Ahimsa Times 2008 08 SrNo 98

Author(s): Ahimsa Times
Publisher: Ahimsa Times

Page 11

AHIMSA TIMES - AUGUST 2008 ISSUE - www.jainsamaj.org
meditative and relaxing, might induce the same effects.
Recent scientific investigation shows that prayer can be used as an alternative therapy as successfully as meditation, exercise, or herbalism. A study of 91,000 people in rural Maryland showed that weekly church attendees had 50 percent fewer deaths from heart disease than nonchurchgoers and 53 percent fewer suicides. Churchgoers have lower blood pressure levels than nonbelievers, even after smoking and other known risk factors are taken into consideration. Many doctors believe that if they prayed with their patients before and after surgery or before administering a course of powerful drugs, this treatment might assist in the patient's recovery. Thirty medical schools in America are now offering courses in faith and medicine.
"Prayer works," says Dr. Matthews, associate professor of medicine at Georgetown University School of Medicine in Washington, D.C., and senior research fellow at the National Institute for Healthcare Research in Rockville, Maryland. Dr. Matthews has reviewed more than 200 studies linking religious commitment and health, cited in his book, 'The Faith Factor'. Dr. Matthews cites studies suggesting that people who pray are less likely to get sick, are more likely to recover from surgery and illness and are better able to cope with their illnesses than people who don't pray. Some evidence indicates that sick people who are prayed for also fare significantly better than those who aren't. In fact, some physicians report that people who are prayed for often do better even if they don't know they're being prayed for.
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There are umpteen number of instances of Jain saints, nuns and even laymen, who having been seriously ill and near death bed have taken a vow for not eating food or even taking water for the rest of their life. This vow is called, 'Santhara". It is strongly believed by all the followers of Jain religion that death occurring after having taken a vow of santhara can lead to salvation and destroy all the evil karma. Recently, a lady living at Bhilwada in Rajasthan, who had been in the last stage of Cancer and doctors had left all the hopes of her survival, took Santhara and stopped all medicines, food and water. It is reported that she is alive even after 71 days and she has been fully cured of Cancer disease. It was a miracle for the doctors and everybody else. Unbelievable but true, this was the effect of prayers conducted by herself and her family members. Shri P. L. Jain E-Mail: pljain@sancharnet.in
CHATURMAS
Shwetambar Murti-Pujak Saints
Jainacharya Shrimad Vijay Jayantsen surishwar ji maharaj, belonging to Shwetambar Murti-pujak sect, alongwith his group of disciples are holding their chaturmas at Gudur in Andhra Pradesh.
Digambar Saints
Acharya Shri Vinit Sagar ji maharaj at Bundi, Rajasthan.
Acharya Shri Devanandi Ji maharaj at Chennai
Acharya Shri Kunthu Sagar Ji maharaj at Bhind, M.P.
Upadhyay Shri Nirbhay Sagar ji maharaj at Bhagalpur, Bihar Muni Shri Vibudh Sagar ji maharaj at Nagaur, Rajasthan Muni Shri Prabuddh Sagar Ji maharaj at Jabalpur. Muni Shri Praman sagar Ji maharaj at Gaya, Bihar. Muni shri Pulak Sagar JI maharaj at Udaipur, Rajasthan.
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8/11/2009