Jain Center Essex Fells NJ 1993 04 Ten Years Celebration

Author(s): Jain Center Essex Fells NJ
Publisher: USA Jain Center New Jersey

Page 77

Toth Anniversary Celebration)
CELEBRATION OF MAHAVIR JAYANTI
BHAGAVAN MAHAVIR'S MESSAGE
Today we are gathered here to celebrate the birthday of Bhagavan Mahavir. Bhagavan Mahavir was born on "Chaitra Sud Teras." Traditionally, in our Jain Center, we always perform Snatra Puja in the morning and Bhakti Sangeet in the afternoon following Sahyami Vatsalya. I am happy that hundreds of people are taking part in these activities. But I would be more happy if we all remember the message of Bhagavan Mahavir which is nonviolence, Ahimsa.
Ahimsa is a living practice in Jainism. It is based on the principle that all life forms have a right to live and continue existing. We should not hurt any living being by mind, speech, or action which is man, vachan, and kaya.
Now I will talk about Mahavir's life. Mahavir was the 24th and last Tirthankar of Jains. Bhagavan Mahavir was born more than 2.500 years ago. His father's name was Siddarth and his mother's was Trishla. Mahavir was a prince but gave up all he had and became a monk at 30. He spent the next 12.5 years practicing to conquer his ego. He gave up all pleasures and comforts, and fasted for weeks. He never lied. He never hurt another being. As a result he achieved infinite knowledge and wisdom, Keval Gnan. He spent the next 30 years teaching and traveling on foot. He taught people about permanent happiness, Moksha. Mahavir taught five main rules. They are main Jain principles to follow. 1. Ahimsa:
not to hurt any living creature by man, vachan, and kaya. 2. Satya:
speak the truth. 3. Asteya:
not to steal. 4. Aparigriha: not to accumulate more than you need. 5. To observe Brahmacharya.
Jainism says that there's a soul in every being. All living beings feel pain and experience death. Therefore, all animals have a right to live. I advise all my friends to take a vegetarian lunch to school. There are foods like peanut butter sandwiches, cookies, cakes, chips, fruits, nuts, beans, etc... Vegetarian food is also less expensive and healthier.
Rules for the Temple
1 Take off shoes at doorway. 2. Enter the temple saying nisihi, nisihi, nisihi. 3. Clean your mouth before going in temple. 4. No eating or chewing gum. 5. Don't do puja wearing leather. 6. Always face the pratima. 7. No shouting or running. 8. Don't disturb those who are praying. 9. Wear clean, washed clothes.
Amit Shah