Jain Digest 1995 11

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

Page 25

Regional News, continued from page 13-by many visiting monks and distinguished Jain Scholars were held under the auspices of the JCA throughout the summer months.
SOUTHEAST
Surendra Shab Regional Editor
Atlanta, GA
This period has been marked by the visits of several scholars, the celebration of Paryushana Parva and a picnic. Over 15 families attended the Pratishtha and JAINA Convention in Chicago. Virbala Jain and Hetal Jain received JAINA award for their very activities and interest in Pathshala. Jitendra Shah, a Jain scholar, from Ahmedabad gave lectures on the significant activities required during Paryushana. His lectures were very effective.
Several adults and young adults did the Tapashcharyas. Notable were the 16 upvas by Jiten Shah and Bharati Shah. Neela Shah who did ten and Niru Shah did nine. Jayant Savla, Anil Shah and Neetu Shah each did an atthai. There were also several with four upvas and ekasanas and besanas. Shantaben Shah is doing Varsitap.
Samvatsari Pratikraman was performed by well over 125 people. A ceremony to honor the tapasvis was held after the paryushana. Kirti and Neela Shah hosted the parnas at their home.
The visits of scholars from different sects has broadened our understanding. Tarlaben Doshi from Bombay, India visited and explained Jain philosophy and meaning of many religious activities. Pandit Dhirubhai Mehta from Surat, India is a regular visitor every year. Other notable visitors have been Dr. Bharill whose lectures in Hindi provide a variety from Gujarati and Shri Pratapbhai Tolia from Bangalore who gave a program of stavans accompanied by music. Subhash Sheth from Songadh (Saurastra) gave lectures on Jain philosophy.
Over 250 people had a lot of fun at a picnic that was held at Lake Alatoona.
Sept./Dec. 1995
Augusta, GA
The Jain group continues to meet twice a month and had two Jain scholars visit the sangh. Pandit Dhirubhai Mehta and Sunandaben Vhora conducted excellent discourses on Jainism. Many people, including non-Jains, attended these lectures. Sanatra pooja was conducted in September. The Atlanta Jain Society gave their full support for this occasion.
Clarksville, TN
This summer was full of activities for this small society. Dilip Shah, Natvar Shah, Pravin Mehta, Navin Shah, Navnit Doshi, Rajubhai Shah and Dinesh Shah and family attended Pratishtha Mahotsav and the JAINA Convention. At the convention, Pravin Mehta was elected Vice President - Southeast Region and Mayur Mehta was elected to the YJA executive board. Many of the society's families participated in Cincinnati/Dayton's new temple ceremonies.
Paryusana Parva was celebrated with lots of enthusiasm. During Paryusana, the Kalpasutra was read every day. Mahavir Janma Supan Ceremonies were very well attended. The new backdrop for Pratimaji and decor and Silver Swapanas reminded of a small town temple. Samvatsari Pratikraman was performed at Ashok Shah's home by about 50 people. Kalpanaben Shah did Atthai and Hiraben Mehta did and one besnu. Many young seven upvas people also did tapasyas. After Paryusana, the society held a picnic in Bowling Green, Kentucky. The picnic was followed by the visit of Nareshbhai Doshi of Bombay, India. Under his guidance for the first time in the state of Tennessee, 18 Abhishek Poojan was done. The majority of the members participated with their Pratimaji. The proended with delicious Swamivatsalya gram Dinner. For five days, Nareshbhai gave discourses on Jainism. Young people were recognized for their achievements in their academic fields.
Harvey, LA
The highlight of the Jain Society Of South Louisiana activities was the society's active support in making the Jain Art Exhibit at the New Orleans Museum a great success. Well over 30,000 people saw the exhibit and learning about Jinas and the Jain doctrine of Ahimsa. In conjuction with the exhibit, lectures and meditation by Gurudev Chitrabhanuji and Shraminjis JAIN DIGEST
Madhur and Charitra Pragnaji were presented along with cultural programs, films, and demonstrations of vegetarian cooking and Yoga. A two-day Jain art symposium was very informative identifying the need for further research into this area and stressing the importance of cooperation among all Jain sects. Gurudev accommodated the interested listeners by offering a second lecture on Ahimsa. Much of the credit goes to Siddharth Bhansali for the success of this exhibit.
In an essay contest on topics related to Jain art, Sweta and Shalin Shah were prize winners.
SOUTHWEST
Jadavji Kenia Regional Editor
Dallas, TX
The Jain Society of North Texas celebrated the 18 days of Paryushan with a great deal of enthusiasm with several days. of Pratikraman and poojas at the Jain Center in Richardson, Texas. On September 5, 1995 there was a Snatra Pooja followed by the Swapana ceremony. Das Laxana Vidhan Poojas were done from September 9, 1994 in the mornings with the last group poojas on September 18, 1994, Anant Chaturdasi day. Samvatsari Pratikraman was attended by approximately 100 people on September 9, 1995.
The Tapasaya this year included 21 days of continuous Upvas by Kalpana Shah. To celebrate her accomplishment she and her husband Arvind also provided a Swamivatsalya lunch for the Jain Sangh on September 11, 1994. Among other Tapasvis, Kirit and Pramila Daftary of Waco, Usha Daftary, Harsha Gandhi, Bhupendra Shah, Damjibhai Shah, Ushaben Shah and two young people, Ami Lakdawala and Neel Vaidya who did Athai Tapa, 8 Upvas. Kiritbhai's mother Ramaben Daftary did 6 Upvas. For eight days, Mehul Shah, age 13, did 3 Upvas followed by 2 Ekasanas and then 3 Upvas to conclude Paryushan, a noteworthy achievement. Others did from 1 to 3 Upvas and Ekasanas/Aayambils. Our congratulations and Michchhami Dukkadam to all the Tapasvis.
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