Jain Digest 2005 07

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

Page 27

JAIN VISHWA BHARATI ORLANDO, USA 5th Anniversary May 7th and 8th 2005
O
n May 7th and 8th, The Jain Vishwa Bharati Orlando for the provisions to carry on with future plans to promote Florida celebrated their 5th anniversary. Over 200 Jainism in the community. Afterwards JVB devotees sang a colpeople attended this two day, joy-filled event and in orful and melodious song commemorating the eve of the the meantime, reinforcing their religious commit- anniversary. ment to the center and deepening their spiritual awareness. The profound significance of the center's success indubitably inspired all attendees to strengthen their participation in the activities of the center. As a testament to the center's value as a place of worship and spiritual growth, as the setting for social assembly, as an educational institution, and as a place where all can experience the orderliness of wellbeing through Preksha Mediation and Yoga, people from all over Florida, including Miami, Tampa, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Vero Beach, Daytona Beach, Ocala and the Orlando Metro area and South Carolina and California attended the celebration. All embraced the spirit of the center as the two-day celebration commenced.
Saturday's program began with Mangala Charn led by the JVB committee. President Ashok Shah welcomed the devoted participants in the presence of the center's administrators and Jain spiritual and social educationalists, Samani Madhur Pragyaji and Samani Parimal Pragyaji. In honor of this auspicious occasion, JVB director, Kamlesh Shah, read a message from His Holiness Acharyashri Mahapragyji, which endorses the teachings of meditation and yoga in the center that has been ongoing for the past 5 years. His Holiness also endorses support
Subsequently, Samani Mahdur Pragyagji's lecture, "How to Achieve Shree," explained the meaning of "Shree" as knowledge, aura and Laxmi. Next, a special group from Tampa started the evening's program with Sangeet Sandhya. Following this, Samani Parimal Pragyaji presented a surprise program titled, "Chabi Ghumaiea and Bhagya Banaiea," And finally, Sashi Jain, Director of JVB, graciously presented to Kamlesh Shah a memento in tribute to his receiving a special honor-"Shrdha Nishtha Shravak-conferred to him by Acharyashri Mahapragyaji. Vijay Lunawat, JVB Secretary, called attention to this honor and how proud and fortunate JVB is to have had Mr. Shah receive this approbation from the Acharya.
At 7:00 am on Sunday, the program began with the recitation of Bhaktamar, Preksha Meditation and Pranayam. At 9:30 am, Kamlesh Shah, Vijay Lunawat, Devang Chitalia, Neeraj Shah and Tushar Shah, together presented a cultural program about Lord Rishbha, including a song by the ladies about Akshya Tritiya. Following this, Samani Madhur Pragyaji gave a lecture on "Kya Bhagya Ko Badal Sakate Hain." Last of all Samani Parimal Pragyaji acted as Master of Ceremony and concluded the anniversary program.
Acharya Mahapragaya celebrates 86th Birthday
Acharya Mahapragaya, who was is in New Delhi as a part of his five-year ahimsa yatra, celebrated his 86th birthday. President APJ Abdul Kalam and BJP president L.K. Advani congratulated the Acharya, as did thousand of devotees.
Speaking on the occasion, President Kalam said: "Six years ago, when I met Acharya, he advised me to devote the rest of my life to preparing peace missiles. I accepted the challenging task and occupied myself in peace activities."
The Acharya, President Kalam said, entrusted him with the even more challenging task of "re-forming the faulty system of modern economics by preparing a complete action plan based on not only the principles of modern economics but integrated with inter-disciplinary research in diverse branches like science, sociology, psychology, philosophy and also religion."
Kalam has already launched the programme for inter-faith efforts in socio-economics development of the nation through establishing the "Foundation for Unity of Religion and Enlightened Citizenship", with Acharya and Kalam himself the benefactors of the foundation.
Saying he was honoured to be present at the felicitation. Advani said "Acharya is not just a saint but a thinker and a philosopher." He added that morals are very important to get ahead in life, and he imbibed these morals and directions from Acharya Mahapragya and his literary work.
In his birthday message, the Acharya said: "Every person should live his life cycle properly. We are Indians but we do not follow our traditions and rituals. We should not only think, but should do some lateral thinking"
25 JAIN DIGEST SUMMER 2005ily
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