Jain Digest 1998 07 Vol 14 No 03

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

Page 10

REGIONAL NEWS
Canada
Dr. Mahendra Mehta, Regional Editor
Edmonta, Alberta
The Buddhist Blessing Ceremony called 'We Care All' took place in Edmonton on August 1" and over 1,000 people including 23 faith groups participated. The Jain Sangh of Alberta was represented as one of the 23 faith groups. Mr.J.V.Mehta contributed an article on 'Jainism' in the souvenir for the occasion.
The Jains of Alberta participated in the NAIN 98 conference (North American Interfaith Network). Jasvant Mehta offered Jain prayer in one of the lecture session and led a workshop titled:"Development of a Spiritual Center in a Post Secondary Institution".
For the future programs, a picnic is organized for August 16th, Samvantsari Pratikraman on August 28th and Swamivatsalya puja and meal for September 13th.
The Jain Society of Alberta collected and remitted $2,000 for JAINA's Cyclone Relief Fund.
Hamilton, Ontario
The 13th Arhum Yoga Camp was organized in the beautiful Loretto Center overlooking Niagra Falls in Ontario during the long weekend of August 1-3. The Arhum Yoga Camp was inspired and initiated by Acharyaji Sushilmuniji. The program consisted of Yoga subjects such as Surya Namaskar, various Asanas and yogic thoughts, edicts & practices prescribed by Rishi Patanjali. The whole Yoga program was conducted by Bakul Soneji from Sarthi Yoga Foundation of Irvine, California.
There were daily talks by Prof. Joseph O'Connell, Dr. Tina-Marie Jones and Dr.Kay Koppedrayer. These were followed by lively participation from the audience. All of the 45 registrants thoroughly enjoyed the camp and had great words of praise for Mrs. Leela Gudka, her children and hus
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band, who single-handedly organized the camp with great success.
The International Mahavir Jain Mission had their annual picnic on Sunday, July 19th at Niagara Glen in Niagara Falls. The plans are afoot for IMJM's Jain Pilgrimage Tour to India in 1999. Look for an announcement in a future issue of JAIN DIGEST.
Toronto, Ont
The Young Jains of Toronto reports a very successful participation in the YJA Convention in Houston, last month. 24 delegates, the largest so far and partly subsidized by the Jain Society of Toronto, went to Texas and took active part in the deliberations of the Convention.
On July 25th the youth organized the second religious event of the year. Ms. Irena Upenikas spoke on 'Yoga & Meditation" and Dr.Vastupal Parikh spoke on 'Jainism & the 21st Century'. There was a lively debate on 'Will a new Jain Temple in Toronto bring more unity amongst the Jains of Toronto'. There were numerous views and opinions.
Many youths participated in the annual Jain Society picnic and also had their annual elections. A slate of 25 members were elected and the Co-Chairs for 1998-99 are Seema Jain & Amit Shanghavi. Lastly, the YJT is organising a camp in September in north of Toronto to discuss issues such as communications building, leadership, self-esteem and such youth related subjects.
The Executive Committee of Jain Society of Toronto has chalked out a very busy schedule of summer activities consisting of Paryushan Parva, Daslaxana Parva, Sibirs, Camps, Picnic and many more. Sunandaben Vohra gave a weeklong series of discourses based on Panyas Muni's 'Atma-uthan' beginning July 7th. The talks were attended by a core group of 20 during weekdays and
over 100 during weekend.
Pandit Dhirajlal Mehta came to Jain Center on July 15th and conducted very interesting and educational class on Tattvarth Sutra for one week. He had taught Chapters 1, 2 & 3 in 1997 and continues with 4, 5 & 6. He has promised to come to Toronto in 1999 to finish Chapters 8, 9 & 10.
Panditji's extensive knowledge of scriptures, his years of experience teaching novice Sadhvijis and Sadhujis, mumukshus and other aspirants and his entertaining style of teaching with anecdotes and stories endeared him to all those who came to listen and learn from him.
Every evening, he sang and explained from the Anandganji Muniji's Anthology of 24 Tirthakars' lives. Full audience in the main hall was a testimony to Panditji's popularity.
Samanjis Shruta Pragna & Ashwani Pragna conducted a weekend sibir on Preksha Dhyana, Yoga, Relaxation Techniques and Stress Management at Jain Center. The sibir was well attended.
The Jain Society's annual picnic was organized on Sunday 9th and over 300 members attended. The transient downpour in the afternoon dampened our apparel but not our spirits. We all enjoyed socializing, games, food and weather (most of it).
The preparations for 2600th birth celebrations of Bhagwan Mahavir in the year 2001 have started by JAINA. The year 2001 will also witness the centennial remembrances for Shrimad Rajchandra and Virchand Raghvji Gandhi who first brought Bhagwan Mahavir's message to North America in 1893. Prakash Mody, a member of Jain Society and COROS (Collector of Religion on Stamps Society) of North America is urging Indian Department of Posts to issue commemorative stamps for these momentous events.