Jain Digest 2007 11 1

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

Page 54

JAIN DIGEST Winter 2007
Global Jains & JAINA
2006 Annual YJP Convention
Young Jain Professionals gathered in the setting of West Hollywood, Los Angeles from Oct. 13-16, for a weekend of education and networking. The theme of this year's conference was 'Balancing the Scales of Life.'
As the next generations of Jains in the US, we are constantly faced with the need to balance our lives in many ways, while 'keeping true' to Jainism. Through discussions on marriage, on various contemporary issues on Jainism, Living in the Now, and more, attendees engaged in stimulating dialogue on how to make Jainism relevant today. To balance the discussions, attendees practiced meditation and yoga, and gained a sense of appreciation of the need to tend to one's spiritual health. Some highlights of the convention included a visit to the Jain Center of Southern California where the Jain Center graciously provided a tour, a video presentation on Farm Sanctuary, and lunch. A professionally run team-building activity at the Jain Center brought everyone together in a fun and interactive way, by creating friendly competition among teams in large human board game.
Young Jain Professionals puts on the annual conferences as a way for young Jains in the working world to meet in an intimate environment, where most attendees are able to meet each other. This recent convention succeeded in bringing together both old and new faces to share a forum for Jain dialogue and networking.
JVB participation in MLK silent march and rally
throughout. She spoke of India being the land of non-violence and how the philosophy of non-violence was linked from Mohandas Gandhi and his work in India directly to Dr. King and his work throughout the South, him being a serious student of the work of Gandhiji. Samani Sanmati Pragya also spoke about the importance of the practice of yoga and meditation in developing the clarity of thought that can bring one to a nonviolent sensibility. "The daily practice of yoga and meditation are central to bringing a person to a sense of awareness that can bring inner peace to daily life," she said. Afterwards, Councilmember Edwards met briefly with both Samanijis and other members of JVB, including Raemon Patel and JVB President Hasmukh Patel.
JVB Committee member Gordon Anderson, who worked as a volunteer towards the first election of Councilmember Edwards, was enthusiastic in recommending the participation of Jain Vishwa Bharati in the march, saying, "The religion and philosophy of Jainism is basically unknown to all but a very few non-Indian Americans. I believe that Jainism has a lot to offer this culture, where truth, non-violence and nonattachment are not qualities that are held in high regard. For JVB to participate in the We Are the Dream march indicates a willingness by this organization to step outside of its "cultural comfort zone" to express solidarity with others as well as spread the message of non-violence, which is at the foundation of what Jainism can offer to everyone."
This event received reporting coverage in the Sunday, January 14th, 2007, edition of the city's newspaper, the Houston Chronicle - Section City and State page B3.
S. M. S Medico, Jaipur Donates Rs.45 Lakhs
On Saturday morning, January 13th, 2007, under overcast skies, thousands of Houstonians representing various organizations and religions came together to honor the memory and the work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This event was aptly named the "We Are the Dream" march, initiated and organized by the office of Houston City Council District D Representative Ada Edwards, and it is certain to become an annual occurrence. Among the participants in the march were notable local, state, and national politicians representative of Jain Leadership Conferences in 6 US Cities the Houston area, including the popular mayor, Bill White. The most notable moment for JVB was the introduction of the Samanijis to the stage by local television news personality Jerome Gray. Samani Sanmati Pragya was the only nonpolitician afforded the opportunity to bring a message on the program. She delivered a message of non-violence and peace to the audience, receiving vocal affirmations and applause
Dr.M.L.Bafna, a Cardiac Physician from Cleveland (born in Sadri, Marwar), donates Rs.45.0 lakhs in the memory of his late wife Smt. Kamla Bafna to Bhagwan Mahavir Cancer Society at Malvia Nagar, Jaipur.
- Yogendra Shah Jains in North America have built many temples and organizations. Now as we move into the future, we as Jains must embrace a common vision. JAINA Long Range Planning in collaboration with local Jain Centers has developed a common vision for our future (Vision2020). Together with local teams, we are holding regional one day conferences.