Jain Digest 2000 02 Vol 16 No 02

SR No.: 527078
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Federation of JAINA
Publisher: USA Federation of JAINA
Publication Year: 2000
Total Pages: 36
Language: English
Classification: Magazine, USA_Jain Digest, & USA
File Size: 9 MB

Page 25

INTERNATIONAL NEWS..
SAMANIJI'S LEAD
MEDITATION AND RELAXATION RETREAT
A Yoga-Preksha Meditation and Relaxation Retreat led by Samani Madhur Pragyaji and Samani Jayant Pragyaji was organized at Camp Cedar Falls, Angelus Oaks in California in April. About 50 people, including 15 Americans, participated in the program. Dr. Sukhsampat and Kalyan Mehta made the camp arrange
ments.
The practical sessions at the camp involved Preksha Meditation, Yoga, Relaxation, and Anupreksha (Contemplation). Lectures were presented on "How thoughts influence breathing?", Stress Management. Transformation Through Contemplation, Self Control, and other subjects. During a question-answer session, Samaniji's addressed a number of topics including How Old is Jainism?, Jain Principles, Application of Jainism in our daily life, Theory of Preksha Meditation, Lifestyle of Jain Monks and Nuns, Saman and Samanijis, Jain Vishwa Bharti, and the University of Ladnau,
About 45 people, all Americans, attended a similar program organized in the Community Center in Redlands. Following a successful visit to Southern California, Samaniji's returned to Orlando where a Jain Vishwa Bharti center has been established at 7819 Lill Will Avenue, Orlando, FL 32809. The center can be
contactedat407/295-8694or by e-mail at jainvishwa@hotmail.com.
SHRI KANJI SWAMI 111TH JANMA JAYANTI CELEBRATION IN NORTH AMERICA
For the first time in North America, hundreds of Mumukshus gathered at Siddhachalam, NJ, during May 27-29, 2000, to celebrate the 111th Janma Jayanti of Gurudev Kanji Swami. Jains from far away places like Nairobi (Kenya), Canada, California, Arizona, Florida, Michigan, Texas, IL, WI had Joined the celebration. Dr. Mahendra K. Pandya, President, JAINA, was present on May 28, to grace the occasion. Lodging, Boarding arrangements were made at the Siddhachalam for those who wished to stay at Siddhachlam. Three days Adhyatmik Shibir was the main feature
of this event. Eminent Scholars from India conducted the Shibir.
There was one session for children. Besides this, Gurudev's taped Pravachan, Panch Parmesthi Vidhan Mandal Poojan, Tatvacharcha, Video on Gurudev, Guru Bhakti were in the daily schedule. Exhibition of huge pictures of Gurudev Kanji Swami and his Sadhana Bhoomi Songadh, magnificent Temples of Songadh, was arranged by Dr. Kirit Gosalia, Phoenix, AZ. The celebration was accomplished with great enthusiasm.
AFFILIATE NEWS
INTERNATIONAL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION OF SHRI MAHAVIRA JAIN VIDYALAYA
International Alumni Association of Shri Mahavira Jain Vidyalaya (IAAMJV) has undertaken a very ambitious project to help the bright and needy Jain students residing in the Udaipur area obtain college education.
The project entails establishing a branch of MJV at Udaipur by June 2001 and is estimated to cost around $435,000. The branch will be a state of the arts facility and offer lodging and boarding to 72 college bound students. The land, a 55,000 sq.ft plot, has already been acquired for $90,000.
On Feb.15, 2000, a Bhoomi Pujan and Shila Nyas was performed at Udaipur by Shri Dipchandbhai Gardi and other trustees of MJV. About 150 people participated in the event.Dr. Mohan Jain, Chairman, Udairpur Project, Allentown, PA has established a Steering Committee in Udaipur led by Shri Babubhai Bafna and a similar committee in Bombay led by Shri Premraj Bafna and Shri Mohan Sanghavi. His contacts in India have assured him of raising about Rs. 60 lakhs ($140,000).
The noteworthy donations from the USA include $75,000 from Dr. & Mrs. Y.P. Jain, Long Island, NY; $45,000 from to Dr.
& Mrs. Mohan Bafna, Cleveland, OH, and $35,000 from Dr. &
Mrs. Mohan. Jain, Allentown, PA. The project still shows a shortfall of about $110,000. Anyone interested in supporting this project, please contact Dr. Mohan Jain at 610-437-9596 or Anop R. Vora, President, IAAMJV, Inc. at 716-473-9290.
VARDHMAN FUND
The Bhagwan Vardhman Global Education Fund (founded with the inspiration of Gurudev Shree Chitrabhanuji) recently sponsored one of their distinguished teachers to address a youth regional convention in Texas. Ms. Sharda conducted meditation sessions for two days. She conducted special sessions for beginners. Upon conclusion of the sessions, the participants greatly appreciated her teachings.
Vardhman Fund has a number of experienced teachers for various Jain topics. If you would like to invite one of the teachers for the upcoming event in your area, please contact us as early as possible to assure their availability.
For more information call Kamlesh Shah, Phone and Fax: (301) 838-9778.
JAIN DIGEST SUMMER 2000/23 www.jainelibrary.org