Jain Spirit 2005 06 No22

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

Page 88

VIEWPOINT
WE MUST BE PRO-ACTIVE
Jain Spirit's in-coming Chairman Manick Choraria shares his vision
hen I first came across Jain Spirit was impressed by the quality of production
and the artistic look. This encouraged me to browse through the magazine and on reading the articles, which were written in clear and easy to understand English, the initial appeal was further enhanced. Like many who have been educated and brought up in the West, English is my first language. The search to learn more about the faith into which I was born, led me to some Jain literature in English, but much of it was incomprehensible either because it assumed a knowledge of Jainism to start with, or the clarity of the original texts was lost in translation.
of the Jain Spirit team have achieved an admirable feat in establishing Jain Spirit as a magazine that has both depth and integrity. Through hard work and personal sacrifice they have overcome the pressures inherent in any start up to arrive at the fifth anniversary milestone. Over the past five years, focus was on establishing the credentials of Jain Spirit both within the Jain community and among students and scholars. Jain Spirit has sought to stimulate knowledge of Jainism and its value system as well as further unity among the growing Jain communities around the world.
Jainism is an age old philosophy whose appeal grows with understanding its ideals and guidance on how to conduct one's life. The intensity of faith increases with understanding and knowledge. Jain Spirit assists that process and in doing so serves a vital need in the Jain community especially amongst the Diaspora. By putting forward Jain values in a modern context such as business ethics and environmental issues, Jain Spirit is able to portray Jainism as a forward thinking
and dynamic religion in touch with our s time. Jain Spirit actively demonstrates
that the concerns and ideals of Mahavir are as relevant today as they were 2500 years ago.
During the “JAIN SPIRIT next phase of
BELONGS TO development we need to
EACH AND expand the EVERY JAIN ON readership THE PLANET. and take Jain LET US MAKE IT values to
OUR COLLECTIVE the attention
VOICE AND of a wider audience. In MEDIUM OF this task we COMMUNICATION.” can all assist by taking out a regular subscription and making sure that all in the family see the magazine. There is something for everyone. The kids section seeks to activate interest from an early age. One hopes that once interest is kindled by that exposure it would inspire donors to support the effort and goal of furthering
alike. Jain Spirit belongs to each and Jain values and understanding. Jain
every Jain on the planet. Let us make Spirit is a registered charity and
it our collective voice and medium of operates as a non-profit organisation.
communication. As such, the criteria by which it should be judged is not on a monetary scale Om Arham • but its effectiveness in maintaining and enhancing our culture and heritage. Manick Choraria is Chairman of Jain We welcome the support of one and all Spirit. He lives in London.
WWW.JAINSPIRIT.COM
It was a great privilege for me to be asked to join the Board of Jain Spirit. Any endeavour that seeks to bolster
and further our heritage needs to be © encouraged and supported actively. 3 Mr. Anant Shah, together with the rest
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