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Contents
President's Message
Headquarters News ......................... 3 For Your Information ................. Regional News ....................... Affiliate News ........ Committee News ........ Young Minds M. I. S......
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US ......
From the Editor
The influence of Indians, specifically Jains, over the last three decades is showing up all over the North American Continent. With this influx there is an ever increasing number of Jain and Hindu-Jain temples that are being established demonstrating the Indian community's willingness to encourage a deepening of their roots in this new land. We find that the temple is a focal point for our religious, traditional and cultural activities.
The photograph of Mahavir Swami from the Jain Temple of Houston Texas on the cover symbolizes the great effort that is taking place throughout North America to establish these new temples. Alberta, Cincinnati and Philadelphia are among the cities that have recently had Pratishtha Mahotsav while Buffalo, NY will be celebrating Pratishtha on Memorial Day weekend, 1996.
This issue carries a data form for the Jain Directory being published by the Jain Society of Greater Boston. They are providing a very valuable service and I urge you to fill out this form and send it on to them as soon as possible.
Our belief and commitment to nonviolence and vegetarianism have created strong informational interest in Pizza Hut's pizza and mad-cow-disease. This issue carries information on these subjects.
The Jain Digest's wider circulation has created the need for additional funding. We count on you and your generous donations for announcements and advertisements in helping to bring the Jain Digest to your door step, free of charge. Jai Jinendra.
Harshad Shah
In January, I visited India and met with many Jain leaders. I had the opportunity to visit Moolbidri, an ancient and sacred place for Jains, which dates from the 5th Century. The temples are very old and contain idols made from various types of precious gemstones. A visit to places such as: Bahubali, Gomateshwar, Dharmasthal, and Humcha reminds one of our ancient and rich heritage.
In Ahmedabad, I had the opportunity to meet and have discussions with community and religious leaders from various Jain sects. They expressed appreciation for the efforts of JAINA and have offered to participate with JAINA in future international projects.
JAINA's Executive Committee met in Dallas, TX on March 8 - 9, 1996. The townhall style meeting was well attended. Many of the issues and concerns that were raised at the meeting have been assigned to the appropriate subcommittee for resolution.
The Jain Centers of Houston and Philadelphia successfully organized their Pratishtha Mahotsav and the Jain Sangh of Alberta, Canada and the Jain Center of Buffalo, NY have scheduled their Pratishtha Mahotsav on April 7, 1996 and May 26, 1996 respectively.
The Young Jains of America will hold their Second Biennial Convention in San Francisco, CA from July 4 - 7, 1996. This convention will provide a forumeto explore and share information about Jain philosophy, rituals, beliefs and ideas. The theme of the convention is, “Jainism: Integrating Philosophy and Practice."A record number of young people have registered to attend.
I sincerely urge each and every one of you, who receives and reads the Jain Digest, to become a Life Member by donating $101 or giving generously to JAINA's General Fund, see page 24. All centers are encouraged to publicize a list of their Life Members and recruit as many new Life Members as possible.
Jai Jinendra,
M. Mohlé
Manibhai Mehta
Cover: Bhagwan Shree Mahavir Swami - Houston, TX. May 1996 Jain Education International
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