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the rainy Sunday morning in the multiuse auditorium of 1800 capacity. This panel presentation hosted by Anop Vora was jointly designed by Naresh Jain and Samani Pratibha Pragya. Two of the fifteen leaders Dr. Homi Dhalla, representing Zoroastrian and Dr. Jaswant Singh Neki from Sikh religions working with the President on this project joined this panel.
The religious and spiritual communities of Barcelona extended a warm welcome to the members of their own traditions from around the world so that they could feel at home. The Parliament had informed us that there was no Jain family in Barcelona, so they had assigned Room 114 at the Forum for Jain delegates to hold a gathering. To our surprise, several members of other communities participated in this Jain evening that included Dr. Christopher Chappel, a professor and writer from Los Angeles. Pravin Shah initiated the circle with introductions. Samani Pratibha Pragyaji introduced Jain Vishwa Bharati Institute in Ladnun, Rajasthan, India. Several 'non-Jains had come having attended our programs and feeling inspired and wanting to learn more about Jainism. This meeting also helped us to connect with the Jain communities from India, UK and USA.
Parliament Academy Scholarship recipients Jain youth delegates Nirav Shah of Connecticut, USA and Krishma Shah of England
Anop Vora, JAINA President, introduced the people of India and religions practiced. Vinod Kapashi highlighted the influence of religion on politics and public programs. Naresh Jain discussed the tenets of Jainism, Samani Pratibha Pragya introduced the Surat Spiritual Declaration and its projects. A specifically recorded message from Acharya Mahapragyaji for Barcelona Parliament was video-played 'Commitment to Non-Possessiveness for a Better world' by Chetanya Kumar Kasyap explained that communism ignored the basic elements of human nature such as private ownership and spiritualism, therefore, this anti-human nature system is on the verge of collapse. He added that the universal problems like violence, animosity, unemployment and starvation could be contained with the aparigraha philosophy of Lord Mahavir and trusteeship principle of Mahatma Gandhi.
July 10, Day 4: A Prime Day for Making Connections Two concurrent sessions were scheduled for Jains. "Peace Equanimity and Stress-free Life by Way of Chanting Sacred Hymns was a joint presentation by Amrender Muniji and Dr. Vinod Kapashi. Muniji chanted Jain mantras and explained the meanings and their effect on our health. Dr. Kapashi has deep knowledge of Hymnology and how one can
achieve a peaceful and stressfree lifestyle by chanting sacred hymns? A Holistic Jain Approach to Peace with Reference to the Role of Women' was a joint presentation by Raksha Shah and Samani Pratibha Pragya. Raksha explained that
nonviolence, truth, love, equality and kindness are the basic principles of Jainism and women with these principles can establish the cultural base in children. For Samaniji this topic is like a live show of a Jain nun's life-style. The audience was curious to learn how nuns can improve and empower the women in the community, and how they can pass on the observance of nonviolence and peace to the coming generation.
Two PhDs in Jainism Vinod Kapashi and Natubhai Shah from England go deep in to 'Spiritual Democracy- a Precursor of Interfaith Movement'.
July 12, Day 6: First presentation of the day "Role of Religion to protect the earth' was jointly conducted by Naresh Jain and Pravin Shah and was very well attended; particularly notable was the presence of several youths. Naresh explained the environment that what surrounds us like water, earth, vegetation and air are all considered as living beings in Jainism.. Pravin shah explained in detail the teachings of Jainism. He also gave examples what we can do in daily life such as repair the leaky faucet, car pool, lower thermostat in winter, recycle paper, etc.
Amrender Muniji and Jyotindra Doshi jointly presented "Meditation for inner Happiness'. Jyotindra Doshi made the participants roar with laughter by his unique style of presentation such as "Hands up!....and now laugh". And the crowd just could not contain themselves. Muniji has been a center of attraction in such sessions in Barcelona.
July 11, Day 5: A panel presentation on 'Unity of Minds: A Congregation of Spiritual Leaders with the President of India' was held on
July 13, Day 7: Five Jain sessions were scheduled on last day Surprisingly all sessions were full with
8. JAIN DIGEST FALL 2004
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