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REGIONAL NEWS
Canada
Mahendra Mehta, Regional Editor
Edmonton, Alberta
The Jain Society of Alberta was well represented at the 9th Biennial JAINA Convention in Toronto. This small Sangh managed to put together 2 quilts and raised funds totalling $1,583. The President Mr. Jashwant Mehta was awarded a JAINA Recognition Award for his leadership qualities.
Montreal, Quebec
Most of the Montreal Jain Sangh attended the 9th Biennial JAINA Convention and had lots of praise for all the activities.
Sadhviji Shilapiji visited Montreal after the Convention and gave a series of lectures for 3 days. The Montreal Jain Sangh holds regular monthly Snatra Puja and are preparing for the celebration of forthcoming Paryushan Parva.
Toronto, Ontario
The Jain Society of Toronto celebrated Murti Sthapna Mahotsav on 7-8 June 1997 at Jain Centre in Toronto.
Two new beautiful Pratimas of Bhagwan Shree Rushabhdev & Shree Parsvanath, 'Parikar' for Mulnayak and a Navkar Mantra marble plate were ceremoniously installed under the spiritual guidance of Pujya Jinchandraji Maharaj. Over 200 families and individuals participated in 108 Abhisheks, Sthapna and Pooja Vidhis.
The IMJM organised the 1997 Arhum Yoga retreat on June 6-8 at Lorretto Centre in Niagara Falls, Ontario. The faculty included Dr. Richard Cohen from University of Pennsylvania, Mr. Pravin Shah and Shantibhai Parakh.
The Swastika Controversy. Prakash Mody's interview with Leslie Scrivner of Toronto Star on the subject of Swastika was very informative and thought provoking and it sure provoked a torrent of letters from readers of Toronto Star. The Swastika is an auspicious symbol for Jains, Hindus, Bud
Jain Education International 2010_02
dhists, North American native Indians including Mayas and Navahos for thousands of years. However, the advent of Nazis in 1930s saw corruption of this sacred symbol by Adolf Hitler into harbinger of terror, suffering and genocide. However, it will take more than this generation in the west to right the wrong.
Midwest
Manubhai Doshi, Regional Editor
Chicago, IL
All the routine activities like Snatra Pooja and Digambar Pooja are performed every Sunday. Sthanakwasi friends get together on the first Sunday of every month for chanting of Navkarmantra etc. RajBhakti is performed on the third Sunday in Jnanamandir. Panchakalyanak and other Poojas are performed often and Mahavir Mahila Mandal takes active part in such performances. Arati and Mangal Divo are done every evening in the main temple as well as in the Jnènamandir.
Religious classes are held on the 3rd Sunday of every month. Four separate classes are conducted based on different age groups. They are conducted in accordance with the annual schedule fixed for the purpose. These classes are held from 11AM to 12 NOON. A class for Gujarati language is conducted on the 2nd Sunday of every month.
Mahavir Jayanti. 2595th birthday of Lord Mahavir was celebrated on 19th and 20th of April. The main function was on 20th which was attended by about 1,000 persons.
Health fair and fun fair. Health fair and fun fair were organized on June 8th. Arrangements were made for testing anemia, complete blood chemistry, blood pressure, eye exam, dental check up etc. and also for taking cardiograms. About 80 people took advantage of those facilities. The fun fair also was well attended.
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Ottawa, Ontario
Once a month we meet for stavans. On April 29, 1997, we celebrated Mahavir Jayanti. 350 members attended the function. Many Ottawa families participated in the 9th Jaina Convention in Toronto. Heartfelt congratulations to the Jain Society of Toronto for their excellent job.
Mini Pratishtha Mahotsav. The 4th anniversary of Pratishtha Mahotsav was celebrated from 27th to 29th June. As a prelude to that, Siddhachakra Pujan was organized on 22nd June. The anniversary program was associated with a Mini Pratishtha Mahotsav, because the idols of Ajitnath, Chandraprabhaswami. Vasupujyaswami. and Mallinath, which had been left out carlier, were installed on this occasion in the periphery of the temple. Now the periphery has idols of all the 24 Tirthankars. The
program included hoisting of new flag on the temple on 27th June, Mahavir Panchakalyanak Pooja on 28th and the installation of the idols on 29th. 28th was also marked by Raj-Bhakti and cultural program.
Dr. Bharill gave discourses in Jain Center from 9th to 11th July and on 14th July. On 12th and 13th he held day long camps when he talked about various aspects of Jainism.
Detroit, MI
Mahavir Jayanti was celebrated in April. The construction of the temple is coming to end. The Jain community eagerly awaits to celebrate the Pratishthè Mahotsav.
St. Louis, MO
Prayer, Bhajan etc. and religious classes are held by the Jain Center every month. Mahavir Jayanti was celebrated on 27th
JAIN DIGEST FALL 1997/5 www.jainelibrary.org
