Jain Center Los Angeles CA 2008 09 Pratishta Souvenior

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

Page 6

September 26, 2008
My dear President, Director, Executive Committee Members and All Members of Jain Sangha of Southern California -
Jai Jinendra!
We are very glad to receive the loving invitation of the Pratishtha Mahotsav to commemorate the new Derasar and Aradhana Hall at the Jain Center of Southern California.
Blessings and congratulations to all of you who have devoted your wealth of heart, head and hand to have this auspicious occasion.
The beautiful dream of a magnificent and opulent Temple has become fulfilled. It was on September 21, 1971 during my first visit to Los Angeles, that we had cherished the dream of having a Temple and Community Center, which now has become a reality through the dedicated perseverance of all of the members of the Jain Center of Southern California.
This is an auspicious occasion for all the Jains and all peace-loving aspirants. This Temple welcomes all and is an inspiration to all. People of all walks of life, without discrimination of caste or creed, man or woman, young or old, rich or poor, can come and pray peacefully to get in touch with their inner beauty.
When a world is torn in war and violence, those who have the rich heritage of Ahinsa, Anekantavada and Aparigraha are blessed. Bhagwan Mahavir lighted the lamp of non-violence and peaceful ways of co-existence with all living beings. Now it is our privilege to go on pouring the oil of practice with the fragrant service and dedication.
Through example and expression, we bring to life this teaching of sacredness of all life forms that influence our surroundings and the growing generation. They in turn influence others, and succeed-ing generations will influence their coming generation. In this way, the teaching and heritage of Peaceful Liberators will go on and grow forever. We are what we are as vegan and believers in Reverence for Life.
Ofen people go to religious places to pray only for the success of business, for power and position, for protection of their accumula-ted wealth. This sort of praying is the product of a selfish mind and that is why these kinds of prayers and rituals have lost meaningful values and have become commonplace. Real prayer is meant for peace and for the spiritual upliftment which open the doors to divinity within and without.
Having the unique Jinalay, this Anarya-bhumi has turned into Arya-bhumi.
Again, let us remind ourselves that life be perfumed with Ahinsa, Anekantavada, and Aparigraha for personal transformation and world peace.
Love and blessings,
Chitrabhanu