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The new Jain Temple in San Diego, CA
San Diego, CA
Organized over 10 years ago by 5 families, the Jain Society of San Diego today has a membership of nearly 40 families. The primary aims of the society are to provide an opportunity to learn more about Jainism as well as to pass on the religious and cultural values to our children. The members meet at each other's home on a rotating basis to sing prayers, discuss the Jain philosophy and its application in daily life, celebrate religious occasions. listen to the visiting scholars and teach the fundamental principles of Jainism to our children.
The auspicious occasion of the sthapana of two murtis of Lord Adinath and Lord Mahavir was celebrated with two days of activities on September 7-8, 1996. The two new murtis were placed along with the murti of Lord Parshwanath at Shri Mandir located at 9474 Black Mountain Road, San Diego, CA 92126. Pre-swapna celebrations began on the evening of September 7, 1996. Kumarpalbhai Desai, the well known Jain scholar from India, talked about the importance of the Murti Swapna. That evening concluded with a bhavna program presented by Darshana Bhurra and Praveen Chaddha, two popular artists from San Francisco who have released al- bums of Jain stavans. On September 8, 1996 over 500 people from San Diego and Los Angeles areas participated in ceremonies including a one mile Rathyatra Yatra procession, welcoming the murtis to the mandir, the sthapana of the murtis, and Snatra pooja. The occasion concluded with a Swamivatsal lunch. The success of the murti sthapana celebrations was attributed to the dedication, enthusiasm and hard work of the entire community, the organizational skills of the subcommittees and the enthusiastic participation and support of the Jain families.
San Francisco, CA
More than 600 young people ranging in age from 14 to 30 came to the 1996 YJA Convention last July. The manner in which the convention was organized and staged, clearly demonstrated that our young people are well prepared and eager to adopt, share and spread the teachings of Lord Mahavir. They were led by Rakesh Shah and Rish Mehta who organized the convention's programming, scheduling, food, code of conduct and fund raising. The convention provided an opportunity to address the practical aspects of leading a Jain life-style in America by offering sessions on practic- ing Jainism, vegetarianism, compassion, comparative religious studies and offered a future vision of the place Jainism can play in the world.
Paryushan Parva and Daslakshan Parva were celebrated in the presence of Sudhaben and Mahasati Acharya Chandanaji. Sudhaben is a well-known scholar on Atma Sidhi Shastra and the principles of Jainism. Her daily discourses attracted a large number of people from the entire community including Mumuksha Mandal. Mahasati Acharya Chandanaji, a disciple of Upaddhaya Munishri Amar Muniji Maharaj and has dedicated her entire life to spread the word of Lord Mahavir. She also manages the Virayatan campus which house a free hospital for the needy, free kitchen, ashram, and a religious sanctuary.
A record number of Tapashcharyas were observed during this auspicious occasion. Muktaben Himat Doshi observed a maas khaman (30 upvas), and Shailaben Shah observed 16 upvas. In addition, there were 8 athais (8 upvas) and several tapasavis observed one ekashana to multiple upvas. Several youngsters participated in the tapasiya some observing eight ckashanas. More than 70 tapasavis were recognized at the Kshama Vaani Parva.
The acquisition of property, located near the intersection of Freeway 680 and Calavaras Boulevard (Highway 237) in Milpitas, is well under way. Muni Jin Chandraji and Gurudev Chitrabhanuji have visited the site and offered their blessings for achieving our goal. On the 1.85 acre lot is a 19,000 square foot building and with minor modifications, the building will be ready for use. The second phase is to undertake major renovation of the structure to include a temple, dining hall, kitchen, library, swadhayay halls, classrooms and restrooms.
Cost of the project is estimated to be $2,500,000. Approximately $1,150,000 has been pledged already. However, in order to achieve our goal the Jain Bhawan Team is appealing to all member families in the Bay Area to pledge a minimum of $5,000. Donations may be in the form of cash or stocks and donors are requested to check with their employers to see if they have a matching contribution program.
Volunteers are needed to assist with various aspects of this project. Please contact Praveen Jain at 408/559-6987 for further information.
November 1996 Jain Education Intemational
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