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FROM THE EDITOR IN CHIEF...
Jai Jinendra:
This year marks the 2600th Janma Kalyanak of Bhagwan Mahavir. To commemorate this auspicious occasion, a humble effort is made by the Jain Digest in creating this special issue. This was possible due to the tremendous support I received from all contributors and especially from Mr. Vinay Vakani, who spent hours upon hours going over the materials and coming up with helpful suggestions.
It is really gratifying that the Jain community of North America came forward with the support for the victims of Earthquake in India. Everyone's focus was on nothing else but on those victims in the aftermath of this natural calamity. It demonstrated the compassionate side of our community. However, the real work of rehabilitation has yet to begin. JAINA in its modest way is extending a helping hand.
The time has now come for all Jains in North America to get together and work under one banner. Our Jain community has been here for the past 25-30 years. We have organized Jain Sanghs all over North America with the idea of preserving our unique religion and culture, and passing this legacy to our next generation. We always wanted our kids to learn about our religious values - Ahimsa, Anekantvaad, and Aparigraha, (non-violence, multi-perspectives and detachment). And trust me, we have done a good job, an excellent work. Look at YJA and YJP! Both of these organizations are humming with activities as our young generation tries to understand and adopt the message of Bhagwan Mahavir. Many of our children are vegetarians, vegans and environmentalists who truly believe in Jain philosophy. However, recently we keep hearing that some Sanghs are splitting or are thinking of doing so on the basis of sects. This is very sad and disheartening. To begin with, we are hardly 10,000 families here in North America and to split would only dilute the Jain virtues and heritage, and undermine the excellent job we have done so far with our youth. This may also divide the youth and disturb the harmony with which they have been brought up. Our religious scholars have often remarked on how little separates the various sects of Jainism, when compared to other religions. Why should we, at this stage of our lives, begin the task of dividing our societies? Should we not sit back and reflect on the irreparable harm we might end up doing to our young generation in this process? We need to seriously contemplate on what legacy we want to leave for our future generation. A strong and united Jain community will provide us, as well as our young people, with the strength and serenity to endure our invaluable heritage among the diverse cultures that exist in North America.
Lata Champsee,
Editor in Chief, Jain Digest
Jain Education International 2010_02
JAINA AWARDS
At every JAINA Convention we give awards to persons, who did many good deeds for JAINA or Local Jain centers. Again this time I am requesting each of you to nominate Names of such individuals using the following criteria. Please send detailed bio-data and listing of their good deeds. Also get the nomination letter seconded by one of the officers of your Jain Society. AWARDS TO BE ISSUED ARE;
JAINA Ratna
JAINA Ahimsa
JAINA Recognition Award for service to JAINA
JAINA Recognition Award for service to JAINA Youth. CRITERIA:
The person has displayed unselfish devotion for advancement of Jainism.
He or She has created innovative programs that are in step with changing needs of member society of JAINA.
This person has invested time and personal financial resources for JAINA's or Member Jain Society.
This individual has enlisted the intellect, heart and financial support of the community at large to fulfil JAINA mission.
He or she has stimulated awareness of non-violence principles to non-Jains through books, liturature and conferences. This person is good natured, humble and honest.
international calamity. He or she has always extended a helping hand during national or
Additionally, any other good traits of such persons, which requires
a mention.
JAINA WEBSITE
Jaina website gets updated frequently for current information on following: log on to "www.jaina.org"
For Private & Personal Use Only
1. JAINA Executive Committee Members 2. President of Jain Centers
3. Directors of Jain Centers 4. JAINA Trustees
5. JAINA Committees and their Chairpersons 6. Convention 2001 Board members 7. Jain Digest Chief Editor and Regional Editors 8. Mahavir Memorial Committee Members 9. Gujarat Earthquake news and Donors List Direct your questions to: Kamalesh Amin, Executive Director, JAINA P.O. Box 700 Getzville, NY 14068 E-mail: jainahq@aol.com Phone/Fax: (716) 636-5342
JAIN DIGEST. SPRING 2001/3
www.jainelibrary.org
