Jain Spirit 2005 09 No23

Author(s): Jain Spirit UK
Publisher: UK Young Jains
Catalog link: https://jainqq.org/explore/529003/1

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SHARING JAIN

Non-profit International Quarterly Publication Issue 23 June-August 2005 www.jainspirit.com
SPIRIT
VALUE
OBALLY
UK £4.99/ US $9.99

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Jain Spirit magazine draws from one of the oldest living cultures of nonviolence and reverence for all life - Jainism. Founded thousands of years ago in India, this little known tradition has its independent scriptures, literature, art, rituals and temples and has inspired sages and people from all ages and backgrounds. Its most famous proponent was Mahatma Gandhi, one of the greatest leaders of the twentieth century. Today, there are Jain temples and centres all over the world, from Japan to Singapore, United Kingdom, East Africa and North America. This magazine connects the eternal values of the Jain tradition to modern lifestyle and concerns in a scientific and non-sectarian way. To find out more about the basics of Jainism, visit www.jainspirit.com
JAIN
VALUES
Ahimsa Peace As all actions result from thought, peaceful living requires a stable, relaxed mind. Satya Integrity To be true to others, it helps to be true to ourselves. Aparigraha Simplicity A life free from clutter or attachments enables us to focus on our own enlightenment and liberation.
Asteya Charity When we share what we have with others and avoid taking that which does not belong to us, we realise that nothing belongs to us. Saiyam Restraint It helps to be masters of our senses and not slaves to them. Restraint in our eating, actions and sleeping will cultivate a deeper peace of mind helping us to lead a balanced and disciplined life. Anekant Theory of relativity Truth has many facets, perspectives, and viewpoints. It is almost impossible to
know the whole truth at a given time, place, and/or situation. What looks correct today may not be the same tomorrow. We should have tolerance
and respect for various viewpoints as this will help us understand the richness of diversity. Kshama Forgiveness Blame and hatred result in violence to oneself. When we forgive, we heal ourselves (and possibly others). When we ask for forgiveness, we develop our own humility. We move forward, instead of being held back.

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EDITORIAL
WELCOME
Dear Readers,
Jai Jinendra
to absorb the teachings of the Jain dharma from global tragedy to backyard tranquility and everyplace between. And London's rising starlet, designer Deepa Panchamia, shows how she's rocking the fashion world, Jain style.
What does a pair of lost keys and the Jain dharma have in common?
They always pop up in the most unexpected of places!
Relax. This is not the start of a new Jain-uncle-inspired joke. It is, in fact, the theme of this, the 23rd issue of Jain Spirit magazine. As the Guest Editor for this issue, I became part of the Jain Spirit team as we sought to show how the core values of the Jain dharma-ahimsa (non-violence), and anekantvaada (
multiplicity of viewpoints) - have penetrated surprising aspects of everyday life.
Professor Padmanabh Jaini, a masterful storyteller, shares with us a little-known tale about a Jain warrior. In the process, he teaches us all about the role of Just-war theory in the Jain dharma. We are also very pleased to publish an excerpt from Professor Tara Sethia's study of the ways in which the Jain dharma is portrayed in eight internationally-known Indian history textbooks.
From Jain-inspired fashion designers to Jain-designed dog diets, from ahimsa-encouraged meteorologists to anekantvaada-motived poets, from Jain karate kids to Jain just war' fighters, this issue hopes to inspire you to find the beauty of the Jain dharma in your life.
Every major religion of the world (and most of the minor ones as well!) has at least one universal publication--a newspaper, a magazine, a journal that unites the members of that community. You are now holding the universal publication that unites the members of the Jain community.
This issue kicks off with the hardhitting analysis of Sadhvi Shilapiji, who comments on the much-debated issue of female liberation in the Jain dharma. Equally penetrating are excerpts from the unprecedented Human Rights Watch Report "Blood, Sweat and Fear," highlighting human violence in the U.S. meatpacking industry. And you may never eat the same again. Artist and ethical entrepreneur Dhrumil Purohit shares his passion for a return to a natural diet in his piece, 'Raw Foods and the Jain Dharma.'
Ultimately, Jain Spirit is not simply a publication: It is the face of the Jain religion to the world. Together, these people are creating the image and the message of the Jain religion that reaches thousands of our brothers and sisters worldwide. It is our sincere hope that you will continue to support us in these efforts. Obtain life subscriptions, share this magazine with friends, family and co-workers, and above all, live in the Jain Spirit of Ahimsa.
Peace,
The Jain Spirit team is but a handful of incredibly dedicated souls determined to keep alive this unifying publication. Art Editor and Designer-Extraordinaire Jo Wood is the creative genius behind this award-winning, high quality publication. Editorial Assistant, Becky Hoh, is the administrative genius, whose kind persistence is the glue that binds the office together. Executive Editor Atul Shah's vision was the seed that gave rise to it all. And together, those on the board of Jain spirit, the families of those who are involved and those kind individuals who support the magazine financially and otherwise create the atmosphere necessary to cultivate this seed.
hagna
Pareha
The Art and Literature section has been blessed with bi-continental contributions from two fresh, young talents. Andrew Saito, an acclaimed
writer, poet and actor, inspires us
WWW.JAINSPIRIT.COM
Shayna Parekh Guest Editor
www.sainelibrary.org

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JAIN SPIRIT TEAM
We invite our readers to send articles, photos, letters. news and reports on events, and encourage others to subscribe. Financial support to enable this magazine to reach every corner of the world and every educational library is most welcome. By supporting Jain Spirit, you will be taking a pro-active step to inform people about this ancient and visionary culture. Please contact our head office for more information.
INTERNATIONAL ADVISORY BOARD: Nalini Balbir; Cromwell Crawford; Paul Dundas: John Cort; Padmanabh Jaini: Satish Kumar; Laxmi Mal Singhvi; Benjamin Zephaniah
Executive Editor: Atul Shah Design: Joanne Wood Kid Spirit & News Editor: Rebecca Hoh News: Aidan Rankin Youth Editor: Reana Shah Assistant: Kavit Haria Marketing Assistant: Kiran Nandha Proof Reader: Eszter Zaborszky Art Consultants: Shanti Panchal; Raju Shah Website: Kumar Mehta; Mahesh Mistry Web Design: www.paraspar.com Printers: Thomson Press (India) Ltd. Harrow, Middlesex, Tel: +44(0)20 8861 4362 Couriers: Planet Couriers Tel: +44(0) 208 9311111
CONTENTS
INTERNATIONAL DISTRIBUTORS/CORRESPONDENTS: AUSTRALIA: Sunil Jain(Sydney): jsunilau1.ibm.com Amu Shah(Perth): amus@quickcorporate.com.au BELGIUM: Rajesh Mehta- rajesh@supergems.com FRANCE: Pierre Amiel; Lalit Bhandari (Paris) INDIA: Pradip Jain-philapradip@hotmail.com INDONESIA: Rakesh Jain IRELAND: Ciaran Reilly - ciaran_reilly@hotmail.com KENYA: Arti Shah, Young Jains Nairobi - email: hiten@clubinternetk.com. Tel: 0733220574 MALAYSIA: Dipak Damani - bhavdip@pd.jaring.my SINGAPORE: Mayur Ghelani - mayur.ghelani@ubsw.com UGANDA: Abhay Shah - ultratecug@usa.net TANZANIA: Amu Shah-amu.shah@jiemel.com
HEADQUARTERS AND EDITORIAL OFFICE: Jain Spirit Ltd.; Registered Charity No: 1094414 Suite 3d, Cowdray Office Centre, Cowdray Avenue, Colchester, C01 1QB, United Kingdom Tel: 01206-766122, Fax: 01206-766155 E-mail: office@jainspirit.org www.jainspirit.com
James Maturin-Baird.
Gujarat back image: Water collection point at Jaipur, cover image: statue cited at Palitana Town,
James Maturin-Baird Rajasthan
BOARD OF DIRECTORS: Atul Dhanani; Manick Choraria (Chairman): Falguni Patel; Manish Shah; Bharat Jain
Opinions stated in Jain Spirit magazine or on www.jainspirit.com may not be those of the Jain Spirit Editors.
Secure credit card subscription facility is available on the website.
ISSN: 1532-0472
Jain Spirit is a charity limited by guarantee incorporated in the UK All rights reserved. This entire publication is the copyright of the publisher. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form, or by any means, electrical or mechanical, including photocopying or any information storage or retrieval system without the prior permission of the publisher Original works copyright remain with the respective artists/writers.
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SPECIAL REPORT
NAIROBI: CAPITAL OF HOPE
Jain Spirit Editor, Atul Shah, leads us through the International Jain Conference in Nairobi, Kenya. NEWS
All the latest from around the world JAIN SPIRIT SUPPORTERS FEATURES
60
CLUB MOKSHA: FOR MEN ONLY? With a fresh look at the tale of Tirthankara Malli, Sadhvi Shilapiji inspires us to question existing Jain thought on female liberation
OF MEAT AND MEN:
In this exclusive investigation, Human Rights Watch reveals the hidden human violence in the US meat packing industry
RAW FOODS AND THE JAIN DHARMA
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ART & LITERATURE
52 DEEPA PANCHAMIA'S TEXTILE STRUCTURES
Dhrumil Purohit carves a connection between our physical and spiritual sustenance
QUOTES & QUIPS
LIFESTYLE
THE NATURE OF THE UNIVERSE
Jain Spirit interviews Nature Love, an everyday being & hero
RECIPES
Some fresh and exciting ideas for eggless, vegan and raw dishes
Deepa Panchamia describes how Jainism has helped her become one of London's most innovative young fashion designers
POETRY
Influenced by ahimsa and anekantvada, acclaimed writer Andrew Saito attempts to spread love,
inspiration and peace through poetry. YOUTH
THE LOVE ISSUE!
LOVE ME, LOVE MY GOD?
Ami Nash and Prachi Ajmera asked 5 young people from different religious backgrounds what their views
were on love in the 21st century. SACKING THE SWANKY SARIS
Ami Nash ponders on the paradox of the Jain tradition of splashing out on weddings
n Education Intemational
61 POWER TOOLS
Reena Shah, 16, wants to arm you with the power tools to answer back!
62 COOL CAREER
Meteorologist Ankit Jain 63 ASK AUNTIE (AND UNCLE!)
64 WORKPLACE
Dr. P.K. Jain joins Pallavi Gala in tackling your trickiest questions
66 ENVIRONMENT
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A CALL TO ACTION
Nisha Varia challenges us to actively engage in the spirit of ahimsa
ONE VEGGIE DOG... COMIN' RIGHT UP!
Our Guest Editor, Shayna Parekh, encourages us to explore the range of diets for man's best friend
70 DEVIL'S CLUB: A WICKEDLY WORTHWHILE WEED Shreyans Parekh describes how one little weed connects two distinct cultures
INTERFAITH
THOU SHALT HONOR THY BROCCOLI
Kirstin Odegaard shares the role that vegetarianism and non-violence have played in other faiths
76 BERKELEY BOY
Writer and activist Teddy Miller describes how love, ahimsa, activism and anekantvada penetrated his inter-faith, inter-ethnic upbringing
78 HISTORY
JAINISM AND MAHAVIR IN INDIAN HISTORY TEXTBOOKS
Professor Tara Sethia examines eight internationallyknown texts on Indian history
80 PHILOSOPHY
AHIMSA AND JUST WAR IN JAINISM
Professor Padmanabh Jaini recounts a story from
the Bhagavati-Sutra.
90 VIEWPOINT
LEGO YOUR EGO - Sudhir Shah
KID SPIRIT! (seperate insert)
The fifth issue of our interactive section for the 5-12 year olds. Kid Spirit Editor, Rebecca Hoh, gives you the fun way to learn about Jain values!
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SPECIAL REPORT
special report
NAIROBI: CAPITAL OF HOPE
LORD PARSHVANATH AT THE EXHIBITION
here East meets West, where the equator runs right through the heart, where Jains
have lived for over a century, is Kenya, an oasis of hope for the future of Jain culture. 'Living Tirthankar Mahavir's Values' was the title of a unique 3 day conference hosted at the beautiful new Oshwal Centre in Nairobi. 700 delegates, of whom 150 came from different parts of the world got together to learn, discuss, see and most importantly feel the hope that lies here. Unbeknown to the world, the Young Jains in Nairobi. have built a solid foundation for the regular study of Jainism through their Patshala classes for children and adults which have been running for nearly ten years now. A dedicated 'peace army of 40 teachers regularly teach these classes voluntarily and connect Jain culture and philosophy to the modern world. The event involved nearly 300 volunteers, and was organised jointly by the Jains of Nairobi' bringing all different sects together. The Visa Oshwal Community of Nairobi hosted the event for free, and donors from the community made sure that noone incurred any costs. Every foreign delegate was offered home hospitality, which gave an added dimension to the whole experience, enabling people to really get to know one another. An outstanding exhibition of Jain culture, regular variety performances every evening, lectures and workshops, and the goal of creating an action plan for global unity gave all present a unique and varied experience. Many of the founding pillars of the Kenyan community, the forefathers who sacrificed all to build the institutions of education, social welfare and medicine that exist there today were present at the event. Speakers included Acharya Chandanaji and all the Sadhvijis from Veerayatan, Dr. L. M. Singhvi, Dr. Rupaben Mehta, Dr. N. P. Jain among many others. Jain Spirit Editor Dr.
in Education

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>ICIAL REUNI
Atul Shah presented a slide show on "Modern Jainism' which displayed ways in which we can all connect our ancient values to the changing world. The entire conference adopted it as its preferred medium of communication and resolved to take ownership of the magazine and become its active ambassadors. Closing the conference, Mr. Jitendra H. Shah, Chairman of the Visa Oshwal Community, Nairobi emphasised the need to adapt and change with the times, and to focus on children and our youth. They do not know any differences, so we should all unite and help propagate our values to the next generation. The day after the conference, there was a queue of teenagers at the door of the Headmistress of Oshwal High School - to tell her how great a weekend they had, and how proud they were to be Jain. Now that is Cool..
SCENES FROM THE CONFERENCE
JAIN
SPIRIT
JAINOSPER
HTHEIT
WWW.JAINSPIRIT.COM

F
alvate Use Only
www.jainergy.org

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NEWS
news
VIMAL SHAH - PROMINENT CEO IN KENYA AWARDED MBS
RECOVERING EMOTIONS
imal Shah was born in Kenya, East Africa and is fast becoming one of the most distinguished businessmen
in the country. He is the CEO of Bidco Group, a leading manufacturer and distributor of edible oils, fats and hygienic products. According to the
PriceWaterhouseCoopers survey for 2004, Vimal has transformed Bidco from a small and unknown company to East Africa's Most Respected Manufacturing Company." Bidco currently has manufacturing operations in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. The company further distributes its products
to another 10 countries in East and Southern Africa and seeks to attain a number one market share in Africa by the year 2030.
he Chander Mohan Jain Memorial Lecture was held on Monday, 21st March, 2005 at Huron University College,
London, Ontario Canada. Dr. M. Whitney Kelting. Assistant Professor of Religious Studies, at Northeastern University, Boston, U.S. spoke on the topic, "Chandanbala's Tears: Recovering the Emotional Life of Jainism." Dr. Kelting's book, Singing to the Jinas (Oxford University Press, 2001) examines the relationships between Jain laywomen, hymn singing and popular Jain theology.
In recognition of Vimal's exceptional effort and contribution to national development, His Excellency President Mwai Kibaki of Kenya recently awarded him with the Moran of the Order of the Burning Spear (MBS). This award was presented during the 41st Jamhuri (Independence) Day Celebrations. This highly prestigious presidential award recognises those who played a major role in National Development since Kenya attained independence in 1963. • Courtesy of Oshwal News, UK.
Dr. Chander Mohan Jain was a research scientist but he also had an extraordinary interest in philosophy and religion. He was an active member of the Indian community in London and spent numerous hours in community service. He organised youth camps and founded the Jain study circle of South Western Ontario. Additionally, he was a founding member of the Jain Centre of Toronto and the International Mahavir Jain Mission of Canada. The Chander Mohan Jain Memorial Lectures are sponsored by his friends and family.
WWW.JAINSPIRIT.COM
photo supplied by Oshiwal News
Most unfortunately Dr. Chander Mohan Jain passed away in a car accident in 1990 at the young age of 48..

www.
a
libay.org

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NEWS
TAEKWONDO D
RADIO
I
HARVARD JAIN WINS PRESTIGIOUS SOROS FELLOWSHIP
DITAR
nspired at a young age by the philanthropic efforts of his Rajasthani Jain family, Harvard Medical School (HMS) student
Sachin Jain was awarded the 2004 Soros Fellowship for New Americans.
JAIPUR MAN'S RARE COLLECTION OF ANTIQUE RADIO SETS
m Prakash Jain is certainly a fan of radio. The 62-year old retired government employee has the hobby
of collecting those of the antique variety. The collection is rare since most of the radio sets -- 160 in all-are in working order.
Jain started buying radio sets from scrap vendors and now claims that he has the world's best individual collection. He spends up to four to five hours a day servicing the sets and says he took up the hobby as he was worried about the era of the radio ending because of the onslaught of other multi-media and communication mediums.
The intensely competitive national scholarship spearheaded by money mogul Paul Soros is granted to highachieving immigrants or children of immigrants pursuing a graduate education. Awardees demonstrate exceptional creativity, commitment to public service and high academic achievement. Jain is no exception. In addition to a full load of coursework and practical training, Jain created the Harvard-Commonwealth Health Policy Education Initiative and secured a $28,000 grant to educate his peers about policy issues. Most recently, Jain's collaboration with HMS faculty to collect student essays on perspectives on the American health care system was acknowledged by a major American book publisher.
oung Jain, Siddharth Kiran Gudka, has certainly been aligning his chi if maybe not practising ahimsa! He has
recently been appointed as the ITF President of the British Student Taekwondo Federation in recognition of his services to Taekwondo.
"I thought radios would disappear if they are not preserved and we will not have anything to tell to the coming generation what radio was. Today, we just press the button and stereo starts playing sound," said Jain.
Jain now plans to donate his antique collection to a museum without expecting any monetary benefits in return, but with the only desire to have his initials on the collection.
He is a third-year student at Warwick University, Coventry, UK, studying Computer Systems Engineering. Siddharth commented on his appointment, saying, "It was a really nice surprise as I was not expecting it. I hope that my experience with the Warwick Taekwondo Club will help me do well in my new position."
Influenced early on by the teachings of Acharya Sushil muniji and Amrender muniji, Jain explains: "My Jain background has been a source of strength. Our religion is grounded in principles and gives us a definite framework through which to think about ethical problems and moral dilemmas. often think about anekantvada when I'm presented with a difficult interpersonal situation and try to place myself in the mind of the person with whom I am having problems."
Ty Smith
Siddharth can be contacted at sidgudka@hotmail.com
iStockphoto.com/uploaded by member: "tysmith'
Jain hopes to pursue further education in business and public policy and will dedicate his life to improving health care access and quality.
For more information, please visit www.pdsoros.org photo courtesy of the Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowships

www.ainelibrary pro

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NEWS
but will hopefully become active in making a positive difference in the world.
SPONSOR JAIN VALUES IN THE CLASSROOM
name of the school and a cheque for $10.PETA will then send the school an inspirational programme called Just Choices (www.JustChoices.org ) that educates teachers and students about social justice issues including animal rights. Inspiring our youth to be kind to all living beings should be of utmost importance. Young people are our future, and if we teach them about ahimsa early in their lives, they not only will become more responsible citizens,
elp spread the message of compassion to students in your area! It's as easy as sponsoring a programme by sending PETA the
To learn about educational programmes that promote humane education visit www.Teachkind.org Please send inquiries to sangeetak@peta.org or send a cheque to PETA c/o School Sponsorship 501 Front St. Norfolk, VA 23510..
EDITOR ON BBC RADIO 4
कर्ना
Photo courtesy of Smt. Sharayu Daftary
id you think Jain Spirit was just for Jains? You will be surprised. One sunny day, a BBC Radio 4 researcher
made an exploratory call saying that they would like the Jain viewpoint on a Radio 4 programme on 'The Body' as part of the Beyond Belief series. As you know, Radio 4 is the most prominent 'intellectual' station in the UK, widely listened to by teachers, scholars, writers, artists, editors and thinkers of all kinds. We sent them a copy of the magazine, and guess what - they jumped at the chance of inviting the Editor as they were so impressed by the magazine. He was pitted against a poet and an anthropologist to discuss subjects like health, dying and the link between mind and body. The programme is on the Radio 4 website and you can still listen to it by going to: http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/ programmes/beyond_belief/index. shtml and listening to the 7 February Broadcast on 'The Body'. .
26 January 2005: India's Republic Day Celebrations, Delhi: Every year a parade of floats are displayed to represent each state in the country. Here, Karnataka state depicts the Jain ceremonial festival of the Mastakabisheka of Bhagwan Sri Bahubali Swami of Shravana Belgola, which the city is so renowned for. The float was initiated by Rashtra Sant Param Pujya Acharya Vidyanand Munishree and got the 1st prize.
BUILDING BRIDGES
SHIVAMİNALIN SHAH IS WINNING BRIDGE TOURNAMENTS LEFT, RIGHT AND CENTRE!
win many national and international tournaments, including being placed first in his category at the annual master point (relegating his father into 2nd place!)
WWW.JAINSPIRIT.COM
hivam Shah, son of Ranjan and Nalin of Barnet, UK, learnt how to play bridge at the age of four. Soon
after his fifth birthday, he started playing regularly at the Oshwal Bridge Club at Potters Bar, taking on opponents many times his age. For his accomplishments, he was awarded a World Record for being the youngest to play in a competitive tournament. At six he was selected to play in the UK team for the International Oshwal Games in Nairobi in 1999. He has gone on to
The list goes on and on! Late last year, he successfully completed a Bridge Marathon when he played continuously for 12 hours with different partners and opponents and in the process raised 5000 pounds for Shishukunj's "Food for Children" project. Oshwal News, UK, February 2005

Young Bridge star Shivam Shah, pictured left
with Pakistani Superstar, Zia Mahmoud

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MERCEDES-BENZ TO OFFER VEGETARIAN OPTIONS FOR ALL FUTURE MODELS
BATTING FOR MODERN
KILLER ON THE
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NEWS
VAN MAHAVEE THE MAHAVIR AWARD
TH MAHAVEER AV PRESENT ON FU 14th ARY
www.JAINSPIRIT.COM
n Chennai, India, the Bhagwan Mahavir Foundation organised the Ninth Mahavir
Award on
14 February 2005. The awards were presented by the Governor of Tamil Nadu, His Excellency Sri Surjit Singh Barnala. The Foundation instituted three awards for excellence in human endeavour in three fields: non-violence and vegetarianism; education and medicine, and community and social service.
EXPOSED

e
Presenting the awards, the Governor stressed the importance of reviving Mahavir's teachings and applying them to daily life. He said that South India owed a considerable debt to Jainism because of its teachings on ahimsa and right living, and its artistic legacy. This year the award in the sphere of non-violence and vegetarianism went to Sri Siddharaj Dhadda of Jaipur, Rajasthan. Born in 1909, he abandoned his legal career to join Gandhi's freedom struggle, serving two and a half years in prison for his part in the nonviolent Quit India campaign. He has authored several books on non-violence and in 1951 established a Sarvodaya Ashram in Kemal, Rajasthan, based on the teachings of Gandhi and the cooperative principles of Acharya Vinoba Bhave.
xposure, a communications agency founded by Raoul Shah, is listed as one of the Best Small Companies to Work For, 2005.
Previously voted as one of Britain's Best Dressed Offices by The Times Magazine, exposure is now officially one of the Top 100 Best Small Companies to Work For, 2005, as compiled by The Sunday Times. The survey is the largest ever study of small company workplaces in the UK, and the list was published in The Sunday Times on 6 March 2005.
To receive such an accolade, in the light of extremely fierce competition and thousands of entries, is a fantastic achievement for eleven-year-old exposure, a company that prides itself on looking after its staff. exposure is a privately owned multi-disciplinary communications agency that creates integrated campaigns for fashion, lifestyle and blue-chip brands, balancing brand equity and fame with commercial success.
It was founded in 1993 by Raoul Shah, who is also on the Jain Spirit marketing advisory board. exposure now employs over 100 individuals across its UK and USA offices and has a well-established network that reaches from London to Los Angeles, Paris to Tokyo. Raoul built the company on the power of network and relationships, and the business still works on this very foundation today.
To cap the award, on 22 April (Mahavir Jayanti day), Raoul also became the proud father of baby Maya!
Get more exposure at www.exposure.net
In the area of education, the award went to Uttarakahand Seva Nidhi Paryavaran Shiksha Sansthan, for promotion of education and women's empowerment in local communities. The Sansthan was praised especially for designing a holistic curriculum with a strong emphasis on ecology. The Swami Vivekananda Youth Movement of Mysore won the community and social service award for their extensive work in grassroots health education, including a Mobile Education Programme for the Jenukuruba tribes, and a range of programmes on reproductive and child health and AIDS prevention.⚫
For more details of the Mahavir Award and the winners visit www.jainsindia.org
BLUE
photo supplied by www.theukar www.theukama.com

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NEWS
"KEEP
CUBS FROM MEDITATION THE LION CITY TO START THE
SCHOOL DAYS
DES
ARTISTS UNITE TO CELEBRATE BRITISH ASIAN MUSIC
SINGAPORE'S YOUNG JAINS ARE MAKING THEIR MARK
ROC
orget Attention Deficit Disorder, forget after school detentions: maybe Brahma Kumaris have found the
answer to teachers' prayers - five minutes of mediation before lessons start.
The Young Jains of Singapore (YJS) made their official debut at the bi-annual Shibir organised by the Singapore
Jain Religious Society in February 2005. The event that attracted more than 300 international delegates was held at The Pulai Desaru Beach resort in Malaysia
photo supplied by www.theukama.com
Hosting a segment of the evening's programme in both English and Gujarati, the 15 members of YJS introduced their organisation through a spectacular audiovisual presentation. Shibir leader Param Pujya Gurudev Rakeshbhai Jhaveri did the honours by officially launching YJS and unveiling its logo - inscribed in a diva-shaped, starburst crystal. A tremendous amount of time and effort had clearly gone into preparing the show.
60 children from Marsh Baldon Church of England Primary School thought the world had ended when their Victorian village school burned down at the beginning of March. However, this was the event which led to their relocation to the Brahma Kumaris Global Retreat Centre just outside Oxford. Brahma Kumaris is a World Spiritual University based in India, with no fixed religious base, although their roots are in the Hindu and Jain faiths. The children spent over two weeks here before returning to their temporary classrooms at the end of March.
photo The DK Global Retreat Centre
ome of the biggest stars of the British Asian Music industry from genres as diverse as Bhangra, R&B
and Asian underground, congregated at London's Hammersmith Palais to celebrate the annual UK Asian Music Awards on Thursday, 3 March 2005.
An exhibition entitled "Jainism In A Changing World" was one of the major highlights. YJS also paid tribute to the victims of the Tsunami disaster by constructing a pictorial tower of the tragedy, using photos and other materials like sand, shells, and twigs.
Celebrated artists at the sold out show included Malkit Singh, Taz from Stereo Nation, Apache Indian, DCS, Sanj J Sanj, Sahara, Sef, Punjabi Hit Squad and Swami. Underground favourites and antiracist rockers, Asian Dub Foundation, opened the show with a spectacular performance. The crowd were also treated to live performances by R&B sensation Sef, Apache Indian, Trick Baby, Punjabi Hit Squad, Mehsopuria and 2 Play. Jay Sean stole the show by winning three awards. The R&B star won the RAF AMA for Best Album, Choice FM AMA for Best Urban Act and a special AMA for Best Video.
A game of Scavenger Hunt was also held, where winners won a collectible YJS mug. YJS also ventured into selling souvenirs, such as fridge magnets and key-chains based on the theme of the Shibir, "Jainism-The Art of Living." The "It's Cool To be A Jain" pins were a total sell-out.
The programme ultimately demonstrated the dedication of the Young Jains of Singapore, who recruited 7 new members during the Shibir. Since its inception in April 2004, YJS has evolved and grown tremendously..
The children started each day with a short burst of meditation, organised by a retreat centre member of staff. This would involve focusing on a subject like love or peace. Every hour, the centre played a minute and a half of meditation music through the building to encourage the children and adults to take a few moments to reflect calmly on their day. It was an experience that benefitted all parties. Gopi Patel, Events Coordinator at the centre said, "It has been a pleasure to be able to serve the community at such a time of need. The children have all enjoyed the meditation so much! Many of them have said that they would never forget this experience in their whole lives! To have watched them meditate and pause for reflective moments was wonderful. In our busy and frantic world today, sowing the seeds for reflection and quiet time helps to create a foundation for lasting self-esteem." .
MISIR 2005
MTV's Tim Kash and R&B star Keisha White presented Swami with the award for Best Producer. He said: "A very big thank you to all those who voted for Swami as Best Producer... Bring on the next generation of British Asian music...Keep DesiRockin'!!!" •
W.TAINSPIRITGOM
www.theukama.com
Left to right - Front row: Rina Shah, Avni Shah, Ronak Doshi, Trishal Ghetani, Urvi Shah. Middle row. Hiral Desai, Nikita Kamdar, Eesha Shah Hemal Ghelani, Avnish Desal, Dhaval Desai, Ajay Sheth Top row Dhanu Shah (VP of SJRS), Abhishek, Jai Shah
To find out more about the Brahma Kumaris you can visit Brahma Kumaris Global Retreat Centre www.globalretreatcentre.org.uk or email info@globalretreatcentre.org

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NEWS
PHOTO BY Jagdeep shah www.fotoview.com
CREATIVE FUSION FOR CHARITY
Then Kaushik Khajuria's CD 'A voyage of peace and joy' was sent out with issue
21 of Jain Spirit, it created a global 'storm'. Would you believe it, young people even set their alarms to the first track 'The way to lasting peace'. A popular radio station in Nairobi broadcast it, thanks to one of our friendly readers. So when a live charity concert was planned and promoted in London, tickets sold out in no time! The event itself was a real blast, with an even wider range of songs and musicians, and three very young singers - Gauri, Sheelan and Sheena, who took the audience by storm. Lead singers Kaushik and Anuradha, accompanied by Kiran Thakarar on keyboard produced a wide range of beautiful melodies, and on percussion
and Sandeep Rawal was in his element. Indian food served during the refreshment break has become the talk of the town, especially the homemade Rasmalai! Young Satchi Malde, the Master of Ceremonies, explained the tracks very lucidly, making connections to Jain values, and dedicated songs to visionary organisations like Young Jains, Shishikunj and Sansaar. Chairman of Jain Spirit, Mr. Manick Choraria explained the creative nature of Jain Spirit and the need for the whole community to support such a unique and forward looking venture for our children and youth. Kid Spirit was launched here and so were the Lotus and Saffron sponsorship schemes where donors give £500 or £1000 a year to help Jain Spirit 'Share Jain Values Globally.
Sheena singing live
CALIFORNIA'S DREAMING: JAIN CENTER OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
ain Center of Southern California inaugurated a new cultural complex on Sunday, 27 March, 2005
and accomplished a major milestone in its efforts to build a fine Jain Tirth in North America. The 60,000 sq ft facility located in the City of Buena Park, a suburb of Los Angeles, was completed at a cost of $11 million. The enthusiasm and dedication of the local Jain community for this project are admirable. Three families - Manibhai and Savitaben Mehta, Harshadbhai and Rakshaben Shah and an anonymous family - have each donated over $751,000 for this project. On the day of the inauguration, a pledge of $1 million interest-free loan from Jayeshbhai and Ramilaben Shah was immediately matched with an additional $1,400,000 from members in the audience. Nearly
1,400 participants - Jain community
members, leaders of various Indian organisations and city officials - attended the inauguration ceremonies which began with the symbolic "Kumbh Sthapan" and the lighting of the lamps by Buena Park Mayor Pro Tem Art Brown and Jain dignitaries. Graceful features of a traditional Jain temple with superbly carved stones are reflected in the architecture of the entire complex. The interior of the new complex will be decorated with paintings, murals, tapestries, sculptures, and other media to depict the Jain religion, culture, and Jain way of life. A 100-year old, 35-feet high wooden temple will be installed in the main entryway. The new complex
For Personal Private Only
is Phase I of a three-phase master plan to accommodate a phenomenal growth in membership and an increase in the number of religious, educational, cultural, and community Outreach activities. Phase II, the construction of a religious complex with the Derasar and an Aradhana Hall is scheduled to begin in July 2005. An Atma Sadhana Kendra with Study/Pathshala rooms and the JAINA/JCSC National Library will be constructed in Phase III. Jain Center of Southern California is one of four organisations that founded Jain Associations in North America (JAINA) in Los Angeles 25 years ago.. CHANDRAKANT PAREKH
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NO BOUNDARIES
conference link from New Jersey to his residence at Ghandinagar. The US authorities had denied the controversial politician a visa because they believe that his avowedly pro-Hindu political agenda has helped to provoke inter-communal violence and prejudice against Muslims. Mr. Modi denies this and in his speech sought to assure Americans that his vision of Hinduism was inclusive and that he was committed to reaching across religious and other boundaries. "We believe in nurturing human values the Gandhian way. The democratic way Mahatma Gandhi showed us to fight injustice and protect virtue is the right way," he told his audience, who braved rain and freezing temperatures to watch his video address. He reminded Indian Americans that 'the guiding
NO BORDERS,
M
r. Narendra Modi, the Chief Minister of Gujarat, India, addressed an audience of five thousand mainly IndianAmericans at Madison Square Garden in New Jersey on 21 March 2005. He appealed directly to the growing Indian Diaspora in North America, whom he urged to act as 'ambassadors' for their country's rich heritage and tradition. "You are the carriers of Indian pride," he told them. "You are the very best in the world, in business, enterprise and innovations. None can match our co-operation, courtesy and hospitality."
The Chief Minister did not address the crowds in person, as originally intended, but by video
SPREADING INSPIRATION

hree Chitrabhanuji and Kenya have always had a special relationship. Ask any Kenyan Jain
and they will have a story to tell about their experience of the guru coming to their country. It was at his suggestion in 1971 that eventually the idea of a
principles of our culture are vasudhaiv kutumbakam (the Earth is a family) and sarvey bhavantu sukhina (let all the people of the world be happy).
The Chief Minister praised India's democracy, its economic expansion and increasingly skilled population. He said that Gujarat represented the best of India and was "one of the most progressive and promising states in the country" and had been from the days of the freedom struggle. Mr. Modi pointed out that India and the USA are the world's two largest democracies, with many shared beliefs, traditions and historical experiences. The Gujarati Diaspora, in India and elsewhere, has "shown the highest levels of professionalism," Mr. Modi said.
community centre was conceived and built by the Oshwal Jain Centre on spacious land and fresh air environment in the heart of Nairobi. He has visited Kenya seven times and made his eighth on invitation to Nairobi for the Temple's Anniversary in February 2005. He performed seven lectures with his
The Chief Minister's address was given in a combination of Hindi and English. It was preceded by two video presentations, Gujarat Unlimited and Vibrant Gujarat. AIDAN RANKIN
subjects touching upon awakening the spirit of self-realisation and emphasising that it is through the mind that we reach the soul. Even though these lectures were held in a very large auditorium, additional projection screens and sitting arrangements had to be made outside in order to accommodate the huge number of attendees.
During this trip he also visited, guided and blessed five schools, a hospital, a hostel, Welfare Centres, and other Institutions run by the Oshwal Community. He expressed his appreciation to Members of Oshwal Education Board and the Principals of Schools who have all been an inspiration to the children and who serve the cause of humanity with dedication and devotion..
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NEWS
SOAS TRIUMPHS
not act urgently and with vision and dedication. Any Jain interested in sponsoring their work should contact Dr. Peter Flugel on pf8@soas.ac.uk
Global Conference in London
work at SOAS and fund the Centre's activities. Prof. Menski emphasised the inter-disciplinary study at SOAS, where even a law student can do a course in Jainism and still qualify as a lawyer! The vision is to integrate Jain studies with other disciplines so that it becomes more accessible at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. As a large proportion of Jains go to university, it is helpful to have continuing teaching and research on Jainism so that its study is sustained. Coming from a unique heritage of scholarship and research, such a tradition is in threat if Jains do
rofessor Phyllis Granoff from Yale University gave the keynote address at the 7th International Symposium
held by London University's School of Oriental and African Studies. Titled 'Jaina Law and the Jaina Community', the conference attracted scholars from all over the world, including India, Sweden, Germany, Belgium and Norway. The event was funded by a special grant from the UK government.
THE WORLD CELEBRATES... THE WORLD!
The research on this subject is led by Prof. Werner Menski, who is a renowned expert on the Indian legal system. Other scholars who gave papers included Olle Qvanstrom (Lund), Torkel Brekke (Oslo), Bal Patil (Mumbai), Lekhraj Mehta (Jodhpur), Lynn Foulston ( Wales) and Frank Van den Bossche (Gent, Belgium). Prof. M. A. Dhaky talked about the problems of Jain history and criticised the widespread confusion created by ancient texts using different definitions of time and dates. Andrea Lutithle's paper on the Sangh Yatra to Shatrunjaya, as a way of reinforcing Shvetambara identity, generated a lot of interest. In the audience were Jains interested in scholarship, including Pathshala teachers.
take responsibility for a clean and healthy environment. Founded by the organisers of the first Earth Day in 1970, it is now the largest secular holiday in the world, celebrated by more than half a billion people of all different faiths and backgrounds. Earth Day was celebrated in an
estimated 174 countries in a variety of n the 22nd of April, the
environmental events including festivals, day that millions of Jains
workshops, open space cleanups, remembered the lessons
educational events and conferences. Mahavir left us, the core
Earth Day Network organised a series of Jain values of non
events including the largest violence and respect
environmental celebration were also being felt
ever held in Kiev, which around the globe by
built upon the growing non-Jains taking part in
democracy movement in the annual Earth Day. It
Ukraine. In addition, they was estimated that half
organised a conference in a billion people around
Israel that brought together the world celebrated
politically and ethnically the 35th anniversary of
opposed groups to work on Earth Day, according
water issues in the region. to Earth Day Network,
"The 35th anniversary of the group that supports
Earth Day was a huge and organises Earth
success," said Kathleen Day activities around
Rogers, President of the world each year.
Earth Day Network. This Earth Day Network's mission is to broaden the
year showed that the earth day
environmental movement environmental movement
network is alive and well and that worldwide and to
people around the world educate and mobilise
are engaged in making their people, governments, Kathleen Rogers, President of Earth
communities healthier, safer and corporations to
Day Network, speaks at Green DC Week with Mayor Anthony Williams and cleaner."
Network: www.earthday.net photo courtesy of Earth Day
The Centre for Jaina Studies at SOAS has become an active focal point for international research on Jainism. Dr. Peter Flugel, a lecturer and researcher, has been working very hard over a number of years to teach courses on Jainism and promote active research. A special meeting was held with leaders from the UK Jain community to encourage them to support the
STORY AB
TAMTAMA IAINCDIDIT
harat Shah is managing director of Sigma Pharmaceuticals, one of Britain's biggest
independent pharmacy wholesalers. He founded the company in 1981 with his two brothers, one of whom is Jain Spirit Director Manish Shah. The company has grown from a single pharmacy store to a thriving wholesale business employing over 300 people and producing a turnover
in excess of £190 million. They are now the third largest independent pharmacy wholesaler and have just announced themselves to be number 388th in the list of Europe's 500 fastest growing companies. This appeared in the 2004 Europe's 500, an annual listing endorsed by 3i, Microsoft, Boston Consulting Group and PricewaterhouseCoopers and published by Europe's Entrepreneurs for Growth. Bharat commented. "We are delighted
2005 IS BHARAT SHAH OF SIGMA PHARMACEUTICALS' YEAR

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DOUBLE ME DIKSHA =
umbai recently bore witness to what might be the first diksha undertaken by twin sisters. The twenty-one year olds, Ms Heta Suresh Shah and Ms Hema Suresh Shah took their vows to renounce the material world on 27
February 2005. The initiation ceremony took place at Bhayandar, where the Shah family lives.
Heta and Hema wanted to take diksha two years ago but it was only this year that their father, Mr Suresh Shah, gave his consent for the ceremony to go ahead. Heta and Hema have two older sisters and one younger sister. Their eldest sister, Kajal, is married.
TWIN GIRLS IN MUMBAI RENOUNCE TOGETHER
The twins first considered taking diksha and becoming ascetics four years ago. This happened when they went for Chaturmas, a four-month rainy season retreat, under the guidance of their aunt, Pujya Sadhviji Saumyadarshita Maharaj. The retreat took place at Palitana and the spiritual environment inspired the sisters to thoughts of a contemplative way of life. As Heta explains, "We did not want to waste our human life, and so we decided to renounce the world to seek moksha (salvation). We have seen that humanity is always rushing to achieve material goals whilst very few think about the growth of their soul."
Standing left to right - Minal, Kajal & Megha, sitting left and right - Hema & Heta
Heta and Hema were tested rigorously by their guru aunt before they were permitted to take diksha. As well as being examined in Jain teachings, the girls had to prove that they had the personal characteristics necessary for the ascetic way of life and that they were inspired by strong spiritual impulses. Commenting on the joint initiation, Pujya Sadhviji said, "I firmly believe that both the sisters will live their ascetic lives with strong commitments and make their parents very proud."
Supplied by Nitin K Shat
The twins' father, Mr. Suresh Shah, is from Pamol, in the Mehsana district of Gujarat, and runs a hardware store in a Mumbai suburb. He said that at the tender age of fifteen Heta and Hema were more interested in religious activities than anything else. Heta was born twelve minutes before Hema on 24 March 1983. Their mother, Mrs. Surekhaben, had no idea at the time that she was going to give birth to twins and regarded them as a blessing.
Before taking diksha, the twins fulfilled a lifelong ambition to fly in an airplane, travelling in early February from Ahmedabad to Mumbai. Such journeys will no longer be possible for Heta and Hema now that they have taken ascetic vows. •
to have made the Europe's 500 list. This is a great testament to our staff for their dedication and hard work."
accomplishments of 14 very remarkable ethnic high-achievers.
Edited from an article which appeared in Oshwal News, UK, February 2005.
Bharat also won 'Entrepreneur of the Year' at the GG2 Leadership and Diversity Awards, which celebrates the talents and achievements of Britain's many ethnic minority communities. A celebrity-studded audience of 1,200 packed into the Grosvenor House Hotel on Park Lane to salute the
Among the guests and winners were Britain's most powerful civil servant, Suma Chakrabati, the country's only Asian permanent departmental secretary: Bend-it-Like Beckham film director Gurinder Chadha, and entrepreneurial genius Dinesh Dhamija, the founder of ebookers, the online travel agency.
photo supplied by Oshwal News
WWW.JAINSPIRIT.COM
on Infomational
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DAAN KING interview
Winner of the 2005 Gujarat Garima Award, Mr. Dipchand Gardi talks to Jain Spirit about his philosophy...
What? He is known by his giving, not his taking. When he was 11 years old, he prayed to the family deity to empower him to give 1000 Rupees daily to the needy. He did not ask anything for himself.
Who? Mr. Dipchand Gardi, age 90, lives in Mumbai. He is widely known and respected as one of the pillars of the Jain community in India.
How did he earn the money? Qualified as a barrister from England, he invested the earnings from his legal practice in real estate in Mumbai and retired from the profession in 1965 to focus purely on charity. He attributes his personal success to his punya or good karma.
He believes that everyone has a right to earn a living, but should do so by fair and just means. The means are as important as the ends. If the surplus is used for self-entertainment or ego or status, then the money will corrupt and destroy happiness. Simplicity is key. We should try to live not expecting anything from anyone - if we are lucky to get it, we should use it to help others less fortunate than ourselves, whatever faith or species they may come from!
All charity should be selfless, without any expectation of return of any kind.
"If you do not give daily to charity after I die, I will come back again at your place as your son," Mr. Gardi famously told his grandsons Binoy and Hiten. Their response? "You will have to come back, to see that we will double what you are currently donating."
What is important is the here and now - not tomorrow, or even moksha, but what we do in the present moment. Mr. Gardi's home and dress are very simple there is no excess or show anywhere.
In front of 25,000 people, he was recently given the Gujarat Jewel Award by the Vice-President of India, the most prestigious award for any Gujarati.
Interview: Atul K. Shah
16
NAIROBI TO NGORONGORO: A RIDE FOR HUNGER
orty-two very tired cyclists returned to the UK having joined hands with their colleagues in Kenya and ridden 152 miles on a journey which began on 26 March.
F
The cycle ride started south of Nairobi and was organised by the Kenyan group Food for Life. Food For Life is a project started in 1974 by an elderly Indian swami, Srila Prabhupada. He asked his followers to make sure no one within a ten mile radius of the local temple would go hungry. The programme grew quickly and now operates in over 60 countries worldwide, providing freshly cooked vegan and vegetarian sanctified meals served directly to the public.
This particular group event was organised by Veerayatan (UK), and raised over £200,000 to feed 7,500 meals per week for life. Mahendra Mehta, the chairman commented, "This was a fantastic adventure. Starting
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with a blessing at the Swaminarayan Mandir at Neasden, attended by the cyclists and their families, we received blessings from Jayeshbhai Shah from our Jain Temple in Leicester, the swami, the Bishop of London, and other leading members of the Muslim and Sikh communities."
The cyclists carried their own vegetarian meals and several thousands of litres of drinking water. The 87 cyclists were supported by another fifty helpers.
"Our Kenyan hosts made the whole venture work wonderfully," said Shreya Rughani, one of the Kenyan born cyclists. "The cycling was pretty tough, but we visited one of the feeding stations and it was great to see so many children benefiting from the meals we served."
Mr. Manish H. Shah, one of Jain Spirit's Directors, took part and found it to be a tremendous experience. He explained, "I pray to God that I be given another opportunity to enable me to make my small contribution towards the upliftment of the less fortunate people on this earth. It allowed me to put into practice the tenets of Jainism through my own toil."
The ride was well supported by local Kenyan businesses, but there was also excellent support from the Royal Bank of Scotland. In addition to sponsoring one day's expenses, they provided four riders who raised over £10,000.
Veerayatan is also planning to open up ten boreholes and from the water generated over seven thousand families will receive safe drinking water. ⚫
Visit the Veerayatan website at http://www.veerayatan.org/
For more information on the Food For Life project go http://www.ffl.org/, we also detail some relevant events in our Veggie Power news feature.
mail box
of God and touch God with right. Please could you reprint it to avoid confusion as I feel this is important.
Dear Jain Spirit,
When I found myself lost and alone in the deserts of Rajasthan at the beginning of this year, I had entered a state of silence. By observing silence, I tapped into my inner guiding force, which eventually led me back to the place I was staying at. Upon reflection, I decided that when I return to the UK, I'd observe silence every Monday- I only lasted 2 Mondays! I became wrapped up in the western lifestyle, the silence became tedious, and I chose not to continue the experiment.
COOL CAREER
That was until I read Jani Gudka's article on Listen Through Silence in issue 22. Thank you for publishing Jani's article - it inspired me to continue the experiment. Ever since I read it in early April, I have been nurturing my inner peace in this way on Mondays once again. This has led to some phenomenal discoveries about my self and my talents. I want you to be aware of the positive impact the magazine is having on me.
All the best,
Suraj Shah www.surajshah.com
Dear Jain Spirit,
Firstly, a big thanks for presenting our community news in Jain Spirit. I was full of joy and no words can express it when I saw my write up!
One more thing I just wanted to say is that the image of me doing pooja was printed the wrong way round! Respectful practice is when ladies pray, they stand on the left hand side
Regards and thanks, Bhairavi Akshay Kothari
MAILBOX
(Notes from Editors: Sorry Bhavari for the mistake in Issue 22, Community News- thanks for writing in)
Dear Jain Spirit,
My friends and I loved the cover of issue 22. What is it of and where was it taken?
Best wishes,
Jay Shah, Belgium
Dear Jay,
We asked the photographer Thomas Dix and he said: "I am glad to hear that my cover photograph found a good resonance among the readership. This roofed gallery with seated tirthankaras was taken in the tirtha on Mount Shatrunjaya, Palitana, Gujarat."
Best wishes,
Jain Spirit Editors
(Look out for our profile of Thomas and
his love of Jain art and sculpture in the next issue)
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NEWS FEATURES
news features
The involvement of Jain members in the IVU seems obvious yet it is less commonly documented than you would think. Thus, Jain Spirit decided to interview two key members.
Jashu Shah, Regional Secretary for Asia, IVU
VEGGIE POWER THE KARMA FREE DIET IS
MAKING A WORLDWIDE DIFFERENCE
The International Vegetarian Union (IVU) was founded in 1908 when the first World Vegetarian Congress was
held in Dresden, Germany. It is a non-profit organisation with membership open to any non-profit whose primary purpose is to promote vegetarianism and is governed exclusively by vegetarians. A supporter of IVU may be any individual, family or organisation that supports the aims and objectives of IVU, regardless of whether they are vegetarian or not. It is currently heavily involved in aid work for the Asian Tsunami due to one of its member organisations Food For Life, the largest vegetarian/vegan food relief group in the world. Key dates this year for both groups are the 36th World Vegetarian Congress (8-14 November), World Vegetarian Day (1 October) and Feed the World Week (15-21 October) which has a simple objective: "For one week, the world should experience a wholesome, non-violent, karma-free diet, which will pave the way for a peaceful and hunger-free world."
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NEWS FEATURES
are all welcome!"
Saurabh Dalal, Deputy Chair, IVU
tremendous opportunity to address a number of global issues at once, by everyday, all-encompassing choices which are within human control.
"Life is an accident. So many things happen accidentally, things which you could never perceive. In the 1950s, was living in a building in Mumbai where the Bombay Humanitarian League Secretary, Mr. Jayantilal Mankar, had his office. In 1957, the first Vegetarian Congress was held in India and Jayantibhai insisted that I should take an active part in the Congress, which was promoted by the IVU. That was the first time I came to know about the IVU and its activities. Then I became busy with my studies and in 1962 lost my father. But in 1967 the World Vegetarian Congress was held in India and again I was taken in by Jayantibhai. My involvement began to grow from here and at present I am the Coordinator for Asia!
My parents had always been involved in the community, set great examples of giving back to others, and instilled in me a strong moral sense of the rights of other living beings, within the context of our great Jain vows. My involvement in the vegetarian movement is directly in line with my firm belief in the principles of ahimsa, satya, and asteya. Not only is promoting veganism promoting non-violence, but I think it is incumbent upon each of us to seek and live the truth as well as respecting the rights of others beyond our traditional views. Also, the freedoms that are denied animals today as well as taking their milk and eggs for human selfishness is an enormous violation of asteya." .
The International Vegetarian Union (IVU) is a solid organisation and now on a firm footing whereby the awareness has increased. Creating this awareness is my main motivation to carry on my work here. The 2006 World Vegetarian Congress is from 10-16 September and is being held in India once again. God-willing, it will be successful - you
"Our world today is in dire need of solutions to a number of problems on a global scale. Examining what we eat, with its enormous range of associated activities and consequences, offers a
For more information on the IVU and the World Vegetarian Congress visit www.ivu.org World Vegetarian Day - http://www.hknet.org.nz/VegeWVD.html Food For Life - http://www.ffl.org/
JAINO SPIRIT
SHARING JAIN VALUES GLOBALLY
“You should have been there!”
Why not let Jain Spirit deliver Forthcoming events and news
right to your desktop with Jain Spirit E-Newsletter
E-mail, subscribe to marketing@jainspirit.com or for more information bookmark www.jainspirit.com

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NEWS FEATURES
SPELL
BAPS Children chanting Vedic prayers for the peace of the departed souls Image supplied by BAPS
THE PEOPLE'S TEMPLE
The Archbishop outside Shri Swaminarayan Mandir. Image supplied by BAPS
BAPS TSUNAMI RELIEF WORK
and its atmosphere of welcoming serenity.
Aidan Rankin reports on the growing social role of the SWAMINARAYAN TEMPLE in Neasden, UK
BAPS - the Swaminarayan Hindu Mission -values social engagement and so the Mandir is playing an important role in charitable campaigning, interfaith work and promoting understanding of Hindu beliefs and values. These include nonviolence, respect for the environment and social justice. The issues come together in the South East Asian tsunami and its aftermath, for the Boxing Day tragedy reminds us of the power of nature. It also makes the need for holistic approaches to economic planning more urgent along with a just distribution of wealth and resources.
easden's Shri Swaminarayan Mandir is the largest Hindu temple outside India. Over the past seven years it
has become a familiar part of the North London skyline, visible to commuters on the crowded Orbital Road and to shoppers at IKEA, that great secular shrine to consumerism. The Mandir, in its vastness and gentle but imposing beauty, symbolises the transformation of a bland suburb once mocked by comedians into a vibrant multicultural community. Most importantly perhaps, it demonstrates the growing role of Hinduism as a spiritual force in Britain and the world.
Rt. Hon. Charles Kennedy MP presenting a cheque of £53,000 from the BAPS Tsunami Appeal to the representative of the Indonesian Embassy. Image supplied by BAPS
True to its mission, the Mandir was in the forefront of British relief efforts and solidarity with the affected countries. On 2 January 2005, a service of special prayers was held with a congregation of three thousand. Representatives came from the embassies and High Commissions of Bangladesh, Burma, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Maldives, Sri Lanka and Thailand. The High Commissioner for India, HE Mr. Kamlesh Sharma paid tribute to the Swaminarayan Hindu Mission for its BAPS Tsunami Earthquake Appeal Fund, launched on 27 December 2004. "I firmly believe that what we do for ourselves in
The Mandir is the first traditional Hindu temple in Europe and is constructed according to the Shilpasutras, an ancient Hindu treatise on architecture. No steel was used and Indian-based craftsmen worked with 2000 tonnes of Italian marble and 2820 tonnes of Bulgarian limestone. Although the Mandir appears vast and intricate from the outside, those who enter are struck by its sense of the human scale
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NEWS FEATURES
Experience India on the giant (MAX screen!
ONE LAID THAT ALL DESIRE TO SEE
MYSTIC INDIA
an incredible journey of inspiration
Narrated by Peter O'Toole
Box Office. 0770 1771 www.science orgas Exhibeon Road, London SW7 200 Neares undergrund: Southern Goup discounts apply for 10 or more people
Poded by SS
science museum IMAX
www.mysticindia.com
New Imax film: 'Mystic India'. Image supplied by BAPS
this life stays below when we leave," he said, "but what we do for others in this life goes with us." HE Mr. Faisz Mustapha, High Commissioner for Sri Lanka, quoted movingly from the Vedas: "The world is one family. Let noble thoughts come from all directions."
politicians from his party including Lord Dholakia, Sarah Ludford MEP and Brent East MP Sarah Teather, who is a strong supporter of the Mandir's work. Mrs. Sarah Kennedy and Lady Dholakia were also present.
interfaith work being neglected. On 29 January, Dr. Rowan Williams, the Archbishop of Canterbury, came to the Mandir as a guest. He was welcomed by Trustees Sarah Teather MP, HE Kamlesh Sharma, Clir. Ahmed Shahzad and Brent Council leader Cllr. Ann John. Dr. Williams, who was garlanded in the main prayer hall before 2.000 worshippers, admired the marble carvings and described them as art devoted to God.
A written appeal from His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj was read out, in which he prayed that "all those afflicted by this disaster are blessed with inner strength." Volunteer Girish Patel revealed that by day two of the disaster, BAPS had distributed over 2,000 food parcels in six villages near Chennai, Tamil Nadu, and 20,000 hot meals had been served by BAPS volunteers.
Sadhu Atmaswarupdas, Head of the Mandir, greeted Charles Kennedy in the traditional Hindu manner by tying a nada-chhadi (red sacred string) on his right wrist and applying a chandlo (red dot) on his forehead as a mark of friendship. In his speech after touring the Mandir, Mr. Kennedy paid tribute to the Neasden temple being "...a beacon, for in this community and in our country the concept of service is something that should be important to all of us in politics." He praised Britain's cultural diversity as a strength and then, in the spirit of many-sidedness familiar to both Jains and Hindus, concluded: "I will go away inspired by what I have seen and what I have heard this evening, determined not to talk negatively about people from other political persuasions, but to talk positively and optimistically about our country and about what can and should be achieved."
The famous Neasden Temple is becoming an increasingly important part of national life as well as a trailblazer for Hinduism in Europe. Recently, they have launched the new IMAX movie 'Mystic India' which is being shown throughout the UK and has won a major award in Paris. It is a beautiful film on the best of Indian culture and history, conveyed through the visual power of an IMAX theatre - a must see for all interested in Indian culture.
This energetic response to human need is characteristic of both the Mandir and the Mission. By 19th February 2005, the temple had collected £500,000 for the Tsunami Appeal. On that day, a ceremony was held to mark this achievement and to present the funds to the ambassadors of the eight affected countries. The Leader of the Liberal Democrats, Rt Hon. Charles
Kennedy, was a guest along with other
You can visit www.swaminarayan.org for general info on the Swaminarayan mission. Or for the Neasden temple, in particular, go to www.mandir.org Mystic India can be previewed on www.mysticindia.com
WWW.JAINSPIRIT.COM
The Tsunami Appeal has not led to

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NEWS FEATURES
THE BIG APPLE'S
feature is a large marble and precious stone model of Shi Ashtapadji Maha Tirth, and a collection of precious gemstone Tirthankaras. The vision for a new temple came from one member, who chooses to remain anonymous, but whose devotion and funding brought the temple into being. He oversaw every detail with love, good will, and patience. Over eight hundred grateful families will worship on the site.
BIG DAY:

--
few drops of rain followed by brilliant sun opened the day of the procession from the temporary Jain temple to the new four story resplendent marble Jain temple on Ithaca Street. The reception of the idols (Pratimji's Nagar Pravesh) began with 2,000 colourfully dressed Jains dancing and singing hymns through the streets of Elmhurst Queens. The joyous feelings spread to the non-Indian observers lining the route and shouts of "Mahatma Gandhi" were heard by smiling Jains. Shvetambara floats transporting Mahavirswami, Digambara men in saffron with Shri Adinathji, photographs of Shrimad Rajchandra held aloft, and dancing women in lines led the way. At
Jain Centre of New York Opens in Style the head of the procession were the members of the town council, and the president and temple committee members. This temple unites all of the sects under one roof.
On Ithaca Street, the temple began as a one room 'house temple' in 1981 in a 30 by 40 foot living room. The new temple is quite a contrast with16,623 square feet of space. Three container loads of marble sent from India were installed by Polish marble craftsmen. The temple houses a Shri Mahavir Swami Temple, Shri Adinathji Temple, meditation hall with alcove for Shrimad Rajchandra, library, art gallery, computer lab, apartments for visiting scholars and the caretaker, and a Pathshala. A very special
During the Pratistha Mahotsav Celebration (10 June through 19 June, 2005) the Jain community will install blessed idols of past Tirthankaras. Pratishtha is the name given to this holy ceremony. An absolutely essential piece of.. the ceremony is a ritual called Anjan Kriya (smearing of collyrium to the eyes of the image) then the image/ idol is made stationary at a blessed time based on a particular planetary alignment. At the time of the installation hymns will be sung, religious observances will be held. A circle will be completed with the participation of Gurudev Chitrabhanu who in the 1970s along with Gurudev ShriSushilkumarji began to unite the Jain community of the greater New York area. The centre will be happy to welcome Jains from all over the world to share their new home.
NYC ROVING REPORTERS AMY DOSHI, ANN MCCOY AND PHOTOGRAPHER VIJAY SHAH
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NEWS FEATURES
HOW YOU CELEBRATED
Elephants saluting Bhagwan Mahavir
on his Birthday in Patna, India. Photo courtsey : Hindustan (Hindi) News
Paper, Patna dated 23rd April 2005
WIRELESS MESSAGE
INDIA
PATNA (BIHAR) INDIA: The 2604th year of Bhagwan Mahavir Jayanti function was celebrated with gaiety by the Jain Sangh of Patna. Thousands of devotees join in the colourful procession with the tableau display that passed through all the town's major streets in 100 years. There are always celebrations up and down the country, some of the largest in New Delhi, but this year Patna put themselves on the map with a loud and long procession where even elephants bowed down to the Lord!
GOVERNMENT MAVEN PLEASED TO DECLARE APRIL AS MEATLESS DAY ON THE OCCASION OF MARAVIRAYANTI TIROUGHOUT THE STATE THERE WILL NENO SLAUGHTER OF ANIMALS AND SALE OF PESHES IN THE STATE ON OCCASION KINDLY DRBCT ALLMEDOCIPAL CORPORATIONS, NAGAR PARISHAD AND NAGAR PANCHAYATS PALLING UNDER YOUR BURSTON ACCORDINGLY AND ENSURE THAT NO SLAUGHTER TAKES RACE ON THAT DAY)
ORIGO DVD
De 16 A
f cha Police Set t ) Desert
The government decreed the 22 April a meatless day so that no kind of animal or bird would be slaughtered on the auspicious occasion.
ey! DO Wide Ralewala Carded
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of the
WWW IAIN SPIRIT.COM
News by Pradip Jain, Secretary Jain Sangh, Patna, Photos courtesy of Hindustan (Hindi) News Paper, Patna dated 23rd April 2005
C R ETARY GO
DEVILOYD Meroy
Dated Crowded A DEDO ARM All New Pwrithals und Alle Pr
x CANONG
UND DE

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NEWS FEATURES
New Mahavir Mahatma Awards
On the weekend of Mahavir Jayanti the first national Mahavir Mahatma Awards and the launch of The Oneness Forum were held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. The Global Oneness Initiative of the Times Foundation is a prestigious project with a goal of uniting people around the globe for collective actions in order to save not only what we have, but to transform the planet socially and politically, through a process of spiritual awakening. The Mahavir Mahatma Awards are a series of prestigious awards which were declared and presented at district, state and national levels on 22 April by many dignified Chief guests. They included Spiritual Guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Vice-President Shri Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, Home Minister Shri Shivraj Patil, Defence Minister Shri Pranab Mukherjee, Soka Gakkai dignitaries from Japan, industrialist B.K Modi, Shri Mahamantra Das. Musician A. R. Rehman graced the occasion in an illuminating ceremony. The function began with Mahavir Stuti which was followed by prayer offerings to Tulsi. This new project is being promoted particularly to the youth to encourage a feeling of motion into the future.
Mrs. Indu Jain's speech enthralled the audience and urged them to unite in this endeavour of creating oneness not only in small communities but across the globe. She also remarked on the auspicous timing of the event, "For the first time in history, a Sikh Sardar like Mr. M.S.Bitta being a non jain celebrating Mahavir Jayanti was a great step towards Oneness."
Some of the winners included Martha Merchant of Baha'i Foundation, Hiromasa Ikeda on behalf of Dr. Daisaku Ikeda from Soka Gakkai International (SGI), Tushar A. Gandhi from Mahatma Gandhi Foundation, Ranjit Makkuni and Dr. Madhu Khanna from Sacred World Foundation, musician A. R. Rehman, Namman Ji from Oneness University and Shashi Kumar Nair from Mata Amritanandamayi Ashram.
Hiromasa read out Dr. Daisaku Ikeda's acceptance speech and said: "Given the greatness of the two giants whose names adorn this award, its recipient bears an enormous weight of expectation for he or she must be actively engaged in the worthiest of endeavours to establish lasting peace for humanity in the 21st century."
NESS

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ONENES
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UK
Shri Chandana Vidyapeeth School
This year Shri Chandana Vidyapeeth (North London) took the opportunity to have two Mahavir Jayanti celebrations. The first was a 'Jain Nativity' play on Lord Mahavir on 18 March 2005. A packed hall of nearly two hundred adults and children were entertained by history brought to life. Queen Trishala's 14 dreams were enacted with real zest by the SCV children. The superb costumes, with an equally well-decorated stage, made the crowd enthused and delighted by what they experienced!
Another dimension that the play managed to provide was a mixture of tradition with contemporary ideas. The festivities and pomp surrounding this
Education International
Young Jains UK Mahavir Janma Kalyanak was celebrated in true Young Jains style on 30 April 2005, at Canons High School in North London. The evening had a vibrant atmosphere with sound and colour interweaving with certain Jain principles. About sixty volunteers from Young Jains and children of Shri Chandana Vidyapeeth School put together exquisite dances, interactive skits and musical interludes.
Whilst the traditions of more than 2600 years ago were brought to life, the audience of 400 adults and children participated in the modern custom of blowing of candles and cake cutting. All the children and many adults paraded in a Jain flag procession, connecting all the age groups together. Finally, everyone took some cake as "prabhavna".
To remind Jains of the auspicious occasion of the birth of Lord Mahavir everyone was gifted a display card, which outlined important events during the fateful time for the world and Jain Dharma.
JAYNI GUDKA
birthday celebration were accompanied by cake cutting and party poppers; 'Happy birthday to Lord Mahavir' was sung by all present. The evening ended with everyone enjoying some ice cream, food and drink.
Then on the M.J. weekend more than twenty children from Shri Chandana Vidyapeeth also participated in a celebration organised jointly by Mahavir Foundation and Veerayatan UK on Sunday 24 April by reciting verses from the Bhaktamara Sutra.
If you would like to know more about this Jain School (Shri Chandana Vidyapeeth) contact Arti Jain (Head) at arti2000@hotmail.com
Photo overleaf >
NEWS FEATURES
YOUNG JAI
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NEWS FEATURES
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FORTHCOMING EVENTS
forthcoming events
POTTERS BAR TEMPLE OPENING, UK
After years of hard work and planning, Oshwal Association UK are excited to announce the completion of their new Derasar. On behalf of the Association, The Editor of UK's Oshwal News would like to extend his invitation to the 11-day opening celebrations in August 2005.
"The dream has finally turned into reality! Visitors to Oshwal Centre have seen the magnificently carved structure rise up from the ground and take shape into a beautiful home for our Tirthankaras. The Anjan Shalaka ceremonies have taken place under the supervision of our esteemed Maharajsahebs, on 10 May 2005 at Kailanshnagar, District Sirohi, Rajasthan, India. This is a golden opportunity for the young and old alike to make the forthcoming
78
historical occasion a truly magnificent and memorable event."
Here are some of the highlights of the Pratishtha Mahotsav packed programme, 19-29 August 2005.
19-21 August - A play will be performed on the first three days and also daily performance by children from all areas.
Saturday 20 The inauguration of the Kesar Room, among other items.
Wednesday 24- Garbh Gruh Pravesh ceremony (Entrance Ceremony) for seating the Pratimas in the Garbh Gruh (inner sanctum).
Saturday 27 - Pratishtha (Ceremonial Installation) of the Pratimas.
Sunday 28-Dwar Opening (opening of the Main Entrance Door) to the Jinalay (Inauguration ceremony).
For more information contact Sailesh@oshwal.org
4TH INTERNATIONAL PREKSHA MEDITATION CAMP
Preksha International have announced 11 November to 18 November 2005 as the dates of the 4th International Preksha Meditation Camp. Acharya Mahapragya is to lead the eight residential camps; making it a great opportunity to practise Preksha Meditation. It is currently being organised in the Capital of India, New
Delhi at 'Adhyatma Sadhana Kendra'.
Preksha Meditation is the combination of knowledge from Jain ancient religious books, modern science and our experience. It is the practice of purifying our emotions and our conscience (chitta) and realising our own self. Preksha Meditation has proved at panacea for transmutation of thoughts, development of right emotions, positive thoughts and increasing the overall efficiency of mind and body.
Details about the camp and online application form are available from www.preksha.com
TABLA SUMMER CAMP 2005
The Tabla is a pair of drums originating from India. This July and August you can take part in a Tabla Camp where you will learn to play the instrument, develop your confidence, build your communication skills and master your concentration all in one!
Each participant will have 2 sessions a week for 6 weeks. As the camp is for 6 weeks, the participant can monitor their own development. If you would like to join but cannot make the full 6 weeks contact us to discuss an alternative. Everyone is welcome to the camp regardless of age, culture, religion, etc. All you need is a passion to hit the drums. The camp will take place in Harrow and Finchley, London, UK and requires prior registration.
The camp is run by InnerRhythm, who facilitate personal and professional development for musicians. For more information, or to register, please visit www.innerrhythmevents.com or call 020
8930 5948.
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BOOK REVIEWS
book reviews
THE ROUGH GUIDE TO A BETTER WORLD
Two million copies have been published as a project funded by the UK Department for International Development and have been distributed at post offices throughout the UK. You can also download an e-book by visiting www.roughguidebetterworld.com MONICA PERDONI
WRITTEN AND RESEARCHED BY MARTIN WROE AND MALCOM DONEY. ROUGH GUIDES LTD, 2004, PP96 FREE
INWARD AND OUTWARD INVESTMENT: INDIA AND THE UK
This pocket book guide is a unique and essential gem of ethical know-how. Divided into three comprehensive sections, it succinctly reviews the history and present situation of world development; clearly explains how to make a difference and provides an invaluable reference list of resources.
GODLEY & CO, TOTTEL PUBLISHING 2005. PP.340 The book sets out to show how individuals can help in the
£85.00 fight against world poverty. The book achieves even more. It gives hope to the reader. Sometimes, the disparities
Godley & Co, chartered tax advisers, have launched Inward between the rich and the poor in this world of ours can
and Outward Investment: India and the UK, a guide to tax appear so overwhelming that apathy can sink in. Little
and regulatory issues relating to foreign direct investment. changes seem meaningless. How can any action of an individual make any difference to the big picture?
Coinciding with the firm's 20th anniversary, Vipool Shah, This conscientious book challenges
Managing Partner at Godley & Co, has written the user
friendly reference guide and dispels this notion. Open any
with co-author Sapan page, and sections of information are
Parekh, Chief Executive clearly presented. Without getting too
Inward and Outward
Investment: bogged down in the complexities of
of Mumbai-based SKP
Consulting. The book
India and the UK politics, the book explores the crucial
provides a framework of issues of development, yet examines
tax and regulatory issues progressive solutions. Although
applicable in the UK and not shying away from depicting the
India to facilitate the harsh reality of global poverty, The
decision making process Rough Guide adopts a more positive
of investing or establishing approach, in stark contrast to the THE ROUGH GUIDE 10 A
a trade presence. Inward negative angle often taken by the
and Outward Investment: media. The photographs, for example,
India and the UK provides are of uplifting images. Success
a range of specialist titles stories of campaigning and charity
designed to equip legal, AND HOW YOU CAN MAKE A CHFFERENCE work are given too.
accountancy and business DFID =
professionals with the This is what is striking about the book: It takes a positive approach,
speedy information
solutions they need. and offers ethical choices and alternatives when making
The book is available those daily decisions. On reading this book you are left
from business book stores, mail order, or directly from the with the empowering realisation that you really can make
publishers. a difference and contribute to a better world. What are you waiting for?
www.godley.co.uk For Personal & Private Use Only
www.ainelibrary.org
29
Inward and Outward Investment: India and the UK
Viper Shah
Sapon Park
BETTER WORLD
Posted
Tottel
Dublin
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Page #32

BOOK REVIEWS
HISTORICAL DICTIONARY OF JAINISM
MAKING KIND CHOICES
KRISTI L. WILEY. LANHAM, MARYLAND: THE SCARECROW PRESS, 2004, PP. 287, ISBN 0-8108-5051-6 $58.25
BY INGRID NEWKIRK. ST. MARTIN'S GRIFFIN TRADE PAPERBACK ORIGINAL, 2005 CURRENT AFFAIRS, PP496 ISBN: 0-312-32993-8 $13.95
Ingrid Newkirk is the president and founder of PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals). A warm and inspirational writer (and also a faithful advocate of Jainism), Ingrid has produced an excellent guide book on the everyday options we have to be kinder to the world we live in. There is a wide range of topics, from recognising hidden animal ingredients in household products to the harmless way of getting that hairy little spider out of your bath! And as the Dalai Lama says of the book, "acts of kindness, even in the simplest ways, are what make our lives meaningful, bringing happiness to ourselves and others."
NHANCE
CRYDAY WA
LIFE THROU
RTH AND
Other chapters include Cruelty Free Recipes, Volunteering and investing in eco- and animal-friendly companies, Raising animal-friendly kids, Cruelty-free, environmentally friendly gift ideas and Travelling with eco-consciousness. The book is easily digestible as a whole but each section is inclusive and can be referenced to and read individually as the need arises. It is a must have for all modern Jains and Earth friendly people, as it offers real and
KIND practical advice on how to live ahimsa.
URLIFE TH
MAL-FRIR
LIVING
Kristi Wiley's book closes a vast gap in English language publishing on Jainism in providing short explanations of key concepts, texts, ceremonies, places, organisations and biographies of important historical personalities of the Jain tradition in an easily accessible format. In European languages, only Jozef Deleu's Die Mythologie des Jainismus (Stuttgart: Ernst Klett Verlag, 1978) in German language offers a similar format, though being of more limited scope. The Historical Dictionary of Jainism is Volume 53 of the popular Historical Dictionaries of Religions, Philosophies and Movements series edited by Jon Woronoff following the common format of the series. It contains a pronunciation guide, a list of the Shvetambara and Digambara scriptures (including some of the lost scriptures), an introductory essay, a map of major sites, dictionary entries in alphabetical order, and an extensive thematically structured bibliography. Seven appendices offer additional information on the gunasthanas, the pratimas, Jain festivals, and the signs (cognizances') and the birth and nirvana sites and the yaksas/yaksis that are conventionally associated with the twenty-four Tirthankaras. The book will be particularly popular amongst university students. It is also a useful resource for researchers studying Jainism as a living religion, and of course for anyone who is interested in learning more about one of the least studied of the great religious traditions of the world. The only drawback is a consequence of the rigid format of the series: There are no links between individual dictionary entries and the bibliography. The sources of information are therefore not clearly traceable for those who wish to know more about a particular subject. The need for selection of entries inevitably forced compromises upon the author. The missing index makes it very difficult to find, for example, the note on Jain Spirit on p. 252 at first glance, since it is not like The
Jain and The Jain
Digest, listed under HISTORICAL DICTIONARY OF
'Associations of Jains in the Diaspora' but in the Introduction to the Bibliography, which also points to the Centre for Jain Studies at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS). PETER FLUGEL (SOAS)
MAKING
CHOICES
ORYSLE Paul McCartney
Visit the PETA website at www.peta.org. An extract from the book will appear in the next issue of Jain Spirit.
INGRID NEW KIRK
PRESIDENT OF PEOPLE FOR THE ETHICAL TREATMENT OF ANIMALS
REBECCA HOH
PCTA
D
JINISM
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KRISTI L. WILEY

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Jainism is a religion waiting to be reborn, The likelihood, though, is that the rebirth will take place in the West, rather than the East. Throughout the ages, Jainism has always been ahead of itself
Professor Cromwell Crawford
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T: 020 8961 5111 F: 020 8961 5222 W: www.teddy-smith.com
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ain Education International
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JAIN SPIRIT SUTTURIERS
VALUED FINANCIAL SUPPORTERS
We are grateful to all our advertisers, donors and sponsors for their continued support.
FOUNDER PATRONS (Pledges of UK £10,000/US $15,000 or higher)
Mr. Arvind & Mrs. Jaya Shah, Detroit, USA Mrs. Anjani & Late Mr Hasmukhlal Bharmal Shah, Pinner, London, UK Chandaria Family, London, UK Mrs. Hira & Dr. Surendra Sethi, Pittsburgh, USA Mr. Kanji Gangji Shah & Family, London, UK Mr. Keshavji Rupshi Shah & Family, London, UK The late Mrs. Lalitaben Hansraj Shah, London, UK Dr. Mahendra & Dr. Chandra Varia, Kentucky, USA Mr. Meghji Karman Shah & Family, London, UK Dr. Prem & Mrs. Sandhaya Jain, San Francisco, USA Dr. Sulekh & Mrs. Ravi Jain, Houston, USA Mr. Vajabhai Kanji Haria & Family, London, UK Meghraj Charitable Foundation, Jersey, CI The Romeera Foundation, London, UK Anonymous - Various
Saffron and Lotus Sponsorship Schemes In September 2004, Jain Spirit introduced two new sponsorship schemes as part of a 5th Anniversary Appeal. These are the Saffron and Lotus Sponsorship Schemes. Saffron Sponsors generously donate a minimum of £1000 and Lotus Sponsors give a minimum of £500.
INVEST IN THE FUTURE OF YOUR CULTURE
Both Saffron and Lotus Sponsors are acknowledged in 4 issues of Jain Spirit magazine and on www.jainspirit.com for at least a year. Additionally, as a small token of our appreciation, Lotus Sponsors are offered 10 one-year Jain Spirit gift subscriptions, and Saffron Sponsors are offered 20 one-year Jain Spirit gift subscriptions, to share with family, friends and colleagues!
SAFFRON - UK £1000/US $1500 a year (or higher) Mr. Milan & Mrs. Ananti Shah, London, UK Lightways Family, Mombasa, Kenya Anonymous- Various
ur forefathers would invest in the building of temples to ensure that Jainism was carried onto the generations yet to come. In today's busy world the media has become another way in which we can pass on the same beauty and those same values of the culture onto our children.
You can help Jain Spirit, to try to ensure that the ancient values of Jainism stay accessible to young people, by sponsoring an advertisement in the magazine, or by simply making a donation of whatever you can afford.
LOTUS - UK £500/US $750 a year (or higher) Mr. Dipak Mulji Shah, Nairobi, Kenya Mr. Premchand Mulji Shah, London, UK Akshita & Aashmi Shah, Nairobi, Kenya Jaina, Sneha & Sweta Shah, Nairobi, Kenya Dr. Vinay & Mrs. Trushit and Reya Shah, London, UK Mr. Shaileen & Mrs. Harshna Shah, London, UK Messrs. Naresh & Sailesh Shah, Nairobi, Kenya Mr. Rajni Patani, Nairobi, Kenya Mr. Vipul & Mrs. Aarti Haria, Nairobi, Kenya Mahilesh, Raxa, Radha and Anooj Dodhia, Hertfordshire, UK Bhupesh Devraj Shah, London, UK Arun H M Shah, London, UK Mr. Dhiraj D. Shah, Birmingham, UK Anonymous- Various
Although financial support is essential, and highly appreciated by Jain Spirit, we also need lots and lots of help promoting Jain Spirit around the world. Word of mouth marketing is free and great for the environment, so please tell all your friends why they should consider subscribing to Jain Spirit. If you really enjoy the articles and news about Jain values, maybe they would too! If you do need extra subscription forms, just let us know, alternatively, we have an online subscription/renewal facility on the Jain Spirit website www.jainspirit. com. Hope to hear from you soon! As we know that you are all very busy, we have enclosed an envelope addressed to us just to make it easier for you to get in touch!
NEW CITY DEALS JAINS IN THE CITY GET A ONE-YEAR GIFT SUBSCRIPTION • Dr. & Mrs. Parveen Jain and the Jain Centre of Northern California have kindly sponsored a one year (four magazines) gift subscription to all members in the region. • Dr. & Mrs. Jasvant Modi and the Jain Centre of Los Angeles. • Mrs. Shilpa Vimal Mehta in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania Your city should be here! Make it happen and experience the change.
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ain Education International 34
Club Makshar for men only
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With a fresh look at the tale of
n the Jain time cycle, the current their own secondary scriptures, the Tirthankara Malli, SADHVI SHILAPIJI degenerate times of the so-called Anuyogas, from which we get their inspires us to question existing Jain
kaliyuga (the age of vice), or the version of the legend of Mallinath. thought on female liberation.
fifth stage of time (panchamakala), According to this legend, Malli (or rather
dictate that neither man nor woman Mallinath as he is called) was male, a can attain moksha. Yet the issue
member of a royal family, and pursued of women's liberation is still at the the path of a would-be Jina in the pinnacle of differences that divide the same manner as the other Jinas, that modern Jain church.
is, by strictly observing the vows of a
Digambara monk. The debate surrounding the sex of the 19th Tirthankara Malli/Mallinath Our research suggests that for a variety symbolises the great controversy
of reasons, we cannot be confident between the Digambara and
about the originality of the works. Shvetambara sects. The debate
Indeed it is not unlikely that both works signifies the discord that exists between were influenced by the prevailing social these two sects over a major doctrinal conditions and sectarian prejudices of issue: can a woman achieve moksha? the times. Therefore, it seems rather
difficult to say anything with certainty The Digambara sect of Jainism
regarding the authenticity and antiquity vehemently insists that women cannot of the legend of Malli. Nonetheless, attain moksha (emancipation of a soul certain points can be explored. from the cycle of birth and death, also known as samsara), whilst the The first evidence in support of men's Shvetambara sect steadfastly refuses and women's spiritual inequality is to claim exclusively male access to the found in the Prakrit Suttapahuda liberated state (Arhat or Siddha).
ascribed to Kundakunda, one of the
most revered Digambara teachers. The legend of the 19th Tirthankara
He is said to have worked toward Malli/Mallinath is found in the 6th
the beginning of the Christian era. Anga of the Shvetambara canon
Kundakunda propounded that in
order to become a true Jain mendicant, one needs to relinquish not only internal attachments (antar-parigraha), but also all forms of external possessions (bahya-parigraha) including one's clothes. That is
one must assume the state of THE DIGAMBARA SECT OF JAINISM complete nudity (nagnabhava).
24 Thus, Kundakunda made VEHEMENTLY INSISTS THAT
A ascetic nudity an essential WOMEN CANNOT ATTAIN MOKSHA com
ALIAIN MONOSNA component of the path to (EMANCIPATION OF A SOUL FROM THE liberation. When coupled with
CYCLE OF BIRTH AND DEATH, ALSO the Digambara prohibition
KNOWN AS SAMSARA), WHILST THE against women's renunciation SHVETAMBARA SECT STEADFASTLY of clothes, this led to the REFUSES TO CLAIM EXCLUSIVELY
formulation of the doctrine
that a person could not attain MALE ACCESS TO THE LIBERATED moksha while having a female
STATE (ARHAT OR SIDDHA) body (Jaini, 1991).
Nayadhammakahao, which was committed to writing approximately 980 years after the Nirvana of Mahavir. The Shvetambara tradition maintains that Malli was a female.
Alternatively, the Shvetambaras did not consider clothes a
possession (parigraha) but rather an indispensable component of the religious life (dharma-upakarana). Therefore, even though nuns wore clothes in strict accordance with the prohibition against nudity, they were on an equal footing with the monks and were granted the full status of mendicancy. More importantly, however, women were considered eligible to attain moksha in their female bodies - a prospect possible to any nun who was sufficiently spiritually adept. Moksha was therefore not
The Digambara sect staunchly rejects this affirmation as blasphemous and considers it a Shvetambara fabrication to support their theory that a nun can attain moksha. The Digambaras also rejected the authenticity of the Shvetambara scriptures and produced
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based on biological condition nor external possessions but on spiritual development alone.
In response to the Digambara position one may argue that if clothes are a possession and therefore an obstacle to moksha, the same view could perhaps also be applied to a mendicant's other 'possessions'. For example, the same argument could be used against the kamandalu (water pot), seats, whisk brooms and so on, which are considered necessary implements for Digambara monks on to path of liberation.
The Tattvartha defines aparigraha (non-possession) as murccha parigrahah, "possession is attachment" (Tattvarthasutra, 7.12). Therefore if one can have attachment to clothes then one could also presumably develop an attachment to these other implements. Furthermore, possession is seen to be a state of mind. Hence one who has a residual sense of possession can even have attachment for one's body. In that case, even if one is naked, one cannot attain moksha.
This point is highlighted by Sakatayana (814-867 AD), the first effective defender of this debate from the Yapaniya sangha. In Strinirvanaprakarana, verses 27 -35, he states: "clothes are just implements for nuns just as the kamandalu is for Digambara monks, and it is permitted by the lord." Assuming for the sake of argument that nudity is a prerequisite for attaining moksha, Sakatayana goes on to wonder who (once they have reached samyag-darsana or right faith) would be foolish enough not to give up their clothes for attaining the ultimate truth (Strinirvanaprakarana, verse 28).
We must at this point consider whether, if gender was a prerequisite for salvation, the 'wrong' gender was due to papa (negative) karma. In order to understand Jain karmic theory we must examine in detail the type of karma that gives rise to gender. In analysing this theory, we find that emancipation is only possible with complete disassociation of karmic particles from the soul. Jain doctrine propounds that it is karma which obscures the innate characteristics of a jiva, and decides the length, type and attributes of one's life. The Tattvartha-sutra, the Jain text claimed by both sects, refers to three biological genders: male, female and an indeterminate (neuter). Both sects believe that gender is the result of nama karma, the karma which projects the

26
properties of a body (Tattvartha-sutra, 8.12). Of the eight karma, four are considered ghati: they delude the innate properties of the soul and are therefore a hindrance to liberation. The remaining four are aghati, that is, they are related to the material body.
Since nama karma is aghati, one's body, and therefore one's sex, is not an obstruction to liberation. Remarkably though, sexual inclination is not associated with nama karma but is a property of mohaniya karma (ghati karma) called vedas. A man's desire for a woman is known as pumveda, male libido, and a woman's desire for a man is striveda (Tattvartha-sutra, 8.10). Therefore, it is sexual desire, and not sexual gender, that is the hindrance to liberation.
Sakatayana maintains that sexual desire is the same in both man and woman, similar to passions, anger, pride and other weaknesses. The famous Digambara Acharya Sivakoti goes further in his Bhagavati Aradhna (987-996) by saying that "the faults that are indicated in women are also noted in men, perhaps in greater quantity as they are more powerful." Since sexual desire is equal in both genders, there is little point in concluding that striveda exclusively is a hindrance to liberation. Umasvati also notes that "One can get salvation from any of the gender (linga)." (Tattvartha-sutra, 10.7).
Digambaras argue that by linga here, Umasvati does not refer to gender but to veda in determining salvation (Sarvarthasiddhi, commentary; sutra 10.7). In any case, both they and the Shvetambaras agree that in the eighth gunasthana one loses all sexual inclination, therefore presumably it is arguable that in the end veda makes no difference to the process of final liberation (Tattavartha-sutra, p. 289).
In the end, it should not be forgotten that for Jains the question of salvation in this era is purely academic. Perhaps for this reason, and this reason alone, there has been so much debate on the subject.
In the quest for doctrinal superiority within the Jain church, the question of nudity has been given prominence by the Digambaras. They claimed supremacy by preaching that only nude mendicants had access to liberation. One can therefore possibly understand discrimination within the Digambara church where male superiority is explicitly preached as doctrine.
Yet strangely, one finds that even within the Shvetambara sect, which gives women equality on ecclesiastical grounds and preaches that a woman was the founder of the Church, there is much discrimination within the monastic tradition. Nuns are seen as inferior to their male counterparts - never allowed to sit, preach or discuss doctrine in front of a monk. In the history of the Jain church, they have never been given the higher position of Acharya and Suri and are even forbidden to read certain scriptures. (An exception here is Acharya Shri Chandanaji, who was given this title in 1987). Therefore, we can conclude that over the course of time the order founded by Mahavir has embraced the social weaknesses of its environment and that perhaps even the Shvetambara promotion of women's liberation has become mere rhetoric.
In the end, there is little doubt that the legend of Malli/Mallinath embodies the issues surrounding the debate of the liberation of women in the Jain tradition. The Shvetambaras, as supporters of this issue, could not manifest her uniqueness within their church, and we find Malli drowned in the huge volumes of stories within Jain literature. For the Digambaras, since Mallinath is simply one of the twenty-four Tirthankaras, with little to differentiate him from the remainder, the question of exclusive promotion does not arise. Hence although the legend of Malli/Mallinath doctrinally epitomises a major issue, that of gender and salvation - it does little to add to, or detract from, the debate. Ultimately, each version of the legend is simply a reflection of faith..
A disciple of Acharya Shri Chandanaji, Sadhvi Shilapiji works for the charitable causes of Veerayatan. The above excerpt was adapted from her Master's Dissertation, written for King's College, London. She currently lives in Jakhania, Kutch, in the state of Gujarat, India.
SOURCES CITED: Tattvartha-Sutra of Umasvati, Ed, Hindi trans. Sanghvi, 1951. English trans. Nathamal Tatia, 1994.
Jaini, Padmanabh. S. Gender & Salvation. New Delhi, University of California Press. 1991.

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GJ
www.JAINSPIRIT.COM
FEATURES
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In this exclusive and unprecedented investigation, HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH reveals the hidden human violence that plagues the US meat packing industry
T
The Jain dharma occupies a unique position among the world's religions in its unwavering advocacy of universal ahimsa. Followers attempt to practise non-violence toward all living creatures. The greatest contribution of this central tenet is subtle and simple. Seek and question the varied - and often hidden - ways in which we perpetuate violence through our thoughts, speech and action, ahimsa implores us. Then act to minimise these forms of violence.
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In this spirit of ahimsa, Human Rights Watch (HRW) has begun to uncover and take action against the unseen human violence of the notoriously secretive US meat packaging industry. The immediate suffering is apparent: millions of animals are slaughtered yearly for human Ja EduConsumption. What remains deliberately
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OF MEAT AND MEN:
HUMAN VIOLENCE IN THE US MEAT PACKING INDUSTRY
xx7
hidden is the daily violence perpetuated against the industry's human victims: the thousands of workers who are killed, maimed or injured each year in an attempt to slaughter, clean and package the animal carcasses. And the violence, it can be argued, is not simply physical. Workers are often subjected to human rights violations qua violations of workers' organising and association rights, and their ability to obtain adequate injury compensation.
Below are selected portions of the HRW report, BLOOD, SWEAT AND FEAR: Workers' Rights in US Meat and Poultry Plants, which shed light on the physical human violence in the industry.
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Workers in American beef, pork and poultry slaughtering and processing plants perform dangerous jobs in difficult conditions. Dispatching the non-stop tide of animals and birds arriving on plant kill floors and live hang areas is in itself hazardous and exhausting labour. After slaughter, the carcasses hurl along evisceration and disassembly lines as
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workers hurriedly saw and cut them at unprecedented volume and pace.
8
What once were hundreds of heads processed per day are now thousands; what were thousands are now tens of thousands per day. One worker described the reality of the line in her foreman's order: "Speed, Ruth, work for speed! One cut! One cut! One cut for the skin; one cut for the meat. Get those pieces through!" Another said: "People can't take it, always harder, harder, harder! [mas duro, mas duro, mas duro!]."
In Blood, Sweat and Fear we focus on workers' rights violations in the beef, pork and poultry slaughtering and processing industry. The report concentrates on workplace health and safety, workers' compensation, workers' organising rights, and the status of immigrant workers because our research uncovered systemic violations in these areas. The report draws from research, interviews and visits in 2003 and 2004 to three geographic centres of the industry: Omaha, Nebraska for beef; Tar Heel, www.jainelibrary.or

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FEATURES
artuts designaol.com Joanne Wood, Eme
Photo
North Carolina for pork; and Northwest Arkansas for poultry. Although major areas of beef, pork and poultry production
working in a meat or poultry plant. Their accounts of life in the factories graphically explain those injuries. Automated lines
NEARLY EVERY WORKER INTERVIEWED FOR THIS REPORT BORE PHYSICAL SIGNS OF A SERIOUS INJURY SUFFERED FROM WORKING IN A MEAT OR POULTRY PLANT.
often forced to work long overtime hours under pain of dismissal if they refuse. Almost every worker began with the story
of a serious injury he or she suffered in a meat or poultry plant, injuries reflected in their scars, swellings, rashes, amputations, blindness or other afflictions. At least they survived.
exist in other parts of the United States, these three locations were selected for the geographic diversity among them and their reflection of each of the three major product segments in the industry.
carrying dead animals and their parts for disassembly move too fast for worker safety. Repeating thousands of cutting motions during each work shift puts enormous traumatic stress on workers' hands, wrists, arms, shoulders and backs. They often work in close quarters creating additional dangers for themselves and co-workers. They often receive little training and are not always given the safety equipment they need. They are
On 9 October 2003, thirtyone-year-old Jason Kelly was repairing leaks in a 'hydrolyser equipment used to process chicken feathers to make a
pet-food additive at Tyson Foods' River Valley animal feed plant in Texarkana, Texas. The hydrolyser was leaking hydrogen sulphide, a poisonous gas created by decaying organic matter According to an OSHA [Occupational Safety and Health Administration) investigator's report, Tyson did not give Kelly respiratory gear to guard against inhalation of the poison, failed to label hazardous chemicals and failed to train workers how to detect those chemicals in
Working in the meat packing or poultry processing industry is notoriously dangerous. Nearly every worker interviewed for this report bore physical signs of a serious injury suffered from
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www.ncbrary.org
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FEATURES
in case of a leak. Kelly died of asphyxiation, according to a coroner's report, due to "acute hydrogen sulphide intoxication." Tyson is contesting an OSHA citation and fine in connection with Kelly's death, arguing that the cause of death has not been conclusively determined.
Five weeks after Kelly's death, on the morning of 20 November 2003, twentyfive-year-old Glen Birdsong was working alone cleaning a holding tank near the loading dock at the Smithfield Foods hog processing plant in Tar Heel, North Carolina. The tank held Mucosa mixed with sodium bisulphite intended for use as a clotting medicine ingredient. The hose Birdsong was using got caught in the tank. Birdsong climbed down a ladder to free the hose. Co-workers later found him at the bottom of the ladder unconscious and not

breathing. Attempts to resuscitate him failed. He died overcome by fumes inside the tank. "They didn't tell him about the dangers, and they didn't give him a safety belt to get pulled out of there in case he fell in," co-workers told Human Rights Watch.
Anecdotal evidence of the dangers in meat and poultry plants is backed up by hard numbers. The industry has the highest rate of injury and illness in the manufacturing sector. As one Nebraska expert explains: "Despite the hardhats, goggles, earplugs, stainless-steel mesh gloves, plastic forearm guards, chain-mail aprons and chaps, leather weightlifting belts, even baseball catcher's shin guards and hockey masks... the reported injury and illness rate for meat packing was a staggering 20 per hundred full-time workers in 2001. This is two-and-ahalf times greater than the average manufacturing rate of 8.1, and almost four times more than the overall rate of 7.4 for private industry.
A special investigative report in 2003 by the Omaha World-Herald documented deaths, lost limbs and other serious injuries in Nebraska meat packing industry plants since 1999. Much of the evidence involved night shift cleaners, most of them undocumented workers.
OSHA
documents dryly
Photo Joanne Wood Email: futsdesign@aol.com
recorded what happened:
"Cleaner killed when hog-splitting saw is activated."
"Cleaner dies when he is pulled into a conveyer and crushed."
"Cleaner loses legs when a worker activates the grinder in which he is standing."
"Cleaner loses hand when he reaches under a boning table to hose meat from chain."
"Hand crushed in rollers when worker tries to catch a scrubbing pad that he dropped."
In all, the report concluded, nearly one hundred night shift cleaning workers in the state meat packing industry suffered amputations and crushing of body parts in the period (1999-2003) reviewed by the investigative team. These severe injuries are just the tip of an iceberg of thousands of lacerations, contusions, burns, fractures, punctures and other forms of what the medical profession calls traumatic injuries, distinct from the endemic phenomenon in the industry of repetitive stress or musculoskeletal injury..
To read more about human rights violations in the US meat packaging industry, and the recommendations put forward to end such violence, please visit www.hrw.org/reports/2005/usa0105/
Human Rights Watch is an independent, non-governmental organisation, dedicated
to protecting the human rights of people around the world. Founded in 1978; it is the largest US based human rights organisation.

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FEATURES
Photo
Joanne Wa
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RAW FOODS
AND THE JAIN DHARMA
bio-data or observe the average child explaining what Jain Dharma entails to their non-Jain friends, the weight that is carried in being a vegetarian in the Jain community is clearly recognised. This emphasis on being vegetarian has produced considerable results: a tightknit community and a high success rate of passing values down generations. However, this precise focus on our concept of what a vegetarian is has also shifted the focus from 'what we can eat' to 'what we don't eat'.
Dhrumil Purohit carves a connection between our physical and spirital sustenance
The word vegetarian stems from the Greek word vegetas, which means 'full of the breath of life'. The Sanskrit word for vegetarian is shakahari. Ahara means 'food' and shaka means 'vegetable'. As the word vegetarian evolved, the cultural meaning shifted from 'someone who eats vegetables to the present definition of 'someone who doesn't eat meat'. The difference in meaning has caused a societal shift in focus from eating foods 'full of the breath of life' -also known as raw-plant food- to eating anything but meat'. The impact of eating anything but meat' is larger than one may think. Highly processed, reheated, long shelf-life, over oiled and over cooked vegetarian foods have become staples of the average Jain family's diet. It is easy to forget that cooking and food
www.jainelibrary.
ractitioners of Jain Dharma have long observed dietary consciousness as a vehicle for practising the vows
of simplicity (aparigraha), restraint (saiyam) and peace (ahimsa). The most common dietary distinction practised by Jains has been the practice of living as a vegetarian. This practice has become such a part of the Jain culture that it is often the most recognised religious distinction by both Jains and non-Jains alike. Whether you look at the plethora of Jain matrimonial
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enjoy. The most effective place to start though, is also the area on which most individuals are missing out the beautiful world of green-leafy vegetables. The alkalising and energising properties of raw, green-leafy vegetables such as kale collards, romaine lettuce, water cress, spinach and chard can do magnificent wonders for any diet. Whether juiced or eaten in a salad, daily intake of greenleafy vegetables is known to rebalance pH levels, clear the lymphatic system, build hydrochloric acid levels in the stomach (digestive fire and provide an abundance of minerals and nutrients that combat habits of overeating.
processing were simply tools humans minerals, enzymes and vitamins because used to survive challenging situations. it has not been denatured by heat. Much in the same way that a hammer Although cooking is a very useful tool, is a tool, cooking was a tool used to get its heavy incorporation into our modern through droughts, preserve food for long diet has caused a backlash of disease travel, concentrate calories and prevent for our bodies. One hundred years the ingestion of bacteria during rainy ago, however, the average amount of seasons. At present, cooking is primarily calories an individual consumed was used as a tool to enhance taste and significantly lower. This allowed the create convenience. As the percentage body to have ample time to process the of cooked and processed foods has food and detoxify faster even though rapidly increased, the healing power of the majority of individuals were cooking the vegetarian diet has been dramatically their food. There were also fewer affected. No longer are vegetarians hormones, pesticides and processed oils experiencing levels of health they once being used which caused less adverse enjoyed. Heart disease, diabetes,
reactions and allergies. Individuals, who high blood pressure, obesity and other survived primarily on a diet of all cooked ailments are starting to become just as foods, including many monks, were able common among vegetarians as among to retain excellent health because the non-vegetarians, and in some cases, amount of food they were consuming more common.
was so small. By practising caloric
restriction, they effectively kept their By conservative estimates, 70% of body light and clean. disease is diet-related. Adding lifestyle factors such as exposure to pollutants The return to a diet abundant in rawand variations in exercise, estimates plant food not only has health benefits run as high as 95%. Daily ailments that but environmental and spiritual ones as society has learned to accept, such as well. Karma is the supreme law of the backaches, headaches, colds, cough universe and the energy an individual and fatigue are directly correlated to puts out always returns. The waste our diet and the incorporation, or lack, produced by packing, the deforestation
produced by consuming "NO LONGER ARE dairy, the pollution
produced by processing VEGETARIANS
plants, the pesticides EXPERIENCING from high-tech farming
are all slowly returning LEVELS OF HEALTH home. There was once
a time when humanity THEY ONCE
used to throw things ENJOYED."
away' and now away has gone away. Spiritually, over-consumption:
food cravings and of raw-plant food. Even nutritionists, indulgence move us away from simplicity doctors and scientists are starting to (aparigraha) and restraint (saiyam). take note. Every week modern science Foods that radiate low vibrating energy verifies something new about the healing also take their toll on mental states as properties of raw fruits, vegetables, nuts well. They can cause individuals to be and seeds. Arugula for its antioxidant more aggressive, inconsiderate, upset properties, cucumber to cleanse the and depressed kidney, hemp seeds for omega 3, green vegetable juice for ulcers; the list goes When most individuals think about on and on. It is far from coincidence that incorporating raw-plant food into their the most healing food on the planet is diet, even vegetarians, they have a hard raw-plant food.
time seeing how raw-foods could be
sustaining enough for an entire meal. To understand why raw-plant food is They can't imagine eating anything so powerful, one must understand what other than carrots, broccoli and celery happens to food when it is cooked. with dip. So what does one eat? The When food is exposed to temperatures beauty about raw-plant food is that above 115° F, the minerals, enzymes incorporating it into your current diet can and vitamins are slowly denatured, be as simple or as complex as you would proteins begin to coagulate and heated like it to be. You can pick up an apple, fats turn carcinogenic. Raw-plant food, banana or melon or, for heartier dishes compared to processed and cooked there are outstanding books on recipes
counterparts, is richer in absorbable that any person, vegetarian or not, would
Culturally, Jains have had some challenges with incorporating raw-plant food into their diet. Traditionally, Jains have abstained from eating green-leafy vegetables during the monsoon season, because of the proliferation of insect life on plants. During this time one can feel free to increase intake of other raw-plant food to give the body an opportunity to rest through fasting. Another challenge has been the destruction of bacteria. Jains believe that cooking food will allow the bacteria to be destroyed in the cooking process and prevent their atma from conducting additional himsa. While there is nothing wrong with this approach, one may also consider that over-consumption of cooked and processed foods causes acidic environments in the body that attract and encourage bacteria to proliferate. Eating raw-plant food will prevent the attraction of bacteria by creating an oxygen rich environment of nutrients and minerals.
"You are what you eat" may sound a bit cliché; however, the energy we take in can't help but become a part of the energy we represent. We no longer live in the age of wish-giving trees (kalpavrikshas). However, the legacy of abundance that these trees left behind is still very present. Enjoy the abundance with every bite you take.
Dhrumil Purohit is founding principle of Dharmaboost Inc., editor of the raw-food weblog, welke traw.com, and has been eating a diet of 100% raw-organic, fruits murs, vegetables and seeds for four and a half years
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www.JAINSPIRIT.COM
QUOTES & QUIPS
Quotes.
Quips
Those who have conquered the self have conquered everything. Uttaradhyayan 9-36
Man's needs are infinite and infinitude can be achieved only in the spiritual realm, never in the material. E.F. Schumacher, British economist
All rules for study are summed up in this one: Learn only in order to create. Friedrich Schelling
It is sinful to utter harsh language or words. Hence one should not use them to hurt others, even if they are true. Dasvaikalik 7-11
And yet the historian is obliged to choose: The use of language forbids him to be neutral. Carr, "What is History?"
Questions of science, science and progress, could not speak as loud as my heart. Cold Play, "Scientist"
...IF YOU CAN DREAM - AND NOT MAKE DREAMS YOUR MASTER;
IF YOU CAN THINK - AND NOT MAKE THOUGHTS YOUR AIM; IF YOU CAN MEET WITH TRIUMPH AND DISASTER AND TREAT THOSE TWO IMPOSTERS JUST THE SAME;... YOURS IS THE EARTH AND EVERYTHING THAT'S IN IT AND WHICH IS MORE YOU'LL BE A MAN, MY SON! Rudyard Kipling, "I"
A drop of dew remains suspended on the tip of a blade of grass just for a moment. Human life is just like that. Therefore, O Gautam! Do not be careless even for a moment. Uttaradhyayan 10-2

44
PEOPLE DON'T TALK ABOUT THE SOUL VERY MUCH ANYMORE. IT'S SO MUCH EASIER TO WRITE A RÉSUMÉ THAN TO CRAFT A SPIRIT. BUT A RÉSUMÉ IS A COLD COMFORT ON A WINTER NIGHT, OR WHEN YOU'RE SAD, OR BROKE, OR LONELY, OR WHEN YOU'VE GOT BACK THE TEST RESULTS AND THEY'RE NOT SO GOOD. Anna Quindlen
Life is filled with terrible misfortune, most of which never happens. Michel de Montaigne
Recall the face of the poorest and weakest man whom you have seen and ask yourself if the next step you contemplate is going to be of any use to him. Mahatma Gandhi
The reasonable man adapts himself to the world. The unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore, all progress depends on the unreasonable man. George Bernard Shaw
The language used with the intention of anger, ego, deceit, greed, attachment, hatred, jest, fear, imagination and violence is regarded as untrue language. Prashna Vyakran
Where the clear stream of reason has not lost its way into the dreary desert sand of dead habit; Where the mind is led forward by thee into ever-widening thought and action...
Into that heaven of freedom, my Father, let my country awake. "Mind Without Fear" Gitanjali, Rabindranath Tagore
Fellow citizens...
...today our freedom came under attack in a series of deadly terrorist acts...
our military is powerful, and it's prepared. We will make no distinction between terrorists and those who harbor them...
...we stand together to win the war against terrorism....
...none of us will ever forget these attacks, this day of tragedy.
God bless America.
CUTI
That's a wrap
Finally.
Let me come touch
up your blush, Mr. President!
You don't think a darker blue tie would Good job with the have looked better? teleprompter this time Mr. President
SPEECH TO THE NATION Oval Office, Washington DC, September 11, 2001
Brothers and sisters of America...
...religion teaches the world both tolerance and universal acceptance..
..but violence fills the earth, drenches it with human blood, sends whole nations to despair...
we can together end all persecutions by the sword...
...I hope we never forget this convention, this day of joy..
God bless America.
LAP
CLAP CLAP
CLAP
t
CLAP
CLAP
WELCOME ADDRESS World's Parliament of Religions Chicago, September 11, 1893
CLAP

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LIFESTYLE
THE NATURE OF THE UNIVERSE
JAIN SPIRIT INTERVIEWS NATURE LOVE, AN EVERYDAY BEING AND HERO
Nature Love's progression as a soul in this universe has been nothing short of one large synchronistic event. From his dreams of being vegetarian as a child to his newfound family role as a modern Shaman and mentor to Jain youth, Nature has always experienced gravitation toward the highest vibrating energy epicentres. His childhood story is one filled with observations of tremendous suffering outside the home (murders, fights, drugs), and tremendous experiences of love inside the home. Though these experiences led him on many bumpy roads, he has come back to square one, enlightening his family, the African American community and the Jains he once used to read about in text books.
: Your life is filled with to challenge the 'system'. Along with so many interesting that challenge though, a lot of violence juxtapositions. The was brought into the picture...murders merger of violence and and drugs and just events that would
compassion is one that really make me question humanity at a comes to mind. Could you give us young age. Q: Would it be fair to say some examples of how violence that your extended family members showed up in your earlier years? were using violent methods to A: On my father's side, my family, protest social injustice? If so, how specifically my cousins, had a history did you come full circle to using of being bank robbers in the Delaware ahimsa to promote daily peace area. They identified themselves as and understanding? A: Yes, totally. Black Panthers, but their violence was Back then the logo for their movement not consistent with the Black Panther was a sawed-off shotgun and a black mentality. It was popular all around the fist. Unfortunately that's all they knew. United States for young black people Everyone, including our own community

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members, was afraid of these individuals. My parents, however, never participated in any violent actions or associated themselves with what was going on. They were very clear about keeping me away from any of that energy. In fact, they stood up as positive examples, heroes for the community. I can remember being occasionally woken up at 2 or 3 AM by my parents because they heard that someone needed help in a domestic violence situation or that their kids were not being treated properly. My parents were very loving that way. They would do these things because they saw it as their duty to be community citizens. With regards to the Black Panthers, while I don't condone the violence that my extended family participated in, I do respect the desire for things to change. When I combined that mentality with the teachings of non-violence from my family, I started to see how I enjoyed standing up for the underdog and teaching individuals. Q: One of the pivotal points of your life was when you became vegetarian. Could you tell us more about how that happened? Is it true that in your early teens you started having dreams about being a vegetarian? A: Yes. When I was thirteen years old, I started having dreams about just eating fruits and vegetables. They would just happen over and over again. It was really weird for me because I had never even heard of the word vegetarian. I didn't even know anyone that didn't eat meat. After my dreams I would wake up in the middle of the night and go to look in the mirror and just look at myself for a few minutes. Looking back on it, what I feel my soul was doing was contemplating its identity and saying that this is what I want to be. I eventually went to a dictionary and looked up what a vegetarian was and it said it was someone who didn't eat meat, fish, dairy or eggs. So I said, "Yeah, this is what I want to be." I pretty much ate any vegetables and fruits I could get my hands on. My mom would just buy an extra bag of carrots or apples and I would eat that for an entire meal. Q: What internal thoughts and ideas made you feel you wanted to change your name? A: I was born Darrell Lamont Hubbard and from a young age it was instilled in me that the surname Hubbard was a slave owner's surname from many generations ago. A few of my family members had changed their names as a way to signal their intent of moving away from societal constraints and shackles. I chose to change my name because it was an energy that I didn't feel represented me adequately. The reason I chose Nature as a first name was because I felt anything in the universe could be called Nature; from the tiniest particle to our entire planetary system. I was signalling that the energy in me was the nature of the universe. I chose Love as the second part of my name because I wanted to represent unbiased compassion. Now I have my days and get upset at times, but that was the embodiment of what I wanted to become. My name will always serve as a reminder of the larger energy force that is inside us all. Q: How did you first encounter the teachings of Jain Dharma? A: In 1994 I bought an encyclopaedia on religion, and when I got to the different religions in India I just remember Jain Dharma as one of the practices that really amazed me. It sounded so consistent in regards to how someone could go about their way of life. It was just very fascinating that there could be an entire community that lived that way. After I met local Jain youth and became friends with them, I started working with them to share what knowledge and experiences I had. I attended Jain conventions and other community events. I feel appreciative for their ancestors' teachings and I see this as a way of me being able to give back for what I have received.
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Photo: Dhrumil Purohit

ucation International

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LIFESTYLE
RECIPES
EGGLESS, VEGAN, RAW
EGGLESS: EGGLESS PUMPKIN PIE (Recipe Courtesy of Hasmita Parekh)
VEGAN: MRS. JAINFIELD'S VEGAN CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES (Recipe Courtesy of Hasmita Parekh)
Makes 8 servings.
Makes 30 cookies.
CRUST 2.5 cups plain flour 1/2 teaspoon salt 3/4 cup solid white Crisco (vegetable shortening) 6-7 tablespoons cold water
Directions: 1. Refrigerate Crisco for 30 minutes 2. Mix flour and salt in large bowl 3. Mix in Crisco with pastry blender or spoon (do not use hands) 4. Mix in water 1 tablespoon at a time 5. Gently make into ball (do not knead) 6. Refrigerate for 30 minutes 7. Roll dough to fit 9" pie dish 8. Press into pie dish 9. Use fork to make holes in centre
INGREDIENTS: 1 cup (2 sticks) softened vegan soy margarine 1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar 4 tablespoons cornstarch 1/2 cup soy milk 2 tablespoons soy yogurt 2 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract 2.5 cups whole-wheat flour 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 twelve-ounce bag semisweet vegan chocolate chips
FILLING 3/4 cup sugar 1/2 teaspoon salt 2.5 teaspoon Pumpkin Pie Spice (or 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger, 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves) 4 tablespoons cornstarch 15 oz pure canned pumpkin 12 oz Carnation evaporated milk
Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 350° F. 2. Cream together margarine and sugar until thoroughly blended. Add cornstarch, milk, yogurt and vanilla in a large bowl. 3. In another bowl, mix together the flour, salt, baking powder and baking soda. 4. Slowly combine wet and dry ingredients. 5. Stir in chocolate chips. 6. With fingers, place golf ball-sized dough 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet. 7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or just until edges are light brown.
Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 425° F. 2. Mix sugar, salt, spices, cornstarch in large bowl 3. Stir in pumpkin gradually 4. Stir in evaporated milk 5. Place filling into 9" pie crust 6. Bake for 15 minutes at 425° F. 7. Reduce temperature to 350° F. and bake for additional 40-50 minutes 8. Cool and refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving.
TIPS: Do not cook for more than 12-15 minutes. Cookies will continue to cook even after removed from oven.
*TIE DIRIT.COM
Jain Ede
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EGGLESS PUMPKIN PIE TIPS:
Handle pie crust dough as little as possible with hands. The heat from the hands ruins the texture of the dough. Before measuring Crisco or margarine, place parchment paper or foil in measuring cup. Cups are much easier to clean that way!

LIFESTYLE
Photo Courtesy of Hasmita Parekh
www.JAINSPIRIT.COM
www.ainelibrary.org 49

Page #52

WWW.IAINSPIRIT COM
LIFESTYLE
RAW: CAROB MOUSSE PIE
(Recipe Courtesy of www.rawlifeline.com)
CRUST
2 cups shredded coconut
1/2 cup pitted dates
Directions:
Place in food processor until mixture holds together. Press into pie plate.
FILLING
2 avocados
1 cup carob
1/2 cup agave nectar (honey substitute)
pinch of sea salt
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 cup coconut
Directions:
Place in food processor until smooth. Place in crust. Refrigerate 3 hours and
enjoy.
RAW: HEMP KALE SALAD (Recipe Courtesy of www.rawlifeline.com)
INGREDIENTS:
1 head chopped kale
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup favourite spice mix 1 cup chopped red peppers
1 table spoon of hemp seeds pinch of sea salt
Directions:
Chop Kale into bite size pieces. Massage all ingredients together until
kale is soft. Let it stand in refrigerator for 20 minutes and enjoy.
ain Education International
Photos Courtesy of www.rawlifeline.com
Photos Courtesy of www.rawlifeline.com

Page #53

Celebrating
25 years OYSLEEP
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Page #54

photo: "Slippers' Tony Ingram
DEEPA PANCHAMIA'S
TEXTILE STRUCTURES
Combining natural materials with experimental pleating techniques, fabric artist DEEPA PANCHAMIA describes how Jainism has helped her become one of London's most innovative young fashion designers.
disappear and I become entirely absorbed in my work. I find the whole exercise of creating therapeutic and relaxing - it is a complete escape from the outside world. To create something gives you a satisfying feeling; the whole experience from the beginning to end is peaceful and exciting."
rom a very young age Deepa has always loved art, a discipline that engages and stimulates her mind. Having come from a Jain
background, she has been greatly influenced by the practice of meditation. "When I create, my mind frame completely
changes. All external thoughts and worries
Deepa's work transcends the traditional boundaries of sculpture, fashion and functional art. She manipulates her structures to produce installations for interior spaces as in her 'Hollow Towers' and
Box Pocket' hangings alongside inventive headwear and wearable art.

Page #55

ART & LITERATURE
translation into fabric is a prime concern. Through material investigation and her own experimental techniques, Deepa allows the structure to evolve through a series of stages, making the fabric and form equally expressive.
Her aim has always been to create beautiful yet interesting forms of work. Each unique piece is double-sided and therefore can be viewed from any and every perspective. The transparency of the fabrics allow the interior formation to be revealed, creating an engaging relationship between the exterior and interior surfaces. She intentionally uses a limited range of subtle colours that create shadows on the surface, adding to the linear motion and enhancing the structure.
- consisting of a labyrinthine formation in the interior that mesmerise the viewers. Some people come and lay down for hours, escaping their reality. Her smaller suspended forms float above, yet when worn as headwear the aptly named 'snoods' act as a shield and enclose the wearer. The snoods explore the concept of comfort and isolation, protecting the wearer from the outside world. As a collection, a combination of rhythmic structures with subtle colours, Deepa's work radiates a natural quality that is calming and relaxing.
Deepa feels it is important for all people to engage in some form of creative activity. "It allows the mind to breathe and the soul to express itself." Recently Deepa spent three months in India volunteering at Veerayatan Vidyapeeth in Jakhania, Kutch, where she ran arts and craft workshops for children. The children had a strict schedule in which their typical day consisted of school, tuition and homework. Therefore the arts and craft activities in the evenings were extremely beneficial.
"It was
Shells have been her main source of inspiration. Elements of the shells' textures, tones and structures are explored where the
Deepa's exhibitions and installations present an intriguing environment of suspended structures that fully engage the viewer. "I want people to interact with my work through visual experience and explore the tactile qualities." Visitors are drawn to the soft flowing qualities of the 'Box Pocket' hangings, and are compelled to feel inside the 800-900 tiny-pocketed constructions. Deepa encourages viewers to lie down and experience her art works from all perspectives. The "Hollow Towers' are especially intriguing
'WW.JAINSPIRIT.COM
photo: 'Snood' Tony Ingram Jain Education Interational
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.berg

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AT & LITERATURE
MER
Website: www.pbase.com/singlo Photo: Sing Lo. Email: singhonlodhotmail.com
TED
for them to express their emotions and simply enjoy themselves. What I love about art is that there is no right or wrong - the whole exercise is very personal, and yet it can bring people together."
Design Centre, London (July 2004) and 'Swatch Alternative Fashion Week, London (Mar 2005). You can contact her at deepapanchamia@yahoo.co.uk
comforting to know that the children were going to sleep in a relaxed state of mind rather than with the school textbook." The children made puppets, drawings and paintings, which channelled and stimulated their energies in a constructive way. All of them were extremely enthusiastic and excited. "When creating, I did not want to restrict the children and allowed them to be as imaginative and inventive as
they wanted. It was a real opportunity ain Education International
Deepa graduated with a First Class Honours in Decorative Arts from Nottingham Trent University. Her exhibitions include "Deepa Panchamia: Pleated Structures at Fabrications Gallery, London (Sept 2004): 'New Designers 2004 at Business
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Education International
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Page #58

ART & LITERATURE
INFLUENCED BY THE TEACHINGS OF AHIMSA AND ANEKANTVADA, ACCLAIMED WRITER ANDREW SAITO ATTEMPTS TO SPREAD LOVE INSPIRATION AND PEACE THROUGH POETRY AS YOU READ THE SELECTIONS BELOW, WE WELCOME YOU TO DISCOVER THE WAYS IN WHICH THIS WRITER INFUSES THE SPIRIT OF JAINISM INTO THE MOST UNEXPECTED SUBJECTS AND MEDIUMS.
I used to say your hands had too many veins I used to call them scary and ugly
INTERVIEW
But I always loved them
Because they were warm Because they were soft Because they were you
The NewsHour reporter gray-haired in khakis spoke while strolling with a woman who lost her hand to a dull blade she told of her son who drew dinosaurs his bones now lie with their fossils her daughter who liked to sing machetes slit open her songs
Your hands the first to clutch me at my birth My hands the last to hold you at your death
If you meet this woman on a sunburnt street in Kigali invite her to tea and watch the steam soothe over her wrinkles too many at thirty-two
Your veins atrophied into a disappearing act I.V.s drilled into your skin and for tattoos you wore bruises
Can you find the corner of her smile as she tastes the canned pineapple you brought on the airplane
ODE TO MY MOTHER'S HANDS
Can you hear a hint of laughter as she watches the dumb chicken run away from her afternoon shadow
But these hands were still yours still warm still soft still you
Search for these mere seconds and hold them they will fortify you as you listen to her sing her daughter's favorite song they will be your salve when her voice grows still
With your nails glossed and trimmed I understood the purpose of a ring
And your hands made the I.V.s immaculate
Recall her face when you disembark from your return flight as you grab hold of plastic handles and hoist your luggage from the conveyor belt
WWW IAIN SPIRIT COM
And to the bruises they gave beauty
andrew p. saito 30 august 2000 9:21pm, fsm café 11:17 pm, kingman hall 19
Remember the water that welled in her eyes and disappeared when she showed you the drawing of a stegosaur folded and refolded
a hundred times For Personal & Private Use Only

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iStockphoto.com/uploaded by member: "wadders' Nicola Wadowski
SPECIAL REPORT
Ten years after the event NewsHour airs a special report on the anniversary of the genocide Let us plant tin crosses rusted over with question marks Let us read from a leather-bound bible the Gideons place them even here
I sit upstairs in a wood-floored kitchen home to imported teas and frozen berries halfway across the world from the mass graves the thousand skulls that line the walls of a church christened slaughterhouse christened memorial
LONE TREE
Gahwiji
POEM FOR ISRAEL AND PALESTINE
I remember the name Rwanda I was in the tenth grade I remember the names Hutu and Tutsi I remember headlines of killing I lived in West Los Angeles I read Chaucer that year I read Frankenstein
legless wingless finless you find more wonder in your one millionth sunrise than could I dancing on the moon
the air was sliced by bullets and bricks and words and fists and Muhammed fell dead and David fell dead and Haatem fell dead and Moshe fell dead and Rashid fell dead and Yehuda fell dead and Abu fell dead and Ariel fell dead and mothers on all sides
crumpled FG Pols P
oly
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o n Infomational
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YOUTH
Most of us have an idea about our faith and we all like to think we know about love. So how do the two fit together? How do you mix romance, faith and marriage? And what happens if you mix different faiths within these already complicated relationships?! AMI NASH AND PRACHI AJMERA asked 5 young people from different religious backgrounds to describe their views on love in the 21st century. Read on to see what they said...
Emilia Czarkowska. Email: emilia@creativsurgery.com Illustrations
Hanaan Sabahat, 18
Rachel Shirian, 18 Judaism
1) IN WHAT FAITH HAVE YOU BEEN BROUGHT UP?
I
Islam
2) DOES YOUR RELIGION HAVE GUIDELINES/SUGGESTIONS REGARDING RELATIONSHIPS OR MARRIAGE?
We are not allowed to have boyfriends or girlfriends, and arranged marriages are very common. There is not a lot of "free will'.
Traditional Judaism does not permit interfaith marriages.
3) WHAT DO YOU PERSONALLY VALUE MOST IN A RELATIONSHIP?
Trust and honesty. A relationship lacking trust will not last.
Intimacy and affection, but there also has to be a connection with emotions and personality.
4) HOW DO YOU, PERSONALLY, DEFINE LOVE?
Love cannot really be defined. Everyone's definition and way of feeling is different.
Love is where you care about the other person so much, that if they are hurt, it hurts you also. They are a part of you and they complete you.
5) WHY (OR WHY NOT) WOULD YOU DATE OUTSIDE YOUR RELIGION?
It is a possibility but I would first want to see the differences in the ways our minds work. She may have grown up differently, have a different viewpoint or lifestyle.
I don't care what religion a person practises as long as they love me. Their personal beliefs are their own and that wouldn't affect me.
6) WHY (OR WHY NOT) WOULD YOU MARRY OUTSIDE YOUR RELIGION?
I wouldn't marry outside my religion because I have always been brought up to marry someone Muslim. If I have kids, I want them to have the same religion that I have grown up with and if I marry someone outside my faith that might not happen.
I would marry outside my religion. Love has no barriers. If you have strong bonds, different religions shouldn't deter you. Religion isn't an obstacle.
7) DO YOU BELIEVE IN INTERRACIAL RELATIONSHIPS AS A WAY TO BRING ABOUT RACIAL TOLERANCE? WHY OR WHY NOT?
By seeing people in interracial relationships, people will see everyone is the same on some level. It will end a lot of problems in society. People can learn and grow, and they won't be pulled back by tradition. Things will begin to change.
Yes, I do. When people see others in interracial relationships, they will begin to see that it isn't abnormal. It will take away discrimination in our society. People will see that one person's values aren't any less valuable than another person's.
were
Vain Education International

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YOUTH
VIY GOD?
Sagar Shah, 19 Jain
Melita Khoshabe, 18 Christian
Shiv Kumar, 19 Hindu
No.
Many sects of Hinduism believe in arranged marriage only.
Yes. In the Bible, it says that marriage allows an avenue for positive sexual expression and love, supports the family unit, enables a safe loving environment for the care of children and the elderly, and provides a training ground for the future. Each spouse should fulfil their marital duties toward one another and adultery and divorce are both scored.
Trust, honesty, fun
Personality
I value the trust and love that comes out of a relationship, and also the fact that you are able to share everything with that one special person.
Love is a feeling. It is when you do something for someone else without thinking about yourself.
Love is when you can't find a way to live without the other person.
I think there are two types of love. Familial love is when you care so much about someone that you are willing to do anything for them. Romantic love is when you are unable to sleep or think of anything but that one person who makes your heart race and who makes you feel giddy inside.
I would date outside my religion just to try something new.
personally wouldn't date outside of my religion, but if I ever do, it will be because of my definition of love.
It would be hard for me to date outside my religion because people don't have the same views as mine in terms of relationships, and this could potentially cause conflicts between us. I would rather date someone who shares my beliefs and has a similar upbringing.
Yes, I would definitely. If I loved the person, nothing else matters. Religion would be the last thing on the list. How she gets along with my family, her culture and her values matter more to me than her religion.
I think it would be hard for me to marry outside my religion just because our ideas, thoughts and upbringing would be so different. So I would prefer to marry someone who is Christian.
I personally wouldn't marry outside of my religion, but if I ever do, it will be because of my definition of love.
Definitely. It puts words into action. Instead of just speaking about racial tolerance, we would be putting it into practice.
i definitely think it is one of the ways to bring about racial tolerance, although other measures must also be taken.
Yes, I think they would bring about racial tolerance. In my family, there's been a lot of interracial dating; at first, some of the older people took it hard and were unhappy with it, but now they are understanding those different races and their cultures.
WW JAINSPIRYT.COM
www.jaineli rary.org

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YOUTH
Sack the Swanky Sari
AMI NASH ponders on the paradox of the Jain tradition of splashing out on weddings...
ord Mahavir once said, "Wants and desires have no end, and only the sky is the limit for them." As my family prepares for an
upcoming marriage, this truth has become a biting reality. Amid the growing fervour to plan the perfect fairytale wedding, it is easy to forget the Jain principles of non-attachment and humility, which we otherwise strive to follow. While a marriage indeed deserves celebration, the excessive materialism surrounding Indian weddings clashes with Jain principles.
From the customary ceremonies to bursting guest lists ranging from 200 to 1500 invitees, Indian weddings are expensive affairs. A reception hall alone can cost $30,000 USD. Sticker shock? More like spiritual shock. Jainism dictates that excess time and money should be devoted to helping the community, rather than to personal needs and events.
Without a doubt, the non-stop festival of week-long weddings with music, dancing and lots of good food is exciting and invigorating. However, it seems hypocritical to plug the virtues of non-possession and non-attachment (aparigraha anuvrat) while simultaneously planning day, afternoon and evening saris and matching jewellery for the bride. After all, right knowledge, right faith and right conduct (charitra) are required to attain spiritual liberation.
charity. Jainism is about conquering worldly attachments. How appropriate, then, to start a marriage by setting up a charity-fund rather than a gift registry.
doing away with materialism and following Jain principles, a wedding will become truly memorable.
Compromises between the demands of the traditional wedding and the teachings of the Jain dharma are definitely needed. Changes could range from using fake flowers to honor the principle of ahimsa, or bigger
changes such as reducing the wedding Ja Edubudget and donating the rem
WWW.JAINSPIRIT.COM
While in the excitement of planning a wedding we often resort to "the bigger, the better," it is wise to instead remember that true greatness comes with humility BV
Ami Nash is a busy Jain from Greenwich, Connecticut. She is in the 17th grade, where she enjoys reading and travelling. After being raised in two faiths, Ami's favourite aspect of lainism is anekantrada

Page #63

When you tell someone you're a Jain
you're a Jain and they've never heard of it, do you get stuck answering their questions? Do you find yourself stumped by the concepts in your own faith? Well, the Jain Spirit Youth Section wants to arm you with the power tools to answer back! REENA SHAH, 16, from London, like many others, believes it's important for us to have some tocls to use when talking about our faith. Here she throws light on three popular questions...
HOW IS JAINISM DIFFERENT FROM HINDUISM? There are many differences between these religions but here are two significant ones. First, Hindus believe in Gods who created, preserve and can destroy the world, whilst Jains believe that there is no creator. preserver or destroyer of the world. Second, both religions differ in their view of what happens after the soul achieves a state of permanent happiness, called moksha. Hindus believe the soul becomes one with God, whereas Jains believe the souls still exists alone but in a blissful state.
WHY ARE JAINS VEGETARIAN? THAT'S SO UNHEALTHY! When humans kill animals for food or eat meat, this is violence. One of the main Jain concepts is non-violence (ahimsa) and by eating meat, we violate this teaching. Animals also have souls like us and we shouldn't harm other souls. Being a vegetarian or a vegan can be very healthy Science has proven that you can get all the nutrients you need from plant sources or supplements. So why would you want to kill
an animal or eat its flesh? Sain Education International
JAINS BELIEVE IN GDD2 Jains believe in Tirthankaras, teachers who show us the path to reach moksha. Some people call these Tirthankaras Gods or Bhagwan. But it's important to remember that Jains do not believe that these Tirthankaras created the world; they don't give us presents or good grades or earthquakes. They simply teach us how we too can achieve what they have achieved. Finally, we should remember that they too were human beings who walked the earth. In Jainism, every soul has the potential of becoming a Tirthankara. So listen, learn and live like a Jain!
Reena Vanmall is 16 years old and studies A-levels in London. She says that Jainism and Hinduism are a big part of her life and the concepts and principles within them have helped her understand life much better.
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Ingvald Kaldhussaeter

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YOUTH
Northern
dia News
NAME: Ankit Jain
CAREER
LOCATION: Manhattan, New York
CAREER: Meteorologist
RANDOM FACT: It takes approximately 13 billion mathematical equations to make a single forecast for one day.
time' where he concentrates on other interests and hobbies. So why does Jain love his career so much? "All! have to do is go outside and I am living my career."
***
**
A DAY IN THE LIFE: Ankit Jain works in the technical side of meteorology: he is an aviation meteorologist for Jeppesen Dataplan, a subsidiary for the Boeing Co. Jain is something of a lighthouse for aviation. As he explains, "I provide aviation weather forecasts for pilots flying throughout the world, helping them fly safely through our skies." He works twelve-hour days, whether it is from 6 am to 6 pm or 11 am to 11 pm, even 6 pm to 6 am! He uses Jainism in many ways: remaining calm while making tough decisions under pressure, performing his job with integrity and honesty, and treating others with respect and courtesy. Jain loves his job. It is full of perks and obstacles, but if one is persistent, and able to make their presence known, they will overcome all obstacles, Jain says.
OBSTACLES: The biggest obstacle in his career is finding a job, since there are only few available positions near his home. One difficult aspect of his job is generating forecasts for worldwide locations that do not report any weather data.
you are interested
in this career, please contact Jain Spirit for Ankit Jain's contact information.
ADVICE: If you want to be a meteorologist, Jain says, you should have a genuine interest in weather because it will only make your career more rewarding. Calculus and physics are a must in college years, and a mentor is necessary to build successful connections. One must also be a hard worker, disciplined, and show respect to all things. Jain loves his job, saying, "I will forever stick with this field because of my fascination and motivation to do what I love in life." Whatever you decide to do, make sure it is something you enjoy. because life is not just about making money. It is also about being happy - something Jain can relate to. That way, he concludes, "you can wake up and say to yourself, 'I am glad I am going to work today.".
JAINSPIRIT.C
PERKS: He was on TV one year working as a weekend meteorologist. Jain explains, "Here I had a great opportunity to showcase my name, and also differentiate myself in a community that did not have many Jains, let alone Indians." Now he gets to help pilots fly safely around the world. Another 'cool
aspect of the job is that Ankit gets to Ô work in shifts. Working an average of
four days a week, he has a lot of free

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YOUTH
Not one to discriminate, Jain Spirit's Youth Section realised that it's not only Aunties who have the answers- how about the Uncles! We persuaded Dr. P.K. Jain to join Pallavi Gala in tackling your trickiest questions
Dear Uncle,
"I've heard that according to the Jain dharma, we should not eat mushrooms. Can you please explain why?"
guidelines to minimise the amount of unnecessary violence in our lives. Ultimately, it is a personal decision.
and are a product of our own deeds. Ultimately, sexual activity of any kind results in the acquisition of new karma. For someone on the path of spiritual upliftment, the fundamental goal is to minimise the accumulation of new karma while dissipating old ones. So, such a person abstains from any sexual activity at the mental, verbal and physical levels. This is the reason for the vow of complete celibacy taken by sadhus (monks) and sadhvis (nuns).
Sincerely, Dr. P.K. Jain
In contrast to the modern harvesting of mushrooms, mushrooms normally grew in dirty places among fallen, dead, rotting trees and vegetation, in damp conditions, and in total or partial darkness, away from direct sunlight Under these conditions many insects and tiny life forms would breed on a mushroom, particularly in between the under-ridges of the mushroom. It is difficult to remove these nests of insects without killing them.
Dear Auntie,
"Please can you fill me in on the Jain view on homosexuality?"
For the rest of us householders, there is a clearly defined code of sexual conduct. Sexual relationships are to be limited to the legally married husband and wife. Any sexual activity (either mental, verbal or physical) other than the natural biological function between these two people is considered a violation of the householder's vow of celibacy, thus adding extra karma.
The Jain scriptures are relatively clear on the subject of sexuality.
Therefore, it is thought that the consumption of mushrooms leads to unnecessary violence to a large number of life forms. Furthermore, in order to harvest a mushroom, the entire plant must be pulled out, destroying it in its entirety. Finally, the millions of spores released by mushrooms are considered potential life, which are also destroyed upon harvesting.
The following is stated in the Jain scripture, the Tattvartha Sutra: Sexual desire is the result of mohaniya karma. This desire can be toward male, female or both. Physical sex or gender is the result of naam karma. It also comes in the three types, namely male, female or hermaphrodite. The two are completely independent of each other.
Thus, one's present gender and sexual desire are pre-determined. Yet, the individual has total control over his or her action. Human life affords us this power of discrimination
In the Jain spirit of minimising violence, it is therefore better to eat a fallen fruit or other food source, for example, which does not involve the uprooting of the entire tree or plant.
Sincerely, Pallavi Gala
There is no doubt that our consumption of any food will be accompanied with some level of violence. The key, however, is to use these religious
This means that a male can end up with a sexual desire for another male, female, or both. The same is true for females. The important point here is that gender and sexual desire both result from previous karma. In other words, our sexual desires (and thus, sexual inclinations) are pre-programmed
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Page #66

WORKPLACE
ACATION
NISHA VARIA CHALLENGES US TO ACTIVELY ENGAGE IN THE SPIRIT OF AHIMSA
refugee women in Nepal, systematic labour rights abuses against women migrant workers in Southeast Asia, and threats and intimidation against women in Afghanistan.
ome might think of Jainism as a philosophy and way of life that advocates detachment from the
material world, a policy of non-interference. Observers and Jains themselves often interpret ahimsa, the principle of non-violence, as mandating a litany of restrictions: don't eat meat, don't be angry, don't accumulate possessions and, to a certain extent, don't get involved.
researcher in the Women's Rights Division of Human Rights Watch, an independent non-profit organisation dedicated to exposing human rights violations around the world and holding governments accountable. The Women's Rights Division focuses on issues ranging from legal discrimination against women, sexual and domestic violence, abuses against women workers and reproductive rights. My recent projects have ranged from investigating discrimination and genderbased violence against Bhutanese
But in a world wracked by violence and suffering, inequity and intolerance, perhaps promoting non-violence and peace is precisely about getting involved. Ahimsa need not be a principle of passive non-interference. "Live and let live" is not simply avoiding the infliction of harm on others but is instead a call to action - guidance for promoting social change so that every living being can live in peace and well-being.
Millions of women migrate for work around the world and many of them are concentrated in fields rife with abuse: domestic work and sex work. Last year, I documented how Indonesian women seeking to migrate to Malaysia to work as housekeepers and child care providers were first cheated by
labour agents and typically locked in overcrowded training centres for three to six months prior to departure. Once in Malaysia, they routinely worked 16-18 hours a day, seven days a week, with irregular and sometimes no payment of their wages. Most were forbidden from leaving the workplace and some suffered physical and sexual abuse.
I attribute much of the motivation for my current work as a human rights activist to the values I learned from my family and from Jainism. These include ahimsa, non-violence in thought, word and action; aparigraha, non-attachment to accumulating material wealth; and anekantvada, acknowledging multiple perspectives and therefore cultivating tolerance. These principles are powerful ways to challenge today's conflicts, greed and intolerance.
Using material from my interviews with women migrant domestic workers, government officials, employers, labour agents and aid agencies, I wrote a report that detailed the abuses and exposed government failure to address them. Malaysia excludes domestic workers from its employment laws, leaving them with little hope of redress for labour rights violations. Indonesia has failed to negotiate protections for its migrant workers in the same way as the Philippines have. Malaysia and Indonesia have failed to uphold several of their obligations under domestic law and international human rights law,
WWW.JAINSPIRIT.COM
Bhutanese refugees sorting rice rations. Bhutanese refugees have been stranded in refugee camps in Nepal for fifteen years. (© 2003 Nisha Varia/Human Rights Watch)
By publicising these reports through the media, Human Rights
Currently, I work as the Asia
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Watch raises public awareness about human rights abuses and the failure of governments to respond adequately. This public shaming helps us to apply pressure to governments and we conduct advocacy with governments, donors, the United Nations and others who might influence policy and practice. Our report on Malaysia and Indonesia received regional and international press coverage, including radio and television. I met with senior officials from both governments to press our policy recommendations.
What are the results of such work? At times, we can celebrate tangible successes: changes in legislation; implementation of programmes and trainings to prevent certain abuses; creation of safeguards to ensure equal access and due process in the justice system, or the channelling of funds to strengthen local aid organisations. At times, the main outcome is an increased public awareness, about abuses that would otherwise remain invisible and neglected. There is no question that the struggle for human rights is an uphill battle- but what choice do we have if the alternative is doing nothing at all?
No matter how hopeless a situation and no matter how entrenched the injustice, the struggle is only truly lost when we give up hope. Violence and intolerance will flourish if those who promote peace and compassion cease to look outward, but instead withdraw to focus inward.
Jain values and the Jain community have a tremendous amount to contribute to social justice movements. Activism can help provide alternatives to violence and promote a more egalitarian, peaceful world. Here are some questions that Jains might ask themselves: Do we regularly engage in community service as a way of practising and teaching ahimsa and other Jain principles? Do we create systems for sustained philanthropic giving instead of ad hoc, one-time fundraisers? Do we find ways to practise a Jain way of life through our work and not just at home and at weekends?
There are many shining examples of such efforts the organisation Veerayatan provides medical care in Bihar and education in Gujarat. Professionals and students donate time and funds to different causes. But are we really doing all we can?
Education International
Do parents encourage their children to pursue careers as teachers, social workers and political activists - or is the overriding emphasis on financial success and social prestige? Do employees in the private sector encourage their company to pursue ethical and environmentally-sensitive business practices or is there deference to survival at any cost in a cutthroat, profit-oriented market? How many physicians choose to apply their skills in under-served communities? How often do gatherings at the temple or pathshala integrate community action for social change?
PASHION CAFE
These are only a few examples. Obviously, introspection and focus on progressive self-realisation are critically important and fundamental to Jainism. But let us strive to ensure that it is not to the exclusion of social responsibility. Is the active promotion of non-violence and tolerance through personal life choices, volunteer work, activism and philanthropy truly central to Jain institutions, pathshalas and communities? Let us make it so..
Potential women migrant workers in a training centre in Indonesia. Many women are confined in overcrowded, locked training centres for 3-6 months before beginning employment. (2004 Nisha Varia/Human Rights Watch). Nisha is in the centre (in green T.shirt)
To read Nisha's report on migrant workers please visit http://hrw.org/ reports/2004/indonesia0704/
WORKPLACE
Nisha Varia is the Asia Researcher for the Women's Rights Division of Human Rights Watch. A former Fulbright Scholar to India, she is presently active as a board member of Andolan, a New York City-based movement for lowwage South Asian immigrant women workers.
M 03
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www.jainelibrary.or

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ENVIRONMENT
ONE VEGGIE DOG... COMIN' RIGHT UP!
SHAYNA PAREKH ENCOURAGES US TO EXPLORE THE RANGE OF DIETS FOR MAN'S BEST FRIEND
have always wanted a dog. Mostly, the
reasons are selfish: I feel a certain sense of serenity around dogs: I enjoy running and playing with them; I admire their sense of loyalty, and I am humbled by their ability to forgive and find happiness in simple things.
Amanda Ronde
by member: hidesy
Stockphoto.com/uploaded by memberi
AS A JAIN, I FELT THAT I WAS PREVENTED FROM ADOPTING SPOT FROM THE ANIMAL SHELTER FOR PRIMARILY ONE REASON: 1 WAS UNCOMFORTABLE WITH THE THOUGHT OF PURCHASING AND FEEDING MEAT-BASED FOODS TO A DOG. THIS FEELING STEMMED FROM MY BELIEF IN AHIMSA TOWARD ALL LIVING CREATURES. I SIMPLY COULD NOT, IN GOOD CONSCIOUSNESS, PICTURE FEEDING BESSIE, THE COW, TO SPOT, MY DOG.
This winter, while working for a dog spa in New York, I was sent on an errand: I had to purchase vegetarian dog food! That simple task inspired this article.
The issue of providing vegetarian diets for dogs can be viewed from at least two angles. First, is it possible for a dog to live a healthy life on a purely vegetarian diet? And second, is such a practice recommended? That is, should a dog be fed a strictly vegetarian diet? The answers may surprise you.
WWW.IAINSPIRIT.COM
My (unscientific) research indicates that it may indeed be possible for a dog to live a healthy life on a purely vegetarian diet. Optimal levels of nutrients required by dogs (proteins, fats, fibres, vitamins and minerals) can be successfully isolated from plant materials, with the rest (taurine, carnitine, Vitamin D and B12 and so on) provided
in supplements. For Personal & Private Use Only

Page #69

ENVIRONMENT
to make a complete and balanced diet for the dog with only ingredients from plant material."
me [he] fed them an exclusively vegetarian diet."
As explained by Professor Quinton Rogers from the University of California Veterinary School, one of the leading veterinary research institutes in the world, the dog is usually considered a carnivore anatomically and an omnivore nutritionally." This means that while in nature dogs usually consume meat, a healthy diet would also contain non-meat nutrition.
And many such stories abound. While taking care of Nanook, an extremely foodfinicky dog, I experimented by providing her with vegetarian dog food. To our amazement, she loved the stuff! And we all have stories about that dog in India who survives entirely on rotli (tortillas) and shaak (vegetables). But I am reminded of an adage l once heard on the radio: "The plural of anecdote is not data." We can only hope that in the future, long-term studies will be conducted on the deficiencies or benefits of a purely vegetarian diet for dogs.
However, Professor Rogers urges caution with this conclusion. "Such a diet," he argues, "has not been proven by (scientific] testing to be complete and balanced to sustain optimal health." His colleague, Professor of Epidemiology Philip Kass, concurs. "I think there is much more to learn about this but the financial resources to do such studies are not readily available." Nonetheless, Professor Kass provides the following anecdote. "I have certainly seen two examples of unrelated dogs (different breeds, same owner) that lived into their twenties in seemingly excellent health, and when I inquired about what the owner did to keep them in such good health he told
So, while dogs cannot survive exclusively on meat, is it possible for them to live healthy lives on an exclusively vegetarian diet? Professor Rogers provides the following explanation: "If protein, vitamins and minerals are first isolated from plants, and Vitamin D and Vitamin B-12 were added, then I think (although there is no peer-reviewed published data to support this statement), that it would be possible
Even if such a diet is technically healthy, the question remains: Should a dog be fed a purely vegetarian diet?
illustration: Joanne Wood. Email: futsdesign@aol.com
WWW.JAINSPIRIT.COM
Education International

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ENVIRONMENT
One side of the issue is described by little or no animal suffering or death
company, Nature's Recipe Vegetarian Verona re-Bow and Jonathan Dune, in initiated by the production of meat-based Canine Formula "was created to give your the book Vegetarian Dogs: Toward a dog foods.
adult dog a diet free of animal protein World Without Exploitation. The pair
ingredients that can cause skin and coat contends, "Since grains, vegetables and Nonetheless, such a practice still
problems in dietary-sensitive dogs." cruelty-free supplements can meet all of dramatically increases the revenues Nature's Recipe Allergy Treats are also a dog's needs, why not choose the diet earned by the meat industry and it is provided and are "free of animal protein that causes as little suffering as possible?" unclear to me whether changes in the that can cause itchy and flaky skin in dogs Here, the authors allude to the fact that profitability of industry practices would sensitive to meat, dairy and corn." meat-based dog food contains the by- affect the supply of the food. In other products of so-called food-producing words, if animal by-products could not Another well-respected brand, Wysong, animals, such as chickens, cows, pigs be sold for profit, would the price of meat was developed by veterinarian Dr. Randy and lambs. The argument follows that the increase, triggering a decrease in demand, L. Wysong, a long time critic of the pet very act of providing meat-based foods to leading to the slaughter of fewer animals? food industry. Purveyors of vegetarian dogs contributes to the overall suffering of Though the answer might best be left in dog foods, Wysong describe their animals.
the hands of agro-economists, the point vegan dog food "for use in nutritional
remains: a qualified link may well exist management of adverse food reactions Some might argue, however, that food- between purchasing meat-based dog in ... dogs." However, Dr. Wysong also producing animals are killed with the foods and contributing to the suffering of provides another side of the issue. That primary goal of providing food for humans, food-producing animals.
is: dogs should not be fed an exclusively and that only the waste by-products are
Vegetarian diet because such a diet would used in dog foods. By some estimates, Thus, since it is nutritionally possible to not be entirely natural. about 50% of any food-producing animal provide a healthy vegetarian diet to dogs, is not used for human consumption, and and since this may lead to less animal Strict vegetarianism (veganism) risks goes primarily into pet foods or animal suffering overall, one side argues that it's the health and life of our pet who is feed. Thus, the argument follows, there best to feed a dog a vegetarian diet. specifically designed to eat meat. There is very
are nutritional elements in meat products As a corollary, some not found in plant materials. You can try have advanced to get around it with synthetic additives that a vegetarian and the like, but that forces pets to eat diet is actually synthetic, primarily cooked concoctions healthier for some they would never find, nor eat in the wild. dogs. For example, veterinarian Michael While the debate continues, one thing W. Fox is quoted as remains clear: in the spirit of ahimsa, saying with regard we should not act in any manner that to a vegetarian endangers the health and well-being of diet, "Dogs would the dog. Most sources I have consulted benefit in health recommend working closely with a and temperament veterinarian or holistic veterinarian to worldwide.... Such initiate and/or monitor changes in a a diet would also dog's diet. Similarly, nutrition books and greatly reduce the specialists are recommended to guide any risks of cancer, diet changes.
strokes, heart phate, Calcium Carbonate,
attacks and other Shayna Parekh, 24, is this issue's Guest
common diseases alum Chloride, Dehydrated
Editor. Ever since building a cardboard and disorders." dog house at the age of six, Shayna has
felt a canine connection. She will resume
Furthermore, many her position as a dog walker when she erals, Onion Powder, Garlic
vegetarian dog
begins law school this fall and hopes that foods were originally the dogs like her as much as she loves
designed for dogs them. Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphospha
suffering from food allergies. For RESOURCES example, Nature's > American Holistic Veterinary Medical Recipe, a subsidiary Association of Heinz, is a
> www.vegetariandogs.com
leading producer of > http://www.api4animals.org/79.htm ous Oxide, Calcium lodate, Sodium Selen
vegetarian dog food. > "What's Really in Pet Food" by the Crude Protein 18.0% Min
As described by the Animal Protection Institute Crude Fat 8.0% Min
rude Fibre 4.4% Max Moisture 10.0% Max
Nature's Recipe Vegetarian sanine Formula Ingredients:
Ground Rice. Soy Flour,
Pearled Barley, can Phosphate, ca
Soy Flour, Cracked ney, Canola Oil. Dicalcium
Chlorine Chloride, Vitamins
Minerals, onic
enydrated Carrots, de, Vitamins 1
Powder and Garlic Oil.
1. Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, D-C Mononitrate, Beta-Carotene,
2-Polyphosphate, Inositol, antothenate, Thiamine
Hydrochloride, Vitamin A Supplement, blotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin
2: Zinc Proteinate, Ferrous S Copper Sulfate, Copper Manganous Oxide, ca
Carotene, Riboflavin Supplement, Pyride
plement, Folic Acid, Phylloquinone,
ament, Vitamin D2 Supplement. errous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Iron Proteinate, opper Proteinate. Manganese Proteinate
Metabolisable Energ
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VEGETARIAN DOG FOOD DISTRIBUTORS (US):
al per standard 8-oz. cup
iStockph
(based on average analysis)
kphoto.com/uploaded
Nature's Recipe (www.naturesrecipe.com). Wysong Corporation (http://wysong.net)
Ex Mordecha
ded by member. 'aviron'
68
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Samaya Sara 296
Ja
Education International

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Jain Education Intemational
tanner photo - ernestartist.org

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DEVIL'S CLUB:
A WICKEDLY WORTHWHILE WEED
SHREYANS PAREKH describes how ohe little weed connects two distinct cultures
ts name suggests an evil and eerie presence. Its razor-sharp spines warn creatures to stay away or suffer an ill fate. However, from indigenous tribes to people the world round, the Devil's club, a plant native to Sitka, Alaska is one of the region's most beloved inhabitants. Known for its widespread medicinal properties and the unique ritual that local Native American tribes perform ⚫ before picking the plant, Devil's club is Mother Nature's all-in-one apothecary.
From far, its presence is both distinct and encouraging; its long, firm leaves offer shade for animals and its bright red berries are a delightful treat for bears. However, local Alaskan tribes such as the Tlingit, honour and preserve the plant for much more than its outward beauty. The Tlingit respect

all forms of life, similar to the basic tenets of Jainism. At a young age, Tlingit children are taught to revere their elders, the natural resources, anything that is harvested. Regardless of size or shape, every living being is perceived to have an equal soul.
When faced with walking on grass and pavement, Jains often choose pavement in order to limit the destruction of plants and wildlife. Pathshala students are taught by teachers to avoid peeling bark because this action 'suffocates' the tree. In order to limit daily karma intake from worldly activities, Jains choose to eat plants over animals since they are onesensed beings.
The Tlingit have also found their own way of maintaining their respect for life and their traditional creed and honouring the faithful plant of Sitka. Not only do they apologise to the plant before picking it, but they also perform
ENVIRONMENT
a traditional ceremony to explain why they are harming the Devil's club and how they plan to use it to help the clan. For centuries, local tribes in southeast Alaska, such as the Tlingit, have utilised the plant to ward off evil and cure a list of ailments. It is often called 'Alaskan ginseng' because of its extensive medicinal and spiritual uses.
Health problems prevalent among Asian Indians around the world include hypertension, diabetes, nutritional deficits and cancer. Many of these problems, including a high prevalence of coronary heart disease and noninsulin dependent diabetes, stem from religious dietary restrictions. Among the numerous health benefits of the inner bark and roots of Devil's club are the treatments for diabetes, heart disease, ulcers and weight disorders.
In addition to its account of medicinal miracles, its more secular applications include use in paint mediums,
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ENVIRONMENT
Arthritis/ Rheumatism
Infusion or decoction of inner bark, pounded leaves and sometimes roots, inner bark used in bath/steam bath, inner bark chewed, crushed root used as poultice, and whole stems used to beat rheumatic limbs as counter-irritant.
bathroom amenities and protection from the supernatural and witchcraft as an amulet. Bathing with solution from the plant's inner bark would promote personal purification and protection while its stems can be used as good luck charms to ward off the supernatural.
Cancer
Infusion of inner bark.
Childbirth / Menstruation
Inner bark mashed and swallowed, or decoction of inner bark taken as purgative to expel afterbirth, to start post-partum menstrual flow, regulate menstruation, and for cramps.
Diabetes
Infusion or decoction of inner bark and sometimes roots, both alone and in mixtures.
Fever
Decoction of inner bark.
Locals seldom let any part of the plant go to waste; they have discovered healing benefits by using the plant's inner bark, inner bark ash, de-spined stems, berries and leaves. Devil's club can be served in many ways by chewing, sipping, steaming or infusing in teas and other hot beverages.
Flu
Infusion of inner bark, alone and in mixtures, and the inner stem bark chewed.
Heart Disease
Berries pounded into paste taken internally.
Lice and Dandruff
Pounded berries rubbed on hair and scalp.
Pain Relief
Analgesic Decoction of inner bark, inner stem bark mixed with oil and eaten, dried inner bark laid into tooth cavity, steam bath with inner bark.
The effects of the thorny plant can now be seen around the world. The plant has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for medicinal use and can be found in markets in the form of herbal supplements.
Respiratory Ailments, Coughs, Colds
Decoctions and infusions prepared from inner stem bark, whole stems and sometimes roots, inner bark also chewed, used in sweat baths, and bumed and dampened and worn around the neck.
Sores (Swellings, Cuts, Boils, Burns, and External Infections)
Inner bark, or infusion of, used externally as a poultice or wound dressing or rubbed over sore, dried inner bark pulverized with pitch or bumt to ash and mixed with oil or grease (sometimes salmonberries and dog faeces) and applied externally, berries pounded into a paste and applied externally, decoction of root applied externally, and sliver of bark placed in wound to prevent infection.
Stomach Trouble / Pains, Ulcers
Infusion or decoction of inner bark or paste made from berries taken Internally.
From the traditional uses of the Tlingit and other native tribes to now, its availability to the general public, Devil's club has been able to remedy many health curses. The big dilemma that the Tlingit and other tribes face today is one that some say Jains have acknowledged for generations: how to balance commercial demand with the sanctity of the plant in native culture and its honour as a wickedly worthwhile weed. Perhaps in this way, our cultures can learn and support one another. •
Venereal Disease
Decoction prepared from inner bark and whole stems both alone and in mixtures with a variety of other plants.
Vision / Blindness
Infusion of inner bark taken internally, inner bark applied externally
ith pitch, and decoction used as an eyewash to reverse the effects of cataracts.
Weight Loss
Infusion of de-spined stems.
Summary of Medicinal Uses of Devil's Club (Oplopanax horridus) From www.herbalgram.org
WWW
Shreyans Parekh is an actor, tabla player and Dragon boat racer from Southern California. He hopes to take with him his love for Jainism and botany when he begins his studiesvn the fall at
the University of Pennsylvania. ain Education International
Photo: Antonin Kusbach http://www.uhul.cz/ubcat/

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Resurgence Resurgence
THE SPIRITUAL IMPERATIVE
SATISH KUMAR
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EKA MORGAN
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INTERFAITH
THOU SHALT HONOR THY BROCCOLI
Inspired to become vegetarian through the principle of ahimsa, teacher KIRSTIN ODEGAARD shares the role that vegetarianism and non-violence have played in other faiths
eventh Day Adventists, members of a religion based on Christianity, promote healthy
lifestyles. Roughly fifty percent of their members adhere to a lacto-ovo vegetarian diet. They justify this diet through the words of the apostle Paul, author of 13 of the 27 books of the New Testament, who stated that the body is a temple of God. Thus, followers eschew alcohol, tobacco and meat. Vegetarianism is seen as God's natural plan because in the Garden of Eden, not only were Adam and Eve vegetarian but so was all of God's creation. God tells Adam: "I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food. And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds of the air and all the creatures that move on the ground - everything that has the breath of life in it - I give every green plant for food. (Genesis 1:29-30) It was not until after the fall of man that God cursed the ground so that it would 'produce thorns and thistles' (Genesis 3:18) so that man,
now sinful, was forced to rely on the Jain Education Interational
By permission of the British Library "The Last Supper' by Khatchatur (scribe). Manipulation of image authorised by the British Library
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flesh of animals for sustenance.
Vegetarianism and other health related teachings of the Adventists are largely due to the efforts of Ellen White, one of the founders of the Seventh Day Adventist Church. Underlining the words of Genesis, she preached that 'the eating of flesh is unnatural', noting that in the Garden of Eden 'one animal was not to destroy another animal for food'. She decried meat eating because of the diseases animals carried and because it unnaturally ripped animals from their intended environments. White described the experiences of many animals before their slaughter, lamenting: "Taken from green pastures and travelling for weary miles over the hot, dusty roads or crowded into filthy cars, feverish and exhausted, often for many hours deprived of food and water, the poor creatures are driven to their death." It was not merely for the physical health of people and animals that White feared, however. Noting apostle Paul's words that the body is a temple of God, she warned followers that eating meat would destroy more than merely the body, preaching:
"The moral evils of a flesh diet are

regard those creatures of God!" White thus believed that eating meat harmed people's relationship with their Creator and damaged their minds and souls. Through her activism and conviction, Seventh Day Adventists accepted her call to vegetarianism.
not less marked than are the physical ills. Flesh food is injurious to health and whatever the affects, the body has a corresponding effect on the mind and the soul. Think of the cruelty to animals meat-eating involves and its effect on those who inflict and those who behold it. How it destroys the tenderness with which we should
The Church currently promotes lacto-ovo vegetarianism, stressing that the choice of diet is a personal matter and recommending that vegans supplement their diets with foods containing B12. Melissa Harris, associate director of the Adventists' health ministries for the church in the South Pacific, is careful to note that "Adventists encourage rational and responsible decision making about what foods to eat." The Adventist Church owns and operates 25 healthfood industries around the world; Kellogg's cereal production was also inspired by the Adventist health message in the late 1890s.
Seventh Day Adventists are the subjects of several health studies because of their homogeneity in lifestyle. In fact, the Adventist Health Study recently found that Seventh Day Adventists live longer than any other formally studied
VEGETARIANISM IS SEEN AS GOD'S NATURAL PLAN BECAUSE IN THE GARDEN OF EDEN, NOT ONLY WERE ADAM AND EVE VEGETARIAN BUT SO WAS ALL OF GOD'S CREATION.
population in the world, with an average life span of 78.5 years for men and 82.3 for women. While several studies have attempted to determine the health effects of a vegetarian lifestyle in members of this religious group, their results must be balanced with the acknowledgement that other lifestyle choices, such as Adventists' avoidance of tobacco and alcohol, make it hard to isolate whether all findings are diet related. That being said, in 1989 a study of 14,000 Seventh Day Adventists concluded that consuming animal products increased the risk of colon, breast, pancreatic and prostate cancer. An earlier study in 1975 included 23,000 largely vegetarian Seventh Day Adventists and determined that cancer mortality rates for this group were 50-75% lower than that of the general population for
INTERFAITH
several cancer sites unrelated to smoking or alcohol.
The only major ongoing study on the health and mortality of vegetarians in the United States was conducted during the years 1976-1988. The study focused on 341,932 members of the Seventh Day Adventist Church, 29% of whom were vegetarian, with 7-10% of the vegetarians being vegan. Compared to those who ate meat, the vegetarians had roughly half of the high blood pressure and diabetes cases, half of the colon cancer, twothirds of the rheumatoid arthritis and prostate cancer, and a lower incidence of breast, lung and uterine cancers.
Thus Seventh Day Adventists strive to prove that avoiding meat is not only good for the soul but for the physical body as well. Members therefore have more than one reason motivating them to proclaim, in the words of Ellen White, "No thank you; I do not eat meat. I have conscientious scruples against eating the flesh of dead animals."
Kirstin Odegaard is a high school English teacher at Pittsburg High School in California. She practises Christianity and has been vegetarian for the last two and a half years.
www.vegetarian-diet.info/health-benefits-vegetarian-diet.htm http://adventist.org.au/about_adventists/misconceptions For more information, please visit the following sites: www.ivu. rg/history/adventists/white.html
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INTERFAITH
BOY
Writer and activist TEDDY MILLER describes how love, ahimsa, activism and anekantvada penetrated his inter-faith, interethnic upbringing
just as much of a lie today as it was the day when the Romans, the ITALIANS, Toby, killed their God."
um, who is God and why is he dead?" my brother asked one morning at the kitchen
table. "What kind of question is that? Who have you been talking to at school?" my mum replied, spatula in hand. "Diego says God was killed by Jews. He said that means Jews are bad people." My mum turned off the heat beneath the pancakes and looked my brother right in the eyes. I will never forget what she said. "Toby, you tell Diego that people have been spreading that lie about our people for a thousand years. And it's
What was remarkable about mum's debunking anti-Semitism over breakfast was not just the implication that the Italians were responsible for the death of Jesus, but that we belonged to the Jewish Diaspora. You see, mum is Vietnamese, and dad grew up in a WASP (White Anglo Saxon Protestant) neighbourhood so intolerant that they restricted ownership to non-Jews. Not too many people can claim to have grown up in an Animist/Jewish/ Buddhist/Christian Scientist/Trotskyite/ WASP household. Then again, not too many people grew up in a family that was weird by Berkeley, CA, standards. If California is the wackiest of the coastal fringe states, then my hometown of Berkeley is the place that zigs while everyone else zags.

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INTERFAITH
Koran, The New Testament, Jiddu Krishnamurti, and a host of curious books from the "Spirituality" section of the Berkeley Public Library.
The oddball scale increases as you approach my childhood home, a small black affair nestled in the wooded hills behind the university campus. Inside the house, through the red front door, a visitor might happen upon a dinner scene straight out of Le Moulin Rouge, with kids singing and wine spilling and parents launching into unprompted toasts to living and dead saints, as they saw fit. It was loud, lively and seemingly absent of any hint of solemn spirituality.
to choose from, our parents always focused on actions over religious dogma. "If you see somebody who needs help and you can help them, then you are obliged to help them," my mum told me one freezing night as we gave away our extra blankets to homeless folks. From helping orphans in Nigeria and Viet-Nam to fighting for farm workers in California and against corporate globalisation around the world, the common thread in my parents' work has been an earnest belief that selfless work is the most rewarding. My parents meant to bring up their children in a thoroughly secular and atheistic environment. We were supposed to be political progressives first and foremost, even above our mixed ethnic identities. But as the kids have grown up, we have all tried to get a grasp for the underlying principles that drive progressive politics: tenets like a strong belief in social justice, the fundamental equality of humankind and the overwhelming precedence of peace and non-violence in our every decision.
Mum grew up with the traditional Vietnamese belief in ancestor worship (every year on the anniversary of a loved-one's death, Vietnamese light incense and speak to the dead). This identity was grafted onto a peculiar identification with Jewish people. As a Vietnamese immigrant growing up in New York in the 1960s, my mother had a lot of Jewish friends. After many invitations to Sabbat and Passover dinners, my mother gained enough kvetching skills to consider herself a passable Jew. As for my father, he grew up in a Christian Scientist household, but he treated religion
And lo and behold, right in those books, written in plain English, were the precise principles that tied together the essential Love that is the source of the work that my parents, my family and all political progressives practise. In particular, one quote from Krishnamurti struck me as so perfectly formed that I pasted it to the end of all my e-mails for years: "Only love and right thinking will bring about true revolution, the revolution within ourselves. But how are we to have love? Not through the pursuit of the ideal of love, but only when there is no hatred, when there is no greed, when the sense of self, which is the cause of antagonism, comes to an end. A man who is caught up in the pursuits of exploitation, of greed, of envy, can never love."
At some point in their lives, every person, no matter in what kind of
My parents seem completely unimpressed by my modest forays into spiritual meaning. They remain more concerned with the everyday tangible effects of helping out the poor and voiceless. What good is a belief in altruism if it is never manifested in improving people's lives?
photos coutesy of author
Recently, my youngest sister came back from college with a pair of bombshells. For one, she had got a tattoo of our dog on her chest. For two, she had decided to major in Judaism and begin Rabbinical studies. In the classic Miller anything goes fashion, the family celebrated the latter as fantastic news, while we are still getting used to the sight of our dear pet peaking out of her shirt collar. "I've always told you we're Jewish," mum said to my sister. "Now let's get some latkes cooked up for the shelter."
Teddy Miller is a writer living in Hanoi, VietNam. His parents are pro-counsel and board directors of the Human Rights Group Global Exchange. He grew up in Berkeley, CA, with his three siblings and five beloved Airedales.
with mere curiosity and never derived deep meaning from a scattering of Sunday School sessions. Despite the apparent absence of religious principles underpinning dad's life, he somehow got the notion to concentrate most of his energies on humanitarian work (much to the material detriment of us kids).
family they grew up, ask themselves those fundamental questions that have been pressing down upon humanity for millennia. What are we here to do? Why me, on this Earth, at this time? To answer these questions, some people talk with a priest or a monk. In our house, we took out library books. Not wanting to discourage my syncretic reading habits, mum and dad never said a word when I brought home The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying, The
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Even though the Miller family had an
eclectic mix of religious backgrounds

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HISTORY
JAINISM & MAHAVIR
IN INDIAN HISTORY TEXTBOOKS
Concerned with the ways in which Jainism is represented in academic literature, Professor TARA SETHIA examines eight internationallyknown texts on Indian history
contrast, Tirthankaras are omniscient human teachers - all equally venerable sources of inspiration for the Jains seeking their ultimate goal of moksha, the release from the cycle of rebirth. The Tirthankaras have the most vital roles as 'fordmakers'. As builders of the ford that lead across the ocean of suffering, it is they who preach the path to moksha.
isconceptions about Jainism abound and range from the meaning of simple names and terms to the understanding of
its nature and key concepts. A few examples will illustrate the points I wish to make.
Nature of Jainism There is a great amount of misconception about the nature of Jainism. In the textbooks under review, Jainism is sometimes described as an 'atheistic' religion. (see Robb, Stein, Thapar) But in another view Jainism appears to be polytheistic when Tirthankaras are portrayed as 'the Jain equivalents of gods.' (see Wolpert) Though these are quite contradictory views, they both result from the use of a western framework for 'mapping the nature of Jainism. Neither interpretation provides a proper understanding of the nature of Jainism. A more meaningful and accurate analysis could emerge by focusing on the worldview of the Jains. Essential to the Jain worldview is the fact that the existents in the cosmos have neither a beginning nor an end, and hence the concept of creator God is irrelevant here. The Jains do venerate Tirthankaras. Many Jains even worship Tirthankaras and dedicate temples to them. And yet, Tirthankaras are not regarded as 'gods' of a polytheistic tradition. In the polytheistic traditions the gods and goddesses possess varying levels of power, making some more powerful than others, and they are regarded as capable of doing personal good
when pleased or harm when displeased. In
Mahavir and the Jains While students recognise that the term 'Buddhist' comes from Buddha, they usually do not know the origin of the word 'Jain'. In one of the books, Mahavir's name appears as 'Mahavir Jain' and therefore Jains are followers of Mahavir. (see Metcalf and Metcalf)
Jain' was not Mahavir's family name. It derives from the Sanskrit term Jina, literally meaning the 'conqueror'. It does not refer to 'spiritual conflict' as assumed by Burton Stein. The Jains use the word Jina as an epithet to describe those human teachers who became spiritual conquerors after completely overcoming anger and attachment, attained omniscience and preached the path to liberation from the cycle of rebirth (moksha). The Jina are also referred to as Tirthankaras who preach and propagate the truth. Jains are, therefore, followers of the Jina.
Key Concepts and Teachings What did Mahavir teach? These books offer us a range of interpretations of his teachings, but not any substantive discussion of what these were. We are told that Mahavir, like the Buddha, "taught an ascetic world-denying philosophical and ethical system." (see Metcalf and Metcalf) But, we never learn about the nature of this ethical system or even its principal precepts. The Jains believe, according to one author, "everything in the universe, material or otherwise, has a soul. For Personal & Private Use Only

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HISTORY
Purification of the soul is the purpose of living...purification is not achieved
through knowledge, knowledge being a relative quality." (see Thapar) Such statements result from misunderstandings of the Jain worldview. First,
Jainism maintains that there are two major categories of existents:jiva (soul or living) and ajiva (matter or non-living). Hence not everything
in the universe has life. Secondly, knowledge in its highest form, which in Jainism is known as kevalajnana, is a precondition for liberation. Also, the significance that knowledge occupies within this tradition is underscored in the dictum from the Dasavalkalika Sutra: "padhamam nanam tao daya," that is: first knowledge then compassion.
Jains in India and Abroad Some of the common impressions given in these texts can be illustrated by the statements such as the following. "Jains are prominent in Gujarat and Bombay." (see Wolpert and Metcalf and Metcalf) And, unlike Buddhism, Jainism "never spread beyond India..." (see Stein) These statements suggest that Jainism
has been a localised or regionalised religion and raise questions in the minds of the textbook readers: Are there any Jains in other parts of India? Did Jainism ever spread outside of India? According to the 1991 Census of India, Jains are spread all over in India, with major concentrations in Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Delhi - the largest concentration being in Rajasthan. Similarly, Jainism in the modern times, especially in the twentieth century, has spread to many different parts of the world via Jain diasporas.
In conclusion, I would like to underscore that my critique in this paper is by no means a reflection on the overall quality and value of these textbooks. Nor is the critique meant to question the expertise of the authors within their fields. The analysis does, however, point to a greater need, using the case
of Jainism, for historical accuracy, for a reflection of recent scholarship and research in the writing of textbooks, for inclusion of those aspects of a topic which are germane to its proper understanding, for a balanced interpretation of key concepts and ideas which make up
a religious and philosophical tradition and also their significance in the larger context of Indian history and culture.
This is a brief excerpt (selected by the editor) from the chapter Jainism and Mahavira in Indian History Textbooks from the recently published book Ahimsa, Anekanta and Jainism, edited by Tara
Sethia (Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass, 2004).
A detail of a Parikar of Mahavir in the private collection of Chandu Dodia Nairobi, Kenya
BOOKS SURVEYED IN THE CHAPTER MENTIONED ABOVE - Barbara D. Metcalf and Thomas R. Metcalf, A Concise History of india (Cambridge and New York: Cambridge University Press, 2001) - Peter Robb, A History of India (New York: Palgrave, 2002) - Hermann kulke and Dietmar Rothermund, A History of India (London: Routledge, Third Edition, 1998) - David Ludden, India and South Asia: A Short History (Oxford: Oneworld Publications, 2002) - John Keay, India (New York: Grove, 2000) - Burton Stein, History of India (Oxford: Basil Blackwell, Third Edition, 2000) - Romila Thapar, A History of India (New York: Penguin, reprinted in 1990)
- Stanley Wolpert, A New History of India (New York: Oxford University Press, Sixth Edition, 2000)
Tara Sethia is Professor of History and Director of Ahimsa Center at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (Cal Poly Pomona). She teaches courses on History of India and South Asia, Women in Asia and a new course on Non-violence in the Modern World

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PHILOSOPHY
iStockphoto.com/uploaded by member: 'spxChrome'
Stefan Klein
memorable story appears in the canonical BhagavatiSutra, which purports to preserve the words of
the last Jain Tirthankara, Mahavir. There, Mahavir was asked
about a war between Konika, the Jan Education International
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emperor of Magadha during Mahavir's time, and a federation of eighteen independent kings that had reportedly left 840,000 men dead. Mahavir's disciple specifically wanted to know whether it was true that all those men would be reborn in heaven because
they had perished on the battlefield. In answer to this question, Mahavir declared that only one man out of this large army was reborn in heaven and only one reborn as a man, all the rest ended up in hell or in the animals realms.

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PHILOSOPHY
salutary and must therefore lead to unwholesome rebirths. Mahavir's answer to this question is truly memorable and departs drastically from the traditional belief of the Hindus, as recorded in the BhagavadGita, where Krishna, the incarnation of Vishnu, tells Arjuna. who was hesitant to participate in the war, that death in battle leads to heaven: Hato va prapsyasi svargam, jitva va bhoksyase mahim/tasmad uttistha Kaunteya, yuddhaya krtaniscayah. (Slain, you will attain heaven, conquering you will enjoy earth. Therefore, rise oh, Arjuna, resolved to do battle.)
ground. Holding his hands together in veneration to his teacher, Mahavir, he said: "Salutations to Mahavir, wherever he may be, who administered to me the layman's precepts. Now the time has come for me to face my death. Making Jina Mahavir my witness, I undertake the total renunciation of all forms of violence, both gross and subtle. May I remain steadfast in maintaining absolute detachment from this body." (Bhagavati-Sutra, VII, 9). Saying thus, he pulled out his arrow and his mind at peace, died instantly and was reborn in heaven.
To return to our narrative, Mahavir then proceeds to tell the story of two fortunate soldiers. (BhagavatiSutra, VII, 9) The man who ended up in heaven was a Jain named Varuna, who had taken the anuvratas as a Jain laymen before he was drafted by his king and sent to the front. Prior to his departure, however, Varuna vowed that he would never be the first one to strike anyone; he would always wait until he was struck first before attacking. Armed with bow and arrow, he took his chariot into battle and
came face to face PROFESSOR PADMANABH JAINI masterfully with his adversary. recounts a story from the Bhagavati-Sutra, an Varuna declared that ancient Jain text, to elucidate the role of ahimsa he would not take the and self-defence in the lives of Jain laypeople. first shot and called
on his opponent to Contrary to the widely held belief
shoot. Only after his opponent's arrow that death on the battlefield is almost
was already on its deadly flight did he equal to holy martyrdom, the Jain
let his own arrow fly. His enemy was answer as put in the mouth of Mahavir
killed instantly, and Varuna himself lay shows extraordinary courage of their
mortally wounded. Realising that his conviction that death accompanied
death was imminent, Varuna took his by hatred and violence can never be
chariot off the battlefield and sat on the
AHIMSA & "JUST WAR IN JAINISM
The second man, a friend of Varuna, was himself severely wounded in the battle. Even so, he followed Varuna in order to help him in his resolve and witnessed his peaceful death. He died soon afterwards in the same fashion and was reborn as a human being. Thus, the Jains are clear in their belief that a wholesome rebirth is assured only to those who die a peaceful death and who renounce all hostility and violence. Without achieving these qualities, no amount of valour on the battlefield guarantees even true temporal victory, let alone improvement in one's spiritual life. This does not mean that the Jain lay adherent is a total pacifist. A layperson, as we saw above, however, is given the option of countering an armed adversary in kind, with the reminder that it is proper for a Jain not to be the first to strike. The combatant would also be asked to bear in mind the Jain doctrine of multiple perspectives (anekantvada), which allows a Jain to recognise the validity of his adversary's point of view as well. By enabling him to recognise an area of common ground between himself and his opponent, a Jain would, therefore, be able to avoid confrontation and try reconciliation and resort to warfare only out of dire necessity. The Jains thus appear to have outlined a path of nonviolence that would allow a lay adherent to conduct his daily life with human dignity while permitting him to cope with the unavoidable reality of the world in which violence is all-pervasive.
Professor Padmanabh Jainis emeritus Professor of Buddhist Studies at the University of California, Berkeley. His major publications include The Jain Path of Puntication (1979), Gender and Salvation Jain Debates on the Spiritual Liberation of Women (1991) and Collected Papers on Jain Studies (2000)
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VIEWPOINT
LE’GO YOUR
EGO
SUDHIR SHAH takes a closer look at controversial Jain practices
ecently, I visited a large Jain temple in the United States. It was a beautiful temple, but I felt quite
uncomfortable in that atmosphere. Underneath every large statue was an even larger plaque listing the donors' names; at times the plaques over-powered the statue! To make the matter worse, pooja rights were being auctioned off!
Our society and leaders have shown a strong bias toward people with money and many of our monks encourage that. We have replaced the cast system with class system. "Some people claim that no institution
The more I study Jainism, the more I see a disconnect between our philosophy and many of our traditional practices. I am sure, for many of the donors, contributing financially to the temple is an experiential aspect of renunciation and a practice in nonattachment. And yet, because of the overpowering need to satisfy the ego (an external stimulus) they end up denying themselves the great internal pleasure that comes from anonymous donations.
tell the donors to have greed "...DONORS WHO or ego or any kind of desires.
INDULGE IN CHARITY However, in TO SATISFY THEIR EGO actual practice,
HAVE VITIATED THE the names of donors and VIRTUE OF CHARITY." the amount of donations are publicly announced and publicised in newspapers and magazines. They are prominently displayed on walls of temples and buildings," writes Hukamchand Bharilji. "These customs amount to enticing the unsuspecting masses to engage in such practices that violate the spirit of Jainism. Fundraisers who are interested in satisfying their ulterior motives and donors who indulge in charity to satisfy their ego have vitiated the virtue of charity," he concludes.
Everyone likes to feel appreciated and everyone should be. However, when the recognition becomes a display of ego and competition, we should be concerned. Jain societies, like the one I come from, recognise only money donations and not time sacrifices, skill or other efforts and dedications. In the temple example, there were no signs of recognition for the many volunteers who may have put in countless hours in making the temple project successful! Many young people, the back-bone of our centres and their educational activities, are hardly recognised. They have fresh ideas and lots of enthusiasm. Instead of building them and empowering them, we tend to brush
them off as immature and unwise.
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Jains, the followers of Jinas, are certainly aware of the fundamental practice of Jainism that calls for an active effort in minimising our anger, ego, deceit and greed in our day-today activities. Certainly, these are not very easy practices. However, we can at least stop cooking up new rituals and put an end to old traditions that fuel these weaknesses. Young Jains around the globe are turned off by these practices. Let us act on this before we are written off as hypocrites..
Sudhir Shah manages the website www. anekant.org and is a committed member of the JAINA Pathshala Education team.

on

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BEHIND THE SCENES
WHAT IS JAIN SPIRIT? Jain Spirit is the only non-sectarian international quarterly magazine in English on the Jain culture, one of the oldest living non-violent traditions in the world. It relates the ancient values to the modern world in a fun, educational and creative way. English is increasingly becoming the global language of communication, and the Jains are a global community. Each issue is over 80 pages long, containing a wide range of articles written by people from all over the world, from scholars to artists and young people.
management. Dr. Atul K. Shah is the founding editor who has given up a highly successful academic career to focus full-time on this project. He was also the founder of the Young Jains movement, the first non-sectarian democratic youth Jain organisation. We have an international advisory board who critically review and comment on articles and the magazine. The editor regularly speaks at various events and is available to give presentations to different audiences.
HOW IS IT PUBLISHED? Jain Spirit is a UK charity and a company limited by guarantee. A professional team of four full-time and various freelance staff work to produce each issue. The printing and global distribution is done from India in order to save on cost. A range of donors and advertisers fund the publication and support the existing infrastructure. Jain Spirit is a professional charity whose primary mission is to 'Share Jain Values Globally'. We do need regular support from sponsors - individual and corporate and invite you to come forward so that we can concentrate our limited resources on publication and dissemination. In particular, we invite businesses to take an active stake in this project and use their unique fundraising skills for the benefit of the global . community. To donate any amount, please email us on editor@jainspirit.org for information on our schemes.
WHO IS BEHIND JAIN SPIRIT? As well as a team of full-time staff there are many volunteers who help the charity in various ways from writing to marketing, fundraising and

WWW.JAINSPIRIT.COM
is the 24/7 internet home of Jain Spirit. Here you will find more detailed information about each of the above and an on-line secure credit card subscription form and advertising rates. Gift subscriptions are a unique way to spread this magazine and we encourage you to sign up for them on our website. Latest news and announcements will be disseminated through this, so we encourage readers to visit it regularly. We have also started an e-mail newsletter, and to subscribe e-mail marketing@jainspirit.com - this is a unique forum for announcement of quality Jain events and news. We would also like to invite people to submit unique photos for the website and the magazine. Writers are welcome to contact us with articles or suggestions for new articles.
HOW CAN I GET INVOLVED? We are looking for ambassadors for Jain Spirit in different parts of the world who can promote the magazine, send us news and information and collect subscriptions on our behalf. If you are interested please email Kiran Nandha on marketing@jainspirit.⚫
Dr. Shah: Executive Editor
Becky Hoh: Editorial Assistant & Kid Spirit Editor
Joanne Wood: Art Editor & Designer
CHWALL
Kiran Nandha: Marketing Assistant

Mahesh Mistry: Web Support

Page #94
The worldly souls fall into two groups, souls that possess a mind and souls that do not. Tattyartha Sutra, 2.11 Those that have a mind are intelligent beings. Tattvartha Sutra, 2.25 For Fional & Private Use Only