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SOUTHEAST
Pravin Mehta Regional Editor
Atlanta, GA
In addition to the events of the 1996 Olympiad, this was a very active period for the Jain Society of Atlanta. Several scholars and munis visited and gave discourses on Jain scriptures and the significance of the three jewels, samyak darshan, samyak gyan and samyak eharilra. These visitors included Bhattarak Kirtiswamiji, Dr. Bharill, two Shramanjis, Dhirajbhai Mehta and Shashikant Sheth.
The two Shramans helped celebrate Paryushan Parva. They gave lectures in Gujarati. The Shramans developed a close rapport with our young people and were very impressed with their curiosity and desire to learn more about Jainism. The young people were also impressed with their knowledge and willingness to answer all questions.
This Paryushan Parva has also been marked by Tapashchanya. Eight days of fasting were completed Jiten and Niru Shah, Raju Shah, Nilesh Chheda, Rohit Malabari, Bharati Shah, Dinesh Shah, and Ameeta Shah. Several young people did upvas and ekasanas, some took vows not to eat potatoes, onions and other underground roots.
Activities after Paryushan did not stop. Dhirajbhai Mehta and Shantikant Sheth visited and enriched our understanding and the practices of Jainism. Sumanben Dalal, who visits here every year, has Swadhaya regularly.
Middle Tennessee, TN
In April, the group held Mahavir Jayanti celebrations and elections. Lalit Sheth was elected President and Pravin Mehta, Vice President and JAINA Director. We had Shekharchand Jain from Ahmedabad, India as a visiting scholar who presented a three day discourse.
At the YJA Convention in San Francisco, Mayur Mehta and Hemal Mehta represented Middle, TN. Mayur was Cochair of the event and was part of YJA'S Executive Committee. He was given a recognition plaque by JAINA's President, Manibhai Mehta.
During Paryushan there were Kalpasutra readings and Pratikraman everyday. Families travelled from Virginia to participate. Three freshmen from Vanderbilt University joined the ceremonies. Children and adults fasted according to their abilities. All the Tapasi were recog. nized at Swamivatsal after Samvatsari Pra- tikraman. There was a special Shrimad Rajchandra Pratikraman at Pravin Patel's home. Samvatsari Pratikraman was performed at the home of Dipak Mehta.
In late September, Sagarmal Jain spoke on Samyak Darshan and how Samyak Gyan and Samyak Charitra are related. He also talked spoke on how Buddhist teachings and the Geeta are similar to Jain theories. Material covered in these lectures has been very helpful for our Swadhyay sessions.
We are indeed fortunate that we can broaden our knowledge of Jainism on the of a path to liberation (Samyak Gyan) with the help of these scholars and Swadhyay sessions.
Paryushan and Daslakshan Parva celebration began on September 10, 1996 at the Jain Center in Richardson, Texas with daily Pratikraman. Some members started their Atthai Tapa. On September 15, 1996 there was a Paryushan general meeting in which the Jain Youth Group and other children participated in the Swapna ceremony. Through our annual Ghee Boli we raised approximately $13,000. Over 100 people attended Samvatsari Pratikraman on September 17, 1996. On September 21, 1996 there was Pratikraman in English for our young people. During Daslakshan there were poojas in the mornings and Swadhyay sessions in the evening.
Among the Tapasvis this year were: Damjibhai Shah who did 9 Upvas. Others who did Atthai including: Ashok and Usha Daftary, Gautam Daftary, Kirit and Pramila Daftary, Maniben Mehta, Bhupendra Shah, Binaben Shah, Ushaben Shah and Minita Vora. Jayshree Parekh did 6 upvas. Some of the families whose members did a major Tapasya celebrated by holding a Swamivatsal lunch. There were others who did 1 to 3 Upvas and Ekasanas Aayambils. Our congratulations to all the Tapasvis and Michhami Dukkadhum to all local members and readers of the Jain Digest everywhere.
About 10 Jain Youth Group members participated in the YJA Convention in San Francisco and once again the Jain Society of North Texas supported their trips financially. They celebrated Ahimsa Day by preparing sandwiches for the homeless.
SOUTHWEST
Jadavji Kenia Regional Editor
Augusta, GA
The members of Augusta Jain Community continue to meet twice a month. During Paryushan we met everyday and read Kalpasutra. Sunandaben Vora and Dhirajbhai Mehta visited us for few days and gave an excellent discourse on Jainism.
The Augusta community's new temple is under construction and will be ready for Sthapana of Lord Mahavir soon.
Dallas, TX
The Jain Society of North Texas has been very spiritually active during last six months with weekly Swadhyay sessions, lectures by Jain scholars and dignitaries, Tapasya during Paryushan Daslakshan and regular activities such as poojas, childrens' classes and adult discussion groups. Among the dignitaries who have visited us were Shekhar Chandra Jain in early May who spoke on Tatvas and Aatma, Dhirajlal Mehta in July spoke about Karma, Hukum Chand Bharill in July spoke on several chapters from the Moksha Marg Prakash - how to obtain and retain Samyaktva. In September, Pratap Kumar Tolia emphasized Aatm-Dhyan (meditation) using Bhakti path with music. Khemchand Jain graced the group during Daslakshan with poojas and Swadhyay sessions.
परस्परोपग्रहो जीवानाम्
November 1996 Jain Education Intemational
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