Jain Spirit 2003 02 No 13

SR No.: 528993
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Jain Spirit UK
Publisher: UK Young Jains
Publication Year: 2003
Total Pages: 68
Language: English
Classification: Magazine, UK_Jain Spirit, & UK
File Size: 17 MB

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Compiled by Falguni Patel Compiled by
A REALITY CHECK IN SOUTH KOREA Dr. S.L. Gandhi, of Anuvrat Global Organisation (a trans-national centre for peace and non-violent action associated with the UN Department of Public Information), plans to organise an international conference from 23 February 2003 in Rajsamand, India in co-operation with UNESCO and UNICEF.
Dr. Gandhi's resolve to organise such an event was made after he realised just how little these principles are known in the wider world. When Dr. Gandhi attended an IPRA (International Peace Research Association) conference in July in South Korea, he was astonished to find that hardly anyone of the 400 delegates from 80 countries had heard of Jainism or Lord Mahavir. He found it difficult to believe that even amongst such dedicated researchers of peace and nonviolence, as were present at the South Korea conference, knowledge of Jainism should be so limited. This reality check led Dr. Gandhi to comment: "Jains have to think beyond governments and temples. The people who really matter and who are working to establish universal peace through nonviolence know very little of us Jains. Something practical has to be done to spread Mahavir's message globally." The conference in February 2003 is intended to contribute to this endeavour.
The theme of the conference will be "The Culture of Peace and Non-violence for the Children of the World". Dr. Gandhi hopes that this conference will be a turning point for modern Jainism as well as children everywhere. He urged for the support of the global Jain community in this venture.
ADIDAS ACCUSED OF KILLING FOR KICKS BRIGHTON, UK
On 31 August campaigning organisation Viva! co-ordinated an international day of action against ADIDAS. This year alone, seven million adult kangaroos will be shot to supply the kangaroo leather industry; the largest massacre of land animals on the planet. ADIDAS is the industry's biggest customer, making their Predator boot and other footwear out of kangaroo skin. Viva! supporters across the UK and as far afield as Zimbabwe, the USA and Australia staged demonstrations outside sports shops stocking ADIDAS goods, and urged shoppers to boycott all ADIDAS products until they stop using kangaroo leather. Tens of thousands of leaflets were distributed, spelling out the gruesome facts behind every pair of Predator boots.
"People don't realise that kangaroos are, quite literally, being killed for kicks," says Viva! campaigner Claudia Tarry. "Football players who wear kangaroo skin boots have the blood of millions of gentle and unique animals on their hands and feet." Without the football boots underpinning kangaroo skin prices, the entire industry would be at risk. With 70 per cent of the market for professional football boots, ADIDAS is the driving force behind the kangaroo skin business.
JAINA EDUCATION AND LITERATURE CD RELEASED IN USA The JAINA Education and Literature CD contains over 2000 files, which consist of more than 10,000 pages of printed materials covering a variety of information on Jainism in English. It is intended to be a resource for everyone interested in Jain philosophy, including teachers and students of Jainism around the world. The main objective of the JAINA Education committee in compiling this CD is to make the Jain principles known to Jain communities at large and to make Jain literature widely available in English. In countries like the USA, Canada, UK and also in Africa where many Jains have settled permanently, children do not have easy access to Jain literature in English. It is hoped that this CD will fill that gap. For more information and to purchase the CD, please visit the JAINA web site on www.jainism.org
NEWS IN BRIEF
DO YOU KNOW OF ANY HIGH-FLIERS IN YOUR JAIN COMMUNITY? 7810 People of talent, people who have made outstanding contributions to society?
If so, contact us at Jain Spirit and we will write about their achievements in future issues of the magazine. E-mail: news@jainspirit.com
WHAT'S HAPPENING IN YOUR CORNER OF THE WORLD?
Have you had any exciting, inspiring, Jainism-related events in your community? Then share them with us and spread the Jain Spirit! Contact us at the Jain Spirit office with your news and photographs.
PLANS FOR 12TH BIENNIAL JAINA CONVENTION UNVEILED OHIO, USA
The Federation of Jain Associations in North America (JAINA) in co-operation with the Jain Centre of Cincinnati and Dayton has decided to host its 12th biennial convention at the Greater Cincinnati Convention Centre on 3-6 July 2003. The theme of the convention is to be "Jainism - the Art of Living".
Preparation for the 12th JAINA Convention is now underway. This international Jain event is expected to attract over 6000 people from all over the world. The four-day event will include a colourful opening ceremony and religious discourses by prominent Jain scholars from North America, the UK and India. In the day time, in addition to the speakers, the focus will be on participatory events such as yoga, meditation, art and vegetarian cooking. In the evenings, professional entertainment is planned in conjunction with drama, songs and dances to be performed by members of Jain communities across North America.
December 2002 February 2003. Jain Spirit
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