Jain Center Minnesota MN 2007 07 Pratishtha

Author(s): Jain Center Minnesota USA
Publisher: USA Jain Center Minnesota

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Scholars Visits to Twin Cities: We are very fortunate to have well-known speakers to visit our Center. They deliver inspiring messages to Jains and Non-Jains. We are thankful to Gurudev Chitrabhanuji, Pramodaji Chitrabhanu, Bandhu Triputiji, Sadhavi Subhamji, Swami Shrut pragayji, Samans and Samanis, Dr. Hukumchand Bharill, Dr. Bruce Costain (Bal Bhadraji), Vidhikar Narendra Nanduji, Dr. James W. Laine, Dr. Joseph Schaller and others.
Humanitarian Aid: Jains follow Bhagvan Mahavir's message to their heart "Live and Let Live, Love All and Serve All." JCM has donated generously to JAINA World Service Fund for financial aid to victims of natural disasters around the world.
New Temple & Pratishtha: Hindu Society of Minnesota welcomed Jain Center of Minnesota as a sponsor of new Jain Mini Temple in their beautiful Temple to join with other 18 Mini Temples. Hindu and Jain Communities are excited about the continuation of our partnership which had started in 1985 at the Polk Street Mandir.
With guidance from Gurudev Chitrabhanuji, and Bandhu Triputi Jinchandraji, three moorties will be consecrated on July 22, 2007. Bhagvan Mahavir Moorti (existing) in meditative pose and Bhagwan Parshavnathij & Aadinathji in Pravachan pose will be blessing to all devotees with their Darshan. Pratishtha Committee with 12 Sub-committees is working hard to make this once in a life time event a memorable and enjoyable for all. Our entire membership is enthused about this auspicious event.
I hope that new Jain Temple with Hindu Temple(s) together would become a spiritual home, spreading the message of love, compassion, understanding, and peace to all.
The Challenges Ahead: We are proud of the achievements of a small Sangh like JCM with dedicated volunteers, leaders, and members. In my humble opinion, following challenges may lie ahead, requiring greater determination, understanding and strategy for a success:
• Maintaining unity. • Keeping balance between rituals and rational practice of religion. • Continuing youth education. • Interacting with community at large. • Maintaining heritage and culture.
Personal Note Neena and I have been part of the Jain/Hindu/Indian community for over 40 years. We are privileged to host many visiting sadhus, sadhvijis, and scholars who have made great impact on our lives. JCM/Hindu Mandir has given us the opportunity to grow and to enrich our life while studying, speaking, and serving others.
About the Author: Mr. Ram Gada is the founding member of the Jain Center of Minnesota and is actively involved since its inception. He is the founding member of Gujarati Samaj of Minnesota, Trustee of Hindu Society of MN, JAINA Director, KOJAIN Director and active participant at India Association of MN. He is currently serving second 3 year term on the Executive Council of Minnesota Historical Society.