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JAINA CONVENTION 2017
Editorial Message
Dear fellow members,
We would like to thank JAINA for having trust and confidence in our team's ability to create this book. We appreciate the opportunity to contribute to such an outstanding convention.
For the 19th Biennial JAINA Convention, the theme we explore is Jainism and Science. Our hope is that this year's program will illustrate the scientific basis of the values we have cherished for thousands of years. As society progresses forward in discovery, we sometimes lose
sight of our religion and spirituality; however, the theme emphasizes that science indeed supports, not contradicts, our beliefs and goals in Jainism.
For years, our religious leaders have understood many ideas that science has only recently grasped. Concepts such as ecology, the presence of life in plants and animals, and more, are relatively new scientific discoveries that Jainism has long acknowledged.
As we begin our convention, we ask the question, "Is there science in Jain?" Our many speakers and contributors will provide you with stories and views that reflect the scientific basis of our religion. We hope that this year's program will help you to consider and appreciate the multifaceted Jainism way of life and the foresight of our enlightened leaders.
The lessons provided by our speakers can serve as tools to support your daily religious practice. They will help you to approach modern day's unexpected challenges with a Jainism mindset. We encourage you to think thoughtfully about the speakers and events after you leave the convention and to determine how these ideas can best fit into your everyday life. The JAINA Convention Committee extends immense gratitude and thanks to the contributors for all their help and donations. We thank Nimish and Reshma Shah of Aha Designs for helping to create a beautiful book. Let this souvenir of articles, letters, and photos supplement your experience and serve as a reminder of your participation in this spiritual journey. As you read, please note that the views expressed in the articles are of the respective authors and are not a direct reflection of JAINA.
Souvenir Committee members from across the United States spent extensive time communicating with contributors, developing layouts, compiling photos, and editing and producing a final book. We hope that you appreciate our arduous work and cherish this book for years to come. Despite our best efforts, should you encounter any problems with the book, we ask, "Micchami Dukkadam."
Finally, the JAINA Executive Committee and the Convention Board would like to thank each one of you for supporting this year's convention. We hope you enjoy your time at the 19th Biennial Convention. May it be a memorable and unifying celebration of Jainism and our community.
Yours truly, Kirit Mehta, Chair-person (Souvenir Committee)
