Ahimsa Times 2007 10 SrNo 88

SR No.: 523588
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Ahimsa Times
Publisher: Ahimsa Times
Publication Year: 2007
Total Pages: 16
Language: English
Classification: Magazine, India_Ahimsa Times, & India
File Size: 376 KB

Page 6

AHIMSA TIMES - OCTOBER 2007 ISSUE - www.jainsamaj.org
A Dismal Scenario -The main aim of a religion is to enable its followers to live a good moral life based on truth and justice but when we look back and examine the role of religion during the last three millenniums of recorded human history, we are shocked to discover that instead of inspiring people to follow an ethical code of conduct and abstain from sinful acts it was instrumental in generating bloody conflicts and causing discord and disharmony in society. Our beliefs result from our social and cultural environment. No two persons think alike hence it is natural that there will be different beliefs, different languages, different dresses and different cultural, moral and social values. Diversity of beliefs and views is a natural attribute
of humanity.
The situation today is extremely grim and complicated since the extremists are exploiting religious differences to further their selfish ends and fulfill their political aspirations. Economic disparities, abject poverty and unemployment are also adding fuel to the fire of religious tensions. India is facing the worst crisis of terrorism. Thousands of innocent people have lost their lives and the potential threat still exists. It is time we took immediate steps to strengthen inter religious and intercultural cooperation. We are of the view that only a meaningful dialogue among religious heads can create an environment of goodwill and friendship leading to cooperation..... to read further click here.
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FIGHTING AIDS DISEASE THE GANDHIAN WAY
NEW DELHI: Inspired by Bollywood character Munnabhai, a group of Gandhians in New Delhi have launched a campaign against HIV/AIDS by urging people in a "Gandhian style" to keep themselves away from illicit relationship. Activists of the 'Universal Peace Foundation' are distributing Gandhigiri pamphlets, which contains the messages of Mahatma Gandhi on values like being trustworthy in relationships and on the institution of wedding. The pamphlet urges people to take a pledge that they will keep away from illicit relationships before or after marriage and will be faithful to their partner throughout their life. It also contains passages from sacred texts of various religions like Hinduism, Christianity, Islam, Jainism, Zorastrianism and Ba'ahai. The campaign was designed under the guidance of eminent jurist L M Singhvi, who died recently. "We are trying to reach out to the masses using the Mahatma's teachings to fight against HIV/AIDS," David McLackLand, a Britisher associated with the campaign, said. MacLackland, also a consultant with a charitable trust 'Inter-religious and International Federation for World Peace', said they chose the principles of the Mahatma because his ideals have an universal appeal.
ADMISSIONS TO NEXT BATCH FOR STUDY OF JAINISM IN SUMMER SCHOOL IN INDIA The Program of Summer school in Jainism started with just 7 scholars in 2005 and grew to 14 in 2006 and 33 in 2007. The total participation so far is of 50 Scholars. They came from USA, Canada, Russia, Singapore, Thailand and Cambodia (more than 85% from North America) and represented about 20 universities from six countries. Atleast 5 Alumni of ISSJS have already started offering regular classes in Jainism at their school/university. Last year, nearly 500 hundred students were exposed to Jainism and its philosophy. University of Ottawa, Canada, University of Bombay, Rajasthan University, Maglayatan University (in Aligarh, U.P) and Lal Bahadur Shastri Sanskrit Vidyapeeth in New Delhi are providing Academic support to ISSJS program. As a result of visit to Harvard University in August 2007, we have engaged two highly motivated and qualified Graduate Students from Harvard Divinity School under the work-study program to help us in publicizing ISSJS program at University campuses throughout the world. The aim is to draw the best qualified students and faculty from a larger pool to participate in future ISSJS programs. This program is jointly funded by JAINA, ISJS and the Harvard University Work-study Grants........ ..To read further click here
HONOURS
GENERAL KNOWLEDGE EXAMINATION IN JAINOLOGY Institute For Jain Studies, Pune has announced an examination in General Knowledge in Jainology. The examination is open to all and can be given by correspondence. The question paper will be objective, covering subjects like Philosophy, Culture, Literature and History. No study material will be provided to the students, as the purpose of this examination is to check the General Knowledge. Students can give the answers in English or Hindi language. Successful students will get a certificate from the institute. For further details, please send a self-addressed envelope to: Institute For Jain Studies, Post Box No. 58, Jagannath Complex, 199 Mumbai-Pune Road, Chinchwad East, Pune 411019. Courtesy: Mahavir Sanglikar, EMail: jainismus@gmail.com
SAURABH DALAL GETS HENRY SPIRA GRASSROOTS AWARD IN LOS ANGELES
http://jainsamaj.org/magazines/october2007.htm
8/11/2009