Jain Spirit 1999 10 No 02

Author(s): Jain Spirit UK
Publisher: UK Young Jains

Page 13

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JAIN ART The exhibitions of the works of Jayshree Khimasia and Kamal Shah reported in the inaugural issue of Jain Spirit, were well attended. It was gratifying to see a lot of young buyers who have started to take an interest in art, thereby encouraging artists to produce additional work. We have had over 25 exhibitions in the last three years and over 3,000 people have visited the Gallery. It would appear that considerable interest has been generated in Indian art and we have heard that one or two galleries may be commencing to promote Indian art. We hope that our youth will continue to show serious appreciation of our art and culture.
PROFOUND VISION I would like to congratulate you on the first issue of Jain Spirit. I read the articles thoroughly and came to the conclusion that you have made the impossible thing possible. Jain Spirit is the journal we have been waiting for. Selecting the right material and editing it involves tremendous skill, energy and commitment and above all, selfless dedication and perseverance, Jain Spirit espouses a profound vision and Acharya Mahapragya was also very impressed with its quality.
Dr. S. L. Gandhi, Secretary, Anuvrat Global Organisation, Jaipur, India
Raju Shah, Curator, Meghraj Gallery
THANK YOU Jai Jinendra! Many thanks for sending me the first issue of Jain Spirit. It is an excellent publication which I have already read from cover to cover. I have for some time been looking for such a magazine. Such periodicals go a long way towards removing the sense of isolation for those of us who are not of an Indian background and have very little or no opportunity to meet with other Jains. It reminds us that we are in fact part of a major world community with a lot to offer. I particularly enjoyed the articles from Benjamin Zephaniah and Satish Kumar.
YOUNG PEOPLE ARE SEARCHING FOR RATIONAL DIALOGUE Many young people think that Jainism is a temple-based ritualistic religion where there is no place for reason and dialogue. As a result, they don't even admit to being Jain. This is a very sad predicament for such an ancient scientific and visionary culture. I read the inaugural issue with interest, and find that many young people are getting lost in the modern material world and seeking such ancient wisdom. However, to attract them, we need a different approach which integrates the past with the present, and allows young people to question. I also believe that young Jains are often very well educated and talented, and if they are attracted by the tradition, the community would be significantly strengthened. Jain Spirit is taking a valuable step in this direction, and I hope readers will turn its ideas into actions and take pride in their culture. This will provide valuable self-confidence which will help them sail through any storm. I appeal to all young lains to subscribe to Jain Spirit without hesitation and become ambassadors of Jainism. Their world will be better for it.
A SPIRITUAL 21st CENTURY Living in Brussels far from a vibrant community, I miss having intimate contact with Jains. I was therefore most surprised and delighted to receive the inaugural copy of Jain Spirit. Here is a bold attempt to integrate Jains all over the world and inform them about the practical and contemporary relevance of their culture. The variety of articles, their content and the underlying themes demonstrate to me a religion in renaissance. I believe the 21st century will be a spiritual century and more and more people will get tired of the current world of greed and materialism. Jain Spirit will continue to be a valuable sanctuary and I urge all my fellow Jains to rally behind this call and subscribe. It will help them to succeed and prosper.
Ciaran Reilly, Ireland
Priti Shah, London
Varsha Dodhia, Brussels
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Jain Spirit • October - December 1999
Jain Education Interational 2010_03