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FROM THE EDITOR IN CHIEF
Jai Jinendra!
The YJA convention in Houston was a grand success-a testimony of countless hours spent by our youth. The YJA conven- tion gives our youth an opportunity to come together and develop a deeper understanding of Jainism and Indian culture. During the summer, the Jain community was bursting with activities—Pratishtha Mahotsav in Detroit, Bhumi Pujan in Tampa, Jain Shibirs in many centers, religious discourses throughout North America.
The Winter issue of JAIN DIGEST will be a special issue on "Golden Years and its Challenges". We need your input and articles relating to activities community housing, health and benefits such as social security and pensions. We would like to publish useful information that specifically relates to our community. Please forward such material to me or to Vinay Vakani, Northeast regional editor, at the addresses included on page 2. Hope to hear from you.
Lata Champsee
FROM THE PUBLISHING EDITOR
It has been a little over a year now since Lata Champsee and I have begun producting the JAIN DIGEST. Both of us started working on this magazine after the then-new JAINA President, Dhiraj Shah, asked us to join the staff.
During this time period, a number of curious people have asked about the behind-the-scenes process.
Lataben gathers and edits all of the materials from the Regional and Associate Editors, while Associate Editors Hasmukh Shah and the Gaurav Kapadia prepare the MIS and Young Minds sections, respectively. This material is sent directly to me in electronic form (by disk in the first case, by email in the second). She then develops a rough layout of the issue.
Kamalesh Amin also prepares some of the photos to be used in the next issue, and coordinates with Lataben to make sure every
thing has been proofed by Lataben, Mr. Amin and Dr. Shah.
Next, everything is handed over to me. Lataben emails her materials, and I receive the photos from Mr. Amin. I lay out the issue within two to three days.
Just before going to the printer, all four of us take a final look to check for any serious errors. The printer is then handed a disk
containing the layouts and scanned images), an annotated printout and any camera-ready materials needed (usually these are only ads).
Almost the entire production process is electronic. This has helped to both reduce our production time and our costs. It has also made us unusually efficient: Lata Champsee and I have never met in person-everything has been done by phone and email!
Navin K. Jain
LETTERS
Dear Editor:
My family and I were fortunate enough to attend a week long Jain Family Shibir at Siddhachalam from August 1, 1998 to August 8, 1998. This Shibir was held in the auspicious presence and under the direction of Pujya Kirtichandraji Maharaj. About 35 children ranging in age from 4 years to 20 years attended as well as 45 adults. The participants came from New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Washington DC, Chicago, Texas and Toronto, Canada.
The theme of this shibir was "Bhakti Marg” for the adults and "Essence of Jainism” for the children. Jain scholar Shri Chandrakantbhai Mehta gave some discourses to all the participants. Chanting of Stotras and storytelling completed the itinerary for the children.
A typical day at the Shibir began with Yoga and Meditation at 7:00 a.m. where Guruji taught the Principles of Yoga and Meditation with various Asanas and Pranayam techniques to quieten
the mind and train the body. It was refreshing to see all the children attend all Yoga sessions.
Guruji's lectures on "Bhakti Marg" taught us about the Power and Creation of Love from within and to create unity with Arihants and Siddhas. He also explained how this same Love and Unity can be utilized in our day to day lives. Our day would end with Bhakti and Aarti at the temple.
It was not all work and no play. We had a picnic in the Pocono Mountains as well as a fabulous Cultural Program. I was particularly overjoyed to see such enthusiasm among the children. Even my 5 and 7 year old daughters want to come back for the camp! Guruji has delightfully agreed to return next year for a week long shibir on “Jain Dharma and Grahastha Jivan". I would encourage everyone to take this opportunity and keep their calendars open for a week from July 31, 1999. See you at Siddhachalam.
Purnima Doshi Vestal, New York
4/JAIN DIGEST FALL 1998 Jain Education Interational 2010_02
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