Jain Digest 1993 04 Vol 20 No 02

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

Page 7

Jain Digest
the vibrant Jain community through the ages as detailed in the next paragraph.
In the context of India's vast and richly complex heritage, the Jain doctrines of Ahimsa (noninjury to all beings), compassion, tolerance, respect for all religions, nirvana, moksha (salvation/soteriology), many-sidedness (anekantavada/ syadvada);and above all the "three jewels":right faith, right knowledge, and right conductallstand out as messages and beacons of "sweetness and light" for all the peoples of the world, everywhere, for all times.
side their homes or away from their vegetarian friends and relatives.
When traveling, Jains encounter serious difficulties to locate suitable eating places. This difficulty, I belive, can be solved if Jains across North America would set up a network of families who would be willing to host a traveling Jain for a few days.
Would such a system work? A friend of mine with whom I shared this proposal expressd doubts about its feasibility. He gave several reasons: (1) In many families, husband and wife both work; they may not have the time or inclination to entertain strangers after a hard day's work, (2) many Jains are professionals-engineers, doctors, professors, dentists, lawyers, acountants—some of whom are very status-conscious; they may not want to invite Jains from other walks of life into their houses, and (3) other Jains may not consider this proposal attractive because they have nothing to gain.
These may be valid reasons or objections for refusing to participate in a Jain Hospitality Network. But life is full of risks; without risks there are no rewards. By giving respect to a traveling Jain who is not a relative or friend, one may find a friendship or relationship.
I believe this splendid idea is worth exploring.
Sushil Jain
Windsor, Ontario Jains should inspire World Dear Editor,
Browsing recently through some choice Jain literature and lore at the residence of Dr. Narpat S. Jain and Mrs. Vasundhara Jain in Pittsburgh, I had the good fortune of reading and rereading the excellent speeches on Jainism, delivered at the Parliament/ Congress of World Religions held at Chicago a century ago.
These addresses beautifullyand lucidly explain the philosophy, spiritual practices, and contributions of
Dr. Mohan Lal Sharma
Slippery Rock, PA Jain Digest—is it egosatisfying? Dear Editor:
I am a regular reader of the Jain Digest. I find it very interesting. However, it is regrettable that, on occasion, it seems to satisfy egos of certain individuals by publicizing their achievements beyond reasonable length.
For example, in your previous issue I was amazed to see so many pages depicting the Chairman of World Community Services. I find this simply egotistic.
M. Shah Queens, NY
and to forge unity of Jains on the basis of enlightened understanding of their invaluable heritage.
The Institute was founded in 1986 as a registered charitable institution. It invited suggestions from leading Jains, scholars, and wellwishers of Jainology towards its growth and propagation of Jainism in the interest of religion, Jains, and humanity. All activities of the Institute are funded by donations.
The Institute launched series of lectures by Dr. Kumarpal Desai, an eminent scholar, propagating the tenets of Ahimsa and Anekantvad. It also published news-letters. During this period the Oshwal and Navnat Vanik Association of the UK had approached HRH Prince Phillip to get Jainism included into the network of International Sacred Literature Trust for the translation of the scriptures of the world's major religions into English. Eventually, these two organizations, in association with India's Bhagwan Mahavir Memorial Samiti (under the proposed parent-body Jain Sacred Literature Trust), submitted "Jain Declaration on Nature" at the Buckingham Palace, London, in the presence of eminent Jains from all over the world.
To commence the work on the translation of 'Tattvartha Sutra" and implement other programs, it was agreed that the activities of the proposed Jain Sacred Literature Trust be merged with the Institute of Jainology. It set an excellent example of unity and the beginnings of a new era of cooperation between Jain organizations and individuals. The Institute has since been restructured to include on its Board of Trustees, Jains from the United Kingdom, Europe, North America, Asia, and Africa. It is truly international in its character to forge good relations, not only with sister Jain organizations, but also with other religious faiths and people of the world.
The "Jain Declaration of Nature," drafted by Dr.L.M. Singhvi in association with other learned scholars, is in demand in different lan
(Editor's note: I appreciate your concern. Please be assured we are very much restrained in portraying any individual since the person may not feel comfortable. If anything like the example you state has happened, it was unintentional and I bear all responsibility.)
International
News
Profile of the Institute of Jainology by Nemu Chanderia, UK
The philosophy of the Institute of Jainology (IO) is to create an awareness for Jainism in the world
I
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