Jain Digest 1985 10 Vol 02 No 02

Author(s): Federation of JAINA
Publisher: USA Federation of JAINA

Page 19

THE CINCINNATI ENQUIRER Sunday, September 8, 1985
Jain Leader Urges Non-Violence
BY KIMBERLY CROCKETT The Cincinnati Enquirer Theirs is a religion of non-vio
SHRI SUSHIL KUMARJI lence-a solemn reverence is
... lectures on Jain faith maintained for all living things, even insects.
On the occasion of the Lord Krishna's birthday, & celebration of India's Jain religion, the Jain
The Acharya spoke of the Acharya Shri Sushil Kumarji, &
founding principles of Jainism prominent leader, scholar and re
and the impact it has had on the former, was in Cincinnati Satur
world. The power of non-violence, day to lecture at the Hindu Tem
he said, was best exhibited by M&ple in Clifton.
hatma Gandhi. He is the founder-president of
"Non-violence is & oneness the World Fellowship of Religions
with all living beings. Non-vioand president of the Ahimsa
lence is a way of life, of society of (Non-violent) International
politics. We are all members of Movement.
one family." The Acharya's visit falls on the final days of Paryushana, the
AFTER GANDHI, people began Festival of Fasts. Paryushana, an
thinking more about non-vioeight-day festival, is considered
lence, said the Acharya. Freedom the most important celebration in
and equality, rather than attained the Jain religion. It means the
by law, can be achieved by "workmerging or coming together, and ing on the spirit of man," as Ganis a symbol of growth and trans
dhi did. formation. It is also a time of
Non-violence will save the cleansing one's soul and asking
world from annihilation, he said. loved ones for forgiveness.
Threatened by nuclear weapons, THE JAIN religion has existed
the world is headed for either "tofor more than 5,000 years, dating
tal destruction or total survival,"
head. "Total destruction is not back to the Indus Valley civiliza
so far. If you want to survive, you tion in Asia.
have to change your ideas and Prior to his 8 p.m. lecture at ideology." the Hindu Temple of Cincinnati
Jainism is not the major reliin Cuitton on the "Relevance of
gion in India, but its followers live Lord Krishna's Teachings in TO
all over the world. The Dayton day's World," the Acharya rested
and Columbus area have about at the home of Dr. Sulekh C. Jain
500 members. Practitioners are in Union Township, Butler Coun.
strictly vegetarian and will not
consume eggs or fish. The Acharya's appearance was not to recruit people to Jainism, he said. Instead, he hopes to convert souls gently so they embody the principles of harmony, love
and peace.
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