Jain Digest 1994 06 Vol 10 No 02

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

Page 23

INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Vegetarian of the Year Award
Bombay, India - In January, 1994 the Vegetarian of the Year Award was presented to Dr. J. M. Jussawalla. This distinguished award was presented by the president of the Society, Gurudev Chitrabhanuji to Dr. Jussawalla because of his "noble deeds and practicing the best from all the teachings of various religious traditions." In doing so the president noted that being a vegetarian is not only important as a dietary habit but, as a renouncement of violence.
Shantinath Maharaj Temple, Payadhuni in the heart of Bombay has raised many questions. The temple dedicated to the 16th Tirthanker, was built in 1797 by the philanthropist, Shri Motishah Sheth.
The temple houses some fine examples of 18th Century art work, and inscriptions of the Kalpa Sutra. The artifacts are meanful to the historic and cultural heritage of India.
Several factions wanted to see the temple demolished and rebuilt. However, Gurudev Chitrabhanuji proposed that the temple's Sabha Mandap be renovated and only rebuild the Ghabhara. Stating that renovation is a nobler solution that embodies "good action" since it follows the principle of ahimsa.
tatian Society
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School Anniversary
Bhuj, Kutch, India - The Marru Chaya School in Bhuj, Kutch run by the Jain Medical and Educational Trust, celebrated its 20th anniversary. Dr. Dhiraj H. Shah of Buffalo, New York expressed his cooperation to help modernize the school.
Keynote speaker, Gurudev Chitrabhanuji spoke about the school as a blessing because of the important work it does to educate and shape lives of the young students.
In his remarks, he divided the word jeevan (life) into three syllables - jivavu, meaning to live in the beauty of life: vadbavu, meaning to grow in knowledge, love, peace and prosperity and namanu, meaning to be noble and humble. He pointed out that to grow with love and to humbly accept whatever you receive, is the essence of life.
Gurudev Chitrabhanuji stated that nature is a generous giver that does not confine its resources. Likewise, anyone who understands philanthrophy is the true - Lakshmipati. According to him poverty is undesireable, but hoarding wealth is worse.
Presentation of the Vegetarian of the Year Award
Shantinath Temple
Bombay, India - The controversy over the question of how to deal with the deteriorating condition of the 18th Century,
Young Jains International Conference
London, England - For the first time this July there will an international gathering of Jain youth in London, England. Delegates will meet with the aim of adapting Jainism to the 21st Century. Some of the issues on the agenda will include:
• life and activities of Jain youth in various parts of the world. • practicing Jainism in everyday life. • the relevance of Jainism to global problems. • networking with non-Jain organizations,
Greenpeace, vegetarian societies and environmental
organizations Dr. Michael Tobias, one of the United States foremost
environmental engineers and the author of Life Force: the World of A printing of Ashupad Mountain inside the Shantimath Temple
Jainism and Mr. Satish Kumar, a former Jain monk and now one of England's leading environmentalist and editior of Resurgence,
England's first 'green journal will be the guest speakers. June 1994
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