Jain Digest 2005 07

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

Page 40

Jain Center Forum & JAINA Meetings - Dr. Nitin
An International Symposium - The Ahimsa Center at Shah organized Jain Centers forum to present papers on their California State Polytechnic University, Pomona organized an center management, practices and activities. This exchange is international symposium on "Ahimsa and Aprigraha in very useful as we all can learn from each other rather than re- Contemporary Contexts". The Symposium was co-sponsored invent the wheel. Twelve centers participated in these forums. by JAINA. Anop Vora, the President of JAINA, inaugurated the Their recommendations included opening up the temples for symposium. Dr. Tara Sethia, the Convener of this symposium, senior's care and other services for all; increasing non-Jain spoke about the multiple dimensions of Ahimsa and Aprigraha involvement in functions and activities; involvement of post and their practical significance in the contemporary social, college youth; organizing more Jain youth camps.
political and ecological contexts.
JAINA CONVENTION 2005 HIGHLIGHTS
The Directors of JAINA, Presidents of various Jain
The symposium featured an international roster of Sanghs were briefed on the very crucial work that is being car- scholars and academics along with key business leaders. ried out by the Long Range Planning Committee of JAINA. Speakers included Drs. Cromwell Crawford, Robert J. Under the guidance of Dr. Deepak Jain, Dean of the Kellogg Delbonta, Navindra Jain, Prem Jain, Shailesh J. Mehta, Nirmal School of Management, a core group of 25 JAINA leaders met Sethia, Jagdish Sheth, Michael Tobias, Kristi Wiley, Pratap for three days in April in Chicago on Kellogg campus and plans Bhogilal, Dr. Surendra Bothara, Dr. Peter Fluegel, and Dr. to meet periodically to develop a strategic plan for the next 25 Anne Vallely. In the course of the day, these experts interacted years for the future of Jainism in North America and prepare with the audience on a variety of topics including Ahimsa and JAINA leaders to manage it.
Aparigraha in Jain art & literature, Jain traditions and their sig
nificance in the contexts of globalization and the growing culThe Board of Directors of JAINA also met for their ture of consumerism. The concluding session examined the relannual meeting and the results of the election for the members evance of Ahimsa and Aparigraha in the world of business. Shri of the Executive Committee for 2005-2007 were announced. Pratap Bhogilal was honored at the symposium for his numerKirit Daftary of Texas was elected as President and Dilip V. ous contributions in promoting Jain Studies. Shah of Philadelphia was elected as First Vice President. All other posts were uncontested. Two industrial leaders from
ART Exhibit - One of the exhibit halls was converted India, Pratapbhai Bhogilal and Mahendrabhai Mehta, spoke into an Art Exhibition Hall. This hall included art exhibits of briefly on charitable works their respective organizations were paintings, booths for commercial enterprises, JAINA and Jain doing and offered their cooperation to JAINA for working Centers. Rita Shah and Neeraj Jain (coordinators for the Art together on common agenda.
exhibit area) worked with all artists and committee members to
create this unique hall. Ms. Ekta Sancheti and Vinita Kothari of Closing Ceremony - The Closing Ceremony, besides New York opened the Art Exhibit on Friday July 1st, 2005. having traditional "thanks", included a message by all monks on defining the theme "Extending Jain Heritage in Western Environment". The session was moderated by Nirmal Dosi. He sang Navkar and Manglik in classical raga. Highlight of the closing ceremony was handing over of the Olympic torch to the JAINA's new President to carry on the torch to the next convention.
Speaking on environmental protection, Amrendra Muni stressed the importance of Jain Jiv Siddhants, Bhuvanesh Muni suggested that Jain economics and ecology should be taught in universities, Acharya Chandanaji suggested that selfless helping and giving should become a normal part of everyday life. Gurudev Shri Chitrabhanuji implored everyone to practice self realization through Ahimsa, Anekantvad and Aparigraha. Muni Roopchandji, speaking on Karma Mukti and Dr. Nipul Shah and volunteers from the Jain Society of San Karma Purti emphasized the value of teaching unity to our Diego created a beautiful "Jinalaya" in the center of the Art younger generation. Manak Muni implored every Jain to at exhibit hall. This was set up in reflection pool, consisting of 24 least keep some wow everyday. Sadhvi Shubhamji detailed ways while marble idols of Tirthankars gathered in an imaginary to answer questions of everyday life like elimination of Dowery place. The reflection pool added to the ambiance and was comsystem and Samanji suggested that Jain education for the plimented by lights, sounds and aromas. Dr. K. T. Shah of younger generation must combine Jain literature of all four tra- Houston and Dr. Bharat Tolia of Detroit opened the Jinalaya ditions. Charitya Pragyaji asked that our message should be tai- on Saturday. The opening ceremonies of the Jinalaya began lored for both the Jain Community and non- Jain Community. with beautiful slokas by Kirit Bavisi accompanied by serene
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