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Jain Spirit editors@jainspirit.org
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
The magazine sounds like a great idea and I'm sure it will be a great success. It is only in this way that geographical, social and age boundaries can be crossed. PAUL DUNDAS SENIOR LECTURER IN SANSKRIT UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH (UK)
matter for both the traditional and contemporary societies, awareness of true Jain values and their positive aspects, and research based articles. I also pray that the editors will be bold enough to give importance to the objectives of Jain Spirit. Wish you all the success in your venture, DR. NATUBHAI SHAH, JAIN ACADEMY, LONDON
As a Jain, I am very disappointed about the continual practice of gheeboli' or auction-style fund-raising at all major Jain festivals. I believe that this 'ritual takes up a lot of valuable time, bores most of the audience (especially the children and youths) and usually raises very little money
The proposal for the Jain Spirit is an excellent one and I look forward to the first issue of the magazine. RAJU SHAH, DIRECTOR MEGHRAJ ART GALLERY, MEGHRAJ COURT, 18 JOCKEY'S FIELDS, LONDON, WCIR 4BW.
I am in receipt of your brochure on Jain spirit. It is a bold and visionary move and I have noted your efforts with appreciative awe. I salute you and wish you good luck. Dilip V. SHAH, SECRETARY, JAINA PHILADELPHIA,
I feel that the magazine should very clearly put out the message to the whole world about the applicability of Jain philosophy in modern life. There is no alternative but to adopt the principles of Jainism if our civilisation is to survive. a. Non-violence in actions (Ahimsa) b. Non-violence in thoughts (Anekantavada) c. Non-possession of matter (Aparigraha) These three precepts are urgently required to be put before human civilisation. Jainism is a Social System of Life and we should bring out aspects of successful applications of the Jain way of living. I wish your new enterprise all the success. SHASHIKANT MEHTA, RAJKOT, INDIA
There are many alternative methods of fund-raising which do not insult the precious time of the audience and I believe, can be even more successful. Lord Mahavir showed us a path of simplicity and charity which need not require us to show off our wealth or to make it the focus of all our events. Poor Jains who cannot afford to donate must feel quite awkward when they attend such events, and I am sure that as Jains, we do not wish to discriminate. Please let us resolve to adapt alternative methods, and also not give too much attention to money at our festivals. Jai Jinendra, JAYESH KOTHARI, HESTON UK
All major religious traditions have scores of dailies, weeklies and monthly magazines in the English language but the non-violent Jain tradition hasn't had any so far. Your initiative is a constructive step towards attempting to fill this vacuum. I have read the plans with tremendous interest. I would request you not to label articles as contributions from a particular sect since it violates the very spirit of non-sectarian Jainism that you want to project. I am pleased to learn that your venture has been hailed by several international directors and financial support is trickling in. I am sanguine about its success since both Satish and Atul have considerable professional background, experience and above all the insight to the needs of the Jain world today. DR. S. L. GANDHI, JAIPUR, INDIA
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The visions and objectives of Jain Spirit deserve appreciation from all who care for Jainism and its values. The planned feature articles have educational value. I hope that the articles will include the
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