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Jain Digest
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Contents
From the Editor Vantage Point News and Announcements International News Jain Center Profile
Jain Center of Cincinnati and Dayton Parliament of the World's Religions New Computer Bulletin Board System
Youth Corner Matrimonials Letters World Community Service of JAINA
JAINA restores hope for millions 7th Biennial JAINA Convention News Late news
vive in North America but also will grow and prosper. During the next several decades, Jains here (youth and others) will exert a strong influence in its reform (of practices and traditions and not of philosophy and principles), non-sectarianism, broader and forward looking outlook and its globalization.
I believe that, although we older Jains have long kept the plant of Jainism in the dark and in a small, narrow and confining pot, our youths will take this plant out into fresh air and sunlight and plant it in soil so that it can grow into a big and beautiful tree.
The reasons for my optimism are: Infrastructure
We, the first generation Jains, did not forget our responsibilities. During the last 25 years or so we have established a strong infrastructure that we all can be proud of. Now there is a Jain organization or a group in practically every major city in North America. Twelve years ago we created a national organization (Federation of JAINA) which now represents nearly all the Jains. More than 20 places of worship with Jain deities have been established. At least four Pratishthas are being planned in this year alone. Several more Jain temples are being constructed or designed. Suitable, appropriate, easy to read and understand educational and pooja materials have been made available and several more are in progress. Several videos and audios are now available. A couple of libraries (especially JAINA Library, Lubbock, Texas) are ready to serve the needs of the community.
We now celebrate our holy festivals on a very regular basis. Many of our rituals, places of worship and publications are non-sectarian. JAINA conventions and other such functions have become gathering places for all Jains to meet, debate and discuss issues. Participation in inter-faith movements, visits and availability of Jain scholars, pub
Continued on page 22
Vantage Point
From The Editor
Will Jainism survive in North America
Part II
Sulekh C. Jain, President of JAINA
I have received both letters and phone calls about having some welldefined code of conduct for our monks and spiritual leaders who come here in North America.
It seems to me that the Jain community should give a serious thought to this. We have heard some problems and unless we all speak with one voice, these problems will not disappear. It is easy to nip anything initially than let it grow and face bigger consequences. I thought this letter would encourage our readers to give their thought to this matter and send me their ideas which may be published in the forthcoming issues.
Jaijinendra Surender K. Jain Editor-in-Chief
In the October 1992 issue of Jain Digest, I gave an account of how two of our Jain youths view the state of affairs and their natural concerns about the survival of Jainism in North America. After listening, during a frank and open dialogue, this is what I told them.
In my opinion, the glass is not half empty. In fact, it is more than half full. Jainism will not only sur
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