Jain Digest 1995 11

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

Page 27

$300,000. They will integrate the intri$300.000. They will integrate the intri cately and exquisitely carved wooden replica of the Temple at Palitana.
This replica was commissioned by the British Government for the World's Fair in St. Louis, MO in 1905. The temple found its way into the collection of an American art dealer and eventually purchased by the famed billionaire and recluse Howard Hughes. It was installed in the courtyard of a motel as 'The Gateway to Luck.' In 1988 the temple was donated to the Friends of India, a Las Vagas chapter of the JCSC.
The seventh anniversary of the inauguration of the Jain Bhavan was celebrated from July 7-9, 1995 in the presence of Babubhai Kadiwala. Shripal Raas, Sidhha Chakran Pooja, 108 Arhad Abhishek Mahapoojan and Dhwaj ceremony were performed with enthusiasm and the active participation of many. Ahimsa Day was observed on October 1, 1995. Sunandaben Vora, presented a lecture on two types of Ahimsa-Dhravya Ahimsaand Bhav Ahimsa.
Paryushan Parva was celebrated from
elebrated from August 23 - 30, 1995 in the presence of Gurudev Chitrabhanuji. Chitrabhanuji read from the Kalpa Sutra and lectured. The ladies had the opportunity to organize three sessions with Pramodaben to discuss the role of Jain women in America. In those sessions, a discussion on the use of household and beauty products which are manufactured without cruelty to animals generated a lot of interest. The pathshala children and the JAYA young people presented an outstanding program on August 26, 1995. The highlight of the program was a dance drama, Elachikumar which traced the story of Elachikumar.
Over 1500 people attended the celcbration of Mahavir Janam Kalyanak and swapna ceremony on August 27, 1995. The bahuman of a record number of tapasvis was arranged on September 3, 1995. Following the Kshamapna Vanchan, Shri Rajendra Kamdar, a prominent Jain scholar from India, talked about the importance of Tap and Dan. Thirty-nine tapasvis, 2 of whom did 16 upvas, 1 did 11 upvas, 3 did 10 upvas, 6 did 9 upvas, and 27 did 8 upvas, including Neha Shah, age 15, and Mansi Shah, age 14, who fasted for 16 and 10 days respectively. Both of these youngsters observed Atthai last year. It is very encouraging to note the number of children who observe some form of austerity during Paryushan Parva. Two popular artists who have released an album on Jain stavans presented a musical program. The Daslaxshana Parva was celebrated in the presence of Shri Rajendra Kamdar. He gave discourses on Six Dhrvya and Nine Tatva, explaining the meaning and significance of Das Laxshana, the ten inherent virtues of soul as manifested in a monk.
During Paryushan Mahaparva, JCSC launched an appeal to raise funds to de- velop a Jain Community Center. With the encouragement of Gurudev Chitrabhanuji, the community responded with unprecedented enthusiasm pledging over
Swetambars and Daslaxshana Parva celebrated by Digambars. These two events have the same significance and are the most auspicious days for the Jains. They culminate a four month period of penance, called Chaturmaas. During this period all Jains conduct intense spiritual activities. During the eighteen days Jains observe many austerities including fasting and spiritual selfevaluation. On the last day, they perform Pratikraman, asking for forgiveness from all.
Muni Roop Chandraji Maharaj delivcred religious discourses including reading of Kalpa Sutra.
Swapna ceremony and Lord Mahavir's birth were celebrated on August 26, 1995. The program included Snatra Pooja, a lecture by Muniji and other religious and cultural activities.
The bahuman of the tapasvis, recognition of the adults and children who had observed fasts and other austerities was held on September 9, 1995. Manhar Shah observed a Maaskhaman, a 30-days fast,
and his daughter Purnima, age 15, observed an Atthai, an 8days fast. In addition, there were about 15 more atthais and many more people observed fasting in other ways.
The Bay Area Jain community has been active for the past ten years. The two events of Paryushana Parva and Daslaxshana Parva were organized jointly by JCNC for the first time. The JCNC is committed to organizing all Jain functions without any sectarian distinctions or
divisions. Encouraged by the active participation of the entire Jain community, the JCNC is vigorously pursuing the establishment of a Jain Temple in the Bay Area. A subcommittee has been appointed to coordinate the search for a suitable facility.
Mahavir Nirvana was celebrated on October 22, 1995 at Fremont Hindu Temple.
The JCNC camp with Jinchandraji Sunandaben presented a nine-day lecture program in September.
San Francisco, CA
Paryushan and Daslaxshana Parva were celebrated from August 23 - September 9, 1995. Muni Roop Chandraji Maharaj, a renowned Jain monk and Kiranbhai Parekh, a Jain scholar were invited to deliver sermons and lectures during this period.
Paryushana Parva was celebrated by
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Sept./Dec. 1995 Jain Education Intemational
JAIN DIGEST For Private & Personal Use Only
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