Jain Digest 2005 07

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

Page 37

moral tone of the convention. Dr. Parveen Jain, chair of Programming committee says, "In this convention, we wanted to visibly show our respect to the sadhu-sadhvis. This was done by having this opening blessing session, by having separate seating section on the stage, by having a VIP host sub-committee who looked after their hospitality, etc".
Convention Opening Ceremony - The opening ceremony of the convention on July 2nd was the most widely attended event at the convention. An Olympic like torch was paraded into the convention hall and was received by JCNC Chair Dr. Parveen Jain. Anop Vora in his welcoming speech "marveled at the growth of JAINA over the years and implored every one to forget our sectarian differences and get involved in JAINA to make it a powerful spiritual force in the whole world". Kirit Daftary in his welcoming remarks said that "Via the convention, we want to re-affirm the concept of unity in diversity whereby we follow our traditions in harmony with others, espe- an inspiring example for all who heard them speak.
cially with the growth of the Jain community in North America".
Dr. Bill Lesher, chair of the Council Parliament of World's Religions delivered one of the three keynote speeches. Dr. Lesher spoke of the relevance of the Jain principles - Ahimsa, Aprigraha and Anekantvad in today's world. "And it is clear to me that Jains have a great deal to share indeed!", said Dr. Lesher, adding, "Your signature doctrine of non-violence is what many believers in the other religions find precious in the Jain religion. You have much to tell about how Jains live out this doctrine in the world today and how this great spiritual insight can contribute to our common search for harmony among the religions of the world."
An electrifying speech of the convention was delivered by Congressman Dennis Kucinich of Ohio. The former Democratic contender for the White House is a vegan vegetarian and a practitioner of Ahimsa. As a Presidential candidate, he proposed the creation of a Department of Peace. He told of how he refused to kill or remove a wasp nest on his window sill and instead got the entire family to watch everyday and learn how the wasps tended to their nest. His frequent use of Jain phrases in his speech drew a standing ovation and cheers from the crowd. When asked by his collogues "why would he fly across the country to deliver a fifteen minute speech", he replied "the principles of the Jain philosophy, are more relevant now in Western civilization than they ever been."
For the first time a youth was invited to be the keynote speaker to promote wider youth participation in the convention and to recognize that they are the leaders of tomorrow. Viral Mehta was chosen to address the Convention for his exemplary work in volunteerism. As a volunteer coordinator for Charity Focus, he spoke of the role every one can play for the betterment of society through volunteer work.
Shailesh & Kalpa Mehta of San Francisco and Arvind & Jaya Shah of Detroit were the Co-Sanghpatis of this convention who lighted the lamp declaring the convention open. Their life of philanthropy, service and abid ing faith in Jain values were
25 Years of JAINA and Life Time Achievement Awards - On Sunday, plenary sessions were held to celebrate initiation of 25th year of JAINA and Jain Unity. A documentary on "25 Years of JAINA" was prepared specially for the convention and it received much praise. During this 25 year celebration session, JAINA and JCNC honored Late Acharya Shri Sushil Kumarji and Gurudev Shri Chitrabhanuji as "Founding Spiritual Leaders" with a proclamation of Life Time Achievement award. They were honored for their vision, motivation, and support in the formation of JAINA in 1981 and their dedication to the North American Jain community. Anop Vora spoke about the life of Acharya Sushil Kumarji and Kirit Daftary recited the proclamation. Mamata Yagala and Niramla Hanke talked about how their lives were changed by Gurudev Chitrabhanuji whereas Bhavin Shah, a 28 year old youth who had met Gurudev 25 years ago, recited the proclamation. Both of these spiritual leaders promoted a vision of non-sectarian Jain association upon their arrival in the West (Gurudev Chitrabhanuji in 1970 and Acharya Sushil Kumarji in 1975). Over the years JAINA conventions have proved their vision so right that today JAINA is known and admired throughout the world as a unifying force in the Jain world.
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JAINA CONVENTION 2005 HIGHLIGHTS
Unity in Diversity Session - The above session was followed by a panel discussion session on "unity in diversity of Jains". For this session, special messages of unity were recorded in India by interviewing five Acharya/spiritual leaders from each of the five Jain traditions (sects), Acharya Padamsagarji (Shwetamber), Acharya Bahubaliji (Digambar), Acharya Shiv Muniji (Sthanakvasi), Acharya Mahaprajnaji (Terapanthi) and honorable Parasbhaiji (Mumukshus of Shrimad Räjchandra). Each of them sent a strong message that unity is important and achievable. Some of them even urged to replace our traditional sectarian name with "Mahavir Sangh". "It was heartening that these Acharyas show the importance of unity and agreed to be video taped", says Prem Jain, coordinator for Unity session. The panel at the convention consisted of Gurudev Chitrabhanuji, Acharya Chandnaji, Samani Madhur Pragyaji, Dr. Atul Shah,