Jain Digest 1991 01

SR No.: 527041
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Federation of JAINA
Publisher: USA Federation of JAINA
Publication Year: 1991
Total Pages: 44
Language: English
Classification: Magazine, USA_Jain Digest, & USA
File Size: 7 MB

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JAIN DIGEST
tion is through right faith, right knowledge and right conduct, called the Three Jewels in Jain philosophy. All three are explained in great detail. An explanation of different kinds of knowledge, the Jain theory of karma, the universe, matter, its qualities and modifications, life and non-life, etc. are given in the chapters of right faith and right knowledge, while the Jain path of purification, self-control and philosophy based on ahimsa (non-violence) are explained in the chapters on right conduct.
Thus, the small original work of the Tatvartha Sutra will not only be translated into English but full details of different aspects of Jainism and explanations of terminology and its significance will be given in the book produced by JSLT.
We look forward to the day when the Tatvartha Sutra will be published here in the Western world and the message of ahimsa, as prescribed by Jains, reaches each and every corner of this globe. The production cost of this book will be in the region of 40,000.
by Vinod Kapashi, Jain delegate to the Palace Coordinator of the Federation of Jain Association in the UK (in formation)
Civic Reception goven by the Lady and Lord Mayor of the city of Leicester, U.K., on October 27, 1990, to the International Jain leaders. Pure Indian vegetarian meals were served bin the city town halls in honor of the Jains attending.
The Jain Sacred Literature Trust
of being
established. Its principle objectives will be: 1. To promote a greater understanding of the Jain faith among the people of the world.
2. To render Jain philosophy and teachings more accessible to Jains by developing, translating, publishing and distributing Jain texts. This work will include books for publication in the International Sacred Literature series.
Jain Education Intemational
3. To contribute to the care and protection of the natural environment in accord with the Jain Declaration on Na
ture presented to HRH Prince Philip when the Jain faith joined the Network of the World Wide Fund for Nature.
4. To establish research bodies, Jain centers, temples and facilities to meet for discussions, lectures, seminars, etc.
5. To provide libraries, reading rooms and facilities for cataloging existing Jain literature for easy reference.
6. To collect and publish information on places of worship, mediation and study in India and elsewhere.
7. Toorganize celebrations of important religious events in the Jain calendar.
8. To invite, or employ at reasonable remuneration, individuals to effectively implement the objectives.
The trust board will be composed of Jains from different parts of the world. The administrative structure will have a team of advisors, consultants and other officers.
The first part of the program, i.e., the presentation of the Jain Declaration on Nature to HRH Prince Philip, has been completed. Programs for the preservation of nature are under discussion in the UK and in India, including the establishment of a Jain ecology research unit.
The translation of the Tatvartha Sutra into English is in progress and will be ready for the launch of the ISLT series in 1993. Thereafter, further volumes of Jain scriptures will be translated and it expected to produce 10 volumes over a period of 10 years.
by Nemu Chandaria Coordinating Committee
A program for the environment
F
ollowing wide consultation and meetings in India planned for February 1991, the Jain Declaration on Nature Co-ordinating Committee will draw up a master plan for environmental action. Below are some of the proposals under discussion:
1. Translating the Jain Declaration on Nature into Indian languages such as Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati, Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, Bengall, the East African language of Swahili and other European languages such as French and German will ensure the Jain teachings on Ecology are widely available.
2. Jainism provides basic guidelines on the protection of all lives including trees. Therefore, it is necessary to establish a news information service and a regular newsletter to publish ideas and opinions on environmental issues.
3. A master plan identifying all Jain Pilgrimage sites and their environmental needs should be drawn up. Reforestation of pilgrimage sites should be actively encouraged.
4. Full information about spare land belonging to various Jain trusts and organisations should be compiled. Environmental assessments of the lands could lead to the reintroduction of native trees and animals so that the lands become home for a large and diverse wildlife population, Page 28