Jain Digest 1995 11

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

Page 14

Sunandaben Vohra came to Toronto and gave a series of lectures at the Jain Centre in June, 1995. Her presentation was especially appreciated by the ladies.
Vasantbhai Khokhani came to town for a short visit in August, 1995 and gave two excellent lectures on the subject of Distinctness of Jainism. He emphasized Ahimsa in action, Anekantvad in thought and Aparigraha in everyday life. His second lecture was on Vairagya and Upasham. Munishree Roopchandji Maharaj gave a series of lectures on Jain Acharyas in July, 1995. Munishree covered a period of over 2,500 years and the lectures were very interesting. Swamiji Bhattarak Charu Kirtiji visited Toronto in July, 1995 and delivered discourses on a variety of subjects. Munishree Manekji has delivered a series of lectures and Samniji Madhur Prajnaji and Samniji Charitra Prajnaji came in September, 1995 and delivered talks on meditation, relaxation techniques, Yoga, nonviolence and peace. In September, 1995 a Preksha Meditation and Yoga Workshop was held. Dharamchand Shastriji arrived in Toronto to join us in celebrations of Dashlaxana Parva. For more information please contact Arhant Jain at 905/8277494.
In Scarborough, Ontario the Jain Society of Toronto (Toronto East) has organized Pathshala and Samayak every 2nd Sunday of the month at Albert Campbell, C.I., 1550 Sandhurst Circle, Scarborough, Ont. For more information, please call Pradip Sanghvi at 905/294-4312.
MIDWEST
Manubhai Doshi Regional Editor
Chicago, IL
All the routine activities like daily aarati, weekly Snatra Pooja, Digambar pooja, monthly religious classes, publication of Jain Darshan continue on a regular basis. Mahavir Jayanti was celebrated on April 16, 1995 with more than 1,000 people participating in that celebration. Srimad Rajchanadra Nirvan Day was celebrated on April 23, 1995 and Laghurajswami's on
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May 7, 1995. More than 100 people took part in those celebrations.
A Fun Fair and Health Fair were organized on April 30, 1995. It provided great opportunity to take advantage of many of the special arrangements that were made for checking blood pressure, chest pain and for cardiograms, blood examination, dental check up. About 200 people took advantage of these tests.
A drive was conducted to collect usable clothes for distribution to the needy of India, 160 parcels were shipped.
During the summer the Jain community and the Society remained busy with the Pratishtha Mahotsava and Convention. Large tents were erected in the parking lot of the Jain Center. Both of these functions went very well. Arrangements were made for transporting the participants from the remote parking lots to the Jain Center and for serving food. The exhibits were informative and instructive. A souvenir brochure was published which gave information about Jainism. Approximately 10,000 people attended the opening on July 1, 1995 and the idols of 20 Tirthankars were installed in the temple.
During the convention, young people organized programs on the principles and practices of Jainism. There were seminars for senior citizens and a variety of cultural programs that were held during the evenings. A highlight of the program was the dance drama depicting the lives of Sthulibhadra and Kosha presented by Janak Khendry of Toronto.
Paryusana Parva was celebrated from August 23-30, 1995. Sudhaben Sheth and Vir Sainiks gave discourses and recited devotional songs at Bhavana. Mahavir Janmavanchan was organized on August 27, 1995 and about 1,500 people were present. Samvatsari Pratikraman was performed in English and Gujarati.
Thirty-six persons including a few teenagers observed Atthai and 6 persons observed fasts ranging from 10 to 15 days. Three persons observed Varshitap, the year long austerity, which was completed in August.
Daslaxana Parva was celebrated from
August 31- September 9, 1995. Pundit Khemchandji who was invited for the occasion, performed daily pooja and other religious rituals. Jawahar Doshi gave discourses on various aspects of the Parva.
JAIN DIGEST
Samvatsari Pratikraman was performed on the last day.
Cincinnati/Dayton, OH
Mahavir Jayanti was celebrated on April 30, 1995. About 160 people were present on that occasion.
The Center elected its new executive Committee with Sushila Singhvi as President. Other officers are Pramod Jhaveri, Ashish Punatar, Ashwin Parikh, Vinod Jain, Ila Punatar, Poornima Shah, Pravin Shah and Jyoti Shah. Past President, Harshad Shah will serve as an ex officio member.
The 6,000 square foot temple built on an 11 acre lot was completed this summer and the Pratishtha ceremony was held from September 14, 1995. Idols of Lords Mahavir, Parshwanath and Vasupujyaswami were formally installed.
Detroit, MI
The Center conducts Swadhyay for adults every week. Educational classes are held every month for more than 100 children. The youth group meets regularly and they have been planning a program that helps them to keep in touch with our heritage. About 15 young people walked 12 miles for the March of Dimes.
Chirag Shah set a record for being the
youngest pilot to fly coast to coast.
Paryusana Parva was celebrated from August 23-30, 1995 in the presence of Kiranbhai Parikh who gave talks on the Jainism in daily life. The Parva witnessed two Maskshamans or a 30 day fast and a 38 Atthais or an eight day fast.
The Society's temple remains open every Sunday from 11:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. Construction of the new temple began in October and installation ceremony is expected to happen in 1997.
St. Louis, MO
Mahavir Jayanti was celebrated on April 16, 1995 with a Panch Kalyanak Pooja in which more than 100 people participated. Paryusana Parva was celebrated from August 23 - 30, 1995.
The Center is actively associated with the Hindu Temple project of St. Louis.
Sept/Dec. 1995 www.jainelibrary.org