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Co-Sanghpati...
Jai Jinendra,
On behalf of the entire San Francisco Bay Area Jain Samaj, I welcome all Sadhus, Sadhvis, Shramans, Shramanis, Shravaks, Shravikas to the 2005 JAINA convention. I would like to pay special respects to all learned Jain scholars for gracing this conven
tion.
Over the centuries, technological advances in transportation have transformed the world into a global village. Since Jain tradition limits the use of any form of transportation other than walking, the message of Jainism cannot travel overseas as freely as can Jains themselves. The teachings of the Jainism should not be hampered by such constraints, and, instead, should flourish among Jains, both, at home and abroad.
We want this convention to be a forum for intellectual debate and discourse of the great Jain philosophy, Jain culture, and Jain traditions; particularly, among our youth. Jains living abroad do not have the luxury of learning and understanding from the Acharays. Therefore, the responsibility on Jain Shravaks is higher. It rests on their shoulders to impart the philosophy of Jainism to the coming generations.
I also believe there is one Jain. We want to create unity among all Jains while respecting the many diverse traditions we each hold dear. It is our desire that this convention also serve as a platform of intellectual discussion on this topic as well.
Additionally, I hope all of you to have great fun, and enjoy the beautiful San Francisco weather. Please visit our unique Jain temple, and participate in various cultural activities Meet new friends and renew old friendships. Our volunteers have worked very hard to make this a unique and memorable event for all attendees.
In closing, on behalf of all Jains living in the Bay Area, I want to give you my “Michhami Dukadam" in advance for any mistakes.
Best,
Shailesh J. Mehta Sanghpati
Jain Education International
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