Jain Study Center NC Raleigh 1999 08 Twenty Years

Author(s): Jain Study Center NC Raleigh
Publisher: USA Jain Study Center NC Raleigh

Page 21

Weekly Swadhyay
Since 1990 a weekly study (swadhyay) group meets once a week to study the Jain scriptures and philosophy in depth. The group has studied Tatvarth Sutra, Uttaradhyan Sutra, Atma Siddhi Shastra, Samaysar, Moksha Marg Prakashak, and many other Jain books. Also, we collectively listen to audiotapes of well-known scholars.
Visiting Ascetics and Scholars
The Jain Center has been blessed by visits from many ascetics and scholars over the past 20 years. Acharya Shri Shushil Muni was the first ascetic who visited us in the year 1980. Every year, three or four scholars from all the different sects of Jainism visit our center. Refer to pages 24-28 that depict list of prominent scholars and their brief introductions.
Mahavir Jayanti celebration
The Center has celebrated Mahavir Jayanti (the birthday celebration of Lord Mahavir) at the Hindu Temple since 1981. The celebration starts with Snatra/Astaprakari Puja, Swapana ceremony, Shanti Kalas, Arti, Mangal Deevo, a cultural program, and concludes by serving luncheon to all the guests attending the program. Significant numbers of non-Jains attend the program as well. We take this opportunity to spread the message of Lord Mahavir through various cultural programs. Every year we present different themes, which cover various aspects of Jainism. Please refer to the chart on page 31 depicting programs performed at the Mahavir Jayanti Celebrations.
Paryushana Parva Celebration
Unity of Paryusan and Das-Laxana Parva
The Center celebrates Paryusan of the Swetambar sect and Das-Laxana Parva of the Digambar sect together in a united manner. Since 1988, this practice has the full-hearted support of the members from the traditionally different Jain sects.
Our Paryushan begins on the Saturday before the first day of traditional Paryushan and concludes on the following Saturday. In other words, we start Paryushana anywhere from one to six days earlier than the traditional paryushan observance.
The main purpose of celebrating Paryusana from Saturday to Sunday is that our children and working adults can fully participate in the celebration of these very important yearly rituals and ceremonies.
Tapascharyas
The members have observed variety of tapascharyas ranging from simple Ekasna to sixteen Upvases. Please refer to the chart on page 32 depicting list of members by tapascharyas.
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Jain Education Intemational