Jain Digest 2011 04

SR No.: 527119
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Federation of JAINA
Publisher: USA Federation of JAINA
Publication Year: 2011
Total Pages: 80
Language: English
Classification: Magazine, USA_Jain Digest, & USA
File Size: 18 MB

Page 25

JAIN DIGEST.. May 2011
Samanijis interacting with Dalai Lama during a Jain Studies at Florida International University Program.
members are also very active in the Parliament of World religions and other interfaith dialogs. This Jain Digest magazine, JAINA calendar, and the www.jaina.org website, are all geared towards increasing community communications. There are various other initiatives taken by JAINA and the respective centers to improve the overall wellbeing of the society. The community has been involved in various philanthropic and Jiv Daya activities across the globe. On May 22, 2010 for the first time, a Jain prayer was recited at both the US congress and US senate. Also for the first time a US President (Barak Obama) mentioned Bhagwan Mahavir's Nirvana in his Diwali greeting meant for general Indian community.
involved in promoting Jain education. Dedicated community volunteers over a period of time have published a series of Jain pathshala curriculum books in English. Taking advantage of these books, many Jain centers run a successful pathshala program, which is especially popular among the younger children below age 14. The educational initiative as the first of its kind,
Bhagwan Mahavir Professorship of Jain Studies at Current Model of Jain Practice in NA Florida International University, inspired by Acharya Mahapragya is showing a profound impact on many university students. The JAINA e- important to cognize the community's background.
To understand the model of Jain practice in NA is
library containing over 4000 books and 3000 articles, is widely used by the community members. In addition the, ISJS education initiatives, and other lectures at the Jain centers are noteworthy. All these activities have not only helped the migrant Jain families to maintain its rich
Most Jain migrants came to this country with a motive to grow financially or professionally. No wonder the Jain community is one of the most professionally and financially advanced community in USA (considering the size of 100,000 individuals in NA). The need for religion
tradition, but have become instrumental in spreading the teaching of Jainism and the philosophy of non-violence to a wider USA population. In addition, the technological advances are enabling Jain aspirants of North America to be in better touch with religious scholars and sadhus from India through long distance learning opportunities made available by almost all Jain sects; recorded lectures from renowned Jain sadhus and scholars, and the remote degree program at Jain Vishwa Bharati University.
JAINA and the Jain society in general have created various avenues for both religious and cultural communication among the community members. The extremely popular JAINA convention held every alternate year brings the North American Jain community together. In addition to the above large convention, there are smaller Young JAINA and Young JAINA Professional conventions, targeted specifically towards the youth of the community. JAINA
Finally, there is recognition among the community both at JAINA and the individual center level that the community needs to build and groom nextgeneration Jain community leaders. Initiatives towards these objectives have been undertaken at both JAINA and the center's level.
h Biennial JAINA Convention
2009-JAINA Convention at Los Angles. Over 2000 participants attended.
in many cases arises when people realize that their children may lose touch of the culture with which the immigrants grew up in India. The second need of the community is the strong desire for social interactions as most Jain migrants come from highly social families (as opposed to small