Jain Digest 1993 01 Vol 20 No 01

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

Page 11

Jain Digest
Centennial Celebrations The Parliament of the World's Religions
At Chicago, Illinois, USA August 28th to September 5, 1993
and lecturer in Religious Studies at West London Institute of Higher Education passed away in early June, 1992. Born in Yorkshire just after WW II, he was an ardent admirer of Jainism. After graduating from the university, he was posted to India to teach in a village school in Rajasthan where he came in contact with Jainism for the first time and developed unique affection towards it which remained till the end of his life.
He authored the book, Jainism: The path of Purity and Peace, which was sent to each school in the UK as a handbook for teachers to serve as a guide to the teaching of Jainism. From The Young Indian Vegetarians, U.K.
Vegetaria France, Mahavir Ballet, Vegetarians in Portugal
The Young Indian Vegetarians, U.K. announced the formation of a new vegetarian society, Vegetaria France. The society was formed on July 14, 1992. Devi Schneiter has been chosen president of the society. Committee Members are: Miss Simone Korchin, Miss Maria M. Mingant, Mr. Kegham Sahaguian, Mrs. Lekha Shah, and David Whiting.
For those who may visit Paris and would like to meet members of Vegetaria France may contact: Devi Schneiter, 140 Bld. Voltaire, 75011 Paris, France. Tel: (1) 43-79-50-24.
In other news, Mahavir Ballet was perfomed to a full house at Fairfield Halls on June 7, 1992. Thanks are due to Jain Samaj Europe for bringing such a superb ballet to London - especially because it had such a strong vegetarian message.
In Lisbon, Portugal, the number of people interested in the Vegetarian Club of Lisbon is increasing all the time. Shri Mahendrabhai from Lisbon says that the 'Sakoni' vegetarian restaurant is so successful that the current sitting capacity of 40 seats is being increased to 80.
Introduction 100 YEARS AGO - 1893
The parliamant of the world's religions was held at Chicago in 1893 as a part of World's Columbian Expo sition. It was the first meeting of the representatives of the major religions in the history of the world. About four hundred persons spoke about their faiths to audiences of four thousand or more. The parliament marked the beginning of interfaith dialogue in the modern world. Jainism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Zoroastrianism trace their beginnings in the west to their participation in the parliament. Hundred years ago the Parliament was more of a familiarization and introduction of religions. The Jain Representation
A Jain Acharya, 'Shri Vijayanandsuri (popularly known as Atmaramji) was invited to attend the parliament to represent the Jains. The rules of the conduct of Sadhus prevented the Acharya from going to Chicago. He deputed Shri Virchand Raghavji Gandhi (VRG) to fulfil the mission. VRG was the first honorary secretary of Jain Association of India. He travelled by boat with Swami Vivekanandji and others. VRG gave several lectures on Jainism at various cities in the USA after the conference. 100 YEARS AFTER - 1993
The centennial Parliament is scheduled for nine days from August 28 to Sept. 5, 1993. It will bring together leaders and representatives of the World's faiths, experts on economic, social, scientific, environmental and political issues, and spiritual pilgrims from all over the globe. The centennial celebrations in 1993 will be a historic event. Participation by the Jains
Three important events are to take place in Chicago in 1993 and it
should be a pride for all the Jains in the world and in particular for the Jain Society of Metropolitan Chicago and the Federation of Jain Associations in North America. These are: (1) Pratishtha Mahotsav of the Jain Derasar in Chicago, June 1993; (2) Centennial celebrations of the Parliament of World's Religions held in 1893; (3) Launching of the first book of Jain scriptures "Tattvaratha Sutra."
Jain programs at the Parliament include an exhibition that will include: duratran slides with lights and mounted on frames, models of Jain Derasar, an idol of Mahavira, miniature sizes of Jain monks; models of Sametshikhar, Palitana, Girnar, Bahubaliji, Jalmandir, etc.; Tatva charts; Jain Agams and manuscripts; paintings, and Virchand Raghavji material.
Other programs include: audio/ visual show on mahavira, and films on Ahimsa and Jainism; slide shows on Jain artifacts; publication of selected books and speeches of VRG; participation in opening planary and closing sessions, demonstration with banners, red turbans and silver kalash on head; launching of Tattvaratha Sutra; speeches, seminars, workshops on Ahimsa, Anekantvad, vegetarianism, environment, meditatio, etc.; Jain ritual ceremonies at Jain Derasar, Chicago; youth participation; publication of Jainism At A Glance for mass distribution; and others (all suggestions welcome).
Many Jain authors, monks, religious heads, etc. will be attending the Parliament. Acharya Sushil Kumar Ji, Gurudev Shri Chitrabhanu Ji, Bhattarak-Charukeerthi Ji, Devendra Keerthi Ji, Pujya Dr. Atmanand Soni Ji and other scholars and academicians will present their views on various aspects of Jainism along with reli
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