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GLOBAL NEWS
JAINA PRESENTS: THE ART OF LIVING
3-6 July 2003, Cincinnati, USA Fourth of July weekend witnessed a vibrant gathering of 3500 Jains and those interested in Jainism for the 12th Biennial JAINA Convention in the city of Cincinnati, Ohio. JAINA (Federation of Jain Associations in North America) is perhaps most famous for this biennial event, which is always eagerly anticipated and well attended by members of the Jain community, both young and old, from within North America and beyond. This year's hugely successful convention was no exception, and in fact it broke new ground: this was the first JAINA convention to be hosted by a small Jain association the Jain Centre of Cincinnati-Dayton, which compared to Jain associations in cities such as New York and Chicago, is extremely small in terms of its membership. Despite this, or perhaps even because of it, there was no doubt as to the enthusiasm, effort and capability of the host organisers, which was apparent and appreciated throughout the convention.
The weekend kicked off with a vibrant opening ceremony, beginning with a colourful procession of JAINA dignitaries and special guests, followed by some inspirational devotional music and prayers that officially declared the convention open. The convention was addressed and blessed by special guest Gurudev Chitrabhanu, who has been a motivational force in JAINA's history. There was a particularly moving moment during the welcome speeches and acknowledgements when Gurudev Chitrabhanu presented Dr. Surendra Singhvi, a co-convenor of the convention and a leading light of the Jain Centre of Cincinnati-Dayton, with a plaque to acknowledge his great efforts in bringing the JAINA convention to Cincinnati. Dr. Singhvi suffered a stroke last year, which limited his involvement in the convention preparations in recent months, but there was much delight amongst the convention participants, and particularly amongst the local Cincinnati Jains, that he had managed to leave his hospital bed to attend the opening
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ceremony and see his efforts come to fruition. The opening ceremony highlights included excellent keynote speeches by Dr. John E. Cort, advisor to Jain Spirit, and PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) founder Ingrid Newkirk, who delivered a heartfelt and thought-provoking address about animal rights and vegetarianism.
Following the opening ceremony, convention participants were spoilt for choice of seminars and interactive sessions, all of which focused on one aspect or another of enhancing one's life through Jainism. Each age group was I catered for, as were different interests from traditional ritual worship to incorporating Jainism into modern Western lives. The diversity of the sessions on offer was further enhanced by the fact that they were led by a variety of people: academics, monks, nuns, members of the Jain lay community, specialists on fasting and meditation.
Amongst the host of eminent speakers who led some of the key seminars were: Muni Shri Amarendra Muniji and Muni Shri Manek Muniji, both Jain monks; Sadhvi Subhamji, a Jain nun who teaches young children; and Mr. N.P. Jain, a career diplomat; Dulichand Jain, President of the Vivekanand Education Trust; Balabhadra Bruce Costain, who was inspired to the study and practice of Jainism by Gurudev Chitrabhanu; Dr. Atul K. Shah, Executive Editor of Jain Spirit. Gurudev Chitrabhanu, Dr. John E. Cort and Ingrid Newkirk also led some of the key seminars during the weekend's proceedings. Topics covered ranged from 'Mantra, Sound and Vibration' to 'Nonviolence in America' to 'Concept of Soul in Jainism'. One of the most popular talking points during the convention came about with the seminar led by Hira Ratan Manek, a mechanical engineer by profession who is becoming increasingly renowned as a fasting expert. His talk, entitled 'Solar Energy for Human Welfare and World Peace', focused on harnessing solar energy for enabling long periods of fasting - it certainly generated much discussion and wonder for the
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remainder of the convention weekend.
One of the most evident strengths of the convention was the wide selection of activities organised specifically for children and young people, with three key organisations providing these: Young Jains of America, Young Jain Professionals, and Jain Networking Forum. These activities ranged from seminars on anger management, dating and being Jain in college, to songs and games for younger children, to bhangra aerobics for those wanting to kick start their day with early morning exercise, to a fully subscribed morning of service projects. Those who had signed up to the service project activity volunteered their time and energy to local good causes such as a food bank for the hungry, a children's home, and conservation cleanup work.
Convention participants, in addition to organised activities and seminars, also benefited from a wide range of stalls and art exhibitions. These included the Jain Spirit photo exhibition, 'Jainism: Ancient Tradition, Modern Values', launched at the convention. This beautiful collection of photographs attracted many convention participants, many of whom stayed and talked to the Jain Spirit team, giving us the feedback and suggestions and comments that we value so much.
Furthermore, the convention provided a wealth of opportunities to socialise and to have fun, at mealtimes and during the evening entertainment programmes. These included a lively evening of raas-garba (traditional Indian folk dancing), which certainly enthused the crowds on the dance floor; a cultural programme of music, dance and drama; a musical evening in the company of the renowned Manhar Udhas; and dinner theatre.
All in all, the convention struck the right balance between education and enjoyment, and a good time was had by all. Congratulations to the friendly, helpful team from the Jain Centre of Cincinnati-Dayton on a convention that was a pleasure to participate in.
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