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GLOBAL NEWS
BESINGAPORE RETREAT
DR. SONALI MEHTA recounts her experience of the Singapore Jain Religious Society's 4th shibir (workshop), a major four-day event on the theme of 'Jainism in Action', which took place from 31 January till 3 February 2003. The shibir was led by Sadhvi Shilapiji, an eminent Jain nun from Veerayatan, a charitable Jain organisation in India.
instilled. Tears of love and parting, exchange of addresses and handshakes of friendship filled the last few hours at the departure lounge as delegates travelled back to their homes, spiritually uplifted.
I was inspired again by Shilapiji, who was at her most energetic and passionate in communicating with the young people of Singapore. They, in turn, responded to her clear and insightful explanations relating Jainism to daily life. I was also much. impressed by the response of the Singapore Jain Society and community, and particularly by the excellent organisation of the shibir."
I witnessed 270 Singaporeans being intoxicated with Jainism in Action'. I and a few other international visitors were amongst them at the Desaru Golden Beach Resort, a beautiful scenic place along a stretch of idyllic sandy beaches in Johar, at the south eastern tip of Malaysia.
As the UK representative of the Jain school network SCVP (Shri Chandana Vidyapeeth), it was exciting for me to be given the opportunity to join the shibir by Sadhviji Shilapiji and to help her conduct the event. The shibir was packed with lectures and workshops relating to the application of Jain principles in our daily lives. The delegates were divided into groups according to the topics. Of course, some topics were relevant to several age groups: evidence of anekantvada in action!
The eagerly anticipated opening ceremony started with a keynote address and blessings from Sadhvi Shilapiji, followed by my own opening talk about the inspirational history of SCVP. The next morning started at 6:30am with an energising yoga session overlooking beautiful golden sands and the blue ocean. Filled with energy, we surfed through the morning lectures and afternoon workshops. Sadhviji Shilapiji was as charismatic as ever, and the Singapore Jain Society said it was the first time that they had 99% attendance for each session despite the many distractions at the resort!
The lectures and workshops provided a new awareness of Jainism
Jain Spirit June-August 2003
Jain Education International 2010_03
to the young people who had thus far left the practice of the religion to their elders. The last words shared by the young people were that they really wanted to, and did, live Jainism and
A blessing from Sadhvi Shilapiji for each delegate
were not just born into Jain families. At this shibir their faith in their inherited religion was re-affirmed. In between the serious work, the breaks were action-packed. Lunch was a grand affair with caterers from India who tickled our taste buds with an amazing variety of delicious Jain food, coupled with some local specialities from the hotel. In the late afternoon, everybody had time to enjoy swimming, shopping, golf, tennis, walks on the beach and watching the awesome colours of a beach sunset. The evenings ended with a cultural programme by the local Jains and a presentation of the day's workshop discussions by each age group.
Everything comes to an end and so did this wonderful shibir, with many friendships made and a passion to live an understanding and good Jain life
Singapore youngsters enthused by the shibir
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GOOD NEWS FOR THE WORLD'S FORESTS An initiative known as the 'Global Partnership on Forest Landscape Restoration' was officially launched in Rome in March 2003, by the World Conservation Union, the World Wildlife Fund and the UK Forestry Commission.
The partnership has been hailed as a 'meeting point' for Governments, native communities, organisations and individuals world-wide who are interested in restoration activities that will lead to sustainable development. There are an array of groups and individuals who will directly and indirectly benefit from this scheme, including the indigenous farmers of Mexico, foresters in Northern England, oil palm companies, the Sukuma cattleherdsmen in Tanzania, also conservationists worldwide and governments who wish to fulfil their international policies concerning forests and sustainable development. The initiative will benefit people on a global scale, but it will have the most profound effect on the rural poor who rely upon the forests' wild resources, and the 1.8 billion who see the forest ecosystem as a source of food, medicine and fuel.
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