Jain Digest 1995 11

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

Page 15

NORTHEAST
Vinay Vakani Regional Editor
In July, 1995 the JCGB held a Jain Camp geared for children with Balbhadraji (Bruce Constain). The goal of this event was to have a lot of fun and at the same time learn more about Jainism and its prin- ciples. A total of 25 children and 27 young adults attended.
Cherry Hill, NJ
The Tri State Jain Sangh held a 24 Tirthankar Pooja on July 23, 1995. About 300 people attended the event which concluded with a Swamivatsalya. Members have been meeting every other Wednesday evening to hear lectures on various topics. Aayambil is held on the third Sunday of every month and pathshala classes are held for children and adults. Everyone observed Paryushana with lectures by Tarlaben Doshi and Sunandaben Vora. Daily aarti and Mangal Divo were performed in addition to Samvatsari Pratikraman.
Albany, NY
The Jain Society of the Capital District celebrated Paryushana Parva from August 8 - 30, 1995. There was Bhavana every evening followed by aarti and Mangal Divo during the holy days. Snatra Pooja was performed on Mahavir Janma Vanchan (5th day) and Swapana Darshana was carried out during the Snatra Pooja. Many adults and youngsters observed Upvas and Akasana for the eight days of Paryushana. The celebration ended with Samvatsari Pratikramana followed by Parna the next morning. Snatra Pooja was performed at the residence of Nayanabehn Dagli to celebrate her Atthai.
For more information, please contact Rasik Chudgar, at 518/785-7470 or Jagdish Doshi at 518/783-0141.
Buffalo, NY
On October 2, 1995 the Erie County Executive, Dennis Gorski issued a proclamation declaring October 2nd, 'Ahimsa Day' in honor of the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, a champion of Ahimsa as taught by Lord Mahavir and practiced by Martin Luther King Jr. JAINA was represented by Dhiraj Shah. (see page 14)
Swapana Darshana was celebrated on August 26, 1995 in collaboration with the Jain Community of Toronto and other Jain communities surrounding Buffalo. Pratikaman was performed on August 30, 1995.
Jagat Jain gave a presentation on Jainism to the Williamsville Central Schools near Buffalo, NY. He explained to the students the basic beliefs of the Jainism and some of the Jain customs, traditions and major holidays. It was part of a two hour workshop entitled "Indian Culture: A closer look at Hinduism, Jainism and Sikhism." Workshops similar to this are a regular feature of the Williamsville Central School's effort to promote understanding among a diverse student population.
The Jain Center of New Jersey (JCNJ) celebrated the Paryushana Parva from August 23 - 30, 1995. Acharya Chandanaji along with Sadhvi Vibhaji and Sadhvi Subhamji graced the celebration as guest speakers. Acharya Chandanaji gave discourses on various topics related to Jainism. the two Sadhvijis talked to youngsters about Jainism explaining some of the principles to them in English. There were 50 Tapasyas, persons observing fasts from 8 days to 21 days.
A pictorial presentation of Jain Tirthas in India was held in September, 1995. Pathshala classes for youngsters started in September, 1995 after summer vacation, and will be held on every other Sunday. Swadhyaya on Tattvartha Sutra is held twice a month at the Temple and in Piscataway, NJ. For more information, please call 201/ 226-2539.
Boston, MA
The Jain Center of Greater Boston celebrated Mahavir Jayanti on April 29, 1995 at their Darasar in Norwood, MA. Chandrakant Mehta was the guest speaker and Nisha Vagadia was the Master of Ceremonies. There was a performance by pathshala children of all ages. The students were awarded trophies for their efforts.
New York, NY
In June, 1995 the Jain Center of America (JCA) organized Indra Mahotsava in New York and Parshwanath Poojan at Siddhachalam performed by Shri Babubhai Kadiwala and his musical group. The JCA celebrated Paryushana Parva, Sunandabehn Vora gave spiritual discourses twice a day. As many as 400 people attended. There were 22 Tapasyas which included several Atthais. All Tapasvis were recognized and honored during the community Kshamapana ceremony. The JCA also celebrated Dash Lashana Parva during which Bhattarak Charukirtiji gave spiritual discourses. A visit to Boston and Connecticut centers was organized by the Jain Social Group of New York. Religious discourses
continued on page 23
The JCGB Camp - Group photo
JAIN DIGEST
Sept./Dec. 1995 Jain Education Intemational
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