Jain Digest 2000 03 Vol 16 No 1

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

Page 22

BOOK REVIEW...
Twelve Facets of Reality - The Jain Path to Freedom Realize What You Are The Dynamics of Jain Meditation The Psychology of Enlightenment - Meditations on the Seven Energy Centers
PANCHAMRUT
The Philosophy of Soul and Matter Ten Days Journey Into The Self
For the new millennium the elder Jain master Gurudev Chitrabhanu - has bottled the keys to enlightenment in this set of five books, a foundation for all seekers of truth, the basic principles of Jainism and inner happiness. In his characteristic clear English and succinct examples, he has distilled very complex subjects into a readable delight.
Ten Days Journey Into The Self: is an elaboration of Gurudev's Immortal Song "Maitribhavnu Pavitra..." He considers the four virtues amity, appreciation, compassion and equanimity as four pillars
A 5-book set by Gurudev Shri Chitrabhanu on which life can be built. He moves on to the glory of Navkar Mantra as the universal Mantra and how meditating with Navkar Mantra can overcome our inner enemies.
Twelve Facets of Reality: is "Shant Sudharas Sagar" of Mahopadhyaya Vinayvijayji- 12 Bhavnas in capsule form. This book is the preface to his immortal song "Maitri Bhavnu Pavitra Jhurnu". If you like the song, you will love this book. The concepts of Anitya, Asharan, Aashrava, Nirjara, Nitya, etc. routinely take thousands of words and a great deal of contemplation but the Gurudev has magically converted them into twelve facets of the most precious of gems - Mukti.
Realize What You Are: is a collection of instructions given by Gurudev on the fundamentals of Jain Meditation: a primer for a 5week meditation course. This step by step approach for the uninitiated is heaven-sent. He describes meditation not as a religion but as a means of learning the art of living, growing and communicating. As a first step, he has prescribed 24 minutes a day for practice. For those whose life is so busy that they cannot find one minute out of every hour of the day for themselves, he has just these words: "Reorder your priorities!" After a few preliminary matters of selecting the time and space for meditation, the book quickly gets down to the serious business on hand and soon the reader will be chanting Veerum and Sohum. The book goes on to philosophy of meditation and its role in our daily lives. He asserts that meditation will improve your communication skills and you will be at peace with yourself.
The Psychology of Enlightenment: advances his meditation instructions, dealing with each of the seven centers of energy corresponding to seven levels of awareness from which we can begin to discern our true nature. Practical meditation techniques for each center Muldhara, Swadhisthana, Manipura, Anhanta, Vishuddha, Ajna and Sahasrara are described in simple steps. The book shows how the energy centers can be used for health and healing. The summary chart at the end of the book is a precious resource.
20/JAIN DIGEST SPRING 2000
The Philosophy of Soul and Matter: is the heart of Jainism. From the laws of Karma to the matters of soul, in his anecdotal style. Gurudev has presented in less than 75 pages, eight types of Karma, a complex theory in simple and clear terms. In the most modern lan
guage he has shown the oldest path to liberation: Samvara and Nirjara. Here he calls for self cleansing - evicting the old tenants (negative thoughts) and getting in touch with the latent energy within.
The set of five books is available for a special package price of $35.00 (postage included) Order from:
Jain Meditation International,
PO. Box 230244 Ansonia New York, NY 10023 0244. Phone or fax (212) 362 6483
By Dilip V. Shah, Philadelphia
COMMITTEE NEWS (Continued from page 7)
JAINA CHARITABLE TRUST UPDATE
The Trust, established in 1994 with 24 Trustees and $26,006 in donations, now has 98 Trustees and $170,000+ in donations and trust income after spending about $86,500 on various activities of JAINA Charitable Trust. Congratulations, and thanks to the to the following new members for their generosity.
Name
Mr. Ishwarlal Bhuta Mr. Kirit Daftary Mr. Rajendra Jain Dr. Rajendra Jain Mr. Ramesh Jain Dr. Sushil Jain Mr. Vinay Jain Mr. Bhavesh Kamdar Mr. Kirit Kapadia Dr. Vasantha Kumaraiah Mr. Prabodh Mehta Dr. Babulal Paragani Mr. Virendra Sethi Mr. Dinesh G. Shah Dr.Mamta Shah Dr. P.C. Sogani Mr. Ajit Vora
CITY Montgomery Waco
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z = ZZZ
NJ
NY
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IL
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GA
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Dr. Dhiraj H. Shah, Chairperson