Jain Digest 2007 11 2

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

Page 24

NEWS & EVENTS
Jain Digest Winter 2007
THE JAIN ASSOCIATION OF SOUTH FLORIDA
To bring all Jain faiths under one umbrella of Jainism, Jain center
of South Florida celebrated Paryushan 2007 as an example of "UNITY." We had arranged 2 Shibir first weekend and last day (Samvatsari). Almost 100 people attended. Shibir began with yoga and meditation. Dr. Rakshaben Shah from Mumbai for the Paryushan and Shramaniji Charitra pragyaji and Unnat pragyaji taught us about Mahaveer's message from Uttaradhyan Sutra (last sermon of Bhagavan Mahaveer), why we need Kriya (Action), Imp. Of Samayik, Pratikraman etc... Many people participated in penance-tapasya.
Two major highlight
1 first day question Answere session was organized with 5 scholars. Dr. Ujjavalaben, Pandit Dineshbhai, Shramaniji Charitryprgyaji Shramaniji Unnat pragyaji and Dr. Rakshaben Shah. This session allowed different perspectives for the same questions.
2: to follow the message of EQALITY Jain center participated in 6 different Pratikraman. 4 for adults =2days for each faith. Sthanakvasi, Murtipujak, Terapanthi and Bhav pratikrama. This makes equal distribution and learning from each other. Children performed English Pratikraman (ByPremGhada's) for first weekend and last day English Pratikraman by Pravin Shah.
were
Last day, Aloyana was performed from Santbalji's Pap nu Prayschit (Forgiveness for the Sin) in Guajarati and Meri bhavana in Hindi. By combining both all Jain people we able to get united and celebrate the Paryushan together. Swami Vatsalya Bhojan was celebrated two weeks later with SnatraPuja performed by Dhirajbhai Pandit.
During Paryushan we raised the fund for Jivdaya (Abhaydaan) and Education (Gyandaan) " LIVE AND LET LIVE" Compiled by K. Deepika Dalal JCSF President
News from Tempa, FL
During 2007 Jain Society of Tampa Bay celebrated Paryusana Parva under the guidance of Munishri Amrenera Muni. Every day lectures and Pratikraman and Sapana Ceremony etc., were the main events. Many did the eight days fasting during the event. Das Laxan Parva was also celebrated with the help of
ducation International
eminent Jain Scholar Subhashbhai Sheth, who specially came from India for this event in Tampa Bay Area. Pooja, Swadhyay. Lectures, Pratikraman were performed for ten days.
Jain Society of Tampa Bay is constructing a new Shikharbandhi Jain Temple at Tampa, Florida. The construction will be completed by February/March 2008. We will have three main pratimas: Bhagwan Parswanath, Adinath and Mahavirswami. Beside this, pratimas of 24 Tirthankars will be installed surrounding the main sanctum (Gabhara). Upasraya, Library, Kitchen etc., will be additional facilities. We already have all these Pratimas ready with us in Tampa and as such, as soon as construction work is finished, Jain Society of Tampa Bay will immediately announce the dates of Pratistha Event.
We request all Jains to donate generously to fulfill this project which has exceeded the budget limit. For installation (pratishtha) of 24 Tirathankars' idols, $10001 has been kept as fixed amount for one idol. There are other items such as Library / Kitchen ($51000 each) which can be named in memory of beloved ones. Please come forward and make your pledges as soon as possible so that you may not get disappointed if you delay to decide. Please contact Mr. Sanjiv Jain, President of this Jain Society. Email: jainss@msn.com
- Hasmukh Shah, Director, JAINA hasmukh33@yahoo.com
CONGRATULATIONS;
AWARD OF DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN JAINISM TO DR. SHUGAN JAIN AND D.Litt to PROF. CROMWELL CRAWFORD Dr. Shugan Jain ( the India Director of International School for Jain Studies) was awarded the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.). The degree was presented by former president of India Dr. A.P.J. Kalam on 4th November, 2007 at Udaipur. The programme organized under the blessings of Acharya Mahapragyaji was attended by Jain community in large numbers.
On this occasion Prof. Cromwell Crawford, the Academic Director of the International School for Jain Studies was also present and was honored for his services in promoting Jain studies in international sector. He was presented the honor of D.Litt at the same time by the former President of India. Jain Digest congratulates both Prof. Cromwell Crawford and Dr. Shugan Jain for their scholastic achievements and distinguished services to Jain Religion (Source Ahimsa Times, Nov 2007)
Jain by Action