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Contents
President's Message
Headquarters News .............. Financial Report ........................ For Your Information .................... Regional News ........... .............. Affiliate News ............ ............... Young Minds. Committee News ................... Animal Issues .............
........... Reflections ................ ............... Jain Center History ....................... M. I. S.........
From the Publishing Editor
It is an honor and privilege that I was asked to write the editorial for this issue of the Jain Digest. As the roots of the Jain community go deeper into the fabric of North American culture, and the younger generation with its inquisitive mind comes of age, the theme of the 9th Biennial Convention seems fitting, Jainism in Practice. Let us make this convention a great success by contributing ideas and actively participating.
We have come to depend on the Jain Digest for bringing us Headquarters and Regional News, and the Marriage Information Service. As you might guess, it takes a great deal of voluntary effort and about $10,000 to produce and deliver it to your door step. We need your continued financial assistance. Please fill out the envelope in the center fold which we have included for your convenience.
Nominations for individuals you feel should receive the Acharya Sushil Kumar Ji Ahimsa Award are requested. See page 3 for complete details.
The Washington Jain Center has developed a program called, "Adopt the Jain Center for a Day." This excellent program can help develop a steady income for your center.
Please ask us to publish your new electronic www address.
Paryushan and Daslakshan have passed and I want to wish the entire Jain community - Micchami Dukkadhum.
I am pleased to announce that our 9th Biennial JAINA Convention will be held in Toronto, Canada from July 4 - 6, 1997. I congratulate the Jain Society of Toronto who will be hosting this event. Plans are already in progress to have a convention that has meaningful programs for everyone. The theme of the 1997 convention will be "Jainism in Practice."
As the photograph of Lord Mahavir, on the cover of our last issue reminds us, the Jain community in North America is establishing itself as a positive religious influence throughout the United States. Recently, the Jain Society of San Diego, CA and the Sanatan Mandir in Toronto, Canada had their Pratishthas of Lord Mahavir.
The Second YJA Convention was held in San Francisco, CA last July. We are pleased to present some of those who attended, and who represent our future, on the cover of this issue. The YJA event is very important for our children. It gives them the opportunity to come together in an atmosphere that fosters a sense of community and develops a deeper understanding of Jainism and Indian culture.
Everyone benefits from JAINA. This wonderful organization helps us all in many ways, by encouraging everyone to practice what we believe in and provides opportunities which help us to make our philosophy and culture flourish. Within this context, I would like to congratulate the hard work of the Jiv Daya and Vegetarianism Committee and the Jain Society of Greater Detroit for providing the Jain families of North America with Jainism and Animal Issue, Handbook for Compassionate Living and Saman Suttam. These two very important publications are necessary and welcomed additions to our home libraries.
It is important to remember that JAINA is YOUR organization and anything you can do, to help financially with these activities for the greater good are truly appreciated. I strongly urge each and every one of you to come forward and donate generously.
I look forward to see you all in Toronto.
Jai Jinendra,
Mlehte
Manibhai Mehta
Jai Jinendra. John D'Arcangelo
Cover: Some of the participants ar the '%6 YJA Convention November 1996 Jain Education Intemational
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