Jain Digest 1998 04

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

Page 24

Silver Jubilee Celebrations at Veerayatan Rajgiri, Bihar
Veerayatan has been described as "Compassion in Action". Its development and continued progress are all attributed to the untiring efforts of Acharya Shri Chandanaji and her dedicated team of learned and talented Sadhvis. Seva, Shiksha and Sadhna is the motto of this most unique Jain institution.
Shri Chandanaji is the first Sadhvi ever to carn the title of Acharya. Inspired by Param Pujya Gurudev Upadhyaya Shri Amar Muniji Maharaj, Chandanaji started a spiritual and cultural movement and introduced a new chapter in the history of Jain religion. "Veerayatan", where the concept of service to mankind is not only preached but also practiced. Beautifully landscaped 40-acre site is located at the foot of Vaibhargiri hills on the outskirts of the ancient city of Rajgir (once the capital of the Magadh Empire). The site is rich in its historical heritage, where the undercurrents of Jainism, Buddhism and Vedic religions meet. This glorious place is blessed with the fourteen Chaturmas of Lord Mahavir, the Nirvan of his eleven Gandhars and the composition of some of the most significant Jain Scriptures.
Through the eye hospital, orthopedic, polio, artificial limb and outpatient medical clinics; and the ophthalmic research and training center, Veeryatan serves humanity. To date, 75,000 eye operations and 250,000 our patient treatments have been performed entirely free of charge and irrespective of religion. Prayers, meditation and yoga are the routine features of the Ashram. Sanskar Shibirs, Scholarly seminars and conferences are regularly organized. Veerayatan assists the running of primary schools and awards scholarships to needy students. To uplift the lives of thousands of deprived local children; hundreds of children are fed one nutritious meal daily. They are led to prayer meetings followed by training in personal hygiene, importance of education, disci
pline and awareness of Bhagwan Mahavir's message. The library complex houses volumes of religious texts on Jainism, Buddhism and Hinduism and has drawn scholars from all over the world. In case of natural disasters, Veerayatan takes up task of distribution of food and clothes to the needy.
Veerayatan needs your support. A Silver Jubilee Celebration Souvenir is planned. This keepsake book will enumerate the glory and contribution of Jainism's past and present. Printed in both English and Hindi, the book reviews the accomplishments of Jainism and Veerayatan. You can sponsor a full page by contributing $600. By sponsoring a page of the book, your family name will be printed on that page. Please note that the funds collected will be exclusively used for the Eye research Training Center Project at Veerayatan. Veerayatan International is a registered tax-exempt charity ID no 52-195627. If you would like to help, please fill out the form below, and mail it to any one of the following individuals:
Mrs. Mangalam N. Panwala 2905 Bromwich Ct. Fayetteville, NC 28306 910/426-0700, Fax: 910/426-7411
Dr. Nayan & Jayu Shah 6980 Woodglen Drive Hughesville, MD 20637 301/274-3227, Fax: 301/884-7419
Mr. Virendra K. Shah 24122 Huber Ave. Torrance, CA 90501 310/326-5685, Fax: 310/715-1441
Silver Jubilee Celebrations Sponsorship Form We have the pleasure of sponsoring a page in the souvenir to be published
as part of the Silver Jubilee celebrations of Veerayatan.
Name
| Enclosed, please find a check in the amount of $600 (payable to
Veerayatan International), for sponsoring one full page in the | souvenir book. Please list the sponsoring individual or establish| ment as follows:
Address
Home phone
Sponsor: in order to conserve the use of paper, your name, as shown above,
will be highlighted as a strip at the bottom of the sponsored page
LES
This page has been sponsored by an anonymous donor.
22/JAIN DIGEST SUMMER 1998 Jain Education Intemational