh Amin Phunc/Fax: 716/636-5342 jainah@aol.com ASSOCIATE EDITORS BOARD OF DIRECTORS Young Minds Reshma Modi 248/ 851-3965, reshmamodi@mail.com Mansi Shah 562-404-2851, MansiShah@aol.com All Board of Directors Danies were printed in the Summer 2IX)D issue JAINA CHARITABLE TRUST Matrimonials Hasmukh Shah 304 Tall Oak Trail Tarpon Springs, FL. 34688-7711 Phone: 727-934-6141 / 3255 hasmukh33@yahoo.com Executive Council Chairmen - Mahendra Pandya, New York, NY Dhiraj Shah, Buffalo, NY Comperoller - Sagar Jain, Buffalo, NY Secretary General - Kiri Kapadia, New York, NY Members-at-Large Rajen Jaswa, Saratoga, CA Pipin Parikh, Chicago, IL. Khupendra Tolia, Norwood, NI MANAGING BOARD Lata Champsee, Chair Dilip V Shah, Marketing Manager Keerti Shah, Circulation Manager CANADA NORTHEAST SOUTHEAST SOUTHWEST Regular Regular Regular Hegular Toronto Beton Arlanta Dullas Asore Buffalo Miami Hakisto Falmon Cherry Hill Amate Phoenix Montreal Essex Fells Augusta Associate Ottawa Hudson Valley Charlotte Tulsa Vancouver New York 1. Meyers Luthck Orange Colorado Jacksonville MIDWEST Philadelphia Menghis Regular Pittsburgh Middle Tennessee WEST Chicago Rochester Morgantown Regular Cinncinati/layton Washington, DC New Orleans Los Angles Cleveland Asteria Orlando San Francisco Columbus Allany Palm Beach Asia Detroit Allentown Raleigh Fortland St. Louis Elmira Tampa Sacra Associal Harrisburgh San Diego Kansas City Hartford Minneapolas Syracuse Milwaukee Toledo MEMBER ORGANIZATIONS Regular: Two director on JAINAS Board (aver 50 families). Associate. One director on JAINAS Brand (up to 50 familica) AFFILIATES Brahmi Jain Society, US and Canada Jain Social Group, LA and Toronto International Alumni Association of Mahavir Jain Kutchhi Gurjar Jain Society, Grand Island, NY Vidyalaya. Rochester, NY Kutchbi Oywal Jain Association of North America KOJAIN) International Mahavir Jain Mission. US and Canada Shri Mahavir Jain Foundation, Santa Ana, CA Jain Meditation International Center, US & Canada Jain Academic Foundation of N. America, abbock, TX Trustees All Trustees rumes and photos were printed in the Fall 2000 issue The Managing Editorial Board will endeavor to publish all material submitted but reserves the righe co edit and/or reformat for darity and space restrictions. The views expressed in the articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the Managing Editorial Board of JAIN DIGEST JAINA ON THE INTERNET JAINA Jain BBS herp://www.jaina.org/ http://www.jainism.org/ Young Jains of America hup://www.yja.org) PUBLICATION DATES AND DEADLINES Spring (February) January 30th Summer (May) April 30 Fall (August) July 30 Winter (November) October 30 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR OF JAIN DIGEST We encourage sur readers to send their questions, comments or views on current issues of concerns facing the Jain community of North America to the Fditor in Chic, Lata Champsee. We crkavor to publish all letters space permitting The JAIN DIGEST reserves the right to edit all material for darity and/or space. All letters must include the scader's name, address and phone number che considered for publication 2 / JAIN DIGEST SUMMER 2002 Jain Education Intemational

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HEADQUARTERS NEWS.... JAINA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Once approved these proposed guidelines will be signed off MEETS IN CHICAGO by all of the committee members and current JAINA executive Members present: Executive committee: Bipin Parikh, Anop committee before it becomes final. The current guidelines need Vora, Kirit Daftary, Girish Shah, Uday Jain and llaben Mehta not be used till new guidelines are approved. Dr. Manibhai Mehta, the past president of JAINA pointed out that per Article X, Item Directors: Manibhai Mehta, Prabodh Vaidya, Pravin Shah, III of JAINA constitution that financial aid cannot be awarded Ramesh Shah and Dilip Shah. unless it is approved by 2/3 of majority of the directors. Guests: Rekhaben Parikh, Niranjan Shah, President of JSMC, 9. Bidada Trust: Dr. Manibhai Mehta reported that they have Mukesh Doshi, Pravin Shah of Chicago. treated about 2 million patients in 20 years at the health camp in 1. Meeting was started with Navkar mantra. Bidada, Kutch. People attend Camp from Kutch, Gujarat, and 2. Treasure read his financial report. Rajasthan. Over 25 doctors from US man this multi specialty health 3. Request was made to increase the fees from the committee camp. Jain Society of Southern California subsidizes half of the to sustain JAINA. One of the possibilities was to increase fees or camp's cost of $80,000; their single largest donor contributes about allot administrative charges to those who use the JAINA head quar- $25,000/year on a regular basis. ter the most. 10. Membership committee: Kamlesh Shah, Membership 4. Directors at Large: Dr. Bipinbhai Parikh proposed follow- Committee Chairman has been forwarded with membership guideing names seconded by Kirit Daftary: The executive committee lines for review and approval. approved the nomination of following Directors at Large for the 11. Samarpan Jain Sangh and Samarpan Hindu Temple: There current term. is a need to have two centers in larger metropolitan area. We will Mrs. Pramodaben Chitrabhanu, Mr. Shantilal Shah, Mr. request them to send us their constitution, list of executive memVirendra Shah, Mr. Samprati J. Shah, Dr. Sumti Shah, Mr.bers and membership list so that both can be part of JAINA. Sobhagya Khamesra, Mr. Atul Khara 12. JAINA Calendar committee: They have sent out 3 books 5. YJA reported their activities of up coming convention in to establish mini library in all households. It was felt that the comJuly 2002. Ramesh Shah reported that under Shram Yatra camp mittee should have more people to select books. These books should about 15 youth went to Kutch to help build a home for the earth- be reviewed and written report with the recommendations should quake affected victims. The camp was a success, which may be be presented to the executive committee. Only the approved books repeated in the future. by executive committee should be distributed. Girish Shah and 6. JAINA 2003 Convention: Anop Vora, the next convener Pravin Shah (Chicago) volunteered to review books. and Ms. Soha Shah the President of Cincinnati Jain Society, and 13. JAINA Day: This is supposed to bring awareness of JAINA Dr. Surendra Singhvi, co-conveners presented information about to local centers. Ramesh Shah will revise and update current copy upcoming convention in Cincinnati, Ohio. It was suggested that of JAINA at a glance. EC approved $1000 for the production of Columbus, Cleveland and Louisville Sangh should also be invited this material to actively participate in the convention. 14. JAIN Digest: Dlip Shah reported that they have been able 7. World community services. Ramesh Shah reported that to lower printing costs by 25% by diligent efforts of our editor, WCS have sent several containers of medical equipment to India. Lataben Champsee. Full-page advertising rates are revised to They also have an ambitious goal of sending 2600 wheel chairs to $1250, with 20% premium for the last page. Eight pages of adverIndia to mark 2600h birth anniversary of Mahavir Bhagwan. tisements will make JAIN Digest financially independent. There 8. Temple Guidelines Committee: It was felt that the current have been varied interests from various sectors for advertising in guidelines do not represent many issues at hand. It was necessary Jain Digest. to create new guidelines. To create true unity among all major five 15. Teerthodhar committee: Kirit Daftary reported on the sects, we should request existing Temple Guideline committee to latest developments of construction of school in Lachwar Bihar. appoint 3 members from each traditions of Shwetambar Murti There is already an enrollment of 700 students from surrounding pujak, Digambar Murti pujak, Sthankwasi, Terapanthi and fol- area. There is still shortfall of $50,000 for the construction of the lowers of Shrimad Rajchandra. They have been assigned the task school, to define the problem, expand the committee, revisit the guide- Next meeting will be held in July in Cincinnati. Meeting was lines to justify the existing position and to create the multiple guide- adjourned with Khamemi Save Jiva. lines for physical building only. JAIN DIGEST SUMMER 2002 / 3 Jain Education Intemational

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CHESTO HEADQUARTERS NEWS.... With the end of the First World War, the idea and reality of the League of Nations took center stage to establish Peace.' In spite of hard work by many leaders, the League of Nations, and thereby Peace, became a casualty ensued by World War II, the symbolic idea of Peace was still high on the agenda and hence the establishment of the UN. The vision of peace through the United Nations has held up for more than half a century. SYMBOLIC CELEBRATION The only place where more than 200 world leaders with many differences come together is the unique United Nations the City of New York. It is a symbolism, a new beginning to understand each other, to avoid conflict, and thereby prevent violence. When JAINA President Bipin Parikh called me in late February that Gurudev Chitrabhanu wanted to have Mahavir Swami's 2600th Birth Anniversary celebration at the United Nations on April 25, 2002, my immediate reaction was positive. My quick suggestions were: unique invitation, unique location, unique gathering, unique message. JAINA, Jain Center of America (JCA), LIMFF (Long Island MultiFaith Forum) representing twelve faiths and TOU2 (Temple of Understanding Dr. Karan Singh is Chairman) were brought together to represent United Nations of religions. Therefore the invitation was from eight key people, two from each of the above four organizations. The program began with a recital of Navkar Mantra. Then Gurudev Chitrabhanu recited slokas of Mahavir Swami. Greetings and activity reports were presented by Sister Joan Kirby (TOU), Dr. Panna Shah (LIMFF), Bipin Parikh (JAINA), and Dr. Dilip Mukhtyar and Hemant Shah (JCA). Broader and more intense remarks were made by two international scholars, Dr. Kumarpal Desai and Hon. N. P. Jain. Specific topic presentations were made by two national scholars, Rajni Shah (Paryushana Parva) and Chandrakant Mehta (Samayik). Youth scholars Ronak Shah and Sanjay Mehta made remarks on the relevance of Jainism in the business world and in the modern society. Pratibha Pragya, one of two Samanijis from Texas, succinctly delivered the message of Jainism, while Samani Jagat Pragya thrilled the audience with Acharya Maha Pragya's song "Jiski Aaj Jaroorat Usne Kyun Pahle Avtar Liya." 4/ JAIN DIGEST. SUMMER 2002 Arvind Vora, Kings Park, NY Two relevant songs were presented - one by Rhonda Strieby ("Bridge Over Troubled Waters" alluding to violence engulfing humanity over the entire planet, while a youth star singer, Toral Shah, who captivated the audience at the Edison, New Jersey celebration, repeated the hit song "Amazing Grace" in a tribute to September 11. Dr. Jairamanji, Executive Director of Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan, a scholarly multifaceted personality and life-long proponent of Indian values, delivered in brief the most important message of Mahavir "Ahimsa," while the Chief Deputy Consul, Rudy Warjri indicated all Indians should be very proud, indeed everyone on the earth, for the message of Ahimsa, which in practical terms, were utilized by Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King and Nelson Mandela for a positive change for humankind. Four representatives of different faiths were recognized by Gurudev for their efforts to further understanding among all faiths. They were Rev. Msgr. Donald Beckmann (Roman Catholic Christian), Rev. Mark Bigelow (Protestant Christian), Werner Reich (Judaism), Raj Singh (Sikhism). Dr. Faroque Khan (Islam) could not attend because of a prior commitment of lectures outside the U.S.A. IC A check for $13,001 was presented to the Uniformed Firefighters Association for Widows and Children's Fund (9-11). At the same time in the spirit of Aparigraha, two donations, each of $2,600, were made by Doctors Panna/Jitendra Shah and Dr. Girish/Jyoti Shah to promote multi-faith values. The presentation part was concluded by recitations of Stuti by Smt. Pramodaben Chitrabhanu, who specially came from Bombay a day before for the event (at the author's request). In a symbolic way Chaturvidh Sangh was present, people from every faith, every age group also symbolically took part. A book to commemorate the event is under consideration. A vegetarian Jain dinner, Swamivatsalya, an event unique to Jains, was served. Each one received a symbolic pendant specially made for this occasion and Jain books, JAINA calendar, and other printed materials. In Picture: Gurudev Chitrabhanu presenting donations (9-11 fund) cheque to firefighters. Left to right Bipin Parikh, Dr. Mahendra Pandya, Firefighter Arvind Vora

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HEADQUARTERS NEWS.... AHIMSA VARSH CELEBRATION Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, USA, in collaboration with JAINA and YJA, arranged a most fitting program in North America, marking the culmination of AHIMSA VARSH - 2600th Birth Anniversary of Bhagwan Mahavir. The two-day event at the Royal Albert Palace in Fords, New Jersey, on April 13 and 14 was like a miniJAINA Convention. Monks, dignitaries, scholars, singers, dancers, politicians and children participated. The celebration made possible for more than 2,000 attendees to review and learn the message of Bhagwan Mahavir with the festivity and the joy of a birthday party. Originally scheduled for September of last year but cancelled due to the September 11th tragedy, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan doubled its efforts and put together a large coalition of international organizations such as Institute of Jainology, U.K.; World Jain Confederation, India; Bhagwan Mahaveer Foundation, Chennai, India; JAINA, YJA and JMIC, New York; and many Jain Centers in North America. Under the able leadership of Dr. P. Jayraman, Executive Director of Bhavan, all these organizations and the invited guests performed together like a well-tuned orchestra. Hundreds of volunteers brought about the whole event smoothly and incredibly on time. The inaugural function on the Saturday morning started with Benediction by Gurudev Chitrabhanuji. Then Dr. Navin Mehta, Chairman of the Celebration Committee, welcomed everyone. The keynote speech was given by Dr. L.M.Singhvi, the Chairman of the International Celebration Committee formed by Bhavan. All the monks and the scholars spoke on the central theme of Ahimsa. Scholarly discourses were presented by Dr. N. P. Jain, Dr. Kumarpal Desai, Amrendra Muniji; Devendra Keertiji, Sadhvi Shilapi Ji, Samani Charitra Pragyaji and many others. Three books released: A spectacular book of photographs and an essay by Dr. L. M. Singhvi titled Jain Temples in India and Around the World; a collection of essays by Dr. N.P. Jain: Ahimsa: the Ultimate Winner; and Jainism: A Tribute to Ahimsa: Images and Reflections, edited by Dr. P. Jayraman. Jain Education Intemational BHARATIYA VIDYA BHAVAN, USA Photographic Exhibition: Mahendra Visaria of Bombay brought a collection of 200 photographs showing art and architecture of Jain Temples of India that was a breathtaking experience that can only be experienced and not described. Also on view was a model of the Astapad Mountain by the Jain Center of America in Queens, New York. YJA game show "Who Wants to be Mahavir," eagerly awaited by the youngsters, pleased everyone. The evening cultural program was started with a tribute to September 11th. Toral Shah's singing of "Amazing Grace" and "I Will Remember You" set the tone for the evening. Dance Drama of Chandanlbala choreographed by Rachna Sarang and aided by invited musicians and singers from India was the high note of the day. Other presentations, by the Jain Center of America and Jain Center of New Jersey, were also very well received. The evening ended with Bhakti Sangeet by Mrs. Shobha Joshi and her troupe from Bombay. ht The Sunday program started with Bhakti sangeet by Shri Anop Jalota. In the afternoon there were programs from pathshala children from the Cherry Hill Jain Sangh and Jain Samaj of New Jersey. YJA provided a one act play: Kasturi Mrug written by Dr. Bharat Shah of Long Island, NY. Shri Pratap Bhogilal of World Jain Confederation and Shri Mahesh Shah of Institute of Jainology gave congratulatory speeches, as did Congressman Frank Pallone. Dr. Bipin Parikh, President of JAINA thanked Dr. Jayraman and Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan for holding the celebration with such gusto, dignity and grace. A beautiful souvenir issued for the celebration, with a cover picture of Mahavir Swami's towering moorti. from Ahimsa Sthal in New Delhi, must be a collector's item by now. Dr. Mahendra Pandya, former President of JAINA, was honored with the Ahimsa Ratna Award. Sewa Ratna and Awards of Excellence were given to various illustrious personalities. Sumptuous vegetarian food, lots of smiles and unanimous praise reflected Bhavan's dedication to the celebration. The various informational booths in the lobbyWorld Community Service of JAINA, YJA, Book Stands, Jain Viswa Bharti) - were set up where people gathered and made new friends or renewed old relationships. The audience was invited at the end to perform a very noble act: To sign a pledge of Ahimsa. The sight of young and old stretching their hand to receive the pledge form, the frantic search for pen to sign their name, and the voices of Gurudev Shri Chitrabhanuj and Dr. N. P. Jain, reciting the pledge, will not happen again on this land soon but the message, the teaching, and the harmonic vibrations of that day will live on forever. The pledge is reprinted on the following page for all those who were not able to attend the celebration. By Dilip V. Shah, Philadelphia. PA JAIN DIGEST SUMMER 2002/5

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PEOPLE IN NEWS: On the occasion of Ahimsa Varsh Celebration Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan honoured some of the leading personalities who have dedicated themselves to the promotion of Ahimsa in the world community, and serving the Indian community, through the preservation and furtherance of Indian culture, values and education. Bhavan bestowed on some individuals Ahimsa Ratna and Sewa Ratna Awards. AHIMSA RATNA AWARD Dr. Mahendra K. Pandya was awarded Ahimsa Ratna Awrad. The 66 year old Dr. Pandya is a first generation American. He came to America in 1966 after completion of his MD (medicine). Dr. Pandya's involvement with Jainism is not something new. He says, "Obviously, distance makes the heart grow fonder. But right from the beginning I have adhered to the precepts and principles of Jainism, whether in India or abroad. Incidentally, Dr. Pandya was the founder member of the first JAINA unit in New York and he was also involved with establishing the first Jain temple in New York. What is JAINA? Dr. Pandya patiently explains, "There is a sizable population of Jains in the US, but scattered as they were, they hardly interacted in any significant way. So though there were several unitary bodies, there was no single unifying body. JAINA filled this vacuum. Established in 1981, JAIN is the umbrella organization that guides and combines all Jain centers in North America and Canada." Dr. Pandya, the former President of JAINA has made it his life's mission to bring together all Jains irrespective of their language, region or tradition. AHIMSA RATNA AWARD 6/ JAIN DIGEST SUMMER 2002 Jain Education Intemational, Devendra Tokarshi Peer was born in Bombay in a Jain family. "Peer" means a spiritual person. "Peer" was a title given to forefathers who were thought to posess "spiritual powers". As President of Samarpan Jain Sangh he took initiative to host the 10th JAINA Convention in Philadelphia in 1999. With Gurudev Chitrabhanu, Father Valles and Poet Makarand Dave as speakers and teacher, this convention took Jain philosophy to a higher level of visibility and understanding. Besides practising as a Certified Public Accountant, Devendra also spends his time understanding this message. He has been instrumental in establishing, under his wife, Dr. Meeta Peer's leadership, a Modern Rehabilitation Center in Pune, India. He has been a member of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan since he was a student. In 1999 Devendra wrote a play based on Kulpati Munshi's historic novel Patan-Ni-Prbhuta depicting the periodics of Gujarat's history when the philosophy of Non-violence began to be incorporated into the daily lives of people; Non-violence, not as a refuge of the cowards, but as an ornament of the brave. The fulllength play with 17 characters was staged at the Jain Convention in Philadelphia. INTERNATIONAL JAIN SANGH AWARD TO DR. DHIRAJ SHAH More than 500 pepole attended the Mahavir Jayanti celebration of International Jain Sangh on April 28 in South River NJ. The celebration began with Mahavir Swami Puja in the morning. H. H. Amrendra Muniji gave the spiritual lecture and Dr. P. Jayraman of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan was the guest speaker. Most of the cultural items presented were by the children including a play about Chandanbala. Another inspiring skit was the representation of multi cultural life. The children presented glimpse of the prayer, symbol and clothing of Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Jain, Jewish, Muslim and Sikh faith. The Award for Excellence for the year 2002 was given to Dr. Dhiraj H. Shah, former President of JAINA - in recognization of his leadership in promoting principles of Jainism worldwide through humanitarian efforts. In accepting the Award, Dhirajbhai stressed that his was a team effort and the award belonged to all those volunteers who helped to bring relief to the victims of tragedies - earhquake in Gujarat, Uttarkashi (U.P.), Maharashtra, Northridge (CA); Cyclone in Orrisa and Kandala and Mississippi river flood etc. Rep. Frank Pallone, founder of India Caucus in the house of Representative was also present and he presented copy of the Congressional Record of Mahavir Jayanti proclamation he sponsored in the U.S. House of Representatives.

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PEOPLE IN NEWS: JAIN STORYTELLER AT THE SMITHSONIAN Jain storyteller, Surabhi Shah was invited to perform at the Smithsonian's Freer Gallery of Asian Art in Washington, DC. The performance was part of a weekend-long Storytelling Festival at the Freer, May 18-19, 2002, with professional storytellers sharing tales from throughout Asia. At this event, Surabhi chose to focus exclusively on Jain stories. "Through her stories she conveyed principles and spirit of Jainism to [an audience] who probably knew nothing about the religion. Her voice, eyes, movement of hands and body, and singing were used so effectively to enchant, glue the audience," noted Museum scholar, Erika Masuoka. Surabhi's signature style of weaving stavans and scriptures into the fabric of her stories is inspired by early memories of Jain vyakhans (sermons). In these colorful sermons, the sadhvi or sadhu would use stories to illustrate, to educate and to entertain. Stories were sprinkled with sung verses of the relevant scriptures, call and response, stories within stories, all to keep the faithful shravikas-shravaks engaged and alert." In our lives today, Surabhi asserts, Jain stories are more relevant than ever. "In college or at work, friends were interested in my religion. Stories helped them to understand unfamiliar Jain concepts such as aparigraha (non-attchment) and anekantvad (the multifaceted nature of existence). Stories are also an effective and enjoyable way to share Jain concepts within our community. When I learn a Jain principle through a story, I've noticed that it has a greater impact on me...it sticks with me." Surabhi was born in the US and raised in Canada. Years later, in North Carolina, she met celebrated storyteller Louise Omoto Kessel through the Five Faiths Project of the Ackland Museum of Art. Louise's unique and subtle guidance had a profound influence on Surabhi; soon, she wanted to share her new skills with the Jain community. She invited Louise to lead a workshop at the Jain Pathshala Teacher's workshop in Raleigh in 1998. To help her wedding guests understand the ceremony in cultural context, Surabhi even requested Louise to perform a story during her wedding! a With friend and collaborator, Jina Shah, Surabhi facilitated a Jain Storytelling workshop at JAINA 1999 in Philadelphia and Creative Performance workshop at JAINA 2001 in Chicago. The enthusiastic response from the community has fueled her desire to craft a five-story performance peace focused on women of Jainism. In her local community, Surabhi has performed Jain stories at events supporting survivors of domestic violence and festivals promoting environmental causes. UNIVERSITY MEDAL AWARDED TO SHAYNA PAREKH Amongst 10,000 students graduating this year from University of California, Berkeley, Shayna Parekh was honored as a top graduate and awarded the University Medal in recognition of her impressive academic achievement and exemplary public service, both in the USA and in India. "Each year, UC Berkeley awards one graduating senior the University Medal for academic excellence and outstanding community involvement. University Chancellor Robert Berdahl presented the University Medal to Shayna at the Commencement Convocation on May 17. Shayna dedicated her convocation speech to the millions "who have suffered, and who will continue to suffer and die because, quite simply, the rest of us have failed to understand." Quoting a Chinese proverb - it is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness, she urged her fellow graduates to "use your knowledge to light the candle and defeat the darkness for the benefit of others." Graduating with a double major in political science and interdisciplinary studies, Shayna plans to spend a year in India working at Veerayatan. Later, she hopes to enroll at the London School of Economics and pursue a graduate degree in social planning in developing countries. Sadhvi Shilapiji wrote in her recommendation for Shayna. "Shayna organized and supervised evening reading and writing courses, inspiring the laborers to start on their journey to literacy. Shayna also worked tirelessly to break the gender barrier as she, through many days of discussion, convinced fathers to allow their illiterate daughters to attend reading and writing courses. Shayna worked at the local YMCA and the Oakland Elizabeth House, serving as a tutor and mentor to underprivileged children. Shayna is the daughter of Chandrakant and Hasmita Parekh of Cerritos, California. Chandrakant is the West Region Editor of the Jain Digest. Shayna attended the Pathshala at the Jain Center of Southern California and served as a President of its Jain Center Youth Council. It is interesting to note that two of the six finalists were from the Jain Center of Southern California, namely, Shayna, and Rishi, son of Ramesh and Bindi Doshi. JAIN DIGEST SUMMER 2002/7

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12TH BIENNIAL JAINA CONVENTION by Surendra Singhvi, Cincinnati, OH JAINA has accepted the invitation of the Jain Center of Cin- and all past presidents with present president Bipin Parikh acting cinnati & Dayton to host the 2003 Convention in Cincinnati, as its chairman. The committee is charged with the responsibility Ohio. The convention will start in the afternoon of July 3 (Thurs- of oversight of all activities that are planned for the 2003 JAINA day) and end in the afternoon of July 6 (Sunday). convention. JAINA and the Jain Center of Cincinnati & Dayton have The theme for the 2003 convention is "Jainism - The Art of jointly formed 2003 JAINA Convention Board (JCB) consisting Living". A logo is being prepared. of seven members -two representing JAINA Executive Commit Registration is proposed in four stages. Early Bird registratee, two representing the 2001 Chicago Convention and three rep tion will be between October 15, 2002 and January 15, 2003. resenting the Jain Center of Cincinnati & Dayton. The JAINA Executive Committee approved the JCB on March 23, 2002 in Registration forms will be available in the fall issue of Jain Digest. Chicago. Below is a brief description of the JCB members and Cincinnati Convention Center has been reserved as the site their responsibilities: of the convention, which can accommodate upto 10,000 indi viduals. The center is connected through sky walk with five hotels 1. Anop Vora is the convener of the convention. He is cur with 2500 rooms. The center has space for 100 exhibition booths. rently the First Vice President of JAINA and a former treasurer of JAINA. He resides in Rochester, NY. His telephone number is JCB is preparing guidelines that will be followed for acceptance of proposals from Jain organizations and for-profit businesses. 716-473-9290. (vora 5000@yahoo.com) 2. Surendra Singhvi is a co-convener of the convention and JCB is organizing the 2003 convention so that it provides the North American Jain Community the unique learning experience JAINA director from the Jain Center of Cincinnati & Dayton. He is a former treasurer of JAINA and the founding president of and enjoyable cultural programs. Participation of all member Jain centers would be required to make such a convention the best the local center. He resides in Dayton and his telephone no. is ever. JCB will be requesting all Jain centers for cooperation in 937-885-7414. surendra_singhvi@hotmail.com planning the convention activities which would include discourses 3. Soha Shah is a co-convener of the convention, and the on topics that are relevant to the practice of Jainism, Jain rituals, immediate past president of the Jain Center of Cincinnati & Day- cultural program and youth activities. ton. She is the first youth co-convener of JAINA convention. She resides in Piqua, Ohio and her telephone no. is 937-773-3906 Without the financial support of our community, the con vention can't succeed. JCB intends to raise approximately $250,000 sohashah@hotmail.com through donations for the convention. Fund raising efforts for 4. Bipin D. Parikh is the current president of JAINA and a the convention will begin soon. If you would like to help in fund former convener of the 2001 JAINA convention. He was a trustee raising or bringing advertisements for the souvenir book, please of the Jain Society of Metropolitan Chicago. contact the JCB members. 5. Keerti N. Shah is a trustee at the Jain Society of Metro- If you have any suggestions or would like to help us in various politan Chicago. He was the chairman of Finance Committee of activities that are being planned, please contact the convener or the 2001 JAINA convention. He will co-conveners. oversee the financial matters of the 2003 Convention. 6. Samprati Shah is a trustee at the Jain Society of Metropolitan Chicago and was the chairman of Program committee of (continued from page 14) the 2001 JAINA convention. He will oversee the programming So Tap means to accept the happy or unhappy situations as matters of the 2003 convention. they arise. There is no welcome for unhappy life, but one needs to Z. Mahesh Shah is the chairman of the Jain Center of Cin- be prepared for accepting unhappiness when it occurs. Tap concinnati & Dayton Trustee Board and the past president of the sists of remaining calm and cool under all circumstances without local center. He chairs the fund raising committee of the 2003 indulging in the sense of euphoria under favorable circumstances convention. He resides in Dayton, Ohio. or the sense of resentment or depression in unfavorable ones. In accordance with JAINA convention guidelines , JAINA Whatever hardships or discomfort may occur, the true observer of Executive Committee has appointed the Convention Activity Re- Tap remains unaffected. Tap thus consists of passing through the view and Advisory Committee consisting of Ravindra Kobawala duality of happiness and unhappiness without being affected by from Chicago, Arvind Vora from New York, Satish Seth from L.A. either of them. 8/JAIN DIGEST- SUMMER 2002 Jain Education Intemational For Private & Personal use only

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UPCOMING EVENTS: JAINA YATRA 2003 SAMETSHIKHAR The Pilgrimage Committee of JAINA is planning a pilgrimage of Sametsikhar and other Tirthdhams. We expect to leave for the two-week pilgrimage on or about January 17, 2003 Teerthyatra for Jains is a way of revitalizing the soul that has been tired due to worldly chores. This pilgrimage will take us to Delhi, Hastinapur, Shouryapuri (Agra), Ayodhya, Ratnapuri, Varanasi, Champapuri, Lachhwad, Rajgir, Veerayatan, Pawapuri, Nalanda, Bodhi Gaya, Shikharji and Calcutta. This plan covers visiting more than 75 Kalyanak Bhoomis and a few distinguished Jain institutions. Most of the traveling will be by train and we will be staying in Dharamsalas or hotels depending on the availability. Detailed itinerary is still being worked out. Registration forms and more details will be posted on JAINA website (jaina.org) in August and in the next issue of JAIN DIGEST The pilgrims will meet in Delhi to begin the Yatra and disperse in Calcutta. You will make your own arrangments to fly to India and back. For further iformation, contact: Dilip V. Shah, 1902 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103 or dilipvshah@aol.com JAIN DIGEST LIFE MEMBER UPDATE 651U Ramesh and Naina Shah, Diamond Bar, 652U Priti B. Shah, Edison, NJ 653U Dilip and Ranjan Punatar, Bellbrook, OH 654U Hemendra and Daksha Patel, Livingston, NJ 655U Prakash and Ila Doshi, Walnut, CA 656U Dhirendra and Priti Mehta, Fort Myers, FL 657U Mukund and Hansa Shah, Parkersburg, WV 658U Jayantilal and Jyotsna Sanghvi, Naples, FL 659U Kanti and Palavi Shah, North Bergen, NJ 660U Himesh and Alpa Shah, Plano, TX 661U Virendra and Kalpana Shah, Dayton, NJ 662U Subodh and Sadhana Mehta, East Haven, CT This is a list of new Jain Digest life members whose dues were received upto May 20, 2002. Please send your $101.00 Jain Digest life membership dues to Keerti Shah, 842 Lakeside Drive, Bartlett Illinois 60103, Phone: 630-837-8716. CA ATLANTIC JAIN SANGH PRATISTHA MAHOSAV The ATLANTIC JAIN SANGH cordially invites everyone to the Pratistha Mahotsav. The three-day Mahotsav is from July 12 to July 14th and will be under the spiritual guidance of Gurudev Chitrabhanuji. Vidhikarak Shri Narendra Nandu and his group. For further information please contact Kundanben Ghelani at (609)748-0032 AHIMSA DAY CELEBRATION (October 6, 2002) Ahimsa (or non-violence) is the most important principle of Jainism. The followers practice Ahimsa in thoughts, words and actions. In 1991 JAINA decided to celebrate the Ahimsa Day on the first Sunday in October each year to coincide with Mahatma Gandhi's birthday. The purpose of the celebration is to promote the principle of non-violence with the objective of achieving peace and goodwill in the world. The Federation consists of 57 Jain centers. The celebration by local Jain centers include activities such as serving food to homeless people, organizing talks, interfaith panel discussions on Ahimsa, , youth participation by writing essays on Ahimsa, and practicing Ahimsa by controlling AGED (i.c.Anger, Greed, Ego and Deceit). These celebrations throughout North America are encouraged and coordinated by Dr. Surendra Singhvi of Jain Center of Cincinnati & Dayton (937-885-7414). A lot of Jains been assisting him over the last 11 years _Mrs. Chanchala Mehta of Memphis, Mr. Suresh Shah of St. Louis, Dr. Salgia from Columbus, Ohio, Dr. Manoj Dharamsi from Washington, D.C., Dr. Dhiraj Shah of Buffalo, Mr. Narendra Sheth from San Diego, Dr. Sulekh Jain from Houston, Mr. Shanti Shah from Siddhachalam, Mrs. Seema Jain from Chicago, Mr. Dilip Punatar from Dayton, Dr. Surendra Sethi from Pittsburgh, Mr. Ramesh Shah from Cleveland, etc. To facilitate these celebrations by local Jain centers, the committee provides information on Ahimsa Day which includes vidcos, articles and books related to non-violence and vegetarianism. One of the goals of the committee is to seck proclamation for Ahimsa Day at the local, state and federal government levels. Such proclamation creates awareness about Jainism, Lord Mahavir, nonviolence and vegetarianism. Since 1991, proclamations have been President. The eleventh annual celebration of Ahimsa Day will be issued by several city mayors, and state governors and the U.S. organized on October 6, 2002. May the Ahimsa Day approach bring peace in the world. Surendra Singhvi, Chairman Ahimsa Day Celebration Committee JAIN DIGEST. SUMMER 2002/9

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COMMITTEE NEWS: JAINA PUBLICATION COMMITTEE (JPC) MAHAVIR MEMORIAL COMMITTEE After establisheing JAINA Library and JAINA Education Mahavir Jayanti was celebrated for the first time at the Indian Sytem, JAINA Publication Committee is planning to publish Embassy on April 28, 2002. The 2601st Birth Anniversary of Jain Games for children age 2 and up. JPC is also working on the Bhagvan Mahavir was celebrated on Sunday, April 28, 2002 at the project with Shri Ashutosh Gokani and Shri Harish Bhimani to residence of the ambassador of India, Lalit Mansinghji. It was illustrate Jain stories in Animation, or Audio. JPC plans to come jointly sponsored by the Embassy of India and the Jain Commuout with a 20 minute animation story on Kshamapana (Story of nity of North America represented by JAINA and the Jain Society King Udayan) within next three months. So those parents, grand- of Metropolitan Washington. This unique celebration was atparents, uncles and aunties and those who desire to do praabhavna tended by 300 persons including leaders of different faiths from of such Jain Sanskar should contact Premchand Gada at the Interfaith Organizations of Metropolitan Washington, and gadaprem@hotmail.com or gadapb2jafna@pol.net. This will give JAINA delegates. The program started with singing of Jain prayers us some understanding on the quantity required. We welcome by Dr. Manoj Dharamsi followed by an excellent welcome speech donations to sponsor this project. Preparation of one story in by H.E. Ambassador Lalit Mansinghji. A special message for animation and duplication for distribution of 1000 CD will cost Mahavir Jayanti received from President George W. Bush was read us around $5000. by Dr. Sushil Jain, Vice President of JAINA. A youth, Tejas Doshi, JPC is also working with www.jainworld.com to publish web gave an excellent presentation on "Mahavir and his teachings" based learning of Jainism where any individual from any corner of which was very well received. It was followed by two prayer dances the world can learn Jainism from his/her home. This web site will performed by young. The program ended with a vote of thanks also have Jain Library in the beginning about 40 books in En- and presentation of a set of Jain books to the ambassador. The glish and more to come out and is also working to upload books program was followed by refreshments. in Gujarati, Hindi and other languages) on line to support Jain learning. The website will also have self testing to see how much Dr. Manoj Dharamsi, Chairman one knows and will have suggestive charts to keep track on how much has been achived in personal life. VIRCHAND RAGHAVJI GANDHI SCHOLARSHIP List of some of the Jain Games and Books in consideration After review of more than 20 applications through our India Animation Story books (25 stories) (for age 2 and up) based subcommittee (Chair Person Dr. Jitendra B. shah) three Puzzle Games (for age 2 and up) scholarships are awarded for year 2001-02 to: Memory Cards (Matching) Game (for age 2 and up) 1. Jain Sushma Ph.D. in Jainology & Prakrit M.L.S.U., Udaipur ABCD Cards on Jainism (for age 2 and up) Rs.3,500. Trivia Game - 1000 cards (for age 7 and up) 2.Shah Pinkal P. M. Phil.Jain Darshan Int.Center for Jain Karmalogy (for age 5 and up) Go up and Down (ladder and Slide) (for age 3 and up) Studies, G. Vidyapith, A'bad Rs. 6,000. My first Jain Pictorial Book (for age 2 and up) 3.Shah Dhanendra K. M.Phil. Jain Darshan Int. Center for Jain My Jain temples book (for age 2 and up) studies, G.Vidyapith, A' bad Rs.6,000. Story Books (28 pages - ( 80 % picture) (For age 2 and up) Our thanks to Mr. & Mrs. Kishor Mehta, for their donation My Jain Words Dictionary (for age 3 and up) of Rs. 50,000 for printing and publishing 2000 books on life of VRG. This book was released at 11th JAINA Convention held in For futher information please contact: Chicago and distributed free at convention and thereafter. Premchand Gada, Chairperson Our Objective of Scholarship is now expanded to include: JAINA Publication Committee (JPC) a. United States of America. b.Sadhus/Sadhavis, studying at Federation of Jain Associations In North America accredited institute will be considered. 8605 - Vicksburg Avenue ,Lubbock TX 79424 c.Research studies in work of VRG's unpublished literature. Phone: (806) 794-4777 or To start VRG memorial lecture series is under consideration. at gadaprem@hotmail.com or gadapb2jafna@pol.net For further information and comments please contact Pravin C. Shah Ph.# 516-248-8265; email kenpet007@hotmail.com 4. 10 / JAIN DIGEST. SUMMER 2002 Jain Education Intemational For Private & Personal use only

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COMMITTEE NEWS: WORLD COMMUNITY SERVICES: "Wheels Of Hope" (Asha Chakra) Program Is Making a Difference! JAINA LAUNCHES FUND RAISING CAMPAIGN FOR THE GUJARAT COMMUNAL RIOTS VICTIMS RELIEF FUND It is sad to inform you that Mahatma Gandhi's Gujarat has lost the spirit of Ahimsa and Anekant, twin pillars of Jainism and the essence of Lord Mahavir's Message. In the last two months, communal riots have taken the lives of more than one thousand people, tens of thousands are injured and more than one hundred thousand people are in refugee camps near Ahmedabad and other places. We, the followers of Ahimsa and Anekant cannot sit idly and watch this carnage. Please send your tax-deductible (IN USA) contribution, payable to JAINA and mail to: Prakash Mehta 2960 Mother Well Court, Oak Hill, VA 20171. Following are some of the comments from the beneficiaries of Wheel Chairs distribution in Rajkot, Idar and Bidada(Kutch). Sandhya Mehr, 28 yrs., Rajkot "By receiving a wheel chair, It has made me independent. This will help in my studying for standard(grade) 10." Vinubhai, Makwana, 52 yrs.Surendranaagr "Now I do not have to crawl anymore. It will be easier for me now to handle my business. Sarojben Jadeja, 36 yrs. Amreli Before I had to walk on four legs. Now I can go to work as maid servant, go to bazaar. Manisha Bhatti, 18 yrs., Rajkot "Now my mom & dad will not have to lift me up in their arms anymore. I am encouraged more to study. For further information, please contact the following World Community Service representatives: B. S. Ajmera 301-924-8070 Prakash Mehta 703-352-8340 Bhadresh Dhila 304-570-1117 Dr. Dhiraj Shah 716-773-1314 Dr. Bipin Parikh 847-699-1294 * Rajkot Blood Bank organized the Wheel Chair distribu tion ceremony at "Life" building in Rajkot on May 13, 2002 in collaboration with Wheelchair Foundation, USA and American India Foundation, USA Atma Vallabh Hospital, Idar held the Mega camp for distributing bicycles, wheel chairs, walkers, Jaipur foot, crutches, walking sticks and on May 10th, 2002.in Idar. Bidada Sarvodaya Trust, Kutch is building Rehabilitation Center for disabled and amputees of 2001earthquake. * Ujjain Charitable Trust is building 500 beds hospital with teaching facility for 150 medical students in Ujjain, MP. EARTHQUAKE DONORS LIST UPDATE: 3,500 Donations received upto January 31, 2002 $552,164 1 India Earthquake Relief Organizations of Michigan $ 37.500 2 Hindu Temple Society Allentown PA 3 Dr. Lal Shobhan Northport NY 2,500 4 Hinduamerican Religious Institute New Cumberland PA 5 Mr. Shah Harshad Bharti Mokena IL 251 6 Ms Mehta Hetal Westlake OH 7 Mr. Deliwala Bhupendra Pallavi Oviedo FL 8 Mr. Doshi Chetan Ketki Winfield IL 9 Mr. Parekh Manish Winter Spring FL 10 Mr. Amin Chandrakant Winter Spring FL 11 Mr. Doshi Mukesh Usha Schaumburg IL 12 Mr. Shah Niran IL 13 Mr. Tijoriwala AnilKumar Sudha Oviedo FL 14 Ms. Tolia Sushi Winter Spring FL 15 Mr. Sheth Panna Orlando FL 21 16. Retired & Senior Volunteer Program of Greater Cleveland, OH 14 Total $ 597,328 At present, 10 Hospitals in India are beneficiaries of your donations and JAINA-WCS medical equipment & supplies program. JAINA-World Community Services have shipped more than 500 wheel chairs, walkers, crutches, walking sticks, prosthetics and orthotics under Medical Equipment and Supplies division. JAINA also shipped lots of beds, mattresses, bed sheets, roller carts, pediatric cribs, tables, IV poles etc. JAINA has also shipped Mammogram machines, Ultra sound machine, EKG machines, Dental chairs, Xray machines etc. In one year, we have shipped medical equipment and supplies worth more than $1,000,000. Ramesh Shah-Program Manager, Jain Center of Greater Cleveland (Tel.#440-442-4596 jshah6138@aol.com) Bachubhai Aimera. Chairman Jain Education Intemational JAIN DIGEST SUMMER 2002/11

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COMMITTEE NEWS: JAINA PATHSHALA TEACHERS' CONFERENCE JAINA Education Committee organized "Second Jain Pathshala Teachers' Conference 2002" at Los Angeles, CA on the Memorial Day weekend. The conference was hosted by the Jain Center of Southern California. There were 112 Pathshala teach ers and educators from USA, Canada and Singapore. Twentyseven Jain Centers from North America were represented at the conference. Thirty-one Jain families of Los Angeles area hosted the attending delegates and volunteers provided transportation. the attending delegates and volunteers provided transportation. All the meals were provided by the center. Three-day conference was full of activities that included thirtytwo presentations, breakout sessions and educational material displays from several Jain Centers. Main theme of the conference was "Jain Education for Digital Generation". Topics of the presentations were divided into several themes that included Leveraging Technology, Creative ways of teaching Pathshala, Role of ascetics in Pathshala, Place for rituals and sutras in Pathshala, Role of adult swadhyay in Pathshala, Role of children and youth in Pathshala, Future youth projects, Importance of interfaith activities. Activities beyond Pathshala, Growth and evolution of Pathshalas in America. Jain Education CD was distributed to all Pathshala teachers. The CD contains the following fifteen folders (478 files): 01 Jaina Education Material (Revised 7 Books) 02 Los Angeles Conf 2002 - Presentations 03 Jain Workshop Material 04 Life of Mahavir-swami 05 Ahimsa - several articles 06 Inspiration Stories 07 Comparative Religions 08 Rituals 09 Jain Articles 10 Reference Books (20) 11 Unique Jain and other Presentations 12 Graphics-Tirthankar Murtis 13 Graphics-Jain Tirths 14 Dreams of Trishala -Video files AVI The Jain Education CD is available at cost of $5.00 plus postage from the Jaina Education Committee chairperson Pravin K. Shah (pkshah1@attglobal.net) 919-859-4994. You can freely copy and distribute the CD to others. Jain Center of Southern California managed the whole affair very well, and as a result it a very successful conference. Details of the conference will be available later. 12/JAIN DIGEST. SUMMER 2002 MEANING OF TEMPLE By Shree Gurudedu Chitrabhanu Jain community in North America is growing rapidly and an increasing number of Jain Centers/Societies are planning to build temples in their communities in the coming years. Many individuals have inquired in the past and sought my guidance about the correct temple layout. As this is a very important issue, I would like to give my perspective based upon my participation in several temple ceremonies all over the world as well as what is prescribed in our scripture entitled "Pratistha Kalpa & Anjan Shalaka Vidhi". My perspective is also shared with the opinion of Muni Shree Jambuvijayji Maharaj, internationally renowned scholar and well respected Jain monk in India. Murties (Idols) : This era belongs to Mahavirswami. He was the last Tirthankar whose teachings are well recorded. Our children-especially those brought up in the western world, can easily relate to him. They will be the future torch bearers and practioners of Jainism. This is the reason why I strongly recommend that the new temples be identified with Lord Mahavir instead of other tirthankars unless there is a good reason not to do so. Please remember that the murties are for pooja and bhakti. People go to temple for their darshan. They are the reminders of Tirthankar's presence who inspired mankind with their living example of Right Vision, Right Knowledge, and Right Conduct. Darshan helps us bring out our own innate virtues and intrinsic qualities of our consciousness. Traditionally the murties are always installed in the temple with the ceremony of Panch(five) Kalyanak (significant events in the life of a tirthankar) Pooja. This pooja is performed exclusively on the murties of tirthankaras and not on any other symbols. The decisions about the number of murties, their location, and specific tradition should be based on fairness and mutual respect. Orientation: The murties should face towards East or towards North. Navakar Mantra: Navkar Mantra has been given to us by our sages for recitation, meditation, and for Aradhana. It is not for Pooja or idol worship. It would not be appropriate to use it in place of a murti. Sthanakavasi philosophy calls for a sthanak (place) for Samayik and Pratikraman but not for the pooja of a murti or an idol. By installing Navakar Mantra in the Center, we are doing Tirthankar's ashatana and unknowingly making an idol of a great mantra. To prevent dispute and split in the Jain community, we need to avoid statues/idols of others except those of tirthankars.

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THE CONCEPT OF TAP FROM A NEW PERSPECTIVE Samsantosajalenam Jo Dhovadi Tiva-Lobmal-Punjam Bhoyan-Giddhi-Vihino Tassa Sa-Uchcham Have Vimalam Samansuttam One, who washes the dirty lump of greediness with the water of equanimity and contentment, and who is free from the longing for food, attains the perfect purity. The concept of Tap is normally considered in respect of six types of external austerities and six types of internal ones. The external Tap has more or less a negative approach, because its emphasis rests upon what not to eat, what to avoid and what not to wish for. The internal one has a more positive approach. But its two categories, Prayashchit and Kayotsarga, which deal with repentance of wrong deeds and giving up of worldly involvement, have a negative tinge. As such that too cannot be considered purely positive. From a pure positive consideration, Tap can be defined as staying within the Self. Thereby one automatically remains aloof from all the wrong aspects. Eradication of Karma is the principal objective of undertaking Tap. That can be done by Samvar, which means preventing the influx of new Karma and by Nirjara, which means shaking off the existing one. That objective is adequately covered within the above definition. Karma mainly arises from the desire for sense objects. The desire arises from dissatisfaction with the existing conditions. But the theory of Karma specifically states that everyone gets what is due to him. The law of Karma is infallible. It extends to everyone the consequences of his Karma. As such, there is no reason to be dissatisfied by the conditions that we get. We, the worldly beings, are, however, never satisfied with what we have and long for what we do not have. Such longing is the root cause of acquiring Karma. By Karma, we normally mean what we might have done in the past. But Karma does not mean merely the past actions. It also covers the present ones. Past Karma lays down destiny. It provides favorable or unfavorable situations depending upon the type of Karma. If we do not feel happy with the given situation or are not satisfied with it, we can surely strive to change it by resorting to present Karma. That is termed as Vartaman Karma. If it is strong enough to overcome the past Karma, we may succeed in changing the given situation. Otherwise, we may fail to get the desired result. In either of these cases, a spiritual aspirant accepts the out come. But an observer of Tap needs to adopt a different approach. He should accept the given situation, whether it is favorable or not. He should feel happy with that and should not have any urge to change it. Desire to change arises from dissatisfaction with the Manu Doshi, Chicago, IL existing condition. We always desire something over and above what we have. Satisfaction with the present condition seems to be beyond us. We happen to feel that what we have is not adequate to make us happy. We therefore desire more, hardly remembering that desires are insatiable. Even if we get what we might be longing for, the mind is going to crave for something more. How long can we afford to endeavor for satisfying what is inherently insa tiable? Therefore, the right way is to feel contented with what we have and not to crave anything else. But since we usually crave more, it would be worth examining our existing condition and asking ourselves whether we even deserve that. If we think dispassionately, we may realize that what we actually have is more than what we deserve. In that case, why should we not accept situations as they arise? Why not give compliments to nature or to Karma for the situations that they have provided? Why not be grateful for that? not Moreover, if we genuinely think that an existing situation is conducive to feeling happy, we should remember that the said situation is a consequence of our previous Karma. We need not blame anyone else for it. It has come of our own invitation. If we have invited some wrong person, being unaware of his wickedness, we have no right to drive him away. He has come of our own invitation and we should bear his presence. Once we become aware of his wickedness, we can surely take care not to invite him again. The same way, the unhappy situation has arisen of our own Karma and we should bear it patiently. We can, of course, remain cautious of not doing anything by which we may acquire similar Karma once again. Bearing anything involves some stress, which builds up, and a moment may arise when bearing becomes intolerable. An acute sense of unhappiness then overcomes us and we feel that we can no longer bear it. The observance of external Tap does not become helpful at that stage. Our patience is broken and we may become wild at the situation. If, however, we might have learnt to accept the situation, there is no strain. We can remain peaceful and calm even under adverse circumstances. Therefore, the best way to feel happy is to accept. That is the highest type of Tap. But acceptance must be wholehearted. There need not be the slightest mental reservation. An ignorant person also might be accepting a given situation, but his acceptance is not wholehearted. He accepts, because he has to do so. Such involuntary acceptance does not give the desired result. Only unreserved acceptance leads to contentment. Feeling contented is the only way to be happy. Moreover, it does not give rise to any longing and therefore does not result in acquisition of new Karma. So, contentment is the way of achieving Samvar. JAIN DIGEST. SUMMER 2002/13

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THE CONCEPT OF TAP FROM A NEW PERSPECTIVE (cont.) If acceptance is not wholehearted, there is scope for desiring an alternative, there is scope for preference. Such scope is bound to lead to conflict. When I say that I prefer to have sweet dish, my mind automatically develops a distaste or even rejection of other dishes. So I divide the food in two parts, sweet and non-sweet. That is the way of dividing a thing in two categories of liking and disliking. That leads to affection for the former and disaffection for the latter. Real acceptance denotes no selection, no choice. Happiness and unhappiness are the two sides of the same coin. One may feel happy with one thing, while another may feel unhappy about it. There is nothing, which can be objectively happy. When the feeling of happiness is so subjective, what is there to be chosen about? No welcoming of the so called happy situations and no aversion for the unhappy ones. Simply feel pleased with what is available; no demand, no expectation, no preference. Merely stay pleased. Pleasure is the inherent attribute of soul. Staying with that attribute is religion. Remaining pleased with the existing situation constitutes Tap. That is also true worship. The great ascetic poet Anandghanaji has therefore said that the fruit of worship lies in the pleasure of mind. It is, however, noticed that many observers of Tap remain away from pleasure. They generally appear to be gloomy. This is so, because they happen to be undertaking Tap for gaining something that they do not have. They hardly have any concept of acceptance; they endeavor to get something. Thereby they have been trying to run away from the existing situation. That is a negative approach and cannot lead to pleasure. They remain gloomy or Udas.. The scriptures, no doubt, lay down to maintain Udasinata, but that does not mean to remain Udas. Most people do not realize the difference between Udas and Udasinata. The former denotes the state of sadness or gloominess and that is a negative approach. The latter denotes remaining above all the circumstances. Different circumstances are bound to arise from time to time. We hardly have any control over them. Then why worry about them? We are better to stay above circumstance. That is called Udasinata. Staying that way is the positive approach. Let us take an example of staying above. Suppose a person tumbles down and his leg bone is broken. He undergoes surgery and awaits recovery. Meanwhile, he groans on account of acute pain. He may be given some pain killer and he may feel that the pain has subsided. But as soon as the effect of the medicine is over, he starts feeling the pain again. Instead of that, if he considers himself apart from the leg and starts dispassionately observing the pain, he would lose the sense of feeling pain. Such staying above need not be considered imaginary. It has been experimented and found successful. 14 / JAIN DIGEST. SUMMER 2002 Jain Education Intemational Now let us put it with the help of a simile. A river might be flowing towards the sea. On the way it passes through a forest and the shade of the trees falls on the water. The river, however, does not take notice of it and proceeds ahead. Then it may pass through the hills and the water may be heated by the heat emanating from the heated rocks. The river still remains unaffected and continues to flow towards its destination. Similarly our consciousness, Chaitanya as it is called, is not static. It also continues to flow till it reaches the destination, the salvation. Like the river it also passes through different situations on its way. The difference is that the river is not aware of what happens, while Chaitanya knows what happens. But unlike the river, it reacts to such situations favorably or unfavorably. This happens on account of the ignorance about its own true nature. Thereby, it prolongs the period of reaching the destination. Once, a person becomes aware of his true nature, he tries to restrain reacting to any situation. He cultivates dispassionateness at an ever-increasing level. The lifestyle of a truly religious person thus undergoes radical change. He remains pleased with whatever he gets. To him, everything seems pleasurable. He knows that pleasure arises from within, not from without. He also knows that all situations are temporary and are going to disappear sooner or later. Even situations that one craves for are ephemeral. As such the religious person wholeheartedly accepts the given situation without even thinking of changing it. The question may arise, 'Would that not lead to inactivity?' Prima facie, it may seem so; but actually acceptance does not denote inactivity. By activity, we mean exercising the faculties of mind, speech and body. That can be exercised rightly or wrongly. But when we accept the given situation, we do not have any motive to change it. As such, there is no need to exercise those faculties wrongly. Moreover, acceptance of the situations denotes that we also accept that we are parents or children, brothers or sisters and so on. It means that we accept to play the role given to us as a relative, a neighbor, a citizen or a human being. Thus, in the worldly life we are expected to continue the appropriate activities. Even if a person renounces the worldly life, he needs play the monastic role. True acceptance thus precludes inactivity. If there is any scope for inactivity, it would be restricted to the unwholesome areas. At times the concept of Tap is grossly misunderstood; many people take it as giving pain to the body and mind. Kayaklesh is admitted as an external Tap. Literally, it means giving pain to the body. But that does not mean giving invitation to pain or misery. That Tap is actually meant for training the body to bear a tough life. The intention is not to be susceptible to breaking down, when we come across the hard times. (continuing on page 9)

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II OM SHREE PARSHWANATHAY NAMAH 1 VER OF NEW LAIN CENTE W JERSEY Coming together is a Beginning, Staying together is Progress, Working together is Success FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP JAIN CENTER PROJECT 233 Runnymede Road, Essex Fells, New Jersey 07021 E-mail: jaincenterni@yahoo.com Web: www.come.to/jaincenter This temple site is located at 111 Cedar Grove Lane in Franklin Township, Somerset County, New Jersey. This project will facilitate the needs of all the established Jain sects such as Shwetamber, Digamber, Sthanakwasi and Shrimad Rajchandra. Areas will be designated under this project to accommodate everyones needs. We call upon you for your enthusiastic support and firm determination to help fund this project. This center will then become a landmark of Jain Relegion and Culture in the whole of North America for ages to come. Bhoomi Pujan & Shilanyas ceremonies are being planned for 2002. Please donate generously. DONATION SCHEMES Brick by Brick Program Under this program, everyone can support the building of the Jain Temple by donating a brick. Brick donors will be recognize on brick donation listing. Denominations of brick purchases are as follow: Platinum Brick $751 Gold Brick $501 Silver Brick $251 Founders Recognition Program Platinum Plaque $11,111 & over * Gold Plaque $5001 & over Silver Plaque $10018 over Room Naming - Minimum Donation Assembly Hall $1,000,000. Dinning Hall $500,000. Four Class Rooms - each $100,000 Shrimad Rajchandra Hall $251,000 . Library $151,000. Audio Visual Room $101,000 Digamber Hall $151,000. Kitchen $101,000 . Caretaker's House $101,000. Sthanakvasi Hall $51,000 All we need now is an awakening for ourselves and for the sake of future generations to come. It is a task, which cannot be fulfilled by a few individuals or groups. - - - - ---- - - - - ---- Pledge Form I pledge my support for the Jain Center of New Jersey's Franklin Township Project - - - - - - - - - - Name: _Spouse's Name: Address: City: State: _Zip Code: Daytime Phone: Evening Phone: Email Address: Donor of $1,000 and above will be recognized on a special founder's plaque. I will donate $_ __for this project. My check is enclosed herewith. All Donations are tax deductible. Please make check payable to Jain Center of New Jersey - Building fund and mail to Jain Center of New Jersey Clo Virendra Shah, 25 Gary Court, Dayton, NJ 08810, Phone: 732-329-3236 Jain Education Intemational

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JAIN MODEL OF LEARNING PROCESS By Anop R. Vora, Rochester, NY Jainism has stated repeatedly that knowledge is the key to spiri- Pondering over (Anupreksha): tual growth because it has the most impact on our thought pat nt par. This is probably the most critical step in learning. The equivatern, outlook and behavior. How do we acquire such knowledge wledge lent words in English are "Reflect", "Ponder", "Contemplate", and How can we reinforce it? How can we digest and internalize? Jain "Digest". "Absorb" or "Crystallize" etc. Once we read any spirisages have outlined a 5 step process in response to these questions: tual material, we need to think and rethink before it can become a 1. Reading scriptural texts (Vaanchana) part of our inner being. Most of have a tendency to jump from one book to another, from one article to the next without letting 2. Questioning (Prichchhana) our minds absorb and internalize what was read. Until we inter3. Repetition (Parivartana) nalize, we should not expect our thoughts and thus behavior to 4. Pondering over (Anupreksha) alter. ANUPREKSHA plays a crucial role not only in the learning 5. Religious Teaching (Dharma Katha) process but also in the entire spiritual growth. Nothing worth while can be achieved without this important step. This is a simple yet very powerful learning model. It is the Religious Teaching (Dharma Katha): most important penance called "Study of Scriptures (Swaadhyaya) ". Unfortunately, most of us fail miserably in using it effectively. Teaching is the best way of learning! If we are asked to teach, Let us understand it, examine the reasons for our failure and dis- we have to learn the material first ourselves before confronting the cuss the corrective actions: student body. It appears this step is also designed to reinforce the Reading (Vaachana): learning process. Most of us flunk right at the first step. How many of us The steps described are simple yet very few of us apply them take the time to study religious scriptures and articles on a daily completely. That is probably the reason why most of us don't basis? Very few. Most of us spend our adult lives in dealing with grow much internally as we go through the journey of life. Even the worldly affairs and allocating very little time for spiritual read when we find the time to read religious material, we fail to recoging. Many of us put it off until retirement. Even in retirement, we nize that that is only the first step in learning. Unless we follow through and use all steps, we will not change much and find our may not develop interest in reading unless we have cultivated the habit early on. Net result: In all probability, most of us will never selves no better off, even after many years of life experience. Now that we are aware of the important steps of learning and our pirrealize, during our life time, the value of acres of diamonds treasured in the religious scriptures. falls, shouldn't we employ a different strategy to accelerate our spiritual growth? Irrespective of our age, we need to start spending at least 30 minutes every day reading something spiritual with full understanding. This means we need to read the material in the lan Thought of the year guage with which we feel most comfortable. Once we develop this habit, we will be surprised at our progress. Nothing can beat We know that life is temporary. We know that life is uncertain. daily effort on any issue no matter how small it is. We know that nothing accompanies us to the other worlds except Questioning (Prichchhana) our good deeds and our character. But some how most of us, Once we start reading any religious material with our heart in most oj the time, Jorget these simple facts of life and live our it, we will start asking questions. The mere process of asking ques lives as if we are going to continue here forever. tions suggests interest and curiosity on the part of the reader. We need to clear up our doubts through questions before we can ex- continuing from Page 17) pect our mind to accept the material. (continuing from Page 17) Of them all, the purna-kalasha Repetition (Parivartana): is the most familiar to people, for it is seen on the entrances of homes, invitation cards for ceremonies such as laying the foundaMost Asian religions including the Jain religion have realized tion stone of a building, or even a wedding. the importance of repetition in acquiring knowledge. Since we Wherever, they occur and whatever their form, the tend to forget fast, the more we review learning material, the more ashtamangala singly or collectively are believed to increase auspiwe will retain ciousness and avert calamity. 16/JAIN DIGEST. SUMMER 2002 Jain Education Intemational For Private & Personal use only

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Ashtamangala-The Eight Auspicious symbols Belief in auspicious objects has existed in many cultures from ancient times. This belief is an integral part of the ethos in India and is encountered in all the religions: Hinduism, Jainism and Budhism. The sanskirt term mangala denotes the auspicious character of an object. The definition of the word mangala is wide ranging: it can mean free of impurities, or sacred and holy, or the harbinger of good fortune, or capable of conferring comfort and happiness. In addition to these qualities, implicit in the term mangala, is that which can overcome all obstacles. In that capacity, the word indicates that it wards off all malevolent forces. The word mangala, thus, has a dual meaning. It possesses the qualities of sacredness and purity as also the power of removing hindrances and thereby providing protection. A number of objects have been considered auspicious in India. The generally accepted list of one hundred and eight includes symbols such as the svastika, purna-kalasha (full vase), darpana (mirror) and kanya (maiden). Many of these objects and symbols can be traced to fertility rites and are derived from cults connected with animistic worship. Some represent the sublimation of the qualities possessed by the form that the objects appear to approximate, as for example, the full vase which symbolises a pregnant woman, and by implication, a womb that can sustain life. It is not surprising to find that the same sign, for example the svastika, has different meanings in different cultures. But, interestingly, within a culture, its symbolism often differs from one religious group to another, as each interprets it to suit its own requirements For instance, the svastika has been suggested as denoting the sun because as soon as the sun rises, the four directions become visible. Vaishnavite Hindus recognise in the svastika the wheel of Vishnu with two spokes and a rim, while the Jains equate it with the representation of the four classes of beings that a soul can be born into - celestial, human, plant or animal, and infernal. The sign of the svastika is also reverence. This meaning continues unchanged in postures of Indian dance. Actually, the symbol can be traced to the Indus Valley seals made more than 5000 years ago and is probably connected with snake worship. For any primitive cultures equate the symbol of embracing serpents (one lying on the other) with the creation of the cosmos. Indian epics and stories often mention auspicious objects. The Mahabharata describes Arjuna paying obeisance to various auspicious objects including maidens before departing for the big battle. Other references state that kings and chieftains wore necklaces strung with pendants representing auspicious objects when by Dr. Saryu Dashi, Bombay, India going on a hunting expedition or to fight a war. The necklace acted as a charm, and shielded the wearer from danger. It became customary to use eight of the one hundred and eight auspicious objects during rituals. The set of eight auspicious objects, collectively called the ashtamangala are represented singly or in a group at various social and religious occasions. Though the list of eight objects is codified among all religious groups, variations o occur, as one is replaced by some other from the long list of universally recognised auspicious objects. The concept of a set of eight auspicious objects has prevailed among the Jains from the early centuries of the Christian Era. Both the Shvetambara and Digambara sects recognise them, though each sect has its own version of the ashtamangala, According to the Shvetambara sect of Jains the following objects constitute the _ashtamangala. 1. purna-kalasha (full vase) 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. For the Digambara sect of Jains, the ashtamangala are as follows: 1. bhringara (vessel) 2. 3. 4. darpana (mirror) bhadrasana (throne) vardhamanaka (powder flask) shrivatsa (a rhomboid mark) svastika (four armed cross) nandyavarta (nine pointed diagram) mina-yugala (pair of fish) 5. 6. 7. 8. tala (fan) purna-kalasha (full vase) dhyaja (banner) supratishtha (seat) chhatra (parasol) darpana (mirror) chamara (fly whisk) These eight auspicious symbols are worshipped during religious ceremonies. They are encountered everywhere - in painted or sculpted panels, on temple walls, as painting in illustrated manuscripts or on manuscripts covers (potlis), in carvings on objects in temples such as platters, donations boxes, and low stools (baroths) used for placing offerings to deities, as well as embroidered on patos (cover of the handle of a monk's broom). In Digambara Jain temples of southern India, individually fashioned metal images of the ashtamangala are placed in front of the Tirthankara in the sanctum-sanctorum of the temple. (continued on Page 16) JAIN DIGEST. SUMMER 2002/17

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REGIONAL NEWS.... SOUTH WEST Over 250 members participated in the dent at (918) 369-3163 or by email at Jadavji Kenia, Regional Editor Mahavir Jayanti Celebration. Key activities KANARU@aol.com. included: Play by pathshala children - Upadan vs. Nimit, Wheel of Karma game, Prayers by Band, Garbo and Dinner. NORTH TEXAS (DALLAS AREA) SOUTH EAST The center is getting ready to host Jain Surendra Shah, Regional Editor scholars over next 2-3 months. For details The Mahavir Jayanti celebration began on the center's activities, visit http:// with the Snatra Pooja. The younger group members.tripod.com/jain phoenix/ Conpresented a skit about Megh Kumaras pre- tact for Jain Center of Greater Phoenix - E- ATLANTA, GA vious life as an elephant. Children had mail address: Jain_phoenix@hotmail.com For the first time in Atlanta, Babubhai dressed up as the forest animals such as or Mehul Rajparia at (602) 795-4987 email Kadiwala and his group performed Siddha monkeys, rabbits, cheetah, antelope, jaguar, Q." Mehul.Raiparia@sybase.com. chakra pujan on April 13, 2002. About 250 tiger, etc. and of course, two together as an people took the opportunity of the occaelephant. During the forest fire, a rabbit got sion. Harshadbhai and Ramilaben Gandhi under the elephants foot when elephant lifted his leg for an itch. He then did not family sponsored the puja and dinner. TULSA, OK The Mahavir Jayanti was celebrated on put his foot down for over 2 days, thereby April 27 and April 28, 2002 at the center. saving that rabbit. As a result of such non- Newly elected committee and trustees The program started on April 27, with violence, he became Prince Megh Kumar of the Tulsa Jain Sangh are making a great Navanu Prakari Puja conducted by Mr. in the next life and later took Diksha (and headway and positive progress towards our " Virendra Shah from New Jersey. Then it was headed for Moksha in the next life). The Derashar and Hall project. We will start followed by cultural program. The celebra two older groups presented a joint program within six to eight weeks to complete our tion continued next day with Snatra Puja of questions and answers about Jainism and Derashar, followed by the balance of the and Varghodo (Procession). Bhagwan Mahavir. Audience participation project. We need support from our entire was the main theme as their names were Jain community in the USA. drawn at random. It was a great learning We celebrated 2600th birthday of Lord experience for many adults. The program Mahavir on April 20th by Snatra Puja and NORTHEAST continued with the Manglik, Aartis, Shanti meaning of Ahimsa by our Trustee Surendra Dinesh Chheda, Regional Editor Kalash, Samuh Chaitya Vandan and a deli- Doshi. We had "Sangh Lunch". Our valcious lunch. Jain population in this area hasued members from Edmond and Norman, grown a lot and a program like this is at- OK joined us to celebrate this auspicious tended by 250-300 people. day. Our young pathshala students started ESSEX FELLS, NJ Swadhyay frequency has increased to reciting 26 Malas during the month of twice in Hindi and twice in Gujarati weekly. April. They were inspired by our Jain JSNT contact is our current president Dr. Pathshala Teacher. Adults joined in also and Aayambil Oli was celebrated with lot of Minaxi Rathod at 903-868-1174, email: the final total ended up with 2600 Malas enthusiasm. More than 100 people particiminaxil@yahoo.com. in celebration of 2600h Mahvir Jayanti. pated in Samuh Aayambil at our Dehrasar. We are very proud to congratulate our Mahavir Jayanti was celebrated with Snatra young member Mr. Ronak Shah (son of our Puja at our Dehrasar followed by a cultural PHOENIX, AZ past president Mr. Mukesh Shah) who has program. This year more than 170 been elected as Co-Chairman of YJA and Pathshala students performed on stage de2002 Convention picting Jain culture. Mr. Upendra In addition to weekly pathshala for Please visit our website at Chivukula, the first Indian American to be children and adults, the Jain Center of www.tulsaiainsangh.org. We will provide an New Jersey State assemblyman, was the Greater Phoenix had a lot of activities since update of our activities and progress on our chief guest. January of 2002. Some of these activities Derashar and Hall project. We need your Derashar and Hall proiect. We need your We were fortunate to welcome the mem We were forrinate to were Camp in February, Picnic in March support. Please contact Kanti Shah, presi- bers of Jain Sanghs from West Virginia, and Mahavir Jayanti Celebration in April. Boston, and Cherry Hill at our Dehrasar. 18/JAIN DIGEST. SUMMER 2002 Jain Education Intemational

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REGIONAL NEWS Dr. Kumarpalbhai Desai from Ahmedabad, WEST from United States, Canada and England India gave two lectures. Dr. Poddar gave a Chandrakant Parekh, Regional Editor were booked at the Renaissance Hotel, Long lecture on Vastushastra detailing what it is Beach. A variety of activities were planned and how people can benefit from using it. to facilitate maximum interaction and netPathshala classes had a tremendous year working, including "Gone in 60 seconds" - LOS ANGELES, CA with about 200 students are learning Jain an interactive speed dating session, a dinreligion. Regular monthly Samuh Samayik ner under the stars, a midnight cruise, a were well Jain Center of Southern California picnic on the beach, an early morning Yoga attended. Dedicated members keep the (JCSC) achieved a major milestone for its class, and a team-building breakout session. Dehrasar open on every Sunday in the af- Jain Bhavan Expansion Project, when During the "Fish Bowl", the participants ternoon. If you are visiting New Jersey / Bhoomi Pujan was done in the presence of were divided into a male and female circuNew York City area and would like to visit several distinguished guests including lar panel to discuss the preferred qualities. or attend a program, please call Shri Viren Mayor Patsy Marshall, Council Members, Mutual trust, honesty, open communicaShah at 732 - 329 - 3236 and Planning Commission Members of the tion, and attractiveness were identified as City of Buena Park. Shri Chandrakant the desired attributes. "Something like this Mehta of New Jersey directed the ceremo- was very much needed, and it was wonder nies. Phase I construction will begin soon fully organized," noted a participant from WASHINGTON, DC after the final negotiations have been com- Toronto, Canada. Additional details of the pleted with the successful contractor. event and the participants are available at Mahavir Jayanti was celebrated on Sat- Over 500 people attended the Mahavir the www.jain 21.com website. urday, April 20, 2002 in a school audito- Janma Kalyanak program celebrated on Jain Forum For Friendship has scheduled rium with a stage program presented by 71 April 28. The celebrations included a cul- a gathering to unite Jain singles, 21 years children. It consisted of prayer songs, prayer tural program presented by the Pathshala and older, at the Jain Bhavan on May 17dances, Jain stutis, skits, and two dramas. Students and a lecture on Kalpa Sutra by 19. JAINA Education Committee has The highlight of the program was the drama Professor Padmanabh Jaini. scheduled the Second Jain Pathshala Teach"Megh Kumar" performed with excellent The 12th Annual Health Fair, co-spon- ers Conference on Jain Education For Digicostumes and background scenes. All the sored by JCSC and the Jain Social Group tal Generation at the Jain Bhavan on May participants were presented with a trophy. of Los Angeles was organized on April 7. 25-27. Registration information for these The stage program was followed by Swami It was gratifying to note that significant two events are available on websites Vatsalya Bhojan. About 500 people at number of non-Jains and non-Indians took www.jain21.com and www.jaincenter.net tended the program. advantage of the event to seek consultation respectively. Samuha Ayambil program was held on from health professionals representing over Sunday, April 21. Ayambil was performed twenty different disciplines. A photo art Information about regular activities and by about 20 persons. Members of the Jain exhibition entitled "Jain Pilgrimage - A forthcoming programs are posted on JCSCS Sangh of Richmond, Virginia visited the Picturesque Experience" was presented at website at www.jaincenter.net. A copy of Jain center on March 23. The program the Jain Bhavan on April 20-21 by the recent newsletter can also be downconsisted of Swami Vatsalya Bhojan fol- Mahendra Visaria, a well-known photog. loaded from this website. For additional lowed by a Bhavana program. A funfair rapher from India, and included 120 pho- information, please contact Nitinbhai Shah, will be held at the Jain Center on June 23. tos of various Jain Temples throughout In- JCSC President, at 714/506-6699 or Program will consist of food bazaar, and dia. nitin.shah@med.va.gov. medical tests. For Paryushan this year, Jain Singles Meet And Network: Jain Achara Shree Mahapragyaji has kindly ac- Center of Southern California organized cepted our invitation to send Samani Shree the Jain Forum For Friendship, an event deMangal Pragyaji to grace the celebration. SAN FRANCISCO, CA signed to bring Jain singles together at a three-day "matchmaking event in May 17. Jain Center of Northern California 19. With the goal of helping single Jains to (JCNC) celebrated the 2601th Mahavir meet that someone special", 150 registered Janma Kalyanak on April 27 with a wonparticipants, ranging in age 21 to 33 years, 33 vears derful 2-hour cultural program entitled "Jai derf JAIN DIGEST SUMMER 2002 / 19 Jain Education Intemational

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REGIONAL NEWS.... Mahavir Bolo" presented by the Pathshala SAN DIEGO, CA students; lectures by Samanijis Charitrapragyaji and Shardaprajanaj and bhakti and pujas conducted in all the major Jain traditions. Nearly 1,200 people participated in the celebrations. Henry Manayan, Mayor of Milpitas, was the Chief Guest of Honor who performed the official opening of a Jain art exhibition entitled "Jain Pilgrimage - A Picturesque Experience" at the Jain Bhawan on April 27. The art exhibition was presented by Mahendra Visaria. Dr. Pravin Shah, a visiting scholar, conducted the Shrimad Rajchandra Bhakti Swadhyay on April 12-14. A town hall meeting and a Volunteer Recognition Program are scheduled on May 18. SACRAMENTO, CA Activities and events in all the major Jain traditions are being held at the Jain Bhawan on a regular basis. Information about forthcoming programs and regular activities are posted on JCNC's website at www.jcnc.org. SEATTLE, WA A copy of the recent newsletter can also be downloaded from this website. For additional information, please contact Jay Itchhaporia, JCNC President, at 408/2638739 or e-mail: Itchhaporia@yahoo.com. The Jain Center of Greater Sacramento (JCGS) regularly conducts monthly puja on the second Sunday of each month. Children of all ages are encouraged to participate. An annual 3-day retreat is planned for August 16-18, and will be directed by a Samaniji from the Ladnau Center. JCGS organizes a number of activities, religious celebrations, and lectures by visiting dignitaries. For additional information, please contact Mohini Jain, JCGS President, at 530/756-4655 e-mail: mohini_jain@msn.com. or 20/JAIN DIGEST SUMMER 2002 Jain Society of San Diego (JSSD) celebrated Mahavir Jayanti on April 21 with stavans by Paresh Shah and a cultural pro- TORONTO: ON gram presented by Jainshala students which included ashta prakari puja, dances, a play about Chandanbala and a skit on four gatis. About 45 people participated in a bus yatra during March to various temples in the Los Angeles area including the Jain Bhavan, Self Realization Fellowship Temple, the Buddhist Temple and the Swami Narayan Temple. Regular activities include - a monthly Jainshala for children, adult classes, swadhyay, a weekly pooja and feeding the homeless. For additional information, please contact Kokilaben Doshi at 858/6797645 or at kdoshi@ sandiego.edu. Nearly 100 people participated in the Mahavir Jayanti program, which was celebrated on April 28. Sangeeta Jain conducted the Snatra Puja. 18 students are enrolled in the Jain Pathshala, which meets on the first Saturday of every month. The classes are divided into two levels. Level 1 students learn about the basics of the Jain religion through classroom instructions, skits, stories and poems. Level 2 students follow a more rigorous curriculum, and develop their own skits, stories and poems about Mahavir, which they like to perform. Members of the Jain community in Seattle area meet on a monthly basis. Jain Pathshala is held on the 1st Saturday of the month and is conducted by Aleena. For additional details, please contact Aleena at 206/236-0170. Jain community members get together every month. For additional information about Jain programs in Seattle area, please contact Mukesh Jain at 425/ 706-9697 email: or mukeshj@microsoft.com. CANADA Dr. Mahendra Mehta, Regional Editor Mahavir Jayanti was celebrated at Jain Centre this evening of 25th April with some 100+ people. There were stavans, raas, arti, mangaldivo and a novel idea brought in from India by Ashok Shah. Instead of ghee boli in dollars, he suggested we have ghee boli in number of Samayik to be performed. It started at 11 and reached up to 601. The total for the evening was 1500. Three families who took the bid were advised that they have to arrange group Samayik in the whole year so that they can reach their announced target. Shri Attmasiddhi Shastra Puja: Ramilaben & Talakchandbhai Doshi organized, Shri Attmasiddhi Shastra Puja, The puja started with Manglacharan (salutation) and then Attmasiddhi was chanted with different rituals of the ceremony. Then the Ashtaprakari (eight-step) puja and Chaityavandan (prayer) was performed. This pooja was a combination of Attmasiddhi and traditional Snatra Pooja. A novel idea. Akhand Namokar Mahamantra Jaap, continuos 24-hour chanting took place at the nearby Sri Jain Mandir on the occasion of Mahavir Jayanti. The Jaap started on Saturday 23 March 2002 at 11:00 a.m. and ended on Sunday 11:00 a.m. Roop Lal Lecture Continuing the fine tradition of the Roop Lal Jain Lecture Series, Dr. Christo pher Key Chapple presented an exciting and informative lecture March 7th at the University of Toronto entitled "Jainism, Bioethics, and the End of Life." Dr. Chapple, a Professor of Theological Studies and Director of Asian and Pacific Studies at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles,

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REGIONAL NEWS..... opened his lecture with a fascinating his- MIDWEST Savitaben Doshi, Gita Shah and Jyotindra torical overview of the sacred ritual vow of Manubhai Doshi, Regional Editor Doshi in the third one. Three prizes of $ sallekhana (the Jaina ritual of fasting to 101, 75 and 51 were given to each group. death). Situating the religious meaning of Dr. N. P. Jain, the former Indian amthe ritual within its earliest cultural contexts, he then continued with an elucida bassador to UNO, gave a talk on that occaCHICAGO, IL sion. The opportunity was also taken to tion of the significance underlying several honor Dr. Dipak Jain for becoming the contemporary examples of the ritual. This Mahavir Senior Center organized a pil- Dean of Business Management school of was followed by a detailed examination of grimage to Cincinnati on April 13th. 52 the Northwestern University in Evanston the questions and concerns raised in con- people participated. They were enthusias- IL. There was Swamivatsalya after the contemporary medical bioethics over such is- tically received by Cincinnati Center. Most test and that was followed by the cultural sues as religious fasting to death and both of the pilgrims took the advantage of perpassive and active euthanasia. forming Poojas. Encouraged by that expeThis year's Roop Lal Jain Lecture, rience the Senior Center has been thinking which was first established in 1990 as a se- to organize a pilgrimage to Sidddhachalam DETROIT ries of talks honoring the memory and con- sometime during the late summer or early tributions of Roop Lal Jain to the academic fall. study of the Jaina tradition, was also pre- On the occasion of Chaitri Oli arrange- Jayaben Koradia, a long time member sented in London and Windsor, Ontario ments were made by Renu Mehta at the of the Detroit Metropolitan Society re(Canada). The first nine lectures of the se- Jain Center for observing Ayambil on April nounced the worldly life and became a nun ries have been published in a text edited by 20, 21 and 27. About 200 people in all at Palitana on February 17. She is now Dr. Joseph T. O'Connell, Jain Doctrine and took advantage of that facility. known as Sadhwi Sanyamratnashri. Practice: Academic Perspectives, published by An exhibition of Bhaktamar Stotra The Society's another Pratishtha the Centre for South Asian Studies at the with stanzawise Yantra, Tantra and appro- Moahotsav has been scheduled from AuUniversity of Toronto.( Mikal Radford) priate colors prepared by Sadhak Shivanand gust 10 to 19 this year. 2002-2004 Elections: Saraswati together with the English version The elections for 2002-2004 com of the Stotra by Makarand Dave was orga- ST. LOUIS mittee were held on April 28th. The new nized by Jyotsna Shah at the Jain Center committee consists of: Arhant on 27 and 28th April. These have also been The election of the members of the Jain(President), Jashwant Shah (Vice Presi- presented in the book entitled Bhaktamar Executive Committee for 2002 was held dent), Pratik Shah(General Secretary), issued by Divine Darshan. The book costs and the following persons were elected. Harish Kothari(Treasurer). And the Execu- $25 and can be obtained by calling Jyotsna President: Kalpana Shah, Vice Presitive Committee consists of Pritam Mehta, on (847) 755 1278 or e-mailing to her at dent: Mamta Shah, Secretary: Hemal Samir Shah, Bhavin Vakharia, Shailesh museumgallery@yahoo.com. Shah, Minesh Shah, Rohit Shah, Santosh Lord Mahavir Jayanti was celebrated by Sanghavi, Treasurer: Jagruti Shah, VP Edu cation: Amit Vora, VP Youth: Dulari Shah, Jain(Ladies, Representative) and Lily the Jain Society on April 28. The Decla VP Library: Bharat Shah, VP Temple AcJain (Youth Representative). Everyone mation contest was the high light of the tivities: Satish Nayak, V.P. Temple Projects: wished the new executive successful and program. 31 persons participated therein. Dilip Sheth. The former President Shirish fruitful term of office. They were divided in three age groups of 10 to 13, 14 to 18 and age 19 onwards. Ghelani was nominated as an ex- officio member of the Committee. EDMONTON, ALBERTA: The subject assigned to the first group was 'What is religion? How do I practice it?' Mahavir Jayanti was celebrated from The second and third groups had the com 26th to 28th April in the presence of Mahavir Jayanti was celebrated in mon subject of 'Spirituality and Healing' Rajanibhai Shah, who gave talks on differEdmonton at the temple with great dediSonia Vasanwala, Jarna Shah and Archana ent subjects. cation on April 28 in presence of about 350 Shah were the first three comers in the first people. It was sponsored by Jitendra Shah's group; Arun Singhavi, Madhur Paharia and mother and her families. Shibani Shah in the second group; and Jain Education Intemational For Private & Personal use only JAIN DIGEST. SUMMER 2002/21

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BOOK REVIEW... TEERTH DARSHAN A Three-Volume Encyclopedia of Jain Places of Pilgrimage Dilip V. Shah, Philadelphia, PA Gurudev Shri Chitrabhanuji inaugurated a three-volume set the teerth, the route, location and map for reaching the place, of books titled TEERTH DARSHAN at the Mahavir Jayanti along with the address of the managing body of the Teerth. The Celebration of Jain Center of America in Queens, New York. The Teerths are arranged by states and regions. Index in the front of Jain Prathna Mandir each volume identifies each Trust of Chennai has temple as an ancient place: produced this beautifully Atishaya Kshetra, Kalyanak photographed large-sized Center, Panchateerthi Center or encyclopedia of places of Artistic Center. Colorful maps pilgrimage to of the states with markings of commemorate the temples are an eye-pleasing 2600th Birth realization of glory and Anniversary of Bhagwan prevalence of Jainism in ancient Mahavir. It is the times. As the name of the threeInternational Edition in volume set suggests - Teerth English and a revised Darshan - the information is version of their two useful for performing daily volume set published in Darshan, reviewing and learning Hindi and Gujarati in our rich history, and planning a 1981, which was out of successful pilgrimage to these print and sought after by teerths. devotees. The new set is a result of 180 days of continuous traveling to 265 places of One of the volumes describes a miracle - the appearance of a pilgrimage: photographing, collecting history and other useful snake (Adistyayak Dev) at Parswanath Temple in Lodrawar (Bihar) details. Thereafter, eight long years of research has resulted in this at the precise time they were photographing the Temple. The unique collection with 750 pages, 700 detailed color photographs publisher has considered this as blessings for this publication. on best quality art paper, durable binding and velvet burgundy pouch for each of the three books. A very moving message by the "It is a unique and complete encyclopedic reference work of Jain Late Acharya Shri Kalapurnasurishvarji Maharaj explains the Teerths that has ever been published. He encouraged each Jain significance of this work. He has termed these three books a useful family to have the blessings of this three-volume set in their home. tool for Bhav Yatra and has instructed us on the reverence and care This is also a valuable tool to introduce our children to their rich with which these books should be handled. heritage." The three-volume set is offered at $100.00, including the The 265 ancient pilgrim centers comprise of postage, and is available from the JAINA Bookstore. It is the wisest (1)Those having history of 700 years investment you can make. These books are printed in limited (2)Those which are kalyanak places of all Tirthankars quantities and once out of print, they rarely are made available (3)Those which are world famous for art and architecture again. Proceeds from the sale of the book will benefit Jain Prathna Mandir Trust in support of Guru Shree Shantivijai Jain Vidyalay (4)Those with powerful deities attracting thousands of pilgrims, and Jain College for Women in Chennai. These two colleges on (5)Those which come under Panch Teerthi of any place. the campus of Mahavir Jain Kalyanak Sangh are run for the general public but with the object of spreading Jin Bhakti, Jin Vani and For each pilgrim center there are original color photos of the Jin Darshan. chief and important deities, the exterior view of the temple, and Picture: From left: Mr. Hemant Shah(President of Jain Center the name of the principal deity, location, color, height and posture of America), Mr. Chandrakant Mehta, Mr. Hon.John C.Liu of the idol (Shvetambar or Digambar). There is also the history of (NY City Council), Dr. Dilip Mukhatiyar and Shree Gurudev Chitrabhanuji 22 / JAIN DIGEST- SUMMER 2002 Jain Education Intemational For Private & Personal use only

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JAINA FINANCIAL STATEMENT JAINA BOOK STORE..... It gives us immense pleasure in welcoming you to Jaina Book Store. The following Books are now available by mail. Federation of Jain Associations In North America Financial Summary for Calendar Year 2001 (Cash Basis) ASSETS Title US$ 1. Bhaktamara Stotra (G,H,E) + CD & VCD $20 Cash Investment in Corporate Bonds Total Assets $482,826 $130,000 2. Tirthankara Bhagawan Mahavira (G,H,E) +CD $612,826 3. Tirthankara Bhagawan Mahavira (G,H,E) +VCD LIABILITIES & NET ASSETS 6. Jain Symbols (Pramoda Chitrabhanu) {E} S5 $29,101 Loan Payable Net Assets $583,725 7. Set of Five books by Pandit Dhirajlal D. Metha on Karma Philosophy KatmaVipaka KarmaStava BandhaSwamitvanama Shadshiti Paribhashik Shabdakosh (all in G Total Liabilities and Net Assets $612,826 $20 $912,602 5,802 $918,404 REVENUE Support: Contributions Membership dues Total Support Revenue: Convention registration Advertisements Interest Miscellaneous income 13,829 Total Revenue $480,109 79,295 23,356 $596,589 8. Set of Two books by Pandit Dhirajlal D. Metha 1) Navsmarana 2) Aath Dhrasthini Sajhai all in G $10 9. Set of Two books by Mr. Herman Kuhn on Tattvartha Sutra 1) The Key of The Center of The Universe 2) Karma - The Mechanism (both in E} 10. Jain Shaasan-na Chamaktaa Sitaraa 108 Jain Stories (V. V. Shah) {G} 11. Jin Shaasan-Ka Chamakte Hire 108 Jain Stories (V. V. Shah) {H} 12. TEERTH DARSHAN: A Three volume Encyclopedia of Jain Places of Pilgrimage (750 pages, 700 detailed color photographs) $100 13. JAIN TEMPLES: In India and around the World (184 pages Large size) $60 Total Support and Revenue $ 1,514,993 EXPENSES Program Services: Convention expenses $803,521 Grants and allocations Books and publications Pilgrimage expenses Total Program Services 364,133 120,180 24,212 $1,312,046 Support Services: General and administrative Total Support Services $32,034 $32,034 Languages: H- Hindi, G =Gujarati, E=English: Minimum Order $10, No cash please. All Price includes S&H Please make Check Payable to JAINA BOOK STORE ROHIT DOSHI, 505 AFRICAN ROAD, VESTAL, NY 13850 email: Rohit Doshi Please ship requested books to: Total Expenses $ 1,344,080 Change in Net Assets $ 170,913 Name Net Assets, Beginning Of Year Net Assets, End Of Year $ $ 412,812 583,725 Address City State Zip Phone Respectfully Submitted by Girish Shah, Treasurer (Audited Financial Statement is available from the Treasurer) email Jain Education Intemational JAIN DIGEST. SUMMER 2002/23.org

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FOR YOUR INFORMATION.... MEANING AND ANALYSIS SAMAN SUTTAM OF IN ITALIAN LANGUAGE SAMVATSARI PRATIKRAMAN SAMAN SUTTAM was compiled at the request of Acharya Vinoba Bhave. It contains 756 verses representing the sum and Most members of our community will again go through the substance of Jain Scriptures of Digamber as well as Shwetamber Pratikraman ritual this year. This is a great tradition we should be traditions. It was published on the occasion of the 2500th Nirvana proud of and is indeed very positive. I do not know of any other anniversary of Bhagwan Mahavir, on April 24, 1975. Subsquently, religion where the procedure for repentance and atonement is so editions of SAMAN SUTTAM containing English, Gujarati and nicely structured. The problem we have is that a vast majority of Hindi translation of the verses was published. Complete text of our community goes through this ritual without understanding a SAMAN SUTTAM has also been single word of it since the most sutras are written in Prakrit and posted on www.jainworld.com | Sankrit. We are a very highly educated and intelligent community. In May 2001 the translation of En- We need to develop a better appreciation of the ritual and get glish text of SAMAN SUTTAM in Ital- more mileage out of it. Any ritual we perform must touch our ian language was published by Ms. heart and impact our innermost sentiments and feelings. This is a Claudia Pastorino of Genova, Italy. She prerequisite for a lasting change in our behavior. has posted the cover page of SAMAN I have developed a 46 slide power point presentation on this SUTTAM of the Italian edition and Pre issue. It is a humble attempt to increase one's understanding and cepts on Non-Violence under awareness of the most important ritual in our religion. It is now JAINISMO on her website www.claudiapastorino.it. It is indeed available on the JAINNET group on the YAHOO website. You wonderful news that her work on the Sacred Jain Text was pub- can access it by clicking lished during celebration of the 2600ch Janma Kalyanak of http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Jain Net/files Bhagwan Mahavir. Ms. Claudia Pastorino spent more than a year The most effective way to benefit from this presentation is to in translation of this text. Ms. Claudia Pastorino lives in Genoa, have a local teacher arrange a meeting and discuss it, preferably Italy where she was born. She is a highly gifted Italian singer, a few days before the Samvatsari Pratikraman is performed. If you talented composer and a writer. Since 1983, she has been an activ- have any questions or suggestions for improvement, please call ist of the animal rights and welfare, and she has been promoting Anop R. Vora, Rochester, NY at 585-473-9290 or email your vegetarianism and vegan way of life. During the last few years, she message to vora5000@yahoo.com. has dedicated herself in learning the doctrine of Jainism. Even though, she is not a Jain by birth, she is a true Jain by her heart (interests, thoughts and actions). She posted a message on internet indicating her desire to learn about Jainism, Dr. P. Gada and his friends sent her copies of SAMAN SUTTAM and other books as a gift. They never dreamed (Continued from Page 27) that, one-day, she would carry out such noble work. Recently, Dr. Gada visited her in Italy. Ms. Claudia wants to share basic AF367: Jain Gujarati parents invite correspondence with biodata/ teachings of Jainism with people of Italy by starting a Jain Study photo from well educated professional boys for their beautiful, Center in Italy. She is working on translation of "Introduction to affectionate, professional, vegetarian, US born daughter, 24 years Jainism" and Jain Stories For Children for publication. old, 5'4". Email: benu444@yahoo.com Phone: 312/802-0067. AF368: Gujarati Jain uncle invites proposals from cultured, Italian translation of English text of Saman Suttam was pub- educated boys, for pretty, attractive, slim, talented, vegetarian niece, lished by Mondadori Publishers in Milan, Italy. The book is born July 74, 5'3", 102 lb, Bcom, well employed in Bombay and availabe in Italy from major book stores. ISBN : 88-04-49195-7. willing to settle in USA. Call: 434/237-3357.Email: The book was published under OUMINI E. RELIGIONI chan shah@hotmail.com series. 24 / JAIN DIGEST. SUMMER 2002 Jain Education Intemational

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MIS REGISTRATION FORM - PAGE 1 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, 304 Tall Oak Trail Tarpon Springs, FL 34688-7711 Phone: 727-934-6141 / 3255 hasmukh33@yahoo.com CITY ZIP Name (please print): LAST FIRST MIDDLE Address: STREET STATE 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. 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. JAIN DIGEST. SUMMER 2002 / 25 Jain Education Intemational

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PER . 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 sys tem that is very worth while, with us. Accept the challenge and make A. Name: _ your choice be a worth while one. Address: Phone: Placing an Ad and Registration with MIS Member of: Anyone wishing to place an ad and register with the MIS must follow these instructions care-fully: ORGANIZATION'S NAME 1. Fill out the attached Registration Form Page 1 and Page 2. The B. Name: registrant must fill out this form. Do not leave anything blank. 2. Mail the the completed form + a check in the amount of $25 payAddress: able to Hasmukh M. Shah. Leave the Memo or For column blank. Phone: 3. a recent, full-length photo of yourself with your name printed on Member of: the back. 4. Upon receipt of this information the MIS will draft an ad for you ORGANIZATION'S NAME and it will appear in the JAIN DIGEST-but only once. Remember, 2. Indicate your personal preference of these criteria for the match. IAIN DIGEST is a quarterly Age: Between the ages of and or open. Height: Between the height of and Placing an Ad Only or open. Weight: Between the weight of __ _ and ___ ___ or open. or open. If you do not wish to register with the MIS and wish to draft an ad Education: Bachelor MastRrs Degree Other yourself, you may do so in 30 words of less. Remember that the MIS p 2 above, but submit Major: you. Uw au un om m an vi a completed form and Vegetarian: YES NO Work experience: YES NO photo. Full Name, Address, Phone number of the candidate must be furnished with the ads for MIS records, without which MIS Residence: (state) will not be able to process the ad for publication. Visa Status: Responding to an Ad (only if contact info isn't available). Length of time in North America: years. Language. English: YES NO If the phone number or address is not given in the ad, then you Other (specify): must contact the candidate through MIS. Follow these step-by-step instructions. Place your bio-data and a recent photograph of yourself in a sealed, stamped envelope with your return address in the upper Congratulations! left-hand corner and the MIS ad reference number in the lower left hand corner of the envelope. Leave space on the envelope for an address. Female: 122, Male: 111 (Married / Engaged) Place this envelope in another envelope with your return address in JAINA would like to congratulate all couples who have come together the upper left-hand corner and mail it to Hasmukh M. Shah. Upon with the help of the services of the MIS. JAINA wishes to thank them receipt of these responses the MIS will place the ad holders address on for their generous donation. More and more Jains around the world the inner envelope and mail it. Remember, MIS is not responsible for are not only appreciating this much needed service, but are also taking responses that do not conform to these instructions. advantage of it. Simulta-neously, the flow of ads in JAIN DIGEST is gradually increasing. Please notify the MIS Guideline to all perspective participants Please notify the MIS when an engagement or marriage has been Be positive, constructive, creative and friendly! No match is going announced. This helps us to know if this community service is working to be "perfect." Complement and support each other practicing re- to help maintain our traditions. Please note that if a successful alliance spect,sharing, acquire knowledge and maintaining your uniqueness has taken place, both parties will agree to donate what ever amount while keeping an open mind. These are the qualities that make for they wish to JAINA to help defray the cost of publication. human perfection. 26 / JAIN DIGESTSUMMER 2002

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MATRIMONIALS - MALE FOR MIS ADS PLEASE CONTACT: Hasmukh M. Shah, 304 Tall Oak Trail Tarpon Springs, FL 34688-7711 Phone: 727-934-6141 / 3255 M300: Alliance invited for good looking, intelligent, accomplished, US born Jain boy, Feb 70, 5'11", BS, MS, well positioned in a reputed company in CA, from cultured, educated girls. Call: 408/981-2722 or 404/ 875-2335. Email: nirupama21@ hotmail. com M450: Physician, MD (emergency medicine), handsome, vegetarian, athletic, US born son, Oct 73, 6'3", 175 lb, Jain parents invite proposals from good natured, educated, vegetarian girls. Mail biodata / photo to: Dr. R. Kothari, 8551 Holmes Rd., #73, Kansas City, MO 64131. M720: Gujarati parents invite proposals from cultured, educated girls for handsome, fair, vegetarian son, born July 76, 5'11", BS (comp sc), well employed with software co. Call: 804/272-0323. Email: kamani@comcast.net M768: Alliance invited for talented, handsome, vegetarian, Gujarati Jain boy, born Nov 74, 5'6", MS (EE), well employed with famous co., from educated, cultured, pretty girls. Call: 248/608-8990. Email: nrshah78@hotmail.com M864: Gujarati parents invite responses for very handsome, fair, brilliant, vegetarian, vivacious, US born son, Oct 76, 5'11", 140 lb, BS (civil engg), well employed as Quality Engineer, from cultured, educated, pretty girls. Call: 334/283-5340. Email: gosaliajay@hotmail.com M921: Alliance invited for good looking, vegetarian, Gujarati Jain, 40, 5'10", Dip (ME), well employed with IT co., Divorcee, from family oriented, educated, Gujarati, suitable match. Call: 908/226-8981. Email: nileshadani@yahoo.com. Jain Education Intemational M922: Proposals invited for handsome, vegetarian, Gujarati boy, born Feb 74, 5'10", 140 lb, BE (electronics), well employed, from cultured, educated, family oriented, Gujarati girls. Call: 614/6579060. Email: shahba@hotmail.com M925: Responses invited for good looking, talented, vegetarian, US citizen, Gujarati Jain boy, born June 76, 5'11", 175 lb, BPharm, well employed with reputed pharmacy, from cultured, family oriented, professional Gujarati vegetarian girls. Call: 732/360-0699. Email: desiaashiq@ hotmail.com M926: Alliance invited for very handsome, fair, vegetarian, accomplished, Gujarati boy, born Sept 71, 5'8", 145 lb, BA, well positioned in GE as Investment Manager, innocently divorced (no issue), from cultured, educated, family oriented girls. Call: hshah09@yahoo.com M927: Gujarati parents invite proposals for handsome, brilliant, vegetarian son, born May 73, 5'5", 126 lb, Software consultant, from caring, cultured, family loving professional girls. Call: 913/484-8368 or 301/464-2976.Email: agammehta@ hotmail.com or agam@sasdi.com M933: Gujarati Jain uncle invites responses for US born, handsome, smart nephew, March 76, 5'5", 145 lb, BS (EE), working for family owned business, from educated, cultured girls. Call: 608/833-2989. Email: ptolat@merr.com 203/356-1807. Email: 502/228-4001. M934: Alliance invited with photo / biodata for good looking, successful, Vegetarian, Gujarati, practicing Physician, born Dec 69, 5'8", 135 lb, MD, Divorcee (no children), from educated, vegetarian girls. Call: 614/793-2215.Email: jhaveri@ameritech.net M937: Gujarati parents invite proposals for handsome, well accomplished, vegetarian son, born Sept 76, 6'2", 170 lb, ACTUARIAL, well positioned as Actuary with a reputed co., from well educated, cultured, vegetarian girls. Call: 416/4444232. Email: hansapm@yahoo.com M938: Gujarati parents invite responses for handsome, highly successful, vegetarian, US raised son, born August 75, 5'8", MBA, well employed as Fin. Advisor with a famous co., from cultured, well educated girls. Call: 727/ 447-5121. Email: rkshah@hotmail.com AM348: Gujarati parents invite biodata / photo from educated girls, for 28 year old professional son working in CA (Bay Area) in a senior management position. Excellent family background, education, temperament. (prefers in Bay area), cast no bar. Email: minesh@walmart.com Phone: AM363: Gujarati parents invite correspondence for handsome, talented, vegetarian, US born / raised son, May 79, 6'0", 170 lb, BS (MIS), pursuing MBA, well positioned in a large Int'l Corp., from US born / raised, cultured, family oriented, professional, vegetarian girls. Call: 937/8483228. Email: punatar@hotmail.com AM364: Jain parents invite proposals with biodata / photo, for handsome, fair, intelligent, outgoing, successful son, June 72, 5'5", 140 lb, BS (marketing / economics), well employed as legal liaison with reputed US computer corp., from educated fair, pretty, cultured Gujarati girls. Email: paras627@hotmail.com AM365: Gujarati parents invite responses with biodata / photo for US born, vegetarian son, March 75, 5'7", BS (Chem. Eng.), well employed with a reputed a co., from educated, pretty, cultured, family oriented girls. Call: 201/348-4959.Email: pcjain09@hotmail.com JAIN DIGEST SUMMER 2002/27

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MATRIMONIALS - FEMALE F337: Physician, MD (Internal Medicine), slim, virtuous, vegetarian, 30 years, 5'4", 115 lb, Jain daughter. Parents invite biodata / photo from vegetarian educated boys. Mail to: 13660 Fairhill Road, Apt #308, Shaker Heights, OH 44120. F519: Gujarati parents invite proposals for slim, pretty, smart & successful daughter, born March 71, Director in international media/communication corp. with blend of east/west, family values and culture, from well educated, handsome boys. Email: jpdamani@aol.com or Call: 724/733-0045 F581: Gujarati parents invite responses for beautiful, talented, cultured daughter, born Dec 73, 5'1", 110 lb, BS (molecular biology), biotech/software professional in Silicon Valley, CA, from well educated, cultured boys. Call: 408/272-6833. F621: Gujarati parents invite responses for beautiful, talented, vegetarian, US born daughter, Dec 73, 5'7", MD, 1" year resident in Internal medicine, from vegetarian MD boys. Call: 407/366-8810. F688: Gujarati Jain parents invite proposals with photo/biodata for their beautiful, fair, charming, talented, vegetarian, US born dtr, July 75, 5'3", MPH, well positioned as Admn. Manager, from professional, cultured, well educated boys. Call: 419/ 841-8985. Email: sunnycoin@ yahoo.com F715: Gujarati parents invite responses from cultured, professional boys with diversified interests who love to laugh, for their beautiful, outgoing, vegetarian, family oriented US born dtr, Nov 74, 5'4", MBA IMS, with a successful career at a prestigious Multinational Call: 732/287-2738. F766: Jain parents invite correspondence for very beautiful, fair, vegetarian, US born daughter, MS (Finance), 24 Yrs, 5'9", Please contact with biodata / photo: PO Box: 62831, Virginia Beach, VA 23466. Email: cmgs1@hotmail.com 28/ JAIN DIGEST. SUMMER 2002 F782: Gujarati parents invite proposals for beautiful, attractive, slim, vegetarian daughter, born Oct 76, 5'4", 110 lb, RN, well employed as RN at EMH, from cultured, educated boys. Call: 440/2843947. Email: shahres@msn.com F923: Gujarati parents invite responses for beautiful, gorgeous, talented, slim, vegetarian, US born dtr, June77,5'4", Pharm D, very well employed, from cultured, well educated, professional (MD preferred) boys. Call: 970/225-0632 Or 970/2884723. email: sudhi52@ yahoo.com F924: Alliance invited for beautiful, fair, vegetarian girl, born 74, 5'4", JD, well employed as federal attorney, from professionals. Email: acquaint@yahoo.com Phone: 847/296-9796 F928: Gujarati parents invite responses for pretty, charming, vegetarian dtr, born June 74, 5'4", 126 lb, BCom, well employed, from cultured, educated boys. Call:386/ 788-6502.email: csheth74@ hot mail.com F929: Gujarati parents invite correspondence for beautiful, fair, talented, vegetarian, US citizen dtr, born Feb 76, 5'3", MD (4th yr student), from cultured, well educated, professional boys. Call: 8471 581-0872\ rugandhi@yahoo. com F930: Uncle invite alliance for very pretty, charming, slim, caring, vegetarian, US born Gujarati niece, Jan 78, 5'7", 121 lb, MSc (chemistry), Dip. Software eng., from Gujarati professional, cultured, vegetarian, nonsmoker boys. She is currently in India. Call: 201/670-8451. Email: jshah@att.com F931: Gujarati parents invite correspondence for beautiful, attractive, virtuous, vegetarian, US citizen daughter, born Jan 79, 5'10", BBA from Texas tech, well employed, from cultured, well educated, professional boys. Call: 972/9640375.Email: amit86@aol.com F932: Gujarati parents invite responses for pretty, charming, talented, vegetariandaughter, born Oct 76, 5'3", 127 lb, BS (business admn), well employed as comp programmer, from cultured, educated boys. Call: 941/466-9565 or 941/6566272.Email: calmehta_2000@yahoo.com F935: Proposals invited for beautiful, talented, caring, vegetarian Gujarati girl, born Nov 75, 5'3", 112 lb, BS, (Occupational Therapy), well employed as pediatric occupational therapist, from cultured, well educated, vegetarian, Gujarati boys. Call: 847/882-8944. Email: gami75@yahoo.com F936: Responses invited for pretty, intelligent, vegetarian Gujarati girl, born June 66, 5'3", 125 lb, Bcom, Mehndi artist, beautician, self-employed, from cultured, educated boys. She is in India & willing to settle in USA. Call: 917/539-8822. Email: maharani@flash.net AF361: Brother invite responses for beautiful, intelligent, vegetarian sister, born Sept 76, 5'5", B.Hsc, completed advanced course in comp. from educated, vegetarian Gujarati boys. She is currently in India & willing to settle in USA. Call: 732/3559457.email: purvesh@irissoftine. com AF362: Alliance invited for pretty, family loving, vegetarian Gujarati girl, born July 68, 5'4", 105 lb, BS (Home Sc), was Teacher for 10 years in a reputed school, Divorcee, from cultured, suitable match. Call: 631/ 758-7596. Email: mia709@aol.com AF366: Gujarati parents invite correspondence with biodata / photo for talented, pretty, cultured daughter, born June 74, 5'5", MD, doing 3rd year of residency, from educated, vegetarian boys. Call: 215/674-2688. Email: jyotinshah49 @hotmail.com (continued on Page 22)

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CHAIRS DIRECTORS pavana EUR G Ronak Shah 918-269-7665 ronak.shah@yja.org Chintan Shah 608-217-4807 chintan.shah@yja.org Education Shayna Parekh 562-865-1679 shayna.parekh@yja.org Events Shama Khandwala 847-985-6858 shamakhandwala@mail.com Finance/Fundraising Mintu Shah 708-275-1070 mintushah@mail.com Information Technology Beeneet Kothari 631-586-1579 beeneetkothari@mail.com Fundraising Dhrumil Purohit 302-832-0361 dhrumil.purohit@yja.org Publications Mansi Shah 858-722-1100 mansi.shah@yja.org Public Relations Kunal Shah 562-417-2700 kunal.shah@yja.org REGIONAL COORDINATORS Mid Atlantic Neel Shetti 646-215-8913 neel.shetti@yja.org Midwest Suchita Shah 734-764-9770 suchita.shah@yja.org Northeast Vishal Jhaveri 503-292-1965 vishal.jhaveri@yja.org South Arpan Shah 281-980-6924 arpan.shah@yja.org Southeast Priya Palvia 678-525-5716 priya.palvia@yja.org West Karishma Shah 510-664-0383 karishma.shah@vja.org 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/ Jai Jinendra! YJA hopes you will join us in these exciting times and opportunities to spread and promote Jainism through youth. * One of the most active ways is joining the executive board. We are extremely excited to announce our 2002-2003 elections for the YJA Executive Board. The work is quite challenging, but also very exciting and rewarding (please visit www.yja.org/elections for the application process). The executive board provides a forum to make wonderful friendships and build networking opportunities. The experience of being a YJA board member prepares you for work you will do in your career, functioning within short deadlines, communicating with others, producing projects with limited resources, and fundraising significant amount of money, and much more. The YJA board is comprised of fifteen individuals. There are two co-chairs, seven director positions, and six regional coordinators. The board meets twice a year (in August and January). This year's August meeting will be held from August 8th to the 11th. It is imperative for the prospective board member to attend both meetings. The minimum age requirement is sixteen years of age, or 14 years of age if you are currently a recognized Local Representative for your Jain Center. There are other greats ways to get involved with YJA. YJA has focused on building a powerful new website-www.yja.org. Our website now hosts a discussion board, where youth from all over America can post their thoughts on religious, social, and work-related subjects. YJA has also created an all-new Jain youth calendar on www.yja.org/calendar. Youth can witness upcoming Jain holidays and learn their respective meanings. Finally, YJA has added "Frequently Asked Questions," so youth can understand frequent misperceptions in Jainism. Within one month, YJA will host its 5th bennial National Youth Convention in Mahwah, New Jersey from July 4th to July 7th for nearly 1000 youth. This year's theme, "Walking the Path of Jainism," teaches youth how to incorporate Jainism within their daily lives. During this entire summer, YJA has teamed with Habitat for Humanity to build houses for those less fortunate. For one week, in sites all across America, youth with join together for one weekend and build a house. Please visit www.yja.org/h4h to join in this great cause. Join us and get involved in all of these exciting projects. Ronak Shah and Chintan Shah Co-Chairs, 2001-2002 Young Jains of America Co-chairs@yja.org 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 SUMMER 2002/29

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One WEEKEND... this SUMMER... HELP solve a puzzle (for FREE*) Miami, Florida (Aug. 8th - 10th) Newark, New Jersey (July 25th-27th) Austin, Texas (June 6th-9th) Battle Creek, Michigan (July 25th-28th) Long Beach, California (August 3rd) YOUNG JAINS OF AMERICA * $25 deposit required to guarantee your registration. Deposit is refunded at time of participation. Jain Academic Bowl The 2002 YJA Convention will hold a Jain Academic Bowl tournament. During the three-day convention, teams representing their Jain Centers will compete in the Jain Academic Bowl (JAB). For those not familiar with the JAB, it is a head-to-head competition of Jain knowledge. If you are interested in playing in a quiz bowl challenge with Jain knowledge questions, please contact Chintan Shah at chintan.shah@yja.org for more information. Teams from LA, New Jersey, Atlanta, Chicago, and various other cities are already slated to participate, so come join the challenge. We want to accommodate as many players and teams as possible, so please get the information today to sign up. 30/JAIN DIGEST SUMMER 2002 Young Jains of America, friends, fun, and Habitat for Humanity... THE PIECES JUST FIT SO WELL TOGETHER. http://www.yja.org/h4h H4H friends fun YJA CUNG AINS OF AMERICA got something to say? www.yja.org/discuss

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SEL) ys YOUNG JAIN PROFESSIONALS (YJP) Jai Jinendra, We'd like to take this opportunity to tell you about the services and initiatives we have completed so far and provide you with some updates on coming events. To date, we have been very successful in executing the tasks we had planned for this year. Here are some highlights: Our new website www.yjponline.org was launched in February to provide up-to-date information to our members and allows them to sign-up on line. Local Lead Program was launched in February to take YJP to the local level. The program aims to promote a sense of community, to help coordinate and increase networking events in local areas, and helps build a close-knit Jain community. We have received a very positive response from our members to participate in this program and currently have approximately 30 local leaders in various cities in US and Canada. "The New Jain" (http://www.yjponline.org/index newsletter april.html), a periodic newsletter for our audience was launched in April. The newsletter provides an interactive forum for Young Jain Professionals to discuss ideas and principles of Jainism, provides a channel to share and learn from our professional experiences, and will be a means to update you with current affairs and community events. In the coming months we are focusing on two major events: the YJP 5th annual YJP convention in October and the YJA convention in July. YJP Convention: We would like to invite all of you to participate in a unique, fun-filled, and exciting 5th Annual YJP Convention to be held on the Columbus Day (October 12) weekend, in Montreal, Canada. Registration for this convention will be in June. This convention will give you a unique opportunity to meet Jain professionals from US and Canada in a relaxed and comfortable environment. We are planning a well-balanced program that will focus on key issues about religion, ethics, career, community, and culture and see how each impacts our everyday lives. In addition, we will have time specially dedicated to YJP Networking Forum activities. This will be an experience unlike any other. Come join us to get a flavor of YJP community. We look forward to seeing you there!!! YJA Convention: We are planning two sessions at the YJA convention in July one of which will focus on the differences between our Jain beliefs and actual practices. The second session will give everyone a chance to learn more about our organization and meet the board in person. YJP Board Contacts: Sanjay Mehta, Chairperson. Paulomi Gudka, Vice Chair & Technology Selene G. Parekh, Strategic Operations Neha Jhaveri, Finance Viral Shah, Communications Rajesh Shah, Membership Vatsal Doshi, Activities Email sanjay mehta@yahoo.com paulomi99@yahoo.com avataars@yahoo.com nehaj2000@hotmail.com viral.shah@gs.com rajesh7403@aol.com vatsal_doshi@student.hms.harvard.edu JAIN DIGEST SUMMER 2002 / 31

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Dear readers: ATTENTION The JAIN DIGEST mailing list is being completely overhauled. This is the last issue of JAIN DIGEST being mailed from the current mailing list, which was started almost 20 years ago and continuously updated since that time. Many of you who do not receive the magazine have either moved or do not belong to any Jain Sangh or have migrated to North America in the last couple of years. Some of you receive more than one copy and others receive none. We have urged all the member societies to send their current membership list and the combined list will form the new mailing list for JAIN DIGEST beginning with the next issue. JAINA is committed to send JAIN DIGEST to every Jain family in North America and we could fulfill our mission only with your cooperation. Please urge the society you are a member of to send the complete membership list to us. If you are not a member of any Jain society and would like to receive JAIN DIGEST, send your name a tzville, NY 14068-0700 or email at jainahq@aol.com JAIN DIGEST MANAGING BOARD 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. Mail this completed form and your financial contribution to: JAINA Headquarters PO Box 700 Getzville, NY 14068 RI want to be a Trustee of JAINA Charitable Trust and will donate $500 every year RI want to be a JAINA Patron and will donate $251 every year RI want to be a Life Member of JAIN DIGEST and will donate $101 RI want to subscribe to JAIN DIGEST for one year (Winter 2001 to Fall 2002) for $11 32/ JAIN DIGEST SUMMER 2002 Name Address Phone () Email Rother amount: $10 $25 $50 R 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.

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Jain Digest With best compliments to JAINA Dr. Navin C. Mehta, M.B.B.S., M.D., P.C. EAR, NOSE & THROAT HEAD & NECK FACIAL PLASTIC & RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGEON ADJUNCT SURGEON NEW YORK EYE & EAR INFIRMARY ASSISTANT CLINICAL PROFESSOR NEW YORK MEDICAL COLLEGE & AFFILIATED HOSPITALS 303 2nd AVENUE, SUITE 10 NEW YORK CITY, NY 10003 (212) 505-9640 6 EFS ER 2 100 namI arihaMtANaM namo siddhANa 1 3 faTV namo banjhAyANaM namo lAe yakSamAhaNaM 'yo paMcanamukArI, sabapAvappaNAyaNo / Si paDhamahabaha maMgala' List and en Live All See All SUMMERS ISOK VISASYNDIO UWEZA.CODA ELENA Tirthankar Parsavnath Tirthankar Mahavir Jain temple format E ton International For Private Personal use only www.ainty

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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 USA FAX: 248/372/4806 Rizvi House TELEPHONE 34 Hill Road 6423031 Bandra (West), Bombay 400050 6420402 INDIA 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 LLLLLLLLLllllll ** ***** ****** AUTO**3-DIGIT 276 425 JAIN STUDY CENTER OF NC 509 CARRIAGE WOODS CIR RALEIGH NC 27607-3969 Moving? Receiving duplicate copies? Send your address corrections to: JAIN DIGEST Circulation Federation of JAINA P.O. Box 700 Getzville, NY 14068-0700