Jain Center Los Angeles CA 1998 07 10th Anniversary of Jain Bhavan

Author(s): Jain Center So CA Los Angeles
Publisher: USA Jain Center Southern California

Page 43

The Community Outreach Years: 1994 - 95
Shree Hasendrabhai Shah
The community growth continued and by 1994 we faced unique challenge due to increased demands and expectations as a result of increased Jain population and participation. To serve the community in its varied needs and to generate enthusiasm with wider participation, the committee members began planning for future activities. Expansion was conceived collectively and executed as teamwork.
Incorporation of Jain Center was a priority as the community had grown in size and the assets had increased substantially. This was essential to provide stability, continuity and for the risk management of the liabilities. The process was started in 1993. Jain Center became a tax exempt, non-profit California Corporation on July 10, 1994.
The Jain Art Exhibition - "The Peaceful Liberators" The first of its kind exhibition by Los Angeles County Museum of Arts took place from October 1994 to January 1995. It was an unparalleled event in the Western World. Our community worked hard to see that it was a great success. It was well received among the art critics, students, educators and was well attended not only by Jains or Indians but also Americans.
The Carved Wooden Temple It was donated to our Center in 1988 and was stored in Las Vegas for us. With the help of Prof. Bhagwan Sinh and many others, the temple finally came to Jain Center. When restored, it will symbolize the spirit of Jainism.
Paryushana and Das Laxana Parva 1994 - These were celebrated with Samaniji Madhurpragnaji and Charitrapragnaji. Jain discourses and meditation for five to six weeks touched many and in different ways. Many youngsters were able to learn about Jainism from Samaniji and more so they were able to see glimpses of how a monk would conduct his/her life under Jain Major Vows. The children's program during this Paryushana was one of the best of all time.
Paryushana and Das Laxana Parva 1995 - Paryushana was celebrated with Gurudev Shree Chitrabhanuji. It was time for fund raising drive for the expansion of Jain Bhavan. With blessings of Mahavir Swami, a quarter million dollars were pledged in one hour. Ahimsa Awareness group was formed. Das-Laxana Parva was celebrated with Shree Rajendrabhai Kamdar.
Educational: The JCYC activities continued to grow. A group for youth over 16, named Jain Association of Young Adults (JAYA), was formed in 1994. In 1994 our youth showed their organizational and leadership skills by bidding to host the Young Jains Association (YJA) bienniel national convention. JAYA plays a unique role in our community.
Jainism applies to your everyday life. So practice it however you can.
- Sagar Shah (9)
Jain Education Interational