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AHIMSA TIMES - OCTOBER 2007 ISSUE - www.jainsamaj.org
Page 10 of 16
thousands years ago (before he Aryans invasion) Shravan Dharma (Jain Dharma) was the only religion propagated in the universe by our Tirthankaras. In fact all religious knowledge in the world has come from our All Knowing Masters Tirthankars. One of the reason Jains have gotten weaker is due to the unfortunate division two thousand years ago. Therefore, Jain Unity is of utmost importance for our survival.
Shri Kataria said it is time to think about our bright future. As the time elapsed new gachchas came in to beings. It is today's requirement that we should complement each other. Idols are signifying us but our thinking should be right. Jain Dharma has capability to be World religion. We should concentrate on the common themes. The division increasing due to rituals has to be subsided. We should create such temples where all sects can come together. Unity will be our strength. Gotambhai said that decreasing Jain population is a big concern. We should think why this is happening. Some of the things we should do are to increase the education level and our poor Jains should be helped. He gave formula "J for J" (Jain for Jain) that should be carried out and should organize such way. He gave example of Tirthankar Gardens built by Gujarat government. We should built similar gardens to make aware of our culture to the world. We should also include youngsters in all our programs.
Dr. Kumarpal Desai said that all Shravakas should joint together and let monks help them. Jain professional should join the movement. Society should have commitment for young Jains. He referred to the type of commitment Swaminarayan provides. Young Jains over 16-18 years should be part of each program. Today's time Jain Unity is most important. Shri Niranjanbhai Juva exhorted for Jains to develop identity by providing helping hand to society around them. One example could be funding for eye treatment for poor. Shri Vinodbhai Harsh gave importance to forgetting the differences. We should work like various political parties joining together. We should stay politically active. Shri Pramodbhai Shah expounded that we should join the poor in their struggle. Time demands that we should join politics and fight for our rights.
Shri Santosh Surana gave thoughts that we should take U turn. We should contemplate over the reason for opposition for any act. We should think, live and eat together and make planning for beautiful future. We should take with us all those on which we agree. Using last name as Jain could also be useful. Dr. Shekharchandra Jain said we should work on principle of unity at national and international level. Our young Jains should be molded in our culture so that they believe in Jainism. Our aim is to struggle at every level. If we build temples then we should also build hospitals for poor and develop program for women's progress and help. 95% principles between sects are same. We should have 18 days of Paryushana. Our shravak should be Anuvrati and unite. Shri Rajiv Doshi said time demands Jain unity. Meeting in Songarh was attended with their trustee and scholars Shri Chimanlal Modi, Shri Ramesh Mehta, and Shri Niranjan Shah. They are in Unity for Jain Unity. For further information, contact: Nirmal Dosi E-Mail: ndosi@verizon.net
EDITOR OF RAJASTHAN PATRIKA RETURNS ACHARYA TULSI AWARD
Shri Gulab Kothari, Editor of Rajasthan Patrika, a popular Hindi language daily, who was honoured with 'Acharya Tulsi award, consisting of a letter of eulogy, a memento and a cash amount of Rs. 51,000 in October, 2003 at Surat on behalf of "Acharya Tulsi- Mahapragya Vichar Manch" has retuned the award to the organisers. He has expreesed his unwillingness to retain this award with him saying that his newspaper is resting solely on the faith and support from its esteemed readers and the present working style of the said Vichar Manch does not conform to the thinking of his newspaper. The members of the Executive committee of the newspaper, having given due consideration to the whole matter has come to the conclusion of returning the award, with due respects to the Acharyashri, before any mis-givings appear in the minds of the readers of Rajastha Patrika. [Courtesy: Raj Patrika, 3rd October, 2007]
NEW BOOKS
THE JAIN PATH -By Aidan Rankin Ancient Wisdom for an Age of Anxiety English By Aidan Rankin, 2007 215 x 140 mm 258 pp, Paperback Rs. 250,"Jainism is one of the forgotten jewels of the world's faiths. Aidan Rankin introduces us to the essence of this spirituality in a book that is full of wisdom and intelligence". -William Bloom. Jainism is one of the world's oldest religions. It is rigorous, rational and unequivocal in its teachings on non-violence and insistence on nobility in thoughts, words and deeds. Self-reliance is the cornerstone of Jain philosophy. Jain cosmology is very advanced and Jain theory of karma is highly rational. It revolves around a profoundly spiritual personal journey where each soul is enjoined to be of assistance to one another but remain detached throughout. The Chapter Scheme is as under: Preface Introduction,1. Why Jainism?,2. The Faith of the Pathfinders,3. The Gentle Conquerors, 4. A Matter of Karma,5. Learning to Live Lightly: Jainism's Ecological Vision,6. Non-Violence of the Mind: The Doctrine of Many-Sidedness,7. Ahimsa: The Way of Humility,8. Ancient Wisdom for an Age of Anxiety. Book available at: HINDI GRANTH KARYALAY, E-Mail:
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8/11/2009
