Jain Digest 2002 12 Vol 21 No 4

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

Page 41

REGIONAL NEWS....
the procession was led by a group of young NEW JERSEY, NJ dancers performing different dances for different swapnas. Samvatsari Pratikraman in English & Gujarati were well participated. Pratikraman was followed by the program of honoring all Tapasvis. Dharini Khona did 16 days fast, and there were 7 atthais. Das Lakshan Parva was celebrated under the guidance of Mr. Ramnikbhai Savla, a Jain scholar from India.
Various Pravachan programs by Jain scholars/Munijis from India were held during summer. Pandit Dhirajlalji, Jinchandraji, Sunandaben Vohra and Manak Muniji. Mr. Heera Ratan Manek, who has not eaten any solid food for the last 7 years and has also performed Jain fast for 411 days, spoke on how it is possible for him (and also, for any one else) to sur
vive on solar energy.
A fun and health fair was held at the Jain Center. Everyone took advantage of the free medical check up including EKG. Ayambil programs were held at the Jain Center. Panch Kalyanak, Antaray Karma and Vastuk Poojas were held at the Jain Center. The Association of United Hindu and Jain Temples of Metropolitan Wash ington arranged a Diwali Mela program on October 26th. It featured cultural programs, Pooja, food stalls, Indian merchandize stalls, etc. Over 15,000 persons attended the program.
Jainshala started on Sunday Sept 22. These include 5 classes for children and 3 classes for adults. Children's classes include 5 levels of classes with regular curriculum. After completing the 5 levels of classes, children are given oral and written exams. After passing these exams, they are graduated. The adult's classes include the newly started beginners' class covering basic principles of Jainism, and 2 advanced classes covering Shant Sudharas and Samaysar. The teachers are Anjali Dalal, Pravin Dand, Veena Dand, Rajni Gosalia, Arvind Mehta, Atul Shah, Kamlesh Shah, Ranjan Shah, Rupal Shah, and Kashmira Vaywala.
lectures from Jinchandraji Maharaj and Sangh members were fortunate to hear swadhayay conducted by Pandit Dhirajlal
Mehta, Kiranbhai Parekh, Sunandaben Vohra, and Smt. Tarlaben Doshi
Center was very fortunate to have five
Maha Pujans during the month of June that
A Health Fair was organized, more than 15 doctors and many others volunteered their services to make the Fair a success.
Students of Pathshala were awarded TORONTO: ON certificates for completing / graduating a year and also had their annual summer picnic. More than 200 students at three different locations attend Pathshala classes on a regular basis.
were performed by well known Pujankar Shri Narendrabhai Nandu and his wife Smt Anilaben Shah. These Maha Pujans were Shanti Snatra, Sidhhachakra, Bhaktamar
Stotra, and Padmavati Devi.
Paryushana was celebrated with vigor and enthusiasm under the auspicious presence of Chandrakantbhai Mehta. Chandrakantbhai gave lectures on various topics relating to Jain philosophy that showed the greatness of our Jain religion and how a shravak can attain Moksha. Arvindbhai Bhandari again volunteered to be a Paryushana's guest speaker for youth. Jain Center had more than 55 Tapasvies who did 8 or more Upvas. Tapasvies were felicitated at the Derasar.
The fund raising drive for the Franklin Township site, that Jain Center has already purchased, is getting good support from the members. Bhumi Pujan and Shilanyas are scheduled for the Spring of 2003.
Dedicated members keep Dehrasar
open every Sunday afternoon. This year the Dehrasar was also kept open for Drashan on Saturday afternoons starting from April till end of October with the help of very supportive members.
If you are visiting New Jersey / New York City area and would like to visit or attend a program, please call Shri Virendra
Shah at 732-329-3236
CANADA
Dr. Mahendra Mehta, Regional Editor
Paryushan Parva: The celebrations began with three scholars from Tapovan in Ahmedabad, visiting Toronto. There were 'Pravachans' in the afternoon, 'Stavans' in
the evening and talks after the Pratikramans.
The Tapascharyas were also remarkable this year. There were two Tapasvis fasting for 16 days each, thirteen fasting for 8 days and many fasting for 3 or less days. The Sangh honoured the Tapasvis on the last day of their fast and there was Parnas next day at the Jain Centre. The number of people who came to participate in the ceremony on a working day was testimony to their faith and respect for the Tapasvis.
The 'Das Laxana' celebrations began soon after the Paryushan. Induben Jain, a Jain scholar from India gave talks on each of the ten laxan. Induban made the celebrations very interesting and there were children in the audience asking questions and discussing finer points of the scripture.
Dadawadi Tirthyatra: This year's yatra was organized for the Canadian Thanksgiving weekend. 55 JSOT members started on early Saturday morning and the first stop was at Detroit Jain Mandir. We were received with warm welcome and soon joined in a puja. The new Mandir was a beautiful Tirth that was awe inspiring. We were then treated to a sumptuous lunch.
We soon headed for Chicago and reached the Metropolitan Chicago Jain Mandir in late afternoon. Again we were JAIN DIGEST WINTER 2002/23 www.jainelibrary.org