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MONEY WAS PUT IN ITS PLACE
The tide of materialism is sweeping the world and the answer to the question "Who wants to be a millionaire?" is very simple - everybody. One wonders why they keep asking! However, it is a fact that many cultures and people have lived fulfilling lives without being materialistic. Money itself is a very modern invention. There is a beautiful ancient Hindu ritual known as Sharada Poojan or Chopda Poojan whose primary aim is to respect wealth as a goddess (Laxmi) and pray that it does not corrupt the human spirit.
The Oshwal Association, the Young Jains and Jain Spirit have for a long time been committed to the cultural education of young people. They were determined to revive this dying ritual in the UK by organising a communal worship. On Wednesday, 14 November 2001 (Diwali) many Jains from the London area of the UK gathered for the second annual Chopda Poojan held at the Oshwal Centre, Potters Bar, North London. The event attracted a crowd of over 300 Jains. The youngest participant, Mihir was only 14 years old and he came from Brussels especially for this event. Mr. Ramniklal Shah, President of Oshwal Association of the UK explained the significance of such an event for today's society.
At the event, the priest Mr. Sobhag Shah, recited prayers and guided everyone in the ritual, explaining each step in English. All the necessary ingredients were collected by the organizers and provided to the participants. It was amazing to see how simple natural materials such as leaves, water, rice and milk are used in such ceremonies. They are truly organic and environment friendly nothing gets wasted. There was pin drop silence and a very spiritual atmosphere. Nishad Shah from Young Jains explained the significance of detachment and explained how money can be seen as energy that needs to circulate if it is to nourish and enrich. Young Jains President Priti Shah encouraged everyone to attempt to figure out the real lottery of Jain philosophy and culture through selfknowledge and self-study and not entering competitions or buying tickets to attachment. This would be a sure way to lose our inner happiness. Jains do not want to be millionaires, right?
UNITED KINGDOM: GLOBAL NEWS
Jain Education International 2010_03
Members of the Young Jains committee with Mr Anant M. P. Shah, Chairman of Jain Spirit, performing the aarti
A leaf from the Betel plant is the focus of the worship
Ingredients of the Poojan
Participants at the worship ceremony
For Private & Personal Use Only
March May 2002. Jain Spirit
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SHAILEEN SHAH
SHAILEEN SHAH
www.lainelibrary.org
