Jain Digest 2003 09 Vol 22 No 3

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

Page 26

INTERNATIONAL NEWS:
Waving of Jain flag at Mount Kailash(Ashtapad)
This year July 14 was a very auspicious day. A pilgrimage led by Muni Roopchandji Maharaj. Vedic Monks Sankaracharya Divyanandji Teerth, Shri Chidanand Saraswatiji, and Pandit Kishoreji Vyas recited Navkaar Mantra and Bhaktamar stotra Uccharan at Mount Ashtapad ( Kailash Parvat). Havan was performed and Jain flag was hoisted. The journey started on July 2nd. The pilgrims were sent off at Delhi Airport by Indian ministers and dignitaries. They flew to Kathmandu, where immense happiness was spread for three days performing religious activities and pravachanas. Then pilgrims went to Lhasa (Tibet's Capital) by air on 5th of July. On 8th July they traveled 175 miles to Lhatsey, on 9th July 190 miles to Saga, on 10th Jul y 175 miles to Paryang, and on 11th July 200 miles to Lake Mansarovar. The lake is 12 miles from Ashtapad Parvat. They reached Ashtapad on July 14th. Roopchandraji Maharaj hoisted Jain Flag. Then Prayer and Pooja were performed. All monks sang Navkaar Mantra and Bhaktamar Paath followed by Aarti vandan. This was a great day; it is first time after a long time that Jain Munis Shravaks visited Ashtapad Parvat
Ashtapad: It is Nirvana place of Lord Adinaath. It is also known as Kailash Parvat in Jain scriptures. It is said that sons of Sagar Chakravarti had built golden temple with Ashta Pad. Since then it is known as Ashtapad. It is also said that Bharat Chakravarti (son of Lord Adinaath) had built a temple at this Nirvana place. It is also said that Gotam Swami after advise by Lord Mahavir had worshipped Lord Adinaath at Ashtapad. By doing so it helped Gotam Swami to attain Keval Gyaan. Gotam Swami could do this because he had special Labdhi. Today the actual temple and Ashtapad is not visible as it is surrounded by snow. Ashtapad is mentioned as supreme Teerth in Jain scriptures.
SAMANS TOUR USA
For Your Information:
Second edition of Applied Jainism is recently published. It is Saman Sthitpragya and Saman Shrutpragya, disciples
authored by Dr. Balabhadra Bruce Costain. This book contains of Anuvrat Anushashta and Preksha Praneta let Acharyashri Tulsi
two papers. The first paper is titled Jainism: An Ethical Structure and Acharyashri Mahapragyaji, left India on June 28 for a USA
for Non-Violent Action. tour. At the JAINA convention in Cincinnati (OH) over 900 participants attended a lecture on stress management and anger
The second paper is titled An Ethic of Unconditional Love management presented by Saman Shrutpragya. Samniii for All Living Beings As a Basis for Human Development. This Charitrapragyaji and Samniji Sandhpragyaji also attended the paper outlines how the Jaina view of reality helps to make convention.
decisions that will result in increased peacefulness, happiness The Samans presented discourses on Mahavir and on and love for ourselves as well as for other living beings. three-dimensional programs of Anuvrat, Preksha Meditation and Throughout this book it is shown that our own happiness and Science of Living during their visits to Ashland (KY), Woodbridge well-being is linked to our treatment of all living beings. To realize (CT), Clarksville and Memphis (TN), and Long Island (NY). the happiness we desire the practice of these ideals is Topics of time management, family management, health "unavoidable". They represent the essence of who we are. management, karma management, Preksha meditation and yoga Happiness and joy, fullness of love, enthusiasm and vitality are were addressed in a series of lectures attended by Jain and non- just a few of the fulfilling experiences that result from applying Jain public. The concept of Jain Vishwa Bharati Preksha them in our lives. Jainism provides the insights into the reality of meditation is taught at Orlando, Houston and New Jersey centers
our non-harming nature, as well as the guidelines that illuminate in the USA, and at New Delhi, Ladhun, Rajsamand and Koba
the way to our ideal Self. (Gujarat) centers in India. The Samans will celebrate Paryushan
Balabhadra Bruce Costain, Ph.D., has journeyed to Japan, in Chicago following which they will visit Phoenix and San Diego.
South Korea, Thailand and India for further religiousThey have been deputed for one year to do spiritual work at the
philosophical and cultural understanding. He conducts seminars, Life Institute in Rajkot, Saurastra. The Samans can be contacted
workshops and retreats on Jain philosophy and practice, and Jain at anuvrat7@yahoo.com.
"Pure Soul" meditation. He is the first Jain in North America to complete training as a Chaplain through the Association of Clinical Pastoral Education, Inc. He resides in Nashville, Tennessee where his experiences of life are continuing to validate the truth that living with Reverence for All Life brings many
blessings. 24 / JAIN DIGEST. Fall 2003 Jain Education Intemational For Private & Personal Use Only