________________
THE BHAJANNATION Jain Spiritual Unity Through Prayer Song
presented by Ameet Shah and Ami Sher
In short, the past life or lives determined the type of karma experienced in the present life:
The wholesome karma accumulated through past birth, which lead to more wholesome karma, is punyanubandhi punya. The wholesome karma accumulated through past birth which lead to unwholesome karma is paapanubandhi punya. The unwholesome karma accumulated which leads to more wholesome karma is punyanubandhi paapa. The unwholesome karma accumulated which leads to more unwholesome karma is paapanubandhi paapa.
How intense the results of such karmas would be upon their maturity is determined by the severity of our intentions at the time of our activities. If our intentions were not strong, then this would cause only slight impact and if our intentions were strong, then it would cause severe impact. When the karma get attached to the soul, they may be attached very loosely or very tightly. There are four types of karmic bondage intensity:
Why do we worship our Tirthankaras through singing? Might it not be considered a form of delusion to sing before a lifeless statue, as though it were alive? Who wrote the songs sung in the Jain tradition? What is the place of music and singing among South Indian Jains, East Indian Jains, and Punjabi Jains? If we go about it simply as a form of entertainment or recreation, is singing truly Jain'? On what level would a question like that make the most sense? So what's the real place of singing and music in the Jain tradition, and what principles have governed its development?
1) Loose
2) Tight
In this case, karma are attached to the soul like a loose knot that can easily be untied. In this case, karma are attached to the soul like a tight knot that can be loosened with some effort. In this case, karma are attached to the soul like a very tight knot, which can be loosened only with very strong efforts like austerities. In this case, karma are so tightly attached to the soul that they cannot be shed off by any effort except by bearing the results.
Have you ever gone to temple and sung bhajans, even though you had no clue what they meant? This session is a musical journey through the history of the Jain bhajan, the meaning behind these prayer-songs (finally you can understand what you parents are singing about!), and the historical and cultural significance of these spiritual invocations.
3) Tighter
4) Tightest
ANEKANTAVADA: Non-One-Sidedness
presented by Pravin Shah
We will explore the ingredients for creating an aural feast by providing traditional musical instruments and lyrics, and will guide you through the bhajans' melodies and meanings. Much of the Indian culture and specifically our religion have beel preserved through music. Also of interest is the fact that gospel bhajans and other styles of spiritual music serve as a unifying aspect when it comes to community. Song-prayer, a pure expression of the soul and of gratitude, should be an integral pa of our lives and bhajans absolutely should not die with our parents' generation. This session focuses on learning and preserving a unique and beautiful facet of our rich Jain culture. We will understand what bhajans mean, why we sing them, and then...actually sing them. In this session participants will have an opportunity to display their musical talents as a group. All your favorite bhajans that you wish to share are welcome.
Is Anekantavada similar to having an open mind and being liberal, or is it something deeper or more comprehensive than that? . Should Jains be open to other religious beliefs? Is there any absolute right or wrong while keeping the principle of Anekantavada in mind? If we constantly accept the idea of various opinions, how can we ever be assured of there being one defined truth for us to strive for and actually live by?
BUFFING UP... THE JAIN WAY presented by Dhrumil Purohit and Jay Kothar
This seminar will bring out the important facets and analytical nuances of one of the centralmost concepts of Jainism: the doctrine of Anekantavada. Areas covered will include the following:
What foods can I eat if I don't have access to homemade Indian food and I want to practice a Jain diet? Are there other ways to 'buff up' besides diet and working out? Can Jain meditation and yoga help my body 'buff up'? 1 there a limit to what I can do because of my karma?
Anekantavada - A doctrine of non-absolutism. Concept of an Entity or Existence, its absolute knowledge (pramana) and its Relative knowledge (naya). Unique contribution of theory of Anekantavada to world peace and nonviolence. Differences between Syadvada and Anekantavada. Seven-fold Application of Syadvada. What rules us - Karma, Predestination, or Freewill? Application of Anekantavada in daily Life.
Getting muscular and gaining weight can be very hard if you ar Jain. In fact it is twice as hard because your body does not obtain necessary amino acids, and protein is hard to come by. So how do you overcome this annoying dilemma? Learn the tricks and tactics, recommended by nutritionists and doctors, in this exciting session for men and women. Your hosts Dru and Jay will provide you with important information on how to reach
Jain Education International
For Personal Private Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
