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Phoenix, AZ
Several young adults from the Greater Phoenix area attended the Second Biennial YJA Convention that was held in San Francisco, CA in July.
The Jain Center this year had Dharmalabh from Dhirajbhai Mehta, Sunandaben Vohra and Pravinbhai Doshi. Dhirajbhai spent a week with us and gave discourses on Yoga Shatak. Sunandaben spent four days and did Swadhyay on Samyaktva.
Paryushan and Daslakshan Parvas were celebrated from September 10-26, 1996 with spiritual activities. We were very fortunate to have Pravinbhai Doshi, a Jain scholar and Mumukshu from Rajkot, India with us. We had morning, afternoon and evening Swadhyay, lectures, discussion and Pratikraman during Paryushan Parva. Pravinbhai delivered the Vanchan and daily Pravachan discussion on various topics.
This year many Mumukshus including children and young adults participated in Tapasya. The following is a partial list of the individuals involved: 15 Upvas - Prem Gandhi, 10 Upvas - Ajit Shah, 8 Upvas - Asmita Kapadia (age 14), 8 Aayambils - Varsha Shah and Atul Kothari and 8 Ekasanas - Jainy Savala (age 11). Several others did 1 to 6 Upvas, Aayambils and Ekasanas. Although the of Jain community in the Phoenix area is small, the spirit for the Tapasya was very high.
Our annual Paryushan Mahavir Jayanti and the fund raising program was successfull. On Samvatsari day we had two different Pratikraman, one for the adults and one in English for the young people.
WEST
Chandrakant Parekh Regional Editor
Los Angeles, CA
Paryushan Parva was celebrated from September 10-30, 1996 in the presence of Kumarpalbhai Desai, a well known Jain scholar from India. Kumarpalbhai read from the Kalpa Sutra and delivered lectures. The JCYC pathshala children led by Shayna Parekh and the JAYA youth group led by Neha Shah presented an outstand
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Jain Education International
Ashok Savla
ing program of skits and dances on Jainism, including the significance of Paryushan Parva on September 15, 1996. Over 1,600 people attended Mahavir Janma Vanchan and Swapna ceremony. The samuh parna and bahuman of a record number of tapasvis were scheduled on September 22, 1996. Forty five adult tapasvis included 1 maaskhaman 30 upvas - Ashok Savla, 1 varsitap - Hasmita Parekh, 2 with 16 upvasSaurabh Shah and Daksha Gala, 7 with 11 upvas, 4 with 10 upvas, 6 with 9 upvas, 21 with 8 upvas (athai), and 3 with 16 to 32 ekashanas. It is very encouraging to note that the number of children who observe some form of austerities during Paryushan Parva continues to grow each year. Four children under the age of 17 years did 8 upvas (athai) and 29 others were recognized for other forms of tap.
A musical program of stavans was presented following the samuh parna. The Daslakshan Parva was celebrated in the presence of Shashikantbhai Sheth who was accompanied by 16 sadharmik mumukshu bhai. Shashikantbhai has published several books on Jainism and a magazine entitled Atma Jagriti.
During Paryushan Mahaparva, an ap peal was relaunched to raise funds to develop additional facilities on the land adjoining the existing Jain Bhavan. A replica of the Temple at Palitana, will be integrated in this expanded facilities.
The community members responded generously for the building fund and other worth while projects such as: educational publication like Glory of Jainism being prepared by Kumarpalbhai Desai, the Jiv Daya and Vegetarianism Committee's, publication, Ahimsa Resource Book, the Share and Care used clothing drive, the Bidada Annual Medical Camp and the general fund.
JAIN DIGEST
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The eighth anniversary of the inauguration of the Jain Bhavan and the celebration of the 25th anniversary of Chitrabhanuji's arrival in North America and his 75th Birthday were celebrated on June 30, 1996 in the presence of Gurudev Chitrabhanuji. The celebrations included a dhwaj ceremony, slide presentation, and an entertainment program that was presented by the JCYC children and JAYA youth group.
Prominent Jain scholars from India who visited the Center recently include: Dhirajlal Shah, Hukumchandji Bharil and Sunandaben Vora. Ahimsa Day was celebrated on October 20, 1996 and Centennial Year celebration of Shri Atma Sidhi Granth on October 27, 1996. The Center can be contacted by E-mail at JainBhavan@aol.com and has created a homepage which can be accessed at www.jainism.org.
Pathshala classes resumed on September 28, 1996 with a record number of children enrolled. The Jain Center Youth Council (JCYC) led by Shayna Parekh has been very active in getting the pathshala children involved in many activities which included trips to a Buddhist Temple and Knotts Berry Farm, participation in entertainment programs presented during the visit of Gurudev Chitrabhanuji and Paryushan Parva. The Jain Association of Young Adults (JAYA) led by Neha Shah is off to a great start this year by getting the young adults involved in a number of activities including beach bonfire, workshop on Philosophy of Karma led by Pravinbhai Shah, a youth forum, and participating as volunteers for serving dinner at various functions as well as the Medical Expo held at the Jain Center. The JAYA publishes a newsletter entitled The Jiva which provides news and information of interest to young people.
Sacramento, CA
The 10-day celebrations of Paryushan Parva was concluded with the dedication of the swapnas. Approximately $6,000 was collected. Samanji Shrut Pragnaji and Samanji Anad Pragna visited Sacramento from September 28 October 9, 1996. They stayed with families and delivered pravachan everyday for the benefit of the Jain samaj. For more information about the Jain Center of Greater Sacramento, please call Naresh Jain at 916/488-2601.
November 1996 www.jainelibrary.org
