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ART OF CONVENTION
12th BIENNIAL JAINA CONVENTION
Jains of North America eagerly wait for two years for the next JAINA Convention. These biennial happenings are the most unique event, bringing together Jains from all corners of the US and Canada. Families and friends; students and professionals come together for three days and nights to celebrate their Jain heritage. Here under one roof they learn about Jainism, listen to the scholars and monks, meet old friends and make new ones. They come with much hope and faith. They get entertained and rejuvenated. They go home after three or four days with feelings of pride as Jains, memories of nice meals, lots of reading material and the determination to meet again in two years.
The nearly 3,000 Jains who poured into the Cincinnati Convention Hall for the 12th Biennial JAINA Convention during the 4th of July weekend, were richly rewarded because they got more than what they had ever hoped. The convention center was bursting with ear to ear smiles and a sense of pride on faces young and old. This convention was a celebration of life, their faith and a belief in the future. The planners had thought of everything! Registration was swift and smooth. Signage was on all three floors of the convention center. Blowups of the daily program were posted prominently in bright colors. Courteous and knowledgeable volunteers were everywhere and eager to help.
The night before the official opening, a Rass Garba Program by Munshi group from Bombay set the festive tone of the convention. There were separate ice breakers for youths in two age groups. Early the next morning on July 4th 2003, beginning at 6:30 AM, various religious activities were taking place. - Pratikaman in Gujarati and in English, recitation of Bhaktamar Stotra and Navkar Mantra Dhyan, meditation for men and for women and Bhangra aerobics.
The opening ceremony and procession filled the large ballroom to the brim. The program started with blessings from Gurudev Chitrabhanuji followed by keynote speeches from Dr. N. P Jain, Ms. Ingrid Newkirk and Dr. John Cort. Their speeches mesmerized the audience as they listened in meditative silence.
Ms. Newkirk, President of 700,000 members strong PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), connected the philosophy of her organization with tenents of Jainism. She explained that use of animal products is not acceptable because of our vows of non-stealing. After all, animals do not give us permission to use their leather, fur or their meat and therefore as ethical or religious people we can not use it.
Dr. John Cort of Dennison University painfully reminded the audience that in spite of rich history of Jain studies in America,
Jain Education International
Dilip V. Shah, Philadelphia, PA
we are living in times where not a single university in America is offering regularly scheduled Jain courses. (Excerpts of his message appear on the following page)
Dr. N. P. Jain, the diplomat, spoke eloquently on the Art of Living. He said this is going to be the century of Jainism and the keys to living in peace and harmony were handed to us by Bhagwan Mahaveer. He gave vivid examples of how universal Bhagwan's message is and how it can guide us in our present day difficulties around the world.
Gurudev Shri Chitrabhanuji spoke very passionately on the need for Jain Unity. He emphasized that Jainism is not a religion but Dharma. Dharma as in one's nature. Jainism introduces one to his own nature. He gave a warm tribute to Acharya Shri Sushil Muniji with whom he co-founded JAINA. He recited the history of JAINA from its inception in 1981 to its present day size of 61 member organizations (80,000 members) under one umbrella of JAINA. In spite of his advanced age, he spoke with vigor which has not been seen in recent years. He did not hide his pain as he cautioned against the emerging trend of groupism and new divisions within our community. He compared himself and all the others preaching Jainism today as the mere "Postman of Bhagwan Mahaveer." Our salvation lies in the message of Mahaveer and not in becoming followers of various postmen however helpful they may be. "We don't need any cult or ism-no personalities. We don't need Swetamber - DigamberSthanakwasi or Terapanth. We need only Mahaveer."
After his remarks, Gurudev presented a special recognition award - for lifetime achievement from JAINA to Dr. Surendra Singhvi whose dream of bringing the JAINA Convention to Cincinnati came to fruition. Names of all JAINA 2003 awards are published on page 7. Urvashi and Shailesh Patel of the Jain Center of Cincinnati and Dayton were the Sanghpatis of the convention.
Hon. J. Kenneth Blackwell, Secretary of State of Ohio attended the opening ceremony and spoke briefly about his admiration for Jainism in words that brought cheers from an audience that wanted to hear more. He apologized for having to leave early on account of President Bush speaking in another part of town at the 4th of July celebration and protocol required his presence.
After the speeches, in another hall, a very spiritual ceremony took place. Members of the Cleveland Jain Sangh under the leadership of Ramesh P. Shah built a replica of Palitana
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