Jain Spirit 2003 12 No 17

Author(s): Jain Spirit UK
Publisher: UK Young Jains

Page 17

GLOBAL NEWS
FASTING: A WAY OF LIFE
Dhara Kothari is impressed by Praful Bakhai, a man for whom fasting has become the norm
CIRACLES STILL DO
happen! For many centuries
Lit was nigh impossible to fast for more than six months. But somehow, the last couple of decades have seen a few people fasting continuously and achieving that which seemed impossible. Prafulbhai Bakhai in Mumbai, India is a perfect example. He is 50 years old and has embarked on fasting that is running into more than 325 days. Will he complete a full 365 days? Only if his health permits.
What is so special about this bachelor, who wasn't able to become a monk due to certain family obligations? Everything! This is not his first long fast. His journey into a series of fasts started at the age of four. “My first fast was the most difficult. After several other single
fasts, my uncle took me to meet a certain acharyaji, who blessed me. Since then I have gradually been able to increase the number of fasts," said Prafulbhai. He has already done 16 month-long fasts, and 3 year-long stints of fasting alternate days. He then went on to complete 36 days at a stretch, 41 days, then 51, 75, 101, 125, 151, 175, 201, 241, 252, 275, 301. Prafulbhai currently aspires to 365 days of continuous fasting, provided his health and doctors permit him.
The second special thing about him is that he continues to work and travel daily, despite his numerous fasts. He is a walking miracle that proves that a body can work, live and survive on limited water only. "It does not mean I'm strong. My body is
sensitive to climatic changes. A normal person may not catch cold easily as probably I do. In fact if someone were to even slightly push me, I'm bound to fall easily. I do get tired and exhausted and have lost weight," explained Prafulbhai. His physical power and resistance may be at all time low, but his spiritual progress certainly is not. "I am strictly following doctor's orders, since a small lapse can effect the kidneys directly. This is not my duty but my feelings and faith," says Prafulbhai. The third special thing is that he is a remarkably humble and a very calm person, despite the fact that he has done things that others can only dream about. He has proved the teachings of Jainism by incorporating them in his daily life.
CROMWELL CRAWFORD VISITS UK
T Tead of Department of Religions
at the University of Hawaii,
Professor Cromwell Crawford, visited the UK in July to promote his forthcoming new book on 'Hindu BioEthics for the Twenty-First Century'. Professor Crawford is a member of the advisory board of Jain Spirit and one of its strongest ambassadors. In his address to the Jain community in the UK, he
in the West.' His book is published by SUNY Press and was launched at a special lecture at the Swaminarayan Temple in London organised by the Akshar Professional Group. Details about Professor Crawford, his books and publications are on:
encouraged leaders and businessmen to partner this 'unique lighthouse of Jainism which is charting its renaissance
www2.hawaii.edu/-scrawfor /publications.htm
JAINS AT WORLD FEST 2003
TAIN FAITH IS FOR ALL PEOPLE
of every race and ethnicity. With
this credo in mind, on 28 September, Southern Californian Jains participated in this year's WorldFest event in Los Angeles. This annual public celebration of vegetarianism and environmentalism saw a team of Jain volunteers serve as ambassadors of Jainism to the people of Southern
California for the third consecutive year. An all-day affair, Word Fest features live music and speeches by entertainment celebrities supportive of such causes. The Jain effort was coordinated by Mr. Amar Salgia, whose goal has been to explain and share Jainism's wonderful philosophy and message with people of all backgrounds and walks of life. This becomes a challenge given that many
have yet to hear of Jainism or might consider it an offshoot of another religion. However fortified with information and skill, volunteers shared free copies of the new booklet Pure Freedom: The Jain Way of Self Reliance with hundreds of visitors to the Jain booth. For more information about World Fest, please e-mail asalgia@yahoo.com
December 2003 - February 2004 • Jain Spirit
15
Jain Education Interational 2010_03