Jain Digest 1997 11

SR No.: 527069
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Federation of JAINA
Publisher: USA Federation of JAINA
Publication Year: 1997
Total Pages: 36
Language: English
Classification: Magazine, USA_Jain Digest, & USA
File Size: 8 MB

Page 13

West C. Parekh, Regional Editor
Los Angeles, California
Paryushan and Daslakshana Mahaparva were celebrated from August 30 to September 15 under the guidance and direction of Shri Sunandaben Vohra and Shri Jagdishchandra Joshi respectively. The first day began with Kalpasutra vanchan fol- lowed by rangoli workshop by Reshma Shah, children's cultural program, general body meeting, Swami Vatsalya, and ended with a stavan program by Hansaben Nagda. Ev. eryday program included Kalpasutra vanchan in the morning, and Pratikraman and lecture by Sunandaben in the evening. Nearly 2,000 people attended the auspicious occasion of Mahavir Jayanti celebrations. Samuh samayak, samuh aarti, evening bhavna bhakti programs, chhatra installation, and others activities helped to raise great enthusiasm and religious fervor. The Tapasya achievements of a record number of tapasvis were recognized on the Parna day. The program began with a stavan pro- gram presented by Kalyanji Anandji, followed by Kshamapna Vanchan, tapasavi bahuman, and samuh parna, and concluded with a bhavna bhakti program by Pareshbhai. The tapasavis included Ashok Savla who observed Siddhi Tap, a total of 36 upvas in increments of 1 to 8, Virendra Shah and Shobhaben Shah who observed 16 upvas, Savitaben Shah who observed Varshi Tap and 40 adults and 5 youths who observed athai (8 upvas). In addition, tapasayas of nearly 34 children, ranging from Ekatana to 3 upvas, were also recognized. A community directory of the Jain Center of Southern California was published and distributed during the Paryushan parva.
Pathshala classes began on September 28. With this year's record enrollment of over 230 children and a staff of 30 teachers and volunteers, the Jain Center has one of the largest pathshala programs in America. The participants also are able to attend
language classes in Gujarati and Hindi. A new "Mummy and Me" class, offered for the first time, will provide 5 to 7 years' old children a head start in learning the glory of Jainism. A Jain Center Youth Council win- ter camp will be organized at Lake Arrow- head during the Christmas holidays.
Ahimsa Day was celebrated on October 5. Mr. Alex Pacheco, President and Cofounder of People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) was the key speaker. Other programs included a compassionate fashion show, skits presented by children, display on animal experiments, distribution of literature and product samples, and information about other animal welfare groups. Diwali celebration on October 25 was coordinated by the Jain Senior Association and included rangoli competition, mehandi demonstration, fancy dress competition, and a party. A "108 Parshvanath Puja" event on October 26 provided an opportunity for 108 individuals and/or couples to do Abhishek. Vastu muhurat of the newly acquired Post Office Building took place on October 28. The acquisition of this building made it possible for us to vastly expand our Pathshala program. Gyan Pancham and Kartiki punam will be celebrated in November. A number of ongo- ing activities including Pathshala, Swadhayay, bhavna bhakti are organized on a regular basis. Internet website at www.jaincenter.org has details about such activities. For more information, please contact Virendra Shah at 310/326-5685.
Devendrakirtiji informed us in the middle of September of his inability to come during the Paryushan Purve due to sudden change in his program. As in the previous years, our community observed high levels of tapascharya. Manhar Shah and Chanchalben Gogri observed Varsitap. Adult tapasvis include Saroj Dagli, Sandhya Jain, Navin Dedhia, Kirtida Bavishi, Himat Dagli, Shaila Shah, Dr. Megh Jain, Shakuntala Jain and Bhavna Shah. Young adult tapasvis include Heena Shah, Kalyani Bhayani, Mihir Shah, Neha Shah, Viral Parekh and Himanshu Shethi. The achievements of these tapasvis were recognized on September 20. The Jain Center of Northern California achieved another notable and joyous milestone when the City of Milpitas Planning Commission approved the plans for Jain Bhawan to be constructed at 774 South Main Street, Milpitas. A major joint celebration of Mahavir Nirvana Program and Bhumi Pujan is scheduled at the site on November 15(report on Page 6). The monthly bhavana is organized on the 2nd Friday of the month. Preksha Dhyan classes are offered at the Fremont Senior Citizen Hall during November and December. Pathshala for children is scheduled on 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month in both Fremont and San Jose. Internet website at www.jenc.org has details of these activities. For more information, please contact Jashvant Shah at 510/ 475-7882.
San Francisco, California
Jain Center of Northern California completed the celebration of 18 days of Paryushan Parva under the guidance and direction of Shri Kumar Jayakeerteeji and Daslakshana Parva under the guidance and direction of Ashwin Pragnaji. Community participation was really great Shri Bhattarak
Sacramento, California
It is a great honor and privilege that Samaniji Sanmati Pragnaji and Samaniji Prassan Pragnaji stayed with us for almost one year, and the Jain Center of Greater Sacramento is thankful to Acharyaji for making an arrangement for the Samanijis to stay for such an extended period. During their stay, the Samanijis delivered lectures
Continued on page 8
JAIN DIGEST WINTER 1997/11
Jain Education Intemational