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REGIONAL NEWS....
gram for the youths based on Navkar Mantra on April 6. The participants learned the science behind Navakar Mantra and meditation techniques to reach a state that liberates the mind. Mahavir Janma Kalyanak celebrated on April 13 included a children's program presented by the Pathshala students. The new by-laws were approved and adopted in the General Body meeting. Nine Varsi Tapa tapasavis were honored on May 4 with a special alochana vidhi followed by
parna.
Significant progress has been made with the construction of the new Jain Bhavan, which began in October 2002. In spite of heavy rains, a large number of enthusiasts participated in a ceremony on March 15 to place five main shilas (East, West, North, South and Center) and 1008 marble shilas in the foundation of the new facility. To raise funds for the expansion project, a musical charity gala conducted by Ravindra Jain, a renowned musical director from Bollywood, is scheduled on May 30. Project
details and progress photos are available at the www.jaincenterexpansion. com website.
Information about forthcoming programs are posted on JCSC's website at www.jaincenter.net. or please contact Dr. Nitin Shah, JCSC President, at 714/5066699 or nitin.shah@med.va.gov.
SAN FRANCISCO, CA
Jain Center of Northern California (JCNC) has put emphasis in three areas - to improve and increase the number of activities taking place at the Jain Bhawan; to increase the level of communication amongst its community members; and to increase the awareness of Jainism and its principles amongst Bay Area community. Samniji Madhur Pragya and Samniji Sangha Pragya are conducting a series of talks, swaydhyas, yoga and Preksha meditation through the end of May 2003. Bay Area professionals and talented singers partici
16/JAIN DIGEST⚫ Summer 2003
Jain Education Intemational 2010_03
pate in monthly bhavnas. "Chha Gau SACRAMENTO, CA Yatra“, an annual event that takes place at Palitana, was recently performed at JCNC. The celebration of Mahavir Janma Kalyanak was well attended. 275 students in Jain Shala, 180 students in Gujarati Shala and 110 students in Hindi Shala are managed by a group of 41 dedicated teachers and volunteers. These talented children presented an excellent cultural program on April 5. A seminar on immigration and a debate between adults and youth on why the practice of Jain traditions is important for Jains in North America were organized at the Jain Bhawan. Lina Hess, Stanford University Religious Studies Professor, and other scholars and community leaders were invited to judge the event. A music program presented by Ravindra Jain, a renowned musical director from Bollywood, is scheduled June 7. Annual picnic is scheduled July 19.
terested to visit the temple and learn more about Jainism. Recently Professor David Pinault of Santa Clara University and 25 of his students visited the temple to learn about Jainism. They also had an opportunity to listen to an enlightening presentation by Samniji Prajna.
Jain Center of Greater Sacramento
(JCGS) organizes a monthly Swadhyay and a number of other activities, religious celebrations, Preksha dhyan and meditation classes, and lectures by visiting dignitaries. Annual retreat is scheduled for August and an annual picnic is arranged in summer. For additional information, please contact Mohini Jain, JCGS President, at 530/7564655 or e-mail: mohini jain@msn.com.
SAN DIEGO, CA
The new format of the newsletter is well received and includes sections on "Letters to the Editor", "Scholarly Article", "Family Corner", and Children Corner". JCNC's collection of books, tapes and other material from the library are now available in a SEATTLE, WA digital database. Many of Jain Bhawan's programs are now web-casted. Various nonJain and non-Indian communities are in
For Private & Personal Use Only
Jain Society of San Diego (JSSD) celebrated Mahavir Jayanti with great enthusiasm. Pathshala students participated in a quiz and presented a Hindi play on Mahavir Bhagwan's life. Regular activities organized by JSSD include a monthly Jainshala for children, adult classes, swadhyay, and a weekly pooja every Saturday at Shri Mandir. For additional information, please contact Trusha Shah, JSSD President at 760/9431241 or e-mail: shaht64@hotmail.com.
Jain Society of Seattle (JSS) installed murtis of Shri Adinath and Shri Mahavirswami in the Hindu Temple at Bothwell. The Sthapana Vidhi was perJayanti. For additional information about formed on April 19 to celebrate Mahavir JSS and programs in Seattle area, please contact Devkumar Gandhi, JSS President, at 425/235-4848 or log on to http:// groups.yahoo.com/group/jainsocietyseattle/
Information about activities are puband are posted on JCNC's website at lished in the "JCNC Darpan" newsletter. www.jcnc.org. To request a copy of the newsletter, please contact pr@jcnc.org.
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