Jain Digest 2005 01

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

Page 12

AMALGAMATION OF SCIENCE AND AND SPIRITUALITY
FOR QUALITY LIVING
JAIN DOCTOR'S INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE JAN'-2005
More than 2,000 Jain Doctors from 6 countries and 22 states gathered at the TERAPANTH BHAVAN on January 8 and 9, 2005, at the Second Jain Doctors' International Conference. The two day event, titled, "Science and spirituality for Global Peace' was a memorable meet of eminent doctors, erudite Jain scholars and experts who enlightened people with their scientific knowledge interspersed with a touch of spirituality.
It was a unique event as the four sects of the Jains and doctors from all over gathered under one umbrella. Acharya Padmasagarsuriji, Acharya Pushpadantsagarji, Pujya Kamalmuniji Kamlesh, Sadhvi Vidyavatiji addressed the audience. Acharya Padmasagarji said to the audience, "A Sadhu is also a Doctor, just as the doctor cures diseases, a Sadhu helps to guide the aspirant to the true path to a better living". Naya Padmasagarji gave excellent discourses and said that love, brotherhoodness, benevolence [paropkar] are the highest form of religion, the most essential virtue that every Jain should bear in mind.
On the first day of the Conference, Smt. Indu Jain -Chairperson of Times Foundation inaugurated the function. Mr. A. P. Srivastava, Post Master General released a special cover to commemorate the occasion. The other prominent guests present at the occasion were Shri Prakash Jain, Mr. Khyali Tated, Mr. Vijaybhai Mehta.
Renowned physician Dr. Farokh Udwadia spoke in detail about the ETHICS IN MEDICINE" and emphasized that the Principles of Jainism run Parallel to the Ethics in Medicine, and that it is the duty of every doctor to work for the welfare of mankind with MINIMUM possible Violence.
Padmabhushan awardee Mr. Muzaffar Hussain spoke on," WORLD PEACE BY JAINISM" and stressed that World peace can be achieved only by following the principles of Jainism. Jainism is not only a medical science but the a ladder to obtain World peace.
Renowned physician, Dr. Nitin Shah from USA spoke on, ANIMAL CRUELTY IN MEDICAL RESEARCH", and laid stress on having a humanitarian approach towards man
kind and animals.
.Mrs. Raksha Shah presented a paper on PRATIKRAMANA-THE HOLISTIC HEALER'. She said that rituals like Pratikramana is a SPIRITUAL TONIC needing no prescription,having no side-effects, it rather benefits the OBSERVER, and PURIFIES his thoughts ultimately resulting in good deeds to reduce stress that is responsible for diseases like B.P, Cardiac Problems, Cancer.
Dr. Sudhir Shah spoke on," JAINISM -A SUPERSCIENCE" His message to all Jain doctors was to keep faith and be dedicated to their religion and spread knowledge for global welfare."Jainism has described the principles of Physics in details and depth. The theory of Relativity, Law of Conservation of Energy, the Structure of Atom, etc has been described in Scriptures at length. We have to come forward and unravel the mystery", he added.
-Shri Anoop Vora President of JAINA, USA spoke on the UNIQUE PRINCIPLES OF JAINISM" and gave an overview on the principles of Non violence, Anekantwad and non possessiveness which can help live amicably, in harmony with all.. Jainism.Dr. Hemraj Chandalia explained how the serious killer disease, diabetes could be controlled by observing the principles laid down by Lord Mahavira. The change in lifestyle by way of observing the vows like eating less [ Unodari], etc and having a self restrained behaviour could go a long way to prevent it.
The 2nd day of the conference was inaugurated by the Chief Guest, Dr. B. K. Goyal lit the lamp. Dr. Kewal P. Jain had given an audiovisual presentation on the need of spirituality in scientific endeavors. Dr. Praful Desai, Dr. B. Hegde, Gurudev Chitrabhanuji, Dr. Natubhai Shah from UK, Dr. Ashwin Mehta, Dr. Sharad Shah, Dr. Dhananjay Gunde from Kolhapur also addressed the audience on various topics.
Dr. Bharat Parmar proposed vote of thanks to all for the success of the conference and declared future projects of JDF Mumbai viz Rs.1,11,111 declared towards research for Ahinsak chikitsa, to start 2 Diagnostic
centres in city of Mumbai for the common people at no profit no loss bases, to honour achievers in the medical field annually students and doctors, to have religious tour of Jain tirth once in a year, to organize seminars for the member every two month for the knowledge of Jainism by eminent scholars or Maharaj saheb.
The mission of the two-day Conference, was very well fulfilled. The presence of doctors from the world over, who promised and joined hands to work together globally for the welfare of the people was a positive gesture. The principles of science, blended with spirituality will go a long way towards the evolution of a value-based society for the welfare of the individual, the society, the nation and the world",
Raksha Shah, Bombay, India
10/JAIN DIGEST⚫ Spring 2005