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REGIONAL NEWS....
WEST
Chandrakant Parekh, Regional Editor
LOS ANGELES, CA
Jain Center of Southern California (JCSC) began construction of Jain Bhavan Phase I. The new facility, to be completed in about 15-18 months, will add over 42,000 square feet of space for an auditorium, classrooms, kitchen, dining hall, an exhibit area, and subterranean parking. New website, www.jaincenterexpansion .com, has been created to report the construction progress.
JCSC was blessed with the visits of several dignitaries during the past few months. Sunandaben Vohra, Nautambhai Vakil, Pandit Dhirubhai Mehta lectured on various topics. Gurudev Chitrabhanuji motivated the members to support and offer donations for the Jain Bhavan expansion project. Paryushan Parva was celebrated under the leadership of Pujya Jinchandraji Maharaj, Bandhu Triputi. His explanations from Kalpa Sutra and his teachings of special mantras and prayers were enlightening and inspiring. Over 1500 members participated in the sapna ceremony and Swamivatslaya dinner. Tapasvis observed a number of Varshitaps and up to 16 upvas. Das Laxana Parva was celebrated under the guidance of Nirmalbhai Doshi, an eminent Jain scholar from India.
JCSC arranged for Jinchandraji Maharaj to represent Jainism amongst twelve religious faiths participating in an interfaith prayer meeting organized in memory of the victims of September 11th. Jain Center Youth Council members were amongst 300 volunteers who created the world's largest Rangoli using colored rice.
Information on all activities and programs are posted on JCSC website at www.jaincenter.net. For additional information, contact Nitinbhai Shah, President, at 714/506-6699 or nitin.shah@ med. va.gov.
22/JAIN DIGEST WINTER 2002 Jain Education International
SAN FRANCISCO, CA
Jain Center of Northern California (JCNC) successfully celebrated the Paryushan Parva and the Das Lakhshana under the guidance of two dignitaries - Gurudev Chitrabhanu, Shri Shantibhai Kothari. Dr. Jaykumar Upadhaye offered religious discourses and Vidhaans during Das Lakhshana. The enthusiastic celebrations included a novel sapna ceremony system, a tapasvi parna program, and a tapasavi recognition program.
the Second Amended Bylaws. Over 500 stuJSNC members unanimously approved dents enrolled in four educational programs - Jain Shala, Gujarati Shala, Hindi Shala, and ESL (English as Second Language) - are managed with 72 teachers and volunteers. Elections for the open positions on the Board of Directors as well as the Executive Committee are scheduled for November 16.
SACRAMENTO, CA
Jain Center of Greater Sacramento (JCGS) celebrated Paryushan Parv under
the guidance of Samniji Bhavit Prajnaji and Saminiji Vineet Prajnaji. Activities included daily pratikraman followed by lectures, a sapna ceremony, and a skit presented by children. Annual Jain Camp was organized Aug 16-18 in Sausalito. A picnic was well attended by the members.
Information about regular activities SEATTLE, WA and forthcoming programs are posted on JCNC's website at www.jcnc.org. For additional information, please contact Jay Itchhaporia, JCNC President, at 408/2638739 or e-mail: Itchhaporia@yahoo.com.
JCGS organizes a number of activities, religious celebrations, and lectures by visiting dignitaries. For additional information, please contact Mohini Jain, JCGS President, at 530/756-4655 or e-mail: mohini jain@msn.com.
SAN DIEGO, CA
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Jain Society of San Diego celebrated the Paryushan Parva with daily lectures by Taralaben Doshi. Mahavir Jayanti was celebrated with sapna ceremony, parnu, bhavna and swamivatsalya dinner. Tapasvees observing nine upvas, athais and various tapasyas were recognized during the bahuman program. Children also participated actively in observing the tapasyas. Jainshala kids were also recognized. Manekmuni and Jinchandravijayji visited the society to deliver lectures.
Regular activities organized by JSSD includes - a monthly Jainshala for children, adult classes, swadhyay by Girishbhai Shah, a weekly pooja every Saturday at Shri Mandir, and feeding the homeless. For additional information, please contact Kokilaben Doshi at 858/679-7645 or email: kdoshi@sandiego.edu.
various activities and religious celebrations. Jain Society of Seattle (JSS) organizes For additional information about JSS and its activities in Seattle area, please contact Devkumar Gandhi, JSS President, at 425/ 235-4848 or visit the website at http:// groups.yahoo.com/group/jainsocietyseattle/
NORTHEAST Dinesh Chheda, Regional Editor
WASHINGTON, DC
Paryushan Parva celebration was graced bySamani Mangal Prajnaji and Samani Prasanna Pragyaji. 18 Members stayed with them at the Jain Center during the Parva. Over 600 people participated in the Swapna ceremony program, each Swapna was carried to the beats of music, and
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