Jain Digest 2006 04

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

Page 16

REGIONAL NEWS
told about the basic tenets and philosophy of Jainism including live demonstration and significance of key rituals. At the end they were served with steamy Asian-Indian style lunch, which they all enjoyed.
DALLAS, TX
This year again we had an carly start of our religious activities with a visit of Swami Shrut Prajnaji from February 24 to March 2nd. He gave discourses on some basic Jain practices such as Samayik, importance of taking vows, techniques to develop concentration while doing meditation, and on other rituals. We also had a one day visit by Samani Jayant Pragyaji and Samani Sanmati Pragyaji. They explained the 4 Bhavnas (Mitrata, etc.). From June through August we'll have scheduled visits of other dignitaries.
For more information contact JSNT president Pradeep Vaidya at 972931-9102, email: bars. JSNT website is www.dfwjains.org.
PHOENIX, AZ
For information about Jain Center of Greater Phoenix, please contact Usha Shah, President & Chair of the Board of Directors of JCGP Email: meta hala grada Tel: (480) 8131200 or Dr Kirit Gosalia BOD member,
863-1073.
TULSA, OK
Tulsa Jain Sangh elected a new board for 2006. After 18 months break. Kanti shah was unanimously elected President. Swami Shrutpragyaji visited Tulsa during March 3 to March 7. He gave discourses on Twenty five
Mithayatv. This being a new topic the attendees enjoyed all the five days of discourses.
We will celebrate Mahavir Jayanti in April and our 2nd Pratishtha anniversary on May 21, 2006.
Please visit our Derashar, It is
open for Puja. We have facility for
shower. Please call us so we can
arrange to open Derashar. Please contact Kantibhai Shah at 918-3693163 ordentlig yahoo.com.
The Pathsala at the Jain Centre is bubbling with activity every fourth Sunday, with the enrollment of over 120 children. Dr.Manoramaben Kapadia has started to conduct the Adult Pathsala. She is a great repository of Jain Shastras knowledge and is a jovial teacher who explains difficult Jain concepts in simple Gujarati and with appropriate anecdotes. A separate Jain Society Adult Study Group led by Mr. Ramesh Varia meets every first Sunday of the month. They are currently studying Chapter VII on NIRJARA
We will be celebrating Aayambil from Acharya Kund Kund's Samaysar.
Oli by having Samuh Aayambil at Derasar. "Cha Gau" jatra program was celebrated on March 12, 2006 followed by Navanu Prakari Pooja. Many people took part from morning till afternoon.
ESSEX, NJ
Franklin Township project to build another Derasar is continuing. We have received approvals from Township for Phase I and Phase 2. Derasar is kept Email:DIGJAIN@aol.com Tel: (602) open on every Sunday in the afternoon
due to the dedicated effort of volunteers. If you are visiting New Jersey/New York City area and would like to visit or attend a program, please call Shri Viren Shah at 732-329-3236
Jain Center of New Jersey conducts monthly Pooja and Samuh Samayiks at the Derasar.
Pathshala classes are conducted at four different locations so many students can attend. More than 300 students are currently enrolled.
The guest speaker for this year's Paryushana Mahaparva will be Pujya Shri Chitrabhanuji.
TORONTO, CANADA
The 2006 Sri Roop Lal Jain Lecture titled Jain Temples in India:
The Development of a Distinct Language in Architecture and Ritual was given by Julia Hegewald of the South Asian Institute, University of Heidelberg, Germany, at Combination Room, Trinity College, University of Toronto, on Saturday, March 18, 2006. The talk generated lot of questions from the audience and Prof. Hegewald's answers were very well received by the audience.
The election for a new Executive
Committee was held at Jain Centre on Sunday 2nd April 2006. The new President: is Lata Champsee, Vice President Rupal Doshi, Ashwin Vora Secretary, Hasmukh Batavia, Treasurer. Anil Vora, Upen Shah, Pankaj Mithani, Dr. Dilip Mehta. Manav Jain, Namita Doshi, Meena Mehta, Pankaj Mithani and Tushar Parikh as Committee members.
TENNESSEE, TN
Jain Society of Middle Tennessee had their Mahavir Jayanti celebration on April 3, 2006. Swami Shrutapragna is visiting the center between May 8 and 17. For more information contact JSMT's President Pravin Mehta at 931-648-9535
14/JAIN DIGEST.Summer 2006