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was held in Brookfield. For Das Laxan celebration, Ms. Tarla Doshi was invited. Daily morning and evening lectures were organized. Focus in the evening sessions was on Dash Laxan. Morning sessions focused on question/ answers and self improvement. The sessions also included Pratikraman, Mudra Vigyan and Reiki, responding to the specific interests of the attendees. Several Pooja were arranged at the Middletown temple, which uniquely included integrated poojas celebrating both traditions Arti's (Panch Parmeshthi, Adinath Bhagwan) and Mangal Divo were sung celebrating both traditions. The joint celebration by the two neighboring centers afforded the opportunity to learn in depth about different Jain traditions. Everyone was delighted to see that fundamental principles of Jainism are very similar in different sects, and special highlights of different sects should be revered. and appreciated. Young Jains between the ages of 14 to 40 years put together various programs with the aim of bringing our youth together Yogesh Kamdar/Hans Maru, yogesh kamdar@ml.com
8. Jain Vishwa Bharati (NJ)
IT conducts 18 days of Paryushana and Das Laxana. The program includes Bhagwaan Mahaveer's Charitra Vanchan and readings from Kalpa Sutra. It is followed by daily lectures on Das Dharma. Daily Pratikraman and lectures on many soul searching topics are delivered by both Samanijis. Common Khsamapana Divas is celebrated. Samaniji have developed point scoring system for grading of various conducts. Both Samvatsari (Swetamber) and Alochana Path (Digamber) are incorporated in the program. - Jay Duggar, idugar@dugargroup.com
9. Jain Society of Metro Washington
Develop budget for activities respectful to all sects. Get scholars from all sects. Each tradition is well served in their ritual practices. Focus on Jain activities independent of Languages. - Sushil Jain Sushiljain@aol.com
10. Jain Society of Central Florida
Dehrasar design is such that all sect can carry out all function same time. We have every Sunday pathshala, Digamber Abhishek, Swetamber Abhishek. and pooja. Gabhara designed such that all sects can have their worship.. Shashikant Shah, depadasa@gmail.com
Challenges at our Centers
Jaina scholars committee has helped all centers to celebrate Paryushana. Except major centers which have 18 days of Paryushana and Das Laxana, all have Paryushana which are mostly conducted in Gujarati.
We could do the following to bring everyone together at all centers:
1. Include programs in English for children, Young Jains and Young Jain Professionals
2. Include part of program in Hindi for non- Gujarati population
14th Biennial JAINA Convention 2007
Jain Education International
178
For Private & Personal Use Only
The joint celebration by the two neighboring centers afforded the opportunity to learn in depth about different jain traditions. Everyone was delighted to see that fundamental principles of Jainism are very similar in different sects, and special highlights of different sects should be revered and appreciated.
PEACE THROUGH DIALOGUE
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