Jain Digest 1987 02 Vol 07 No 01

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

Page 15

ROLE OF JAIN RELIGION
IN PROTECTION OF NATIONAL CULTURE & ENVIRONMENT
UDAIPUR, RS. Under the sponsorship of University Grants Commission, Ministry of Education, Government of India, an all India Jainology Seminar on 'Role of Jain Religion in Protection of National Culture and Environment' had been organized by Jainology and Prakrit department of Sukhadia University, Udaipur. The seminar was held from 8-11 January 1987. Over 50 eminent Scholars of Jainism and Indian Culture from across India participated.
by Jainology and potection of National Culture and Janology Seminar on
A pabished through the CP Jainism in the ance, unity, pe
The golden age of medieval Indian Culture is also the golden age of Jainological Studies covering over 1000 works on various subjects and languages such as Prakrit, A pa bhramsa, sanskrit and other indian languages. During this period Jaina Art flourished through the construction of monuments, caves and temples throughout the land. The impact of Jainism in the development of Indian Society and Culture was enormous. Freedom, equality, tolerance, unity, peace and non-violence were fostered as well promoted by Jain Kings, monks and the laity.
The seminar focused on these aspects of national culture and environment and highlighted through Jain historical and literature sources of Medieval India.
Dr. Prem Sumar Jain, Director of Jainology department, Sukhadia University deserves all praise for organizing such a thought provoking seminar, first in the country, to reflect and reconcile the virtues of the Nation's culture and its bearing on social environment.
IT IS HEARD........
MUNI-VAJRA
Once a visitor went to Late Acharya Shanti Sagar, a well known Jain Saint of India during early and mid nineties. Acharya's name at the time stood synonymous with Sainthood. Such was the glory and fame of Shanti Sagar.
The visitor had no respect for any Muni but the name and fame of Acharya had brought him to Shanti Sagar to have an intellectual and logical dialogue with the Acharya.
He sat, near Acharya, cross legged and hands crossed. Shanti Sagar smiled radiantly at the visitor and blessed. The visitor, after introduction, settled down to the dialogue with Acharya. He said, "Acharyaji, this is Kaliyuga. And there aren't real Munis now. In fact the Munis now are ungenuine. There is a very slight chance of finding a genuine Muni." There was silence. The visitor sat silently expecting an outburst of anger and dismay. Shanti Sagar inherently faced instricateness of the situation. With a broad and radiant smile on his face, Shanti Sagar replied, "Diamond (Vajra) is a mere stone if it is not searched and separated from other stones. Similarly, real Muni could be found only if search is made. Muni is like diamond, - Muni-Vajra."
- By A. Shantiraj Shastri
Editor, GOMMATAVANI (KANNADA)
JAIN NAME FOR MONTHS
The Monsoon months of Ashada, Shravana, Bhadrapada and Ashwina corresponding to English months July, August, September and October have different names according to Jain Calender. The names of fain months are: Dana Virodhi (July), Abhinanda (August), Sapratistha (September) and Vijaya (October).
- Jain Siddhanta Bhaskara Vo. 2. P.75
by Nemichandra Jain For Private & Personal Use Only