Jain Digest 2004 07 Vol 23 No 3

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

Page 9

scheduled on every single day of the week
The JAINA Exhibition Booth included 15 coordinated poster panels about Jainism, four plates of Jain postal stamps and first day covers, over 50 reference books and attractive decorations. 2000 copies of the book 'Essence of World Religions', 1000 copies of the 'Jainism' booklet, and flyers on Jainism and the JAINA organization were distributed free of cost. A Jainism flyer from 'Jain World' was also included for free distribution. The exhibition coordinated by Sudhir and Anita Shah was very well equipped. The World Religions book was heavily sought for by all including non-English speaking scholars. Compliments go to Pravin Shah of JAINA Education Committee. Nikhil Shah of 12 years age and his mom Anita Shah prepared the sets of free literature and managed their distribution and delivered them to the Jain presentation rooms. One hundred souvenir shirts designed by our youth Nirav Shah with Jain symbol on the front side and the Barcelona landmark Sagrada Familia at the back were placed for sale in the booth and they were all sold out before the end of the very first day.
The first session of 'The Influence of Religion on Mahatma Gandhi' was a joint presentation by Vinod Kapashi and Jyotindra Doshi. Dr. Kapashi explored several letters exchanged between Gandhi and Shrimad Rajchandra and gave insight into how Mahatma developed his ways of dealing with injustices in South Africa and India. Jyotindra Doshi covered the application of Ahimsa movement in the political field. Dr. Natubhai Shah, an accomplished author of Jainism and Ph. D. in Jain religion, was introduced by Dr. Kapashi another Ph. D in Jainism during his lecture and slide show presentation on "Spiritual Democracy of Jainism-A Precursor of Interfaith Movement" Speaking on recent terrorist activities, he suggested that the organizations behind them. have a better chance of attaining their chosen goal, if they follow the Jain way that was successfully adopted by Mahatma Gandhi
A concurrent lecture Commitment to Harmony for a Peaceful world' was a joint presentation by Swami Devendrakeertyji and Sudhir Shah. Swamiji explained that interfaith harmony would create a basis for cooperative
effort in education, health care, and the alleviation of poverty. On an issue raised as to how to stop religious persons from inciting violence, Sudhir explained a finding that the fear of God (or sin) is central to most religions and some leaders use it to subjugate the masses that then follow the leader blindly and commit all sort of atrocities in the name of God. His response that we must display our moral responsibility and actively oppose such leaders, and promote that a religion is about freedom and not about fear was greeted enthusiastically. The engagement workshop 'Dealing with Anger compassionately' by Hema and Manda Pokharna was house full and some people were turned away. The purpose of this workshop was to learn and experience that anger could be heard and expressed compassionately.. one participant said "I will remember these teaching all my life".
Speaker's Corner: The JAINA group was invited to participate in the Speaker's Corner program arranged by the Universal Forum of Cultures/UNESCO at the Forum at 5pm.. In fact, this program introduced Jains to the world community. One-hour program of recitals, yoga and meditation by HH Amrender Muniji, Samani Pratibha Pragya and Punya Pragyaji, and Jyotindra Doshi moderated by Naresh Jain was presented at this open event, which would become a part of their program archives. According to the Parliament/UNESCO coordinator Noah Silverman, the Jain program was one of the best performances at the Speaker's corner.
July 9,Day 3: An interfaith forum on communication as spiritual practice "The Ethics of Speaking and Listening' was organized by Mirka Knaster from California who has a Ph.D. in Philosophy and Religion and has appeared in publications, radio and TV programs. Hema Pokharna was invited by Mirka on this panel of 8 representatives from several spiritual communities. Hema, in this program of large attendance, did very well in sharing of Jainism and Ethics of listening.
Plenary Session- The Communities Night:
7. JAIN DIGEST - FALL 2004
Amrender Muniji's Meditation: An interactive meditation session with Amrender Muniji. Jyotindra Doshi and Parliament technical representative are on right.
Naresh Jain, Anop Vora, Manda Pokharna, Pravin Shah, Mahesh Gandhi and others connecting with Jains and discussing progress in the Community Night Get Together