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"Extending Jain Heritage to the Next Generation"
1. Jain Meditation International Center: In 1971, Gurudev Chitrabhanu came to the U.S. and established the Jain Meditation International Center in New York City in 1975. Gurudev lectures on Jainism to Jains and others throughout North America. He has numerous books on Jainism and prepared numerous video/audio cassettes on Jainism. The Center publishes a newsletter every six months, which is mailed out to about 2,000 individuals at no cost. When Gurudev is in the U.S., he conducts weekly classes on meditation and Jainism to interested people. One of his disciples, Mr. Balbhadra of Canada, has become a pure vegetarian and plans to become a Jain monk. Gurudev's main theme of his lecturesis in "Relativity in thinking, non-violence in action". His books, video tapes and audio cassettes can be obtained from the center: 244 Ansonia Station, New York, N.Y. 10023, telephone (212-3626483).
Jain Conferences
During the last decade, a lot of Jain conferences and conventions were organized in North America, England, India and other countries. A few local Jain centers are represented in these meetings. The survey show that 14 Jain centers sent their delegates to these meetings (i.e. JAINA biennial conventions, IMJM conference, World Congress, etc.) Needless to say, these national and international meetings are useful in uniting Jains and promoting Jainism in the world.
Cooperation with other religions 14 Jain canters undertook projects (i.e. Inviting outside speakers, raising funds, community work, feeding the homeless, etc.) with other religious groups, particularly Hindu Religious Societies. There are four responding centers which participate in Hindu Temples by having one or more deities of Tirthankars. The Hindu-Jain temple in Pittsburgh and the Buffalo HinduJain communities are good examples of such cooperation, where Hindu and Jain mantras and aartis are sung together.
Special Projects
A few local centers have undertaken special projects which are worth noticing:
Celebration of Ahimsa Day on Thanksgiving Day or Mahatma Gandhi's birthday by feeding homeless people.
Awarding scholarships to Jain youths based on academic performance and practice of Jainism (three centers). Sponsoring Jain scholars/ monks from India to lecture in North America.
Jain Activities of National Importance
The previous section presented Jain activities at the local Jain center level, mostly for the benefit of the local Jain community. There have been a lot of Jain activities at the national level during the last two decades which are presented here:
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2.Siddhachalam: In 1974, Acharyashri Sushil Kumarji came to Canada and the U.S. along with a few monks. He traveled throughout North America, lectured on Jainism and established numerous International Mahavir Jain Mission Centers. In 1983, Acharya Sushil Kumarji established his Ashram at Siddhachalam in Blairstown, New Jersey. This 108 acres of hill-top property is located near the Pocono Mountains and provides the ideal peaceful environment for the practice and study of the science of Arhum Yoga. Retreats and seminars are offered for adults with special summer camps for children to teach Jain principles. Siddhachalam is a resident community for monks and nuns, laymen and laywomen. It is the headquarter for the International Mahavira Jain Mission, the World Fellowship of Religions and the Kundalini Science Center, all founded by Sushil Kumarji. The Ashram is the first Jain community of its kind in North America for Jains of all sects. A newly-built temple at Siddhachalam houses beautiful statue of various Tirthankaras. Information about Siddhachalam activities can be obtained from RD4., Box 374,
Blairstown, N.J. 07825, telephone 201362-9793.
3. Jain Center of Boston: The center was established in 1973. It has published directories of all Jains in North America in 1977 and 1986, and is planning to publish the third edition in 1991. In addition, the center has been sponsoring an annual Jain essay competition for youth since 1980. The top three youths in each age group are given prizes and their essays ar published in the Jain Study Circular. These two activities initiated by the Boston Jain Center are of national interest, and the information can be obtained from: 83 Fuller Brook Road, Wellesley, MA 02181, telephone 617-237-5997.
4. Jain Study Circle: the Circle was formally established in 1987 to propagate the fundamental principles of the Jain religion through publication of the quarterly Jain Study Circular and other Jain literature, and organization of study groups/seminars. Prior to 1987, the Circular was published by the Boston Jain Center. The first issue of it was published in 1980. It is distributed at no cost to about 4,700 families. The circle has published Studies in Jainism: Reader I in 1990. Dr. Dulichand Jain is the editor of the quarterly magazine and other publications. Information about the Jain Study Circle can be obtained from: 99-11, 60 Avenue Apt. 3D, Flushing NY, 11368, telephone 718-6994653.
5. Federation of JAINA: The Federation of Jain Association in North America was established in 1981, representing four local Jain Centers. Today, JAINA represents about 50 Jain centers. Being an umbrella of associations, its objective is to provide a forum to foster fellowship and unity among various Jain Associations and to take up religious causes and issues that will benefit its member organizations. Some of the major activities of JAINA are listed below: (see for details, an article by Dr. Sulekh Jain in the July 1990 issue of Jain Digest.)
1. Jain Digest This quarterly magazine was initiated in 1985 and is
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