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Session reading:
From the essay "Why I Admire Jains"
By Dr. Michael Giannelli
In summary, I admire Jains because they seek to embody the best of seeming opposites: They are steeped in rich and ancient tradition, yet thoroughly modern in their outlook; they hold high regard for ancient wisdom, but have a healthy appetite for scientific discovery and rational debate; they are vigorous and consistent proponents of their values, yet they exercise humility and tolerance for persons of different persuasions; they are not preoccupied with materialism, but they are successful at securing the practical, financial means for quality of living, and most generous in sharing these resources with others; and while they are solemn critics of injustice and exploitation, nevertheless on a personal level they maintain the congenial attitude that life is a divine gift to be enjoyed by all.
PUJYA SADHVISHRI SHILAPIJI
Sessions:
KEYNOTE ADDRESS • WORDS FROM A SCHOLAR • QUESTIONING AUTHORITY... presented with SHRI ATMANANDJI SONEJI
How far can the realizations of others take us? Are we to accept the words of other scholars as the truth without question? Are we to use the teachings of others to guide us in a particular path, or would that mean we are being closed-minded?
Sadhvi Shilapiji is a Jain nun presently undertaking a Ph.D. in Compassionate Aspect of Jainism at King's College in London. She is the first Jain sadhvi to study Jainism in the West. Sadhvi Shilapiji comes from Veerayatan, a Jain socio-religious institution located at Rajgir (Rajagriha) in the State of Bihar (northeastern India).
In Veerayatan, the concept of service is not only preached by the resident nuns but also practiced by them. Love and devotion, the foundations of Veerayatan, are manifested through various activities which include running a charitable eye hospital, an orthopedic clinic for polio patients, educational facilities for needy students, and direct employment for the unemployed through various activities and training facilities in vocational courses. The Institute has motivated both its patients and its patrons to lead a value-oriented life and has played a leading role in addressing ecological issues.
Shilapiji was truly inspired when she visited the institution as a layperson in 1986. Her first meeting with Acharya Chandanaji, the head nun of the foundation, was a turning point in her life wherein she decided to make Veerayatan her new home. The next five years became a remarkable
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