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EDITORIAL
WELCOME
Dear Readers,
Jai Jinendra
to absorb the teachings of the Jain dharma from global tragedy to backyard tranquility and everyplace between. And London's rising starlet, designer Deepa Panchamia, shows how she's rocking the fashion world, Jain style.
What does a pair of lost keys and the Jain dharma have in common?
They always pop up in the most unexpected of places!
Relax. This is not the start of a new Jain-uncle-inspired joke. It is, in fact, the theme of this, the 23rd issue of Jain Spirit magazine. As the Guest Editor for this issue, I became part of the Jain Spirit team as we sought to show how the core values of the Jain dharma-ahimsa (non-violence), and anekantvaada (
multiplicity of viewpoints) - have penetrated surprising aspects of everyday life.
Professor Padmanabh Jaini, a masterful storyteller, shares with us a little-known tale about a Jain warrior. In the process, he teaches us all about the role of Just-war theory in the Jain dharma. We are also very pleased to publish an excerpt from Professor Tara Sethia's study of the ways in which the Jain dharma is portrayed in eight internationally-known Indian history textbooks.
From Jain-inspired fashion designers to Jain-designed dog diets, from ahimsa-encouraged meteorologists to anekantvaada-motived poets, from Jain karate kids to Jain just war' fighters, this issue hopes to inspire you to find the beauty of the Jain dharma in your life.
Every major religion of the world (and most of the minor ones as well!) has at least one universal publication--a newspaper, a magazine, a journal that unites the members of that community. You are now holding the universal publication that unites the members of the Jain community.
This issue kicks off with the hardhitting analysis of Sadhvi Shilapiji, who comments on the much-debated issue of female liberation in the Jain dharma. Equally penetrating are excerpts from the unprecedented Human Rights Watch Report "Blood, Sweat and Fear," highlighting human violence in the U.S. meatpacking industry. And you may never eat the same again. Artist and ethical entrepreneur Dhrumil Purohit shares his passion for a return to a natural diet in his piece, 'Raw Foods and the Jain Dharma.'
Ultimately, Jain Spirit is not simply a publication: It is the face of the Jain religion to the world. Together, these people are creating the image and the message of the Jain religion that reaches thousands of our brothers and sisters worldwide. It is our sincere hope that you will continue to support us in these efforts. Obtain life subscriptions, share this magazine with friends, family and co-workers, and above all, live in the Jain Spirit of Ahimsa.
Peace,
The Jain Spirit team is but a handful of incredibly dedicated souls determined to keep alive this unifying publication. Art Editor and Designer-Extraordinaire Jo Wood is the creative genius behind this award-winning, high quality publication. Editorial Assistant, Becky Hoh, is the administrative genius, whose kind persistence is the glue that binds the office together. Executive Editor Atul Shah's vision was the seed that gave rise to it all. And together, those on the board of Jain spirit, the families of those who are involved and those kind individuals who support the magazine financially and otherwise create the atmosphere necessary to cultivate this seed.
hagna
Pareha
The Art and Literature section has been blessed with bi-continental contributions from two fresh, young talents. Andrew Saito, an acclaimed
writer, poet and actor, inspires us Jain Education International
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Shayna Parekh Guest Editor
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