Jain Spirit 2004 10 No 20

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

Page 15

Shree Shantinath Bhagwan
parts of the UK, including Manchester, London, Essex, Preston and Birmingham. The devotees were greeted by traditional Tilak on the forehead and the Sanghpati were garlanded. The President, Mr. Kirit Kothari and the General Secretary, Mrs. Roopal Shah welcomed everyone to the celebration. This was followed by prayer and dancing.
The Samayika began with over 500 people participating. During the Samayika, Japp of Shree Shantinath Bhagwan were chanted creating a tranquil and serene atmosphere. The priest Mr. Jayesh Shah explained the importance of Samayika and described it as an act of great merit. Mr. Vinod Kapasi said in his speech that the true purpose of Samayika is to obtain a state of equanimity. One has to give up all dealings, be it physical or mental, and turn inwards. This can be achieved by doing Samayika, which is a unique way of doing meditation in the Jain religion. Mr. Manhar Mehta talked about the importance and need of Samayika and the various mudras and upkaran. "Nonviolence, limiting acquisitions and forgiveness were needed to be interwoven in our daily living," said Mr. Jayesh Shah. The celebration ended with aarti and mangal divo.
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Shantinath Bhagwan Japp
At the same time, the Jain Centre had also organised Samayika in Sthanakwasi Sangh in Mumbai and Derawasi Sangh in Ahmedabad, Jamnagar, Nadiad and Petlad. Poojans were organised at the Digambara temple in Mumbai and the Shvetambara temples in Navsari and Surat. Enthusiastic devotees had completed 1600 Samayika in total and 16 Lakh japa even before this auspicious day began. In Indian numerology, Lakh means 100,000, and japa is a term for repetitive chanting
A sum of £7000 were donated to 16 different charities, including charities working for animal welfare, human welfare, helping people with disabilities and the promotion of the Jain value of ahimsa in the UK and India.
The devotees had experienced a spiritual uplift and would be able to perform Samayika with zeal and enthusiasm in the future. The event also proved an important message to all those who were present that the ritual of Samayika is not boring but one that is for the enjoyment and benefit of everyone.
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