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Jainism: The Cosmic Vision Many Jain Societies and Centres have been established across North America. Here is a partial list of the Jain organisations in North America : Jain Centre of America, Boston, New Jersey, Pittsburg, South California; Jain Society of Charlotte, Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Connecticut, Detroit, Houston, Long Island, North California, North Texas, Rochester, Toronto, Washington DC, Jain Social Group, International Mahavira Jain Mission of New Jersey, USA and Jain Study of centre of North Carolina.
While these organisations catered to the needs of their respective members, there are other organisations at national and international levels. One such organisation is the Federation of Jain Associations in North America founded in the summer of 1981. Its objective is to provide a forum to foster fellowship and unity among Jain communities in North America.
Jain Meditation International, founded by Gurudev Chitrabhanu caters mainly to western non-Jains seeking the spiritual immersion of Jain meditation, Yoga, Vegetarianism, peace and friendship, soul and its salvation.
Siddhachalam, a community of Jain monks and nuns and lay people, is a beautiful 108 acre hill-top place. It calls for the establishment of Pancha Tirtha Acharya Sushil Kumar's inspiration has brought Siddhachalam into reality.
Jainism in North America, so far, established an awareness of oneness of being Jain. Demographic features, of conflict as prevalent among Jains in India have disappeared and a common will has been established to date, and some are in the process of realisation.
On 2 July, 1988, a Jain Centre was inaugurated in Los Angeles.
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Activities of Jain Religion in the Last Century At present in America there are 6 independent temples, 3 joint (with Hindu) temples, 4 major publications, 20 newsletters by centres. In Japan
Only 28 families in the city of Kobe in Japan have created a beautiful Jain temple with their sustained efforts and wealth. In the region of Kitan-cho there are centres and temples of a number of religions. In these a Jain temple is now being erected. This temple of the top of marbles, beautiful pillars and summits is set open in April 1985. A two-storey building has been erected.
The building has a basement and floor area of 200 sq. metres. There are shower rooms and bath-rooms. On the first floor there is an Assembly Hall. In the temple on the second floor there is an idol of Lord Mahavira. There are four peaks with four cornerst.
The architect of this temple is a Japanese. He had been to India six times for study of Indian architecture. The dome, windows, pillars etc. were carved in India. The temple of Kitancho is an attraction to visitors. The expenditure of the whole project is estimated at 1000 lakh yens. 28 families of t80 Jains live in Kobe. This is a symbol of religious sentiments of only 28 families. Where there is will, there is a way. Congratulations to the Jains of Japan.
There were small or big temples in Sudan, Eden, Zanzibar, Adisababa and Daaresalam. The temple of Mombasa and Nairobi have become memorable today. The Visha Oshwal community of Nairobi is undertaking activities.
With the settlement of Jains, religious activities have started even in Antwerp.
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