Jain Study Center NC Raleigh 1999 08 Twenty Years

SR No.: 528542
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Jain Study Center NC Raleigh
Publisher: USA Jain Study Center NC Raleigh
Publication Year: 1999
Total Pages: 122
Language: English
Classification: Magazine, USA_Souvenir Jain Center NC Raleigh, & USA
File Size: 15 MB

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The Real Gem of the Jain Study Center: Swadhyay
Every Thursday night at 8:00 p. m., a group of us get together at Pravinbhai Shah's house for a swadhyay. Swadhyay means to learn by oneself, and as I would put it, to learn about oneself, which is exactly what we try to accomplish.
We have been blessed with the presence of Pravinbhai, who conducts the swadhyay. Pravinbhai is very learned and he also has a very contemporary view about everything. Pravinbhai has understood Jain concepts by thinking them through, so he can explain them beyond doubt. Ramnikbhai Zota is no less to be praised, as his knowledge and understanding adds to the deep meanings of Jinwani, the Tirthankara's preaching. Maheshbhai Varia always has upbeat questions and comments, and Jagdishbhai Shah thinks deeply about everything that has been said, so he brings up really interesting questions. Thus, the Swadhyay is far from a dull and boring study, but rather is very lively, entertaining at times. The round table setting encourages us to ask questions about anything and everything and present our views freely. Jinwani from our priceless scripture flows like a river and it is up to an individual as to how much to take home with them. Swadhyay enriches the soul with a potion every week and we look forward to it every Thursday.
To give you an idea as to what we have read so far, let me tell you about the books that we have finished. Tran Ratna is a summary of three of Acharya Kundkundacharya's books: Samaysar, Pravachansar, and Panchastikay. It includes Nav Tatva but the emphasis is on Atma or soul- it is very nicely done. We also read Tatvarth Sutra, the Bible of Jainism, describing Nav Tatva in depth as well as other facts of Jainism. Another book we read was Karma Theory written by Pandit Dhirajbhaiji. Last year we studied Samaysar, by Kundkundacharya. Samay means soul and sar means true meaning. This is an excellent book. We just finished Mokshamarg Prakashak by Pandit Todarmalji, which has questions and answers about how we can attain moksha- a thought-provoking book. Now we have started Samadhishatak, inspired by Kanji maharaj.
We incorporate scholar's visits in our Swadhyay when possible. Again, we have to be thankful to Pravinbhai. Although we are a relatively small Jain center, due to his great efforts, many accomplished scholars come and share their knowledge with us. This year alone, we listened to Shri Niraj Jain, who spoke on such varied topics as purusharth, karma, parigraha, bhed gnan, bar bhavna and Jain history. Shri Arunbhai Zaveri gave a workshop on preksha dhyan or meditation; Acharya Chandanaji from Viraytana spoke on her views of Jainism; and at present, we are honored by the presence of Shri Shantibhai Kothari who lectures on different letters by Shreemad Rajchandra on Thursday nights. Pandit Dhirajbhai is also going to visit us on August 31 to September 4.
We invite you all to come and enjoy the Swadhyay and enrich your soul. Bring your questions, comments and any special books that you may want to share. Thursday is considered a day designated to Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge and to Gurus, our spiritual teachers. It is so appropriate to have swadhyay on that day. We hope that Jinwani keeps flowing and swadhyay leads us to True knowledge, faith and conduct..
This article is sponsored by Madhuker & Gita Mehta.
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