International Jain Conference 1985 3rd Conference

Author(s): Satish Jain, Kamalchand Sogani
Publisher: Ahimsa International

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Delhi (India) was accepted. Preparations for the Third Conference are, therefore, being made since then to make it a larger and meaningful Conference.
Needless to say that Jains are now settled in many parts of the world. They need good literature, scholars from India, tapes of preaching of Jain saints, songs and Pujas and designs for building of Jain temples. All this can be well done by India where Jainism had its origin.
In the Third International Jain Conference, attention is therefore also being paid to discuss the spiritual and literary needs of the Jains world over and to find out ways and means to fulfil those. It is proposed to form a Board of Scholars who can be deputed for lectures and fellowship in various countries. Printing of Jain literature which can be easily understood even in foreign countries, bringing out a large and profusely illustrated book on art and antiquity of Jain temples, caves and icons, and a book on the rites to be performed at the birth, marriage and death in order that the Jain householders may perform these rites themselves will also be considered at the Conference. Another imperative need is of marriages of Jain boys and girls living in various countries. This aspect will also be considered with a view to take up the work of publishing an International Jain Directory giving suitable information on Jain families.
A wide range of subjects will be discussed at the Conference viz., (i) unity, brotherhood and close link among the Jains of the world; (ii) world-wide propagation of Jain doctrines and ideals;(iii) to put Jainism on World Religions' Map; (iv) movement on Non-violence (Ahimsa), prevention of cruelty to animals, world peace, nuclear weapon-free world & vegetarianism, (v) promotion of Jain philosophy, culture and literature, (vi) serving the needs of Jain community in India and abroad, (vii) recognition of eminent Jains,(viii) marriages of Jain boys and girls (International Jain Marriage Bureau). (ix) educational scholarships, (x) involvement of youth in living an ethical life, and (xi) role of women in Jain culture and literature.
The present Souvenir named "Perspectives in Jain Philosophy & Culture containing about 60 scholarly articles written by eminent scholars of India and other countries introduces the reader with the glorious aspects of Jain thought & culture. The Boards of Advisors and Editors include celebrated authorities on Jain studies and writings. Considerable efforts have been made by Dr. K. C. Sogani, Head, Department of Philosophy, Sukhadia University, who is the Executive Editor of the Souvenir, to collect and edit the articles. He has made dedicated efforts along with the undersigned, who is the Chief Editor, to make the Souvenir a memorable production worth preserving. Credits are also due to Dr. G. C. Patni of Jaipur who is an Editor on the Board of Editors. He has a long record of meritorious teaching and research in Mathematics. Shri Gyan Chandra Khinduka, a respectable social figure of Jaipur (Rajasthan) has dedicatedly discharged his responsibility in getting the Souvenir printed at Jaipur under his