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Northeast Vinay Vakani, Regional Editor Essex Fells, New Jersey
Jain center of New Jersey had a very busy summer. Many visiting scholars- Kiranbhai Parekh, Dhirajbhai Pandit, Sunandaben Vohra, and Tarlaben Doshi - gave discourses and conducted religious edu- cational workshops for seven weeks.
Paryushan Parva was celebrated with great enthusiasm with the guidance of Muni
to his eloquent lectures, the JCNJ members benefited from his workshops that explained meaning of different mantras and methods of reciting them. There were 46 Tapasya of Atthais or more. Arvind Bhandari gave talks (in English) on Jainism to the local youth members during the Paryushana days. Over 50 members participated in Chaitya Paripati to Upstate New York. More than 100 members took advantage of two Ayambils spon
sored at the temple.
vibrant and humming with many activities New Year (year 2054) started with during this year. Two seminars, of one day Manglik at the temple, followed by Snatraeach, conducted by Rajnibhai Shah and Puja and a Bhavna (singing of hymns) in the Chandrakant Mehta provided in depth inevening. The special days of Gyan Panchami, formation about Samayik, fourteen Dev Diwali and Chaumasi Chaudus were Gunasthans, Sakal Tirth (all Jain Chaityas celebrated with Puja and lectures explain- in cosmos), Mohaniy Karma Nivaran and ing the significance of these auspicious days. Sattarbhedi Puja. Two Swadhyay (selfPathshala classes providing religious educa- study) sessions are held each month, one of tion as well as teaching Gujarati language which includes Pratikraman. started under the leadership of Bipin Shah. During Paryushan Parva, there was daily Jain Center of New Jersey is pursuing the Aangi and Bhavna. About 450 area Jains goal of acquiring a site for larger temple attended the Swapna Darshan and Mahavir facility in Edison area of New Jersey. Janma Vanchan ceremony. There were ten
For information about temple hours Atthai this year. Jain Sangh of Pennsauken and other activities call 973/226-2539 or was fortunate to have Ameet Shah, Shehul 732/329-3236.
Daftari and Jashwant Shah of Vir Sainik
group to join the celebrations. For addiPennsauken, New Jersey
tional information about the activities of Jain Sangh of Pennsauken has been JSP, call 609/228-0545.
Southeast Surendra Shah, Regional Editor
Southwest Jadavji Kenia, Regional Editor
during the weekdays. Kiranbhai Parekh From Bombay also visited and explained the meaning and Bhav of Navkar Mantra. His lectures are very practical and very effective.
Atlanta, Georgia
Jain Society of Greater Atlanta held weekend picnic cum Sibir was held on 19th September 1997. The events were well attended. Swamivatsalya breakfast and lunch were also served. Shmanijis Subhamji and Vibhaji from Orlando made Sibir very interesting by teaching meditation techniques and giving sermons.
A cultural program and a dinner was served to celebrate the new year. A musical was performed depicting the story of Javadja Sheth and his dream of Jirnodhar of Shatrunjaya Tirth. Sampurnaben Shah was effectively able to convey the spirit of the story with her talent and hard work.
Shamans Shrut Pragnaji and Ashwin Pragnaji visited Atlanta. Their sermons were well attended even though they were held
Clarksville, Tennesse
At the Jain Society of Middle Tennesse, New Year was celebrated with snatra puja. Neelaben and Naliniben Maru of Owensboro, KY successfully completed varsitapa. Also Dharmi Shah of Bowling Green, KY did atthai.
Dallas, Texas
Jain Society's activities during last few months have been bi weekly Swadhyay sessions in Gujarati and Hindi alternatively. Pujas and adult discussion during monthly meetings, children's classes, lectures by Jain scholars/dignitaries, and Tapasya during Paryushan/Das Laxana. Among the dignitaries we had Bhattarak Shri CharuKirthiji in August who covered many of the Solah (16) Bhavnas. We are expecting Shaman Shrut Pragnaji and Ashwin Pragnaji in November for the first time. We are looking forward to learning from these scholars to enhance our knowledge of Swadhyay and Samyak Gyan.
Paryushan and Das Laxana Parva celebration started on August 30th at the Jain Center in Richardson, Texas with daily Pratikraman. Swapna ceremony meeting was held on Sunday, August 31, 1997 in
Miami, Florida
At the Jain Society of South Florida, the activities for the construction of Jain Temple are continuing.
Jain Education Intemational
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JAIN DIGEST WINTER 1997/9
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