JAINA Convention 2007 07 NJ Edison Program Guide

Author(s): Federation of JAINA
Publisher: USA Federation of JAINA

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DR. MAMTA SHAH Panel on Women This is a lecture/ discussion session with audience participation. The scholars from different faiths will talk about the status of women as per the religious scriptures of their particular faith. There will be discussion about how the scriptures are interpreted differently in social, cultural and political context, what impact it has on today's women and how the knowledge from scriptures can be used as a positive force to deal with the social issues facing today's women.
DR. MANOJ JAIN, PRAVIN K. SHAH Jain Food Jain tradition has laid the deep-rooted scientific and philosophical foundation of a healthy vegetarian diet. Now, vegetarianism has become a movement through out the world. If you have wondered what is the philosophy, the nutritional merits and health benefits of a Jain diet - this session will be illuminating Topics Covered are: Philosophy of Jain Food, Nutritional benefits of Vegetarian Diet, and Health Benefits of Jain Diet
DR. P. JAYRAMAN Jainism in South India Jain religion has been prevailing in South India in ancient times. The speaker will discuss current following of Jainism in South India.
DR. RAJNI SHAH (NJ) Daan Dharma, Abhyantar Tap Tapa (Austerity) means voluntary restrain from available things and desires or voluntary suffering to uplift the soil. There are two major types of austerities; (1) Bahyantar (External) and (2) Abhyantar (Internal). Each of these two are further sub-divided into six groups. Abhyantar Tapa includes six groups such as Prayaschit (confession); Vinay (police towards all); Vaiyavachch (serving four categories of chaturvidh sangh); Swadhyay (study and teach); Dhyan (concentration) and Kayotsarga (meditation).
DR. RAJNI SHAH (NJ) Samayik Vigyan Samayik is the act of purifying the soul from karmic bondage caused by our actions. Equanimity achieved through meditation and prayer. Monks and lay followers (Shravaks) are supposed to recite the verses of Samayik and do‘chintan' for a period of 48 minutes every day. The result of “Samayik' is equanimity through self-consciousness. The intention of reciting the verses is to relate the own consciousness to the sense of the words and to ask for forgiveness for the transgressions committed during the day.
DR. RAJNI SHAH (NY) Ashtapad As per Jain scriptures, the first Tirthankar Bhagawan Shri Rishabhadev had attained nirvana on the Ashtäpad Mountain. Shri Ashtapad Tirth is one of the major Tirths and is located in a tranquil region of the Himalayas. Chakravarti King Bharat (son of Shri Rishabhadev) had built a palace with precious stones at this place as a memorial to commemorate the nirvana of Bhagawan Shri Rishabhadev. The name "Ashtapad" is derived from the fact that there are eight (Ashta) steps (Pad) leading to the palace. The Jain center of America in New York has constructed a new building for its temple and other religious activities. As a tribute to 24 Tirthankars, it was decided to make idols of 24 Tirthankars in Gem Stones and install them on a crystal mountain - thus creating a model of Shri Ashtapad Maha Tirth. All the related stories are also being carved out of gem-stones. This will be one of a kind - first Ashtapad Maha Tirth carved out of gem-stones after the original one which is supposed to be lost in time. Presently lot of research is going on to locate this tirth.
FAKIRCHAND DALAL Senior Symposium Building a retirement community for Indians poses challenging issues due to the language, food, and cultural diversity of Indians. Some of the issues faced by Seniors will be addressed in this session.
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