The Jain 1988 07

Author(s): Natubhai Shah
Publisher: UK Jain Samaj Europe

Page 38

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GURU THANAK
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TEMPLE
FIRST FLOOR PLAN
HALL
SHRIMAD RAJCHANDRA
JNAN MANDEER
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SECOND FLOOR PLAN
The Jain Centre is both a centre for Jains in Europe and a place to serve the people of Leicester. It aims for the advancement of the Jain religion and the principles of Jainism by providing a place for worship and study. The Centre seeks to promote the non-violent way of life. It aims to spread knowledge and sympathetic understanding of Jainism through publications for scholars and the general public, through research, by training teachers, coordination amongst Jain institutions and other organisations. It will also be a centre for, service to the Community at large. Already the media
PUJA ROOM
can be followed by any person, regardless of people. creed, class or colour.
TEMPLE
UPASHRAYA
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and the citizens of Leicester have shown considerable interest in the Project.
In the best tradition of Jainism the Centre will be open to all.
It all began humbly with a few devotees who met to celebrate Paryushana in a small house in 1969, and then establishment of an organisation - Jain Samaj Leicester in 1973. With the increase in the total population of the Jains, the activities grew, and indeed, the interest of the
THE
gain_
=
Inevitably, the next stage was to own a building, a place for worship and study, where any Jain can pray according to one's customs, but promoting Jainism in a unified manner. A building in Oxford Street was bought in 1979 and named the Jain Centre. In 1980 the Jain Samaj was expanded as a European body, so that any Jain living in Europe could become a member and participate in its activities. Membership of the Jain Samaj is open to any person (born Jain, beliver in Jainism or a person wishing to take part in the activities of the Jain Samaj).
The Jain Samaj had much support from the
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