Jain Digest 1994 06 Vol 10 No 02

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

Page 14

OTHER ORGANIZATION NEWS
Jain Meditation International Centre, Canada held Mahavir Jayanti on April 24, 1994. Irena Upenieks, President sopke about "Living Mahavira's Teaching of Non-violence in Today's World." Michael McAteer, a reporter for the Toronto Star inter- viewed Mrs. Upenieks for an article that was published on 4/9/94. The article included a photograph of Irena standing next to a statue of St. Fancis of Assisi, the patron saint of Animals. The photograph drives home the point of the Jain principle of Ahimsa and love towards all living creatures. The article described Irena's life and how she came to embrace Jainism.
In his message of condolence the Hon. Shankar Dayal Sharma, President of India, praised the effort of Acharya Sushil Kumar Ji in resolving conflicts and his contribution towards maintaining world peace. Messages from the Prime Minister of India, Speaker of the Lok Sabha, His Holiness the Dalai Lama and other dignitaries expressed sorrow that the world has lost a great spiritual leader.
The Consul General of India-New York, Pramukh Swami of the Swaminarayan Temple, Steve Anderson of the Temple of Understanding Interfaith Organization, the leader of the World Conference of Religion and Peace, Mr. Saied Thalikhari representing New Jersey's Governor the Hon. Christine Whitman, Ms. Barbara Gonbach of the Southern Asia Institute of Columbia University, Mr. Arun Jain - President of IMJM and Dr. Jagat Jain - President of JAINA, addressed the gathering paying tribute to Guruji. Gurudev Chitrabhanuji spoke about the closeness of his relationship to Acharya Sushil Kumar Ji and said that the world has lost a great soul. The service concluded with the fervent hope that Acharya Sushil Kumar Ji's work of building world peace would continue.
International Mahavir Jain Mission, Canada is organizing the 9th annual Arhum Yoga Camp to be held from July 30 to August 6, 1994 at the Canterbury Hills in Ancaster, Ontario. For more information please contact Harish Jain at 905/525-5651; Surinder Jian at 905/735-6194.
The two-hour video interview with Guruji that was made three years ago in Delhi is now available. For more information about this video call Siddhachalam in the United States of 905/881-9390 in Canada.
The Jain Social Group of Toronto held a dinner party/ fashion show with entertainment at the Maurya restaurant on May 12, 1994. The function was well attended.
Jain Meditation International
Center, New York Gurudev Chitrabhanu's Weekend Schedule 1994
July 1-4 - Chicago, IL Young Jains of America, Ashik Shah Mid-Atlantic Coordinator,
212/213-2544: Seema Jain-Chair, 708/653-0308: Chicago, IL Jain Temple, Ravindra Shah, 708/355-5722:
Kishore Doshi-President, 708/837-1077.
July 16 - Bridgeport, CT Sweeta/Kirti Khona, 203/334-4933.
July 17 - Monroc, CT Shanit/Jai Dev-Nancy/John Grasso. 203/452-1619.
July 26 - Manhattan, NY
JMIC. Doral Inn, JMIC 212/362-6483 Gurudev Chitrabhanuji's Birthday Celebration - it's a Tuesday.
The Jain Meditation International Center, New York will assist the Jain Society of Toronto, Canada with this year's observance of the Festival Of Forgiveness (Paryushan) under the spiritual guidance of Gurudev Chitrabhanuji. For more information please contact Gyanchand Jain at 416/469-1109 or Bhadrabehn Kothari at 9057820-0659.
The Jain Community in Metropolitan New York area was shocked by the news of sudden passing away of Acharya Sushil Kumar Ji in New Delhi on April 22, 1994. More than 500 people, including dignitaries representating various religious organizations, trustees of the International Mahavir Jain Mission (IMJM), JAINA, members of various Jain Centers and area Jains, gathered at Siddhachalam on May 1, 1994 to remember and pay tribute to Guruji.
The solemn ceremony began by carrying the urn containing the ashes to the podium. This was done by the Trustees of IMJM and Dr. Jagat Jain, President of JAINA. Mr. Vinod Shah of the New Jersey Jain Center recited Guruji's favorite hymns. Mr. Madho Jain and Mr. Bawa Jain introduced the dignitaries and Dr. Surendra Singhvi, Dr. T. J. Salgia, Mr. Amul Shah, Dr. K. C. Bhaiji, Dr. Mahendra Pandya, Mr. Ramesh Jain, Mr. Pannalal Jain, and others read the messages of condolence that had been received from all over the world. Many spoke about their personal encounters with Guruji.
JAIN DIGEST
August 6 - Whitmore Lake, MI Chetana-Cathy Florida, 313/449-2101.
August 20 - Raleigh, NC Pravin Shah, 919/469-0956.
September 2-9 - Paryushana Festival of Forgiveness, to be announced
Weekend Consultations by appointment for Out-of-Towners
July 23-24 and 30 - 31 August, 1314 and 27 28
June 1994
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