Jain Digest 1999 07

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

Page 14

REGIONAL NEWS
West
Chandrakant Parekh, Regional Editor
San Francisco, CA
The Jain Center of Northern California (JCNC) hosted an exciting eleven days spiritual program of Shri Bhaktämar Stotra Poojan, Shri Siddhachkara Poojan, Shri Bhagwan Mahavir Janmotsava Nrutya Nätikä, ärädhanä and bhävnä led by Shri Narendra Nandu and his colleagues from May 21-31. The program was coordinated by Haribhai Shah.
The Päthshälä Program, held during the first half of this year in Milpitas and Concord, will resume in September. Annual picnic was scheduled on July 24. Following an automobile accident, His Holiness Pujya Shri Jin Chandraji Maharaj will not be able to lead the Paryushan Parva activities. Samaniji Managalprajna and Samaniji Sharadaprajna will grace the Paryushan and Das-Lakshana pro
grams.
Jain scholars, Dr. Natubhai Shah from England, Dr. Jagdish P. Jain from New Delhi, Mr. Harmann Kuhn from Germany and Dr. Vimal P. Jain, have visited the Bay Area and shared their knowledge of Jainism with JCNC members. All of them have published excellent books on Jainism.
A historical milestone was established for the JCNC on June 17, 1999. After four years of meticulous and dedicated planning, construction of the Jain Bhawan began at 7:30AM. In addition, work is progressing in parallel in India to craft the marble idols and artifacts for the temple. The total project of $5,200,000 is targeted to be completed by June 30, 2000, and the Pratishtha ceremony is tentatively scheduled for the first week of July 2000. To support the project schedule, the community members are requested to forward the pledged commitments and new donations in a timely manner.
Mr. Hermann Kuhn, co-founder and president of the Jain Association of Germany, addressed the Bay Area Jain Americans (BAJA) members on the innovative methods to inspire western people about the Jain ideals. He has published a book on modern interpretation of the Tattvartha Sutra that brings out its practical application in daily life. BAJA members are involved in a number of the Jain Bhawan committees including construction, fundraising, and coordination. For further information about BAJA activities, please contact Seema Bhimani at sbhimani@carollo.com or 510/ 482-1357.
Shri Hasmukhbhai Vora and Shri Rajendrabhai Kamdar, both disciples of Gurudev Shri Kanji Muni, will conduct Swädhyaya. A goal of at least 2,501 Akhand Tap Aradhana consisting of upvas (adult) and ekasana (children and youth) will be completed by the Pratishtha Ceremony. Information about these and other activities, schedules and locations are available at www.jcnc.org website For further information please contact Jitendra B. Shah, JCNC President at 408/729-7916.
12/JAIN DIGEST⚫ FALL 1999 Jain Education International
Los Angeles, CA
The eleventh anniversary of the inauguration of the Jain Bhavan was celebrated by the Jain Center of Southern California (JCSC) on July 11 with a Dwaj ceremony and Shri Uvasagarham Pujan led by Shri Narendrabhai Nandu.
During the past few weeks, JCSC has been a host to several Jain scholars including Dr. H. Bharill (June 16-18), Shri Narendrabhai Nandu (July 9-11), Pujya Sunandaben Vohra (July 20-30), Shri Roopchandra Muni (July 31) and Shri Babubhai Kadiwala (August 7-8).
The Paryushan (September 7-14) and Das Laxna Parva (September 15) will be graced with the presence of Pandit Dhirajlal Mehta. Shri Narendrabhai Nandu and his colleagues presented an exciting series of programs on Sarasvati Aradhana, bhavna, 18 Abhishek and Uvasagarham Pujan. JCSC members had an opportunity to have Abhishek performed for their private murtis. Shri Babubhai Kadiwala performed Shri Chantamani Maha Pujan and Shri Siddhachakra Maha Pujan accompanied with the divine music.
Various books, tapes and videos of the JAINA National Library have been transferred to JCSC. Following the cataloging of these items, information will be posted on the website. Over 100 participants took advantage of the annual medical camp, jointly sponsored with the Jain Social Group of Los Angeles, on May 23.
Nearly 250 Pathshala students graduated on June 20. Next Pathshala classes are scheduled to begin on September 26 and a winter camp is planned for December 18-21. Jain Center Youth Council (JCYC) members participated in a Teacher's Appreciation Day, clean-up day service project, and a summer picnic. Jain Association of Young Adults (JAYA) organized a summer bash of clean teenage fun on July 10.
A new website at www.jainbavan.com now offers information about the JCSC and schedules of regular activities and planned events. Also, additional information can be obtained by contacting Kantibhai Shah, JCSC President at 949/831-8687.
A traffic report prepared for the Jain Center expansion project has been submitted to the City of Buena Park. Several solutions have been included in the report to mitigate the parking shortage due to the size of our proposed facility. The building plans to obtain the necessary approvals are due to be submitted shortly to the City of Buena Park.
Sacramento, CA
Information about the regular activities and special events, including visits of the Jain scholars, scheduled by the Jain Center of Greater Sacramento can be obtained by contacting Manoj Desai, JCGS President, at 916/791-4111.