Jain Journal 1995 10

Author(s): Jain Bhawan Publication
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication

Page 43

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JAIN JOURNAL: Vol-XXX, No. 2. October 1995
said that she was pleasantly amazed to see so many people from here and overseas, all at one place, exchanging ideas and bonding together. "This definitely makes you very pround of your heritage."
Display of booths ranged from books on Jainism and other religions to Videos of functions, details of organizations involved with efforts of upliftment in India and beautiful Jainstavanas or bhajans on cassettes and CDs.
Religious ceremonies slated for this event were the three patla pūjā, Navgraha pūjā, Bhavana and Abhiseka for the 18 statues. The 24 float procession, consisted of 22 floats of the various statues that were to be installed and the remaining two of the Mahila Mandala and Senior Citizens, presented minute details of Jain religion and culture. Almost 60 families from as far as Northern California, Maryland and Washington D. C. participated in the Ratha Yatra. Meditation, interfaith workshops, Vision 2000 programs, Yoga Pratikramana, Samayak and topics like inter-racial marriage intertwined with the elaborate list of programs hosted in various tents.
Present on this auspicious occasion also were spiritual leaders and well-versed scholars from India and around the world like Jinacandraji Mahārāja, Gurudev Chitrabhānuji, Bhaṭṭāraka Devendrakirtiji, Samani Madhura Prajñāji and Samani Caritra Prajñāji.
In his address Chitrabhanuji, who is credited to have brought Jainism into the United States along with the late Acharya Sushil Kumarji Maharaj, said that this convention was indeed the venue of two blessed events, Pratistha and the Biennial. "While some parts of the world were engaged with violence and conflict, hatred and resentment, Jains of Chicago were building this monumental Jain temple as a Holy Sanctuary where people from all walks of life can work together and feel the vibrations of peace, amity, creativity, love and unification," he said.
A cultural competition was held for the first time at the Convention. According to the organizers, this was to envision even a better understanding of Jainism and to keep the interest growing amongst the younger generation as well as to entertain the gathering.
Mihir Shah from Connecticut, who participated in a Rāsa competition said: "Many youths see the cultural center as simply a place. To me, in many ways, this is Home."
"The energy, vitality and exuberance was evident and it was really invigorating to see the youth involved in every sphere of the proceedings." said Kalpana Pathak from Maryland.
Inter-Religious Forum "Peace through Non-Violence" was hosted by Kumud Ranjan Sinha, Consul General of India, along with religious