________________
Detroit, MI
Mahavir Jayanti was celebrated on April 24, 1994. The program started with Snatra Pooja and concluded with dinner. A dramatic presentation of the Chandanbala story was the highlight of the celebration. There was folk dancing by the youth.
Construction of the temple is proceeding well. The community feels very excited about seeing this plan become a reality.
St. Louis, MO
Prayers, bhajans, religious classes and other programs are held by the Jain Center every month. In February, the program included a video presentation on Buddhism. In March, there was an overnight camp for the youth. Mahavir Jayanti was celebrated on April 24, 1994. The program included a Guru Pooja dedicated to Lord Mahavir. The program concluded with Arti and Mangal Dip.
Boston, MA
Ratibhai Dodhia of the Jain Center of Greater Boston has written three books: Primer of Jainism, Levels I, II, and III. These books explain the principles, history and practices of Jainism in simple terms. They are easy to read and would be ideal source material for teaching pathshalas.
The Level I book discusses topics like: Tirthankar Bhagwaans, five auspicious events in life of a Tirthankar, proper conduct, Bhagwaan Adinath, Bhagwaan Mahavir, sense organs, living and non- living. This book is suitable for students ages 6 to 8.
The Level II book discusses history of Jainism, Jain cosmology, substance, gaatis, reality, passions, householder's conduct, non-violence, Paryushan Parva, and DashLaxana parva. This book is suitable for students ages 9 to 12.
The Level III book provides an inci- sive description of topics of bondage and karmas, the three spiritual jewels, salva- tion, stages of evolution for a householder, themes of meditation, Jain logic, and nonabsolute point of view. This book is suit- able for young adults and adults. To obtain copies of these books contact the Jain Center of Greater Boston, 83 Fuller Brook Road, Wellesley, MA 02181.
Essex Fells, NJ
Many members of the Jain Center of New Jersey (CNT) attended a memorial service at Sidhhachalam for Acharya Sushil Kumar Ji to expressed their sorrow at sudden passing away of a great supporter of the JCN). The children from the JCN pathshala sang a special tribute at this meeting. On April 17 and 23, 1994, many members participated in Aayambil Tapasyas.
Mahavir Jayanti was celebrated on April 24, 1994. Over 100 children participated in performing a pooja dance, singing Jain stavans (hymns) and taking part in a drama about Jain philosophy.
On May 8, 1994 about 150 members of JCNJ traveled to Washington, D.C. to visit the Jain Temple in nearby Silver Spring, MD. The Jain Society of Metropolitan Washington (JSMW) graciously hosted our visit and made everyone feel very welcome. Everyone performed Panch Kalayanaka Pooja celebrating the five Kalyanakas of Bhagwaan Parshwanach. The visit strengthened the friendship between our two Jain communities. The JCNJ expressed its sincere appreciation for the splendid hospitality.
Many Jain scholars are scheduled to visit the JCNJ during the months of May, June, July and August. For information regarding the activities at the Jain temple in Essex Fells, NJ, please call 201/226-2539.
NORTHEAST
Vinay Vakani Regional Editor
Albany, NY
The Jain Society of the Capital Dis- trict celebrated Mahavir Jayanti and the first anniversary of Mahavir Pratistha on May 7, 1994 at the Hindu Temple. Snatra Pooja and Panch Kalyanaka Pooja were performed with Bhakti Sangeet (devotional songs) by Vinod Shah of the New Jersey Jain Center followed by a children's program.
Children ages 5 to 18 recited Namokar Mantra, and displayed charts of the eight Karmas, nine Tattvas, five vows and twelve Bhavnas. A Jain Academy Bowl was organized. Two teams were asked 30 questions based on the above mentioned topics. The 150 members who attended were delighted by the performance and encouraged the children with hearty applause. The success of the program was the result of the hard work of the children and the pathshala's teacher, Jagdish B. Doshi.
The celebration ended with the traditional Swamivatsalya dinner.
Buffalo, NY
The Jain Community of Buffalo was saddened by the sudden death of Acharya Sushil Kumar Ji. Many Jain and Hindu families from across the Western New York area came into contact with Guruji during the summer camps in Niagara Falls, Ontario. His achievements were recalled especially Siddhachalam, a teerth (place of pilgramage) for Jains of all traditions. Everyone paid their last respects to Guruji by observing a minute of silence during the Sunday Kirtan (prayer) on April 24, 1994, ar the Hindu Cultural Center (HCS).
Mahavir Jayanti was celebrated at the HCS on Sunday, April 17, 1994. The children recited the meaning of Meri Bhavna in English under the guidance of Jagat Jain. The celebration also included a special pooja by Arihant Jain of Toronto and singing of Jain stavans. Gyan Jain, president of the Jain Society of Toronto, spoke about the unity of the Hindu and Jain communities in Buffalo. The day ended with Swamivatsalya lunch.
JAIN DIGEST For Private & Personal Use Only
Hartford, CT
The Jain Center of Greater Hartford celebrated Mahavir Jayanti on April 24, 1994 at the Storrs campus of the University of Connecticut. The program began with observing one minute of silence in memory of Acharya Sushil Kumar Ji. High school students read passages from Samayasara and the Tattavarth Sutra followed by Deva, Shastra Guru, Snatra and Mahavir Poojas, Bhajans and Arti. More than 150 people attended including, students from UConn, families from Connecticut and neighboring states. An entertainment program, which included: folk and individual dances, songs, and a tabla/ sitar recital by Kader Khan and Mushtaq Khan was followed by dinner.
June 1994 Jain Éducation International 2010_02
www.jainelibrZry.org
