Jain Digest 1998 04

Author(s): Federation of JAINA
Publisher: USA Federation of JAINA

Page 16

1999 JAINA Convention Preview
by Devendra T. Peer
In North America we have 54 Jain centers, some of the most thickly populated ones being in the Northeastern Corridor. In over 15 years there has not been a JAINA Convention in the entire Northeastern USA. The Executive Committee of the Federation of Jain Associations in North America (JAINA) during the meeting in Philadelphia on March 21, 1998, unanimously decided to hold the next biennial Convention during the 4th of July weekend 1999 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Although Samarpan Jain Sangh of Philadelphia is sponsoring the Convention, it is intended to represent all Jain centers of Eastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York and Delaware. The Presidents of all these centers have pledged to actively work for the Convention to make it a success.
Invitation
We will need a lot of volunteers for this task. We will need artists, performers, writers, editors, speakers, moderators, experts in food service, Convention facility management, security, transportation, publishing, and computers. Above all we need your ideas and suggestions, This is your Convention. Please come forward and offer your help either through mail or via email at Devendrap@aol.com. Please also visit our web page: www.jainaconvention.com. We are inviting all the Jain centers to develop at least one cultural program for presentation at the Convention.
The Youth
As the first generation of Indians who migrated to North America approaches the 21st Century it faces an inevitable question. Those who were born in India gained Jain religion automatically from the pervasive religious environment. But what about the second generation of JAINS born here? Our children are growing up in the midst of diverse culture of North America with their antennae exposed to varying conflicting "signals”. How can the Parents ensure that the Jain message is the strongest providing direction while our children are learning to assimilate in the main stream?
Ahimsa
When you open the daily newspapers you read about American youth full of energy but unable to follow the rules of a civilized society. They seem lost in a world of violence. Without heroes to worship or a clear road map to a purposeful life they stray. Our Jain children happily are surrounded by spiritual personalities. Growing up with "AHIMSA" in their ears they seem to stay focused and well anchored.
Essay Competition on The Theme for the Next JAINA Convention"
Jain Teachings
When one sees this one feels that the gigantic task of transplanting a more than 2500 year old heritage to a land 10,000 miles away seems to have begun in earnest. We have started establishing JAINS SANGHS everywhere, more and more temples are coming up and PATH-SALAS are opening up. We are getting spiritual Scholars and Monks from India to enlighten us on our ancient books and their sacred teachings. But we need more home grown Jain scholars and Ancient Books, some centuries old, need to be preserved and read. Isn't this a worthy goal?
The essay should discuss various themes and give the rationale for selecting your choice. The prize is $101. There will be no age limitation or space limitation. The decision of the Samarpan Jain Sangh's Executive Committee will be final, and the winning essay will be announced in the Fall 1998 issue of Jain Digest. The deadline is July 31, 1998. All are invited to participate.
* * ****** Please mail your entry (typed, double-spaced) to:
“Essay Competition" Samarpan Jain Sangh 9701 Bustleton Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19115
The Theme
With so many things to do (and being done by JAINA) what should the "Theme" of the next JAINA Convention be? We thought we would ask you, the readers of Jain DIGEST for your opinion.
14/JAIN DIGEST SUMMER 1998
Jain Education Intemational