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Four (4) Gatis:
Interpretation of Design - By Ram Gada
Each person may interpret this bold and creative design with colors, shapes, symbols, etc. in multiple ways as per one's imagination.
⚫ Blue ocean color represents this world (Samsar).
Center diagram represents another form of "Swastika" or "Sathiya," a symbol of well being as per the Sanskrit word. Center point of the diagram represents "Jiva" or "Soul." Four arms of the Sathiya show the four States of Existence or Gatis of the embodied soul as per Jain philosophy. Sonali has manifested these four (4) arms in a bold colorful geometric pattern which attracts our eyes and awakens our consciousness to reflect and think.
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Souvenir Front Cover Design.
1. Human Beings (Manushya)
2. Heavenly Beings (Devas)
3. Animal and Plant Beings (Tiryancha)
4. Hellish Beings (Narki)
In one of the above four states of existence, one is born, grows old and dies as per one's Karma until one gets liberated from the cycle of birth and attains Moksha/Nirvana. Four arms are also representative of: Charity (Daan), Virtue (Sheel), Self Control (Tapa) and Noble Thoughts (Gnan).
"Jina" image on left represents one's inspirator, object of meditation, or state of "Vitrag." Symbol on right represents the shape of the Universe (Loka) as per Jainism.
3. Infinite Energy
4. Infinite Bliss
The three dots above represent three Jewels of Jain Religion to overcome the cycle of worldly existence by its realization:
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Enlightened Intution (Samyak Darshan)
Enlightened Knowledge (Samyak Gnan)
Enlightened Conduct (Samyak Chaaritra)
The one dot on top represents the pure, liberated soul (Siddha), free of all Karmas. The inherent qualities of the soul are:
1. Infinite Knowledge
2. Infinite Perception
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Jain Pratishtha Mahotsav
My 20.11.32, 2007
Jain Education International
These qualities are obscured by one's Karma in one's embodied state (Gati).
The Crescent Moon on top represents the resting place of the liberated soul (Siddha Shila or Siddhaloka).
The Jain Universal Symbol:
The "Raised Hand" means "stop." The word in the center of the wheel is "Ahimsa" means Non-violence. Together they remind us to stop and think so that our activities will not hurt anyone by our Thoughts (Mind), Words (Speech) or Actions. One should not ask or encourage others to take part in any harmful activities. The Wheel inside the hand indicates that if one is not careful and carry on violent activities, one will go round and round like wheel through the cycle of birth and death (Samsar).
Design Credit: Sonali Gandhi, St. Paul, Minnesota.
Sonali is a free-lance Graphic Designer and Artist. She was the first place winner of Logo competition for KOJAIN in 2005 for her design of "Siddhachakra Yantra." She credits Souvenir Front Cover Design in Jain Temple Pratishtha. Ancient Symbol in Buddhist, Jain and Hindu Religion Iconography Many thanks to Sonali Gandhi for her gift to all of us,
Souvenir Committee
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For Personal & Private Use Only
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