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WELCOME
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Dear Readers
At the time of going to press, the world is at war, a recession is looming, and we are entering a phase of uncertainty in the privileged world. Fear is becoming part of everyday vocabulary. In New York, people came together and volunteered their time and resources immediately after the calamity. This happened in a city which is normally associated with greed, selfishness and materialism. This suggests that deep in all our hearts lies a desire to give and to share and contribute, but this is hidden or covered up by the modern lifestyle of ambition and wealth. The collapse of the World Trade Centre forced people to re-examine themselves and their values.
The Jain tradition has given the world a series of timeless values. These values provide a guide to peaceful and healthy living. If the awareness and understanding of these principles exists, than it can be very helpful at times like these. By lifestyle, Jains are supposed to be vegetarians, non-materialistic and co-operative rather than competitive. At Jainism's core is a recognition of inter-dependence and respect for all life. Who can argue against these values? Who can say that it is wrong to be simple and charitable?
Little is known in the world today about Jainism. In fact, very few people have even heard of it. Often when we mention to someone that we are Jain, the first question that is asked is "can you spell that!" It is
also true that many who are born in the Jain tradition are unable to explain the tradition to others confidently, as we ourselves lack the knowledge. The next question might be "Are you Hindus"? to which, many would agree and leave matters at that, because they cannot say more about the distinctive aspects of Jainism.
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The vision of Jain Spirit is to try to create a communication medium which will promote the understanding and awareness of Jain values globally. Apart from Jains, we have vegetarians, yoga practitioners, environmentalists and spiritual seekers from all over the world reading the magazine. Many have been mesmerised by the Jain temples they have visited in India, and would like to find out more about this philosophy. Others are attracted to the unconditional non-violence encapsulated in the principle of Ahimsa. The openness of the tradition and its non-dogmatism attracts some, as there is no desire to convert, only to educate.
Many of our readers communicate to us, giving us feedback, sometimes even sending us books or news items. Our writers, photographers and artists spend a lot
Marve
Volunteers from all over the world help with the marketing and publication of Jain Spirit.
The above picture was taken in Leeds, UK.
We wish you all a Happy Diwali and a
Spiritual New Year
of time and effort to send us quality material. We are grateful to all of you for this. We also know that some readers actively try to convince people to subscribe by leaving a copy on the coffee table, or taking one in the car and showing it to people wherever they meet them. Some of you have also given gift vouchers in your attempt to spread the Jain Spirit, for which we are ever grateful. Some people are reluctant to take the first step of subscribing, but through a gift voucher, you can take a step for them, and they may remember this for a lifetime. Our experience is that Jain Spirit gifts are very well received. Some have even offered their prayers to ensure that this magazine survives and prospers. Thank you very much, and may your efforts
continue to flourish. We are also grateful to all our generous donors and financial supporters.
As a new year resolution, we would like to request each of our readers to act as ambassadors of Jainism by identifying friends who would benefit from Jain Spirit and sharing your copy with them. You will discover, that some may be drawn to the pictures and the art, and the articles inspire those who are reflective and inquisitive about Indian culture and spirituality. The magazine acts as a vehicle for information and knowledge and we would like you to use it that way. There are two subscription forms in each issue, and we would like each reader to try and get two new subscribers for us by the end of January 2001. Make this your resolution for the 2600 years of Lord Mahavir's legacy, your attempt to share it with the world. Jai Jinendra,
Atul K. Shab
Executive Editor editor@jainspirit.org
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