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IN BRIEF
GLOBAL NEWS
UNITED KINGDOM JAINISM IN THE MILLENNIUM DOME The British government has taken a significant interest in projecting the best of Britain to the whole world. Its landmark project is the Millennium Dome, a multi-million pound huge exhibition dome covering 20 acres and capable of housing 13 Albert Halls close to central London. It is the largest structure of its kind in the world. The Dome will attract over 12 million visitors from home and abroad throughout the year 2000. Around the central arena, there will be fourteen exhibition zones, one of which will be devoted entirely to spirituality, the Faith Zone.
Jains in the United Kingdom have taken the initiative to ensure that the positive contribution of the Jain community and its culture is highlighted in this Faith Zone. They are working closely with the Millennium Experience Company to provide them with a series of high quality Jain pictures and translations of everyday Jain spiritual life for the exhibition. These will be portrayed in several Life Point pillars, and Mr. Tim Gardom of the Company is very impressed with the co-operation and support provided by the Jains. There is a special section on awe and wonder where photographs of ancient Jain temples and their art will be shown. The aim is to use these as a way of reflecting the beauty of creation. A quote from the Uttaradhyayan Sutra will explain: "A lotus, even when rooted in mud, flourishes and stays clear above the surface remaining relatively dry. So should one blossom and remain pure even while surrounded by material desire. A section on marriage will show a photo of the hastamelaap ceremony which expresses the union of the bride and groom. "We are two souls together now. Let us act with one mind. Our welfare, our karmas, our joys and sorrows are common to both of us. Our goal is the ultimate nirvana."
NEW JAIN ENCYCLOPAEDIA In order to collate the vast amount of sacred texts in Jainism, and present them in modern understandable English, a new 10,000 page Encyclopaedia of Jainism is currently being written by a team of scholars based in India. Dr. Kamal Chand Sogani will be the chief editor, and eleven volumes are planned, with topics ranging from History of Jainism, to Philosophy, Art, Science and Society. The project is an initiative of the World Council of Jain Academies with headquarters in London. For details contact: Dr. Premchand Gada, Jain Academic Foundation of North America, Email: gadapb9jafna@pol.net or Dr. Natubhai Shah, Jain Academy, Email: natubhai@shah1.demon.co.uk
INTERNATIONAL YOUTH EXCHANGE In August 1999, 28 young Oshwal Jains from UK and Kenya joined their counterparts in Toronto, Canada for an international youth exchange. Co-ordinated by Paulomi Gudka, an active young Jain in Toronto, the event lasted ten days and visitors were hosted by Jain families living in the Toronto area. The activities included sightseeing, visit to a theme park, and some discussions about the future of the community. All the participants had a most enjoyable time, and the local hosts organised a special farewell dinner for them. New lasting friendships were made between young people sharing a similar cultural background, but living in different continents. (News and photo courtesy of Shailee Shah. Exchange Participant)
8 Jain Spirit . October - December 1999
Jain Education International 2010_03
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