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Jainism in a Global Perspective
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the parliament starting from 6.30 a.m. and continuing upto nearly 10p.m.roughly 15-16 hours daily. These programs also included some entertaining programs (also covering the themes of parliament) to make the participants relaxed and always afresh. The PWR brought out a 152 page bulletin giving details about 889 programs under different categories. They could be classified under twelve heads as below: (1) Meditation of different faiths, 6.30-7.30a.m., Jaina meditation was
taught by Muni Sushilkumarji on one morning. (2) Inter-religious celebrations: Prayers and music of different faiths.
Plenary Sessions like opening, concluding, specific lectures etc. (4) Major Presentations: 184 on specific topics, 36 presentations/day,
the Jainas has 9 such presentations. Seminars and lectures; 462: reading of papers, approx. 90 per day, the Jainas had 25 lectures. The seminars on religious literatures of
world, Theosophy and world issues etc. were also very important. (6) Parliament of People; 4 : held for 4 days between 12 - 2 p.m.
covering daily programs and expressions about how to succeed in fulfilling the PWR objectives. Dr. Pranav Pandya and N.L. Jain participated in it. Video-films: 32 : They were meant to entertain and refresh the participants. Sympossia and Conferences: 101: They covered current topics and problems like multi-cultural environment, religion and violence, ethics in business etc. These programs seemed to be the life-line of
PWR. (9) Performing Arts: 47 : Dance, drama, music etc. including the
concluding one, 12 per day. (10) Body and Mind :9: Postures and exercise of different religions. (11) Festival of Sacred Arts : Musical recital of mantras and prayers of
different religions. Kumari Mangalam of Virayatana had a high appreciation in this program.
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