Ahimsa Times
"I am heartbroken by this senseless and cold blooded act of terror in Peshawar that is unfolding before us.
Innocent children in their school have no place in horror such as this. I condemn these atrocious and cowardly
acts and stand united with the government and armed forces of Pakistan whose efforts so far to address
this horrific event are commendable. I, along with millions of others around the world, mourn these children,
my brothers and sisters - but we will never be defeated."
- Nobel Peace Prize Winner Malala Yousafzai.
When a year ends in massacre and bloodshed of the innocent, how can we expect a new year to bring new hope?
घटना ने दिल दहला दिया, जुबाँ शब्द विहीन है, दिमाग़ विचारों से रिक्त हो चुका है। क्या कहें मानवता शर्मसार है।
SAINTS
SEERS FROM JAIN SHWETAMBER SHRAMAN SANGH TO MEET AT INDORE
Jain Acharya Dr. Shiv Muni, head of Shraman Sangh has declared that a congregation of all Jain saints of his sect would meet at Indore on the 20th to 29th March, 2014. He has desired that as many saints as possible belonging to this sect should make an effort to attend the congregation. The theme of the conclave is VISION- 2040. It is expected that decisions of far-reaching importance would be taken with the cooperation of all the participants.
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Shraman Sangh has been discussing the conclave for last many years. But due to practical difficulties the event was on hold mode for a long time. The biggest issue was participation of Saints from across the country, who have to walk all the way to the venue. Acharya Shri is looking forward to now make best use of the conclave. This will also help him in addressing various issues of the Sangh both relating to Saints and Shrawaks. The Sharman Sangh in last few years has seen the sense of insecurity and indiscipline both in Saints and Shrawaks. Many of our Saints walked out. The prescribed code of conduct for Saints also needs a re-evaluation and re-assessment as this has been personalized by individuals over a period of time. The Shrawak groups are also having diverse views and lack common platform. Professional, Competent and Resourceful leadership in the interest of community is missing. It is expected that, this conclave will discuss and resolve the issues of common apprehension.
All India Swetamber Sthankwasi Jain Conference, New Delhi has constituted a committee to look after the arrangements and travel details for Saints. It is expected that, the conclave will also be addressed and attended by Shrawaks in large number.
On behalf Ahimsa Foundation and Ahimsa Times, We wish the Shraman Sangh congregate all the success in its objectives. Our Hearty Greetings to all the organisers, speakers and delegates for an inspiring and uplifting participation. May the special energies raised radiate outwards thus beneficially affecting all concerned and may," The Holy Ones Guide and Bless this Special Event".
TEENAGE MONK CHANDRAPRABH CHANDRA SAGARJI LEAVES SPECTATORS AGAPE WITH MEMORY SHOW
Mumbai, 16th September, 2014: An audience of around 3,000 people witnessed the marvel of memory at an interesting spectacle in Mumbai. Sixteen-year-old Jain Monk Chandraprabh Chandra Sagarji Maharaj Saheb performed the 'Shatavdhan' test before a public gathering at Shanmukhananda Hall.
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'Shatavdhan' is a feat which requires extreme application of memory. The audience poses 100 questions to the challenger who must recall the questions and answer them, first in ascending then in descending order. When a spectator speaks a particular number, the expert must be able to recall the question against that number. Complicated questions on the subject of mathematics as well as history are asked during this session. The audience is given a pen and a book of questions for reference.
The teenage monk performed the 'Shatavdhan' from 9.00am through noon. Chandraprabh Maharaj was a student at a convent school but renounced the world and became a Jain Monk at the age of 15. He says he has achieved this knowledge within this short span of a year thanks to his avid worship of Goddess Saraswati. He knows 5,000 'shlokas' by heart.
The organisers claim it was the first such performance in English in the world. The event was jointly organised by Saraswati Sadhana Research Foundation and Jain International Organisation. The programme was held under the patronage of Ganivarya Naypadmasagarji Maharaj Saheb.
"There are few monks who can perform this feat. Pujya Acharya Naychandra Sagar Surishwarji Maharaj Saheb is the person who taught this skill to his disciple Mahashatavdhani Munishri Ajitchandra Sagarji. Ajitchandra Sagarji performed in Gujarati two years ago at the same venue. Now his disciple Chandraprabh is performing in English.
श्रमण संघ में चारों ओर हर्ष का वातावरण व्याप्त है: डा0 पुष्पेन्द्र मुनि
जैन समाज में चारों ओर हर्ष का वातावरण व्याप्त है कि जिन अच्छे दिनों का श्रमण संघ के श्रद्धालुजनों को इंतजार था व समय अब आ गया और 20 मार्च 2015 को साधु सम्मेलन का शुभारंभ हो जाएगा। वर्तमान समय से कर्इ वर्ष वर्ष पूर्व त्याग और बलिदान की माटी राजस्थान के सादड़ी शहर में 22 सम्प्रदायों के प्रमुखों ने, जिसमें कर्इ आचार्य भी थे, एक आदर्श उदाहरण प्रस्तुत करते हुए अपने-अपने पदों का त्याग कर श्रमण संघ का गठन किया था। शायद इतिहास में यह एक मात्र उदाहरण होगा, जहां एकता के लिए अपने-अपने पदों का त्याग संतों द्वारा किया गया हो। उस समय श्रमण संघ की स्थापना की गर्इ और एक आचार्य की नियुकित सर्वसहमति से की गर्इ। तत्पश्चात श्रमण संघ में अनेक उतार चढ़ाव आते रहे, परन्तु श्रमण संघ अक्षुण्ण रहा।
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वर्तमान सदी इक्कीसवीं सदी है, जिसमें अब युवाओं के कंधों पर प्रत्येक चीज निर्भर है, चाहे हम धर्म में देखें या राजनीति में। व्यापार जगत हो या फिर अन्य कोई भी क्षेत्र। प्रत्येक क्षेत्र में अब युवा आगे हैं। एक मात्र कारण यह है कि युवाओं के पास होश-जोश के साथ वर्तमान और भविष्य दोनों को कैसे संतुलित किया जाए, यह निर्णय लेने की क्षमता है, विवेक है। कहना चाहूंगा कि श्रमण संघ जो निरंतर प्रगतिमान है, अगर इस सदी में युवा साधु-साधिवयों को मौका दे दिया जाए तो समझता हूं कि श्रमण संघ नई बुलंदियों को छू सकता है, जिन्हें छूने का साहस मात्र युवा वर्ग ही कर सकता है।
इसके लिए सर्वप्रथम परिवर्तन की आवश्यकता है। जिस प्रकार प्रत्येक क्षेत्र में कार्य करने वालों का एक समय निर्धारित होता है। ठीक उसी प्रकार श्रमण संघ में भी समय का निर्धारण अवश्य करना चाहिए, कि अमुक साधु-साध्वी इतने वर्षों तक इस पद पर विराजमान रहेंगे, तत्पश्चात अन्य को प्रदान किया जाएगा, देखा जाए तो संघ में जो पद हैं, चाहे वह मंत्री / उपाध्याय / प्रवर्तक / सलाहकार / उपप्रवर्तक / प्रवर्तिनी / उपप्रवर्तिनी इत्यादि जितने भी संघीय प्रशासनिक पद हैं, वे युवा संत-साधिवयों से कोसों दूर हैं। उपरोक्त जितने भी पद हैं, उनका समय निर्धारण अर्थात पांच से सात वर्ष निर्धारित करना चाहिए। इसके अलावा सम्मेलन में सभी से राय लेकर सर्वसहमति से आचार्य पद का भी एक समय निर्धारण हो। यह कटु सत्य है कि एक बार किसी को पद मिल जाता है तो मृत्यु के उपरांत वह पद रिक्त होता है।
श्रमण संघ में सर्वे किया जाए तो 1200 साधु-साधिवयों में से लगभग 500-600 साधु-साधिवयां ऐसी होगी जो अभी युवावस्था में है। युवावस्था के बारे में सांसद राहुल गांधी का वक्तव्य याद आता है जब उन्होंने कहा था कि 18 से लेकर 35 साल की अवस्था वाला युवा माना जाए। अभी हाल ही में देश के प्रधानमंत्री श्री नरेन्द्र मोदी ने कहा है कि भारत देश को उच्च शिखर पर पहुंचाना है तो युवाओं को आगे आना होगा। वर्तमान समय की प्रमुख समस्या है और रहेगी कि युवा पीढ़ी धर्म से विमुख होती जा रही है। अगर युवा कंधों पर नेतृत्व सौंप दिया जाए तो मैं समझता हूं कि युवा कभी भी धर्म से दूरी नहीं बना पाएगा।
उल्लेख करना चाहूंगा कि दलाई लामा, जिन्होंने अभी हाल ही में कहा कि अब मैं पद मुक्त होना चाहता हूं और जिम्मेदारियां युवाओं को सौंपी जाएगी। हम देख लें बौद्ध धर्म को, फैलाव हुआ मात्र कारण था युवा को सौंपना। गायत्री परिवार हो चाहे ब्रह्राकुमारी समाज, सभी ने यह महसूस कर लिया कि धर्म की प्रगति और फैलाव करना है तो परिवर्तन करना होगा और जो समय के रुख को देखकर परिवर्तन कर लेता है, वह कभी पीछे नहीं देखता।
आज का युवा, युवा के साथ जुड़ना चाहता है, परन्तु जब युवाओं को मौका देने की बात आती है तो कहा जाता है कि अरे! इन्हें अनुभव नहीं है, ये ऐसा नहीं कर पाएंगे, हमारे होते हुए इन्हें जिम्मेदारियां कैसे सौंप दी जाए? देखा जाए तो आज के समय में वही प्रत्येक कार्य युवा नर्इ दृषिट से कर सकता है जिसे आज दिवस तक वे करते आए हैं। आप किसी को कुछ सौंपेंगे तो वह कुछ कर पाएगा। अभी हम कुछ सौंपना ही नहीं चाहते और उम्मीदें रखें कि ऐसा हो जाए तो वह कदापि संभव नहीं है। बड़े युवाओं का मार्गदर्शन अवश्य करें, परन्तु उनके कार्य करने की जो प्रणाली है, उसमें कतर्इ भी हस्तक्षेप नहीं करें, क्योंकि युवा भविष्य की सोचकर ही कार्य करेगा।
इसके अतिरिक्त एक बात यह है कि श्रमण संघ के सभी साधु-साध्वी एक दूसरे से अच्छी प्रकार परिचित भी नहीं हैं। सभी में परस्पर स्नेह-सौहाद्र्र बने, एकता सुदृढ़ बनी रहे, इसके लिये यह आवश्यक है कि श्रमण संघ के साधु-साधिवयों के सम्मेलन होते रहें। विनम्र सुझाव यह है कि पूरे देश को कुछ क्षेत्रों में विभाजित कर दिया जावे और इन क्षेत्रों में विचरण करने वाले साधु-साधिवयों के वार्षिक सम्मेलन हों और हर तीसरे वर्ष श्रमण संघ के सभी साधु-साधिवयों का सम्मेलन आयोजित हो। इन सम्मेलनों में जिन विषयों पर चर्चा होनी हो, उनका निर्धारण या तो पूर्व में कर लिया जावे अथवा सम्मेलन के एक दिन पूर्व विषयों का निर्धारण हो जाय। इस प्रकार के सम्मेलनों में जो भी निर्णय हो, उनका प्रकाशन भी होना चाहिए। सम्मेलन की कार्रवार्इ का उत्तरदायित्व बुजुर्ग साधु-साधिवयों के मार्गदर्शन में युवा साधु-साधिवयों को सौंपा जावे। ऐसे सम्मेलनों में ऐसे संघों के साधु-साधिवयों को भी आमंत्रित किया जावे जो अभी श्रमण संघ में नहीं हैं। उन्हें श्रमण संघ से जोड़ने का प्रयास किया जावे।
लिखने को तो और भी कुछ है, किन्तु इतना ही अभी काफी है। विश्वास है, मेरे विचारों पर ध्यान देकर इस दिशा में आवश्यक कार्रवार्इ होगी।
TEMPLES
GANAGITTI KUNTHUNATHA JAIN TEMPLE, HAMPI BEAUTY IN SIMPLICITY
Ganagitti Temple in Hampi is a Jain temple. It is located on the Kampli Road on the way to Bhima’s Gate. This lovely temple is one of the simple stone structures in Hampi. The temple is one of the earliest structures constructed during the reign of the Vijayanagara Empire. It is one of the notable temples in the ancient village and is visited by a large number of tourists on their Hampi trail.
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History of Temple: The Ganagitti Temple was built by Iruguppa (also known as Iruga), the Minister of Bukkardya II, during the reign of the Vijayanagara king Harihara II. It was consecrated in the year 1386 AD. The temple is dedicated to Kunthunatha, the 17th Thirthankara of the Jaina faith. The temple is also known as Kunthunatha Jaina Temple. It is one of the main Jain or Jina temples built during the reign of the Vijayanagara Empire in Hampi.The temple is also known by other names such as ‘The Oil-Woman Temple’ and the Ganigitti Temple.
Architecture: The Ganagitti Temple is a lovely structure with a simple form and design. Though the temple is built in the Vijayanagara style of architecture, it has some design elements that are derived from the temples of the late Chalukya era.Jain temples are normally very simple in architecture. The Ganagitti Temple follows the same principle in terms of simplicity. The temple has two halls and an inner sanctum. The two halls are called the antarala ardha mantapa and maha mantapa and the inner sanctum is the garbha griha of the temple.
The Ganagitti temple once had an idol. Though the idol is no longer there, the stone pedestal on which the idol once stood can still be found there. The temple also has foot marks on the platforms built inside it. These foot marks are believed to be of Thirthankara. The temple has several Jain sculptures that can be found in various parts of the structure.The superstructure of this temple in Hampi is made of stone. The superstructure is built in the form of a stepped pyramid that has six diminishing talas of plain horizontal slabs.A huge mana-stambha or column stands near the portico of the temple. An inscription found on the column states the name of Iruguppa as the person who constructed the temple during the reign of Harihara II.
FOUR RARE STATUES STOLEN FROM JAIN TEMPLE IN AJMERAjmer, Dec 14, 2014: Four statues made of eight elements were stolen from the Jain Temple Near Dargah Bazaar. The priest found these statues missing when he came to open the temple in morning. According to police, when the priest opened the temple, he found the lock of the main door broken and four idols of gods including Mahaveer were missing.
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The incident generated anger in the Jain community because of continuous incidents of stealing of Jain idols being reported since last two years.
When the news broke out, the members of Jain community gathered on the spot and demanded arrest of thieves and retrieval of statutes.
Police registered a case of theft and are looking at proofs left in the temple.
In past also, there were similar incidents of idol theft in different parts of the city and also in Kishangarh town of the district. Sewargi Mohalla is thickly populated with Jain community and they have a good number of temples in this region. This is the fourth incident of idol theft in this area in last two years.
BURGLARS DECAMP WITH LAKHS FROM MEERUT JAIN TEMPLE
Meerut, 30th November, 2014 Gold and silver idols worth lakh was stolen from a Jain temple in Meerut. The loot took place at Shri 1008 Digamber Jain Mandir in Rajendrapuram area under Inchauli police station of the district. The incident came to light when women reached the temple and found that the gold and silver idols, utensils, throne and the cash in the donation box was missing. The thieves also took away the camera and DVR set from the temple. Police suspect that the robbery is a handiwork some employee in the temple as few of them are missing since the incident. As per the complaint registered with the police, the looted items include five precious gem idols, a golden umbrella weighing about 100 g, five silver thrones, nine-inch silver idols weighing 2.5 kg each totaling 11 kg, besides about Rs one lakh cash from the donation box. The incident has sparked an outrage among the Jain community of the area.
EVENTS & SEMINARS
VIRCHAND RAGHAV GANDHI BIRTH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATED BY AHIMSA VISHWA BHARTI, NEW DELHI
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New Delhi, 14 December 2014: A national seminar was organised at New Delhi on 14th December, 2014 by Ahimsa Vishwa Bharti founded by Acharya Lokesh Muni to commemorate and accolade Shri Virchand Raghav Ji Gandhi on the occasion of his150th Birth Anniversary. This was also the occasion to celebrate three decades of Acharya Dr. Lokesh Muni’s Diksha Life. The venue was India Islamic Centre Auditorium at Lodhi Road, New Delhi. The conclave venue, which was packed by delegates even before the programme started was also attended by eminent personalities from all sects of Jain Diaspora, celebrities from other faiths and acknowledged bureaucrats and politicians.
A documentary on life of Shri Virchand Raghavji Gandhi was also shown in the program. Former Governor of Karnataka and Chairman of Indian Institute of Public Administration Mr. T. N. Chaturvedi was the key note speaker. He lauded the role of Shri Virchand Raghavji Gandhi who was the first known Jain to address interfaith conference in United States with Swami Vivekananda. He also mentioned about Shri Virchand Raghavji Gandhi's close association with Mahatma Gandhi. It was an emotional connect for all presence at the venue.
Addressing the conclave, The Chief Minister of Haryana, Shri Manohar Lal Khattar said that, India should feel pride in Shri Virchand Raghavji Gandhi's achievements in young age. He also acknowledged that, the documentary film about Shri Virchand Raghavji Gandhi is new information to him and he is enlightened to know about such distinguished personality. Talking about present social environment, he also mentioned that, the root cause of growing incidents of social evils like violence, hatred, crime against women, female feticide is lack of value based education. By introducing moral education from the beginning in our education system, we can build cultured generation. Shri Khattar also appreciated the campaign against female foeticide and drug addiction run under the leadership of Acharya Dr. Lokesh Muni. He also said that Saints are the true guiding forces in the society.
Acharya Dr. Lokesh Muni Founder President of Ahimsa Vishwa Bharti addressing the conclave said that our education system is producing doctors, engineers, advocated and managers of international level but they are not producing good and responsible human beings. If we will not give importance to moral values, consciousness and social concerns in our education system then selfish materialistic attitude will destroy our society. It is important that our education system helps us in life besides giving us livelihood.
A brochure about Ahimsa Vishwa Bharti's projects was also released at the seminar organised. On the occasion eminent educationist Shri Som Dutt dikshit, Founder of Sanskaram Shri Ishwar Dayal Kansal, Shri Mafat Bhai Patel from Chicago expressed their views on the subject. Welcome speech was given by senior social worker Shri Raj Kumar Jain Oswal and vote of thanks was given by Shri Rahul Deswal.
Ahimsa Vishwa Bharti, Acharya Lokesh Ashram, 63/1 Old Rajender Nagar, Near Karol Bagh Metro Station, New Delhi- 110060, Tel: 91-011-25732317, M: 91-9313833222, E-Mail:, www.acharyalokesh.org
INSTITUTE OF JAINOLOGY LONDON CELEBRATES AHIMSA DAY AT HOUSE OF COMMONS
London, 15th October 2014: The Institute of Jainology, representing Jains in U. K. at government and inter-faith levels celebrated its 13th Annual Ahimsa Day in the House of Commons with the theme ‘Ahimsa: Conscious Compassion’. The room was packed to capacity.
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Many of the U. K. Parliamentarians, including the Rt. Hon. Eric Pickles, Secretary of State for Communities & Local Government, were in attendance. Many other Lords and MPs graced the occasion with speeches.
The evening was inaugurated in the traditional Jain fashion with the recitation of the Navkar Mantra by two Saminijis from Jain Vishwa Bharti.
Ahimsa Day celebration is a annual feature to celebrate the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, who personified the main Jain tenant of non-violence and compassion.
The Chairman of the Institute of Jainology, Nemu Chandaria welcomed guests and spoke about the recent historic meeting of all UK Jain organisations, that passed a unanimous motion directing the Institute to represent Jain interests in Government and inter-faith interests.
The highlight of the evening was the announcement of the 2014 Ahimsa Award winner by Jaysukh Mehta the Director of the Institute. Every year the Institute gives the prestigious IOJ Ahimsa Award to a recipient that personifies Ahimsa through compassion towards animal life, alleviation of poverty or suffering, or protection of the environment. The recipient of the 2014 award was Ms. Ingrid Newkirk, founder Director of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. Mr. Mehta said that the Institute had selected Ms. Newkirk for her tireless work and conviction in preaching her message, "animals are not ours to eat, wear, experiment on or use for entertainment, but are to be cared for and protected". He added that his resonated well with Jain tenet that all life is interdependent.
Ms. Mimi Bekhechi, PETA Foundation Director, represented Ingrid Newkirk and collected the award from the Rt. Hon. Keith Vaz M. P. In her acceptance speech she talked about Ingrid’s childhood in India, and her desire to adopt a Jain way of life from a young age. She noted that her actions in taking a challenging stance to those that abused or caused suffering to animals was the true meaning of Ahimsa.
Juliet Gellatley, Founder Director of Viva was the evening’s keynote speaker. She described Viva as an organisation that campaigns energetically to end the abuse of animals exploited and killed for food. Its passionate motivation, backed by science, nudges and helps people towards a vegetarian or vegan diet. Juliet originated ‘National Vegetarian Week’ with the support of Linda McCartney, wife of the former Beatle Paul McCartney. She took the truth about the animal abuse in factory farming into the nation's schools for the first time. The result was a network of youth campaigners across Britain, which dramatically increased vegetarianism amongst young people. Her keynote reflected her passion for the subject and brought many to tears, including herself. E-Mail:
MFA EXHIBITION, ‘PURE SOULS,’ OFFERS ENLIGHTENMENT ABOUT ONE OF WORLD’S OLDEST RELIGIONS
December, 1st 2014: An art exhibition held from Aug. 9 to Nov. 30, in the Asian Painting Gallery at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston was home to a selection of India’s most sacred paintings and manuscripts. The exhibition, “Pure Souls: The Jain Path to Perfection,” brought together these works of art to represent Jainism, one of the world’s oldest religions. The exhibition successfully traced the Jain pursuit of enlightenment for its viewers during its four-month stay.
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Originating in the sixth century B.C., the practice of Jainism is founded on a belief in a pattern of reincarnation. Its followers trust that their rebirth in the future hinges on good deeds in the present, and therefore they value non-violence, limited attachment to earthly possessions and diverse worldviews. For Jains, the only human beings who have been able to escape the cycle of rebirth are twenty four Jinas teachers who have achieved enlightenment. The arrangement of pieces displayed in “Pure Souls” highlighted the pillars of the Jain faith and formed a complete understanding of a Jina’s passage through the world for the public.
To ensure that the exhibition accurately presented the Jain religion, MFA curator Laura Weinstein involved Phyllis Granoff, a Professor of World Religions from Yale University. Taking the public on a circular tour of the gallery space, the curators began with a wall text of didactic material to serve as an introduction to the basic principles of Jainism. Viewers could then travel clockwise around the room through the five “kalyanakas” or auspicious events in the lives of all Jinas: conception, birth, renunciation, enlightenment and liberation. Along the way, visitors encountered an array of striking manuscripts, paintings and objects, which have rarely been on view at the museum.
Spanning across centuries, many pieces featured in “Pure Souls” were paintings from manuscripts of the Kalpa Sutra. Early examples of these works were elaborate ink and watercolor depictions of religious scenes and writing on palm leaves. Today, it is uncommon for Jain manuscripts written on this medium to be found outside of India. Older manuscripts on display were even more intricate, and some illustrations used precious materials like gold.
While illustrated manuscripts were the focus of “Pure Souls,” sculptures added a level of variation to the exposition. A bronze statue, two carved stone pillars and a large fragment of a seated Jina figure demonstrated a rich collection of religious symbols and artifacts, employed as a part of Jain worship. The show echoed the emphasis on humility that characterizes the Jain religion. “Pure Souls” was a straightforward affair, effective in teaching visitors about ancient Jain beliefs and painting tradition.
AHIMSA & COMPASSION
ENLIGHTENED ONE TRADITIONALIST OR REFORMIST? BY PUJYA GURUDEVSHRI RAKESHBHAIV
A Living Master is often criticised for the reforms He brings in existing religious traditions. Pujyashri Gurudev explains that this is inevitable to ensure that the essence of dharma remains an eternal flame. On the auspicious occasion of Kartik Purnima, let us pay tribute to Param Krupalu Dev, who has brought about this revolution in an exemplary manner An Enlightened Master alone can direct one on the path of liberation. But alas, the absurdity of the world that often while the Guru is alive, He is not recognised, He is criticised and after He has left His body, His idols are worshipped. Why does this happen? One of the primary reasons is that man sees the Living Master as unconventional; His conduct and means of promoting spirituality appear different than the traditional customs. Thus, there is fear in accepting Himor there is a sense of defiance towards Him. The question may then arise, is the Living Master a traditionalist or a reformist? Does He propound the path in a conventional way, or going away from the tradition? Does He expound a completely new path?
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Revolution "Where and When" - Revolution in the spiritual world may seem equivalent to revolt but at its core lies congeniality. You may question how this is possible. Spiritual practice has two components - the inner and the outer. The practice of right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct forms the inner component and the prescribed do's and don'ts, vows, disciplines, etc. for the attainment of these three jewels, comprise the outer component of spiritual practice. The inner limb being eternal, changeless, independent and unaffected by anything on the outside cannot be reformed. To bring about any change there is considered as straying away fromthe path. However, it is necessary to bring changes in the external spiritual practices. When the practice of rituals becomes dull and mechanical, the Enlightened Ones advocate changes in the outer form of the sadhana to suit the given place, time and circumstances of the aspirants. Such revolutions have always been taking place. This is the tradition of the Enlightened Ones. This is what the Enlightened Ones have been doing and hence, they are traditionalists indeed. Following the orthodoxy is no doubt a tradition, but breaking the orthodoxy is also a tradition. Revolution is as old as orthodoxy. What you consider newis also old. However, those who insist merely on the outer form of dharma, view this as unconventional.
When the meaning of the fundamental path itself gets distorted, the Enlightened Ones initiate changes. Herein, the essence is not altered, but the false belief is corrected. The ignorant, driven by their concepts, term this compassionate gesture of a Master as profaneness and breaking away from the tradition. Whereas true aspirants, recognise it as the right understanding of the path, and behold the change as revolutionary. As the teachings of the Enlightened One awaken aspirants, such teachings are considered a revolution, and such a spiritual mentor is considered to be a revolutionary. The focus of the Enlightened One does not stray from the main path even at the time He is bringing about changes necessary in the outer form of dharma based on the present state of society. Every change is made in accordance with the basic path of right faith, right knowledge and right conduct. If this were not so, it would be considered self-willed conduct. The revolution is merely in the outer form, with the aim of facilitating seekers to adhere to the fundamental path with ease. Should the focus change, it would be profaneness indeed.
Acceptance of Revolution - Whenever an Enlightened Being expounds new means to over come the lifeless practice of rituals and knowledge, the dull-witted ritualists and the so-called wise people feel that He is 'modern'. Yes, He is modern, but only with respect to the outer form of dharma. As far as its inner form, Heis traditional indeed. The outer form of dharma is based on place and time. Those who are not seekers of truth, neither unprejudiced, nor awakened; to them, this revolution in the outer form of dharma will not be acceptable. Acceptance of revolution requires bravery, intelligence, a vision seeking truth and a yearning for liberation. Those who do not have these will keep holding on to the established practices. There is a convenience in holding on to the conventional methods - one need not think and take a decision. There is imitation there, and so it can be blindly followed. There is only unawareness in it and so it is fine even if one does not awaken. But Dharma is related to wakefulness, not unconsciousness; it is associated with contemplation, not blind faith; freshness not staleness. Belief without understanding shows prejudice.
Erroneous Habits - Man, due to two main erroneous habits, remains bereft of the supreme benefit. (1) Getting influenced by the crowd - The majority is right. Due to this belief, one does not reflect independently, but spontaneously accepts it as true. For example, someone said that number 13 is unlucky; and since many people believe this, he also accepts it. There is no proof of the truthfulness in this, yet, influenced by the crowd, this blind belief has become deeply ingrained in him. Due to this, there is a feeling of non-acceptance and dislike towards those who do not harbour the same belief. Thus, man contemplates with a prejudiced mind and ends up slandering the Enlightened Ones and fails to gain from them.
(2) Non-acceptance of the living and acceptance of those not present - There arises no suspicion about those whoare not present, therefore, they are completely accepted. Whereas, for the living Masters, there is suspicion. Therefore, He is not accepted, or not accepted completely. This is because in the field of religion, people get encouraged to start believing doctrines without much contemplation; but this leads to no transformation. This does not happen in the presence of a living Master. He does not encourage blind faith. The Enlightened One propels a thinking process to cultivate faith. This thinking process seems like challenging the doctrines to the ignorant and hence he is unable to accept the living Master.
Revolution - Due to such reasons, one is not able to accept the reforms brought about by the Enlightened One in the outer form of dharma. But, if he puts aside his obstinacy, and looks back at history, he will realise that the outer form of dharma has never remained the same. All revolutions become tradition, and no sooner does it become a tradition than a revolution begins to come about. Revolution is the first step towards the establishment of a tradition, and tradition is the final state of the revolution. When some Enlightened Being expounds, His teachings appear to be revolutionary. Within a short time, they become the tradition. As time passes, dullness creeps in and the need for a revolution arises again. Revolution is like being born, and the one that is born must indeed die. It is not possible to save it from perishing. In all the religions of the world, we can observe such a happening - all traditions have indeed come about in the form of a revolution. Then, this revolution became well organised and systematic, and gradually, due to the joining of many, its pure form began to deteriorate. The lustre was lost. There was again a need for revolution. There are some who do not accept revolution. Then there are those who accept the revolution, but do not accept that this will also end and there will be a need for a new revolution. Leaving one tradition, man holds on to another tradition, and when there is an Enlightened One who 'breaks away' from this tradition, he is unable to accept Him.
One needs to recognise this fact and accept such Enlightened Beings like Param Krupalu Dev. True recognition of the Enlightened Oneleads to the path of liberation. With this, one gains the worthiness required to attain the goal and finally realises the True Self. The transmigration of the soul since time immemorial ceases and the sorrow of birth and death is completely annihilated.
HONOURS & AWARDS
PMA PRESIDENT ADESH JAIN GETS LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
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New Delhi, 9th December, 2014: Minister of State for Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (Independent Charge) Shri Rajiv Pratap Rudy has conferred the Lifetime Achievement Award on National President of Project Management Associates Mr. Adesh in recognition of his efforts to create a project oriented India.
Mr. Jain, who is also the Chairman of International Institute of Projects and Program Management, is globally acclaimed for his initiative to train managers in project management and create a right mindset for the same.
This latest recognition is another feather in Mr Jain’s cap. Among his other major achievements, he was elected in 2005 the first Non-European President of IPMA in its history of 49 years and the Government of Turkey released a postal stamp (limited edition) in his honour in 2010 during the IPMA World Congress. He was also awarded the Honorary Chairmanship of China Construction Project Management Committee (CPMC) in Beijing in 2006.
Mr. Jain had organized India’s first project management International conference in association with UNDP and since then has been passionately involved in creating a project-oriented India.
DR. JITENDRA KUMAR JAIN HONORED FOR SERVICES TO PHYSICALLY DISABLED
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Allahabad, 4th December, 2014: On the occasion of "International Day of People with Disability", the U. P. State Government awarded Dr. Jitendra Kumar Jain for his services to physically disabled persons and those suffering from cerebral palsy. The award was handed over to him by speaker of the state assembly Mata Prasad Pandey at a function organised in the state capital. The award included a citation, mentioning his selfless services rendered to over 12,000 patients, and a memento.
Dr. Jain after completing his medical education from PGI, Chandigarh, joined MLN Medical College of the city. However, his instinct of selfless service prompted him to leave the lucrative job and started serving those who were suffering with physical disability.
He hogged the limelight when he successfully treated the famous comedian Jai Chhaniyara.
JAIN IRRIGATION'S BAGS NATIONAL AWARD FOR FOOD SAFETY
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7th December, 2014: Jain Irrigation Systems' Onion and Vegetable Dehydration Division has bagged the 2014 CII National Award for Food Safety. The award was presented in Delhi by K. Chandramouli, Chairman of The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India to Jain Irrigation Systems Ltd. at the 9th National Food Safety and Quality Summit organised by Confederation of Indian Industry in New Delhi. Jain Irrigation's Onion and Vegetable Dehydration Division is the largest dehydration facility in the country and has set new standards in technology and food safety.
It benefits more than 4000 onion, mango and banana farmers and guides them with the latest technology in agriculture to maximize the yields from their farms. Ranked as the world's second largest company in onion dehydration, Jain Irrigation also has an onion and vegetable dehydration unit in operation in Baroda, Gujarat.
ANURAG JAIN APPOINTED JS IN PMO Senior IAS officer, Anurag Jain has been appointed as Joint Secretary in Prime Minister's Office.
Anurag Jain, a 1989 batch IAS officer of Madhya Pradesh cadre, is presently working as Joint Secretary in Department of Financial Services under the Finance Ministry here, an order issued by Department of Personnel and Training said. He may join the new assignment on First January. In past, he has held various posts in the state including Collector, Bhopal and Secretary to Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. | ADITYA JAIN WINS BROADCOM MASTERS AWARD
December 11, 2014: Aditya Jain from Portland is amongst the top winners in Math, Applied Science, Technology and Engineering Rising Stars’, announced by The Broadcom Foundation and the Society for Science & The Public. In the category of technology, the first place STEM award winner was Aditya Jain of Portland, Ore., for his project on an automated diagnostic tool for lung cancer solitary pulmonary nodules. First place winners were awarded $3,500. |
NEW BOOKS
RATNAKARA PANCAVISIKA - BY ACHARYA RATNAKARA SURI, ENGLISH TRANSLATION BY MANISH MODI
The Ratnaakara Pancavimsika is a recitation of 25 Sanskrit verses composed by Acharya Ratnakara Suri. It was translated into Gujarati over a hundred years ago and the Gujarati translation is commonly recited by many Jains on a daily basis. The verses relate to the ideal conduct of a Jain ascetic. The poet mentions the ideal conduct and confesses that his own conduct has been far from ideal. The tone of the hymn is confessional as the poet seeks atonement for his deeds of mind, speech and body which drew him further away from liberation and ensured that he remained stuck in the ocean of transmigration.After the first three salutational-cum-introductory verses, in each of the following verses, the poet recalls the teachings of the Jinas and honestly confesses to not have adhered to that stricture. He beseeches the Jina to rescue him by granting him sadbodhi, or true understanding. This true understanding shall help him attain liberation.Since I would like my son Samyak to attain this sadbodhi, I have translated this hymn today to commemorate his birthday. Source:Manish Yashodhar Modi,Mumbai.
COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS
GOVERNMENT'S BIAS AGAINST JAINS IN MINORITY BENEFITS
New Delhi, 29th November, 2014: Akhil Bhartiya Jain Mahasabha has moved to Supreme Court alleging discrimination by the Centre and states in allocating minority benefits for the community and preferential treatment of a fellow minority grouping for political reasons.
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The petition, filed by the Akhil Bhartiya Jain Mahasabha alleges that the Governments has ignored the interests of the Jains and all other minority communities except one. It said, Jains had been declared minorities by only 11 states, that too very late because they have been counted as a separate religious community since 1873. In January this year, Jains were granted minority status by the Government at the Centre. The Mahasabha has urged the court to direct the Centre to produce documents, rules or guidelines on the basis of which Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Buddhists and Zoroastrians (Parsis) were declared minorities under the National Commission of Minority Act, 1993.
According to the petition, which is yet to be heard, budget allocation (s) and financial assistance earmarked for the minorities” by the central and state governments were going to one community. It said Jains have been totally denied the benefits of such financial assistance and budget allocations, thereby causing great disparity in equal treatment of the community in violation of Article 14 (equality) of the Constitution of India. To apply for financial assistance under the welfare schemes for minorities, an individual has to prove they belong to any one of the six minority communities and show proof of income. The petition alleged discrimination even in the choice of the Minorities Commission Chairperson, claiming the Government has generally appointed someone from a particular community. Former NCM Chairperson Wajahat Habibullah said there was no question of discrimination. The minority status will help the Jain community, like the other five minorities, access central funds meant for several welfare programmes and scholarships for minorities. They must be benefiting from the Prime Minister’s 15-point welfare scheme dedicated to all other minorities.
HYDERABAD JAINS APPEAL TO CM FOR DECLARING MAHAVIR JAYANTI AS A PUBLIC HOLIDAY IN 2015
Hyderabad, 13th December, 2014: The Jain community in the city has appealed to the Chief Minister to declare a public holiday on April 2, 2015, on the occasion of Mahavir Jayanti.The members have also sought for 2 acre land in the twin cities for a spiritual centre, prayer hall, separate finance corporation and a board to protect Jain temple and other properties. The community has also appealed for 50 acres of land in adjoining Ranga Reddy district as well for lower income groups and reservation in various schools.
JAIN STOCK BROKERS CALL FOR A NON-VIOLENT STOCK INDEX
Sep 8, 2014: A small but influential community of Jain securities traders is calling for a new stock index that matches their beliefs in non-violence and the sanctity of life.Jainism preaches respect for all living creatures. Devout Jains avoid meat, fish, eggs and even vegetables such as onions and garlic that are uprooted when harvested. Many Jains won’t eat potatoes for fear insects and worms may be killed in the process of gathering them. Some Jain priests even cover their mouths to avoid inhaling insects.While Jains account for just one half of one percent of India’s massive population of 1.2 billion people, they make up a disproportionately high percentage of India’s stock and diamond traders, partly because their beliefs make it difficult to work on other professions.
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Now that small investors are pouring money into Indian stocks, propelling the Sensex to new highs, some of the leaders of the Jain stock-trading community want to make their mark by creating an index that would make it easier for observant Jains to invest.The index would be made up exclusively of companies that don’t depend on violence to make money, its backers say.The exact components of any potential Jain index would have to be debated, but brokers say it won’t include companies that deal with meat, leather, pesticides or weapons. In the words of Motilal Oswal, Chairman of Motilal Oswal Financial Services Ltd. a Mumbai-based brokerage firm,“I think it’s a good idea and there will be a niche audience for this kind of product. Commenting on this D. R. Mehta, former chairman of the Securities and Exchange Board of India “I will support the idea of such an index because it will make Jains more comfortable with investing".
While it is still unclear which shares should be included and which avoided, brokers said any Jain index would likely exclude stocks such as shoe maker Bata India Ltd., poultry company Venky’s (India) Ltd., Insecticides (India) Ltd. and even Jubilant Food Works Ltd., which operates the Domino’s Pizza chain in India.Jainism also bans smoking and drinking of alcohol so ITC Ltd., India’s biggest cigarette maker, and United Spirits Ltd., the country’s largest spirits producer, would also be out.Among the industries that may be allowed in the index are telecommunications, outsourcing, banking and jewelry, traders said. That would mean phone companies such as Bharti Airtel Ltd., banks such as State Bank of India and maybe software companies including Tata Consultancy Services Ltd. could be part of the index. If launched, it will not be the first faith-based index. Islamic Countries do have Shariah indexes that are compliant with some Islamic beliefs. Islamic law doesn’t permit Muslims to invest in companies that profit from charging interest or the sale of goods that are deemed sinful like alcohol and tobacco.
इंदौरमेंविधुर, परित्यक्ता परिचय सम्मलेन का आयोजन
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भारतीय जैन संगठन इंदौर द्वारा 15 फरवरी 2015 को जैन विधवा, विधुर, परित्यक्ता परिचय सम्मलेन का आयोजन रवींद्रनाट्य गृह इंदौर में किया जा रहा है। इस सम्मलेन में 30 अधिक उम्र के अविवाहित प्रत्याशी भी भाग ले सकते है जो विधवा, विधुर, परित्यक्ता से विवाह करने के इच्छुक हो। आवेदन फार्म भरकर देने की अंतिम दिनांक 20 जनवरी 2015 है। परिचय सम्मलेन के फार्म-बीजेएस C/o जैन्स का ऊयूरिन थैरेपी हेल्थ क्लिनिक 165, आरएनटी मार्ग, इंदौर फ़ो- 07313069116 से प्राप्त किये जासकते है। E-Mail: पर मेल भेजकर भी प्राप्त कर सकते है। Website: www.bjsindia.org से भी डाउनलोड किये जा सकते है।
पुणे में उच्च शिक्षित भारतीय जीवनसाथी परिचयसम्मलेनकाआयोजन
भारतीय जैन संगठन द्वारा आगामी दिसम्बर 21, 2014 को पुणे में Multi-national Professionals’ Matrimonial Meet का आयोजन किया गया है। इस सम्मेलन में उच्च शिक्षित भारतीय एवं NRI युवक /युवती मनपसंद जीवनसाथी की चुनाव प्रक्रिया में सहभागी हो सकते हैं।
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सन २०११ में आयोजित उच्च शिक्षित एवं देश.विदेश के जैन युवक / युवतियों हेतू आधारित सम्मेलन को समाज जनों का उत्तम प्रतिसाद प्राप्त हुआ । यह सम्मेलन एक ऐसा मंच है जहाँ युवक /युवती आपस में विचारों का आदान प्रदान कर, विडियो के या फिर पेरेंट्स के माध्यम से भी सुयोग्य जीवनसाथी की चुनाव प्रक्रिया में सहभागी हो सकते हैं। भारतीय जैन संगठन उन सभी उच्चशिक्षित योग्य प्रत्याशियों को इस सम्मेलन में भाग लेने हेतू प्रोत्साहित करते हैं जिन्हें भारत के रहवासी या फिर एनआरआई जीवनसाथी की तलाश है, सम्मेलन में भाग लेने की अधिकतम आयु सीमा ३५ वर्ष है। अधिक जानकारी हेतू बीजेएस मुख्य कार्यालय में श्री शशिकान्त मुनोत� 09420477052 से संपर्क करें E-Mail: ,Website:www.bjsindia.org
READER'S NOTE
FROM N SUGALCHAND JAIN, TRUSTEE, JAINSINDIA TRUST
Dear Jain Brothers,
A sizeable number of Jains are in deep anguish at the abysmal state of affairs prevailing in the Jain community, for no fault of theirs. Over the years, the community has played a very dynamic and effective role in the affairs of the state as well as in the community. The community has provided extraordinary administrators and in some cases, even ruled over sections of the country. They have contributed immensely in the areas of arts & crafts, architecture and sculpture as well as in other fields involving creativity. The country is full of examples of constructive contribution by the members of the Jain community in various fields. Their contribution in the field of community services particularly in areas of education and public health in almost all parts of the country is noteworthy. They have also been a very tolerant community accepting ideas from other religions intermingling with peoples from other religions and becoming an indivisible part of the national rainbow and culture. Their role in contributing to the concept of unity among diversity prevailing in our country is also noteworthy.
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Be that as it may, the present state of affairs in the community as rather disappointing for reasons not necessarily visible. The size of the community is reduced considerably amounting to about half percent of the national population.
We do not know the reasons for this diminution because their philosophy and way of life is universally accepted as one worthy of admiration and even imitation. Not many people have taken the time and effort to establishing the reasons for the deterioration in the size of the community in India. In fact, it is surprising that while the size of the community has declined in our own country, the members of the Jain community have spread out all over the world and the size of the community at large is increasing day by day. They have notable successful in Commerce, Trade, Business and even in Information Technology. Their successes in these fields have helped them to contribute substantially to institutions providing health care and education to the members of the community irrespective of their religion. However, the apathy which successful members of the community have shown towards members of the own community who are relatively backward in economy is alarming. A large number of them could not even afford to eke their own living. What is rather noteworthy is that notwithstanding their poor economic conditions, they are unwilling to seek charity from others or even accept such charity which is offered even without their asking for it.
What are the reasons for this state of affairs? While other minority communities do not hesitate to offer some major concessions to members of their own community the Jains are extremely reluctantly to do so. Their educational institutions do not offer any concessions even to deserving students aspiring for higher education particularly in professional institutions. In fact such institutions demand donations and capitation fees even from Jain students. Hospitals managed by Jains do not offer any concessional rates even in cases deserving such concessions. In fact these entities rendering community services are rather reluctant to offer even normal facilities to members of the Jain community lest they are accused of being communal. I think the Jains should get rid of this phobia and do whatever is necessary to help these members of the Jain community who are really in need of such help.
How do we improve this state of affairs? Jain students are invariably to be provided substantial fee concession in institutions managed by members of Jain community. Such help need not necessarily impose rigid conditions for such help in the form of guarantees for loan repayment or low levels of income for being entitled to such help. The one possible condition would be that Jain people who receive such help should agree to pass on such help to other deserving cases, in due course once they themselves reach certain levels of income by themselves.
Jain medical institutions should offer admission to Jain students not necessarily scoring very high marks and even decent levels of income of their parents with substantial fee concessions and in some cases even total waiver of fees to Jain students. Hospitals managed by Jains should provide concessions for patients and where warranted, offer them fully free treatments and medicines. The Provision of free or subsidized rations which is being provided by some Jain institutions at present should be extended to still larger sections of the community which is reluctant to ask for such concessions. Adequate monetary help should be provided to widows and destitute women to live a decent life as well as to arrange for the marriage and education of their children. There is no possibility of such concessions being abused by people not deserving such assistance because as the member of the community are very reluctant to extend their hands for help except on occasions of dire need.
Jain Trust could build livable accommodations and allows them to needy individual Jain families at concessional rates of rent. The Broad policy of affluent Jains should be that each prosperous Jain should adopt a needy Jain family and take care of their needs and raise their standard of living to a decent level. The policy of every Jain should be make another family live with self respect and comfort. I am sure there are other areas which can be thought at for helping other members of the Jain community. In Chennai Jains India Trust is founded and helping the jain brothers & sisters in providing scholarship and pension to the needy widows and destitute. You can also join hands with the Trust by contributing some amount every year, so that it can reach to the needy section.
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Shri N. Sugalchand Jain hailing from Siyat village Sojat Road in the Pali District of Rajasthan has settled down in Tamil Nadu for the past six decades. Having worked as an apprentice under his father, Shri Sugalchand Jain took to business as a duck takes to water and has not looked back since. Either individually or in association with his partners Shri Jain has started and developed a number of ventures and made them profitable. Having developed these ventures into successful ones within a very short time Shri Jain turned his attention to diverting a part of profits earned from these ventures for serving the weaker sections of the community.
Contrary to the popular view that the average member of the Marvari community confines his attention mostly to business, Shri Jain has devoted a good portion of his time and resources to serve the public at large both in Chennai and in major cities of India including his native town of Siyat in Rajasthan. N. Sugalchand Jain, Trustee, Jainsindia Trust, Siyat House, IV Floor, 961, P H Road, Chennai 84, E-Mail:
MISCELLANEOUS
LOST JAIN TEXT DWADASHARNAYACHAKRA RECONSTRUCTED
Ahmedabad, 12th December, 2014: Dwadasharnayachakra a fifth century AD Jain treatise on comparative Indian philosophy is key reference for scholars from across the globe who visit Gujarat to study Indian Religious Thought, particularly that relates to Jainism.
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Few will be aware that this treasure was reported lost some 1,300 years ago. The version of the book that is available now has been painstakingly resurrected by experts with the help of commentaries and critiques of that era. This unparalleled endeavour is akin to writing a textbook on the basis of available guides.It took almost thirty years for the team led by Muni Shri Jambuvijaya in Ahmedabad to recreate the Sanskrit scripture for the students of Darshan Shastra, the study of Indian and comparative religious philosophies dating back to 4th and 5th centuries AD. Such was his dedication that the Muni Shri Jambuvijaya learnt fourteen languages including Tibetan, German and French, apart from the classical Indian languages of Pali, Prakrit and Ardhamagdhi to harness critical references from that era.
Jitendra Shah, the director of the LD Institute of Indology, who pursued a Doctoral thesis on Dwadasharnayachakra, said that the book commands significance due to its content. Acharya Mallavadi, a fifth century AD monk had written the book as the outcome of his study of all religious thoughts and philosophies. It was named 'Dwadasharnayachakra' as there are twelve (dwadash) chapters outlining a set of philosophical tenets, each related to specific religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism, which ultimately form a circle (chakra). According to the Jitender Shah, "Acharya envisioned Jain Darshan as the yoke around which these philosophies revolved".
ORIENTAL INSTITUTE VADODARA DIGITALIZING RARE JAIN SMANUSCRIPTS
Vadodara, 8th December, 2014: MS University's Oriental Institute started the mammoth task of digitizing thousands of manuscripts.
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The institute has a rich collection of around 30,000 rare and valuable manuscripts of which around 6,000 manuscripts pertaining to Jainism have already got digitized by a Jain organisation. Now, the institute has collaborated with the National Manuscripts Mission of Government of India to digitize all other manuscripts which will be made available by the university globally through its website.
MSU Vice Chancellor Professor Yogesh Singh formally launched the digitization project at the institute in presence of senate and syndicate members of the university. According to Institute's Director Sweta Prajapati, "In total, we have a collection of 30,218 manuscripts, some from hand made paper, palm, clothes and on a variety of subjects in different scripts and languages.
KARNATAKA GOVERNOR APPEALS TO JAIN TO REALISE THEIR COMMUNITY POTENTIAL
Karnataka, 12th December, 2014: Governor Vajubhai R. Vala urged the Jain community to set aside a certain portion of their earnings for the welfare of the community and the society.
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Speaking after inaugurating the well-equipped Sri Parshwa Padmavati Aradhana Bhavan built by Babulal Jain, Member of the South Western Zone Rail Users’ Consultative Committee, the Governor said that Jains were wealthy, intelligent and philanthropist and wanted them to think and strive hard for the welfare of the society and mankind by helping the needy, besides ensuring that all are healthy and get good education. “Jains have not realised about their potential. Once they realise, several Babulal Jains can emerge to take up philanthropy.
It is only through donations and philanthropy that a person can come into focus and get the blessings of the people. Set aside a certain portion of the welfare for others”, he said and appealed them to break the internal caste barriers within the community and remain united to serve the needy in the society.
P. T. Parmeshwar Naik, Minister of State for Labour and district in-charge, in his address lauded the Jain community for their philanthropy and peace-loving. Muni Mani Prabhsagarji and Sri Sanganabasava Swamiji of Kottur Mutt also participated in inauguration ceremony.
SEERS MAY KEEP PEOPLE ON THE RIGHT TRACK: KARNATAKA GOVERNOR
Hubballi 8th December, 2014: Seers play an important role in keeping people on the straight and narrow path, said Governor Vajubhai Vala. Inaugurating the Dakshin Bharat Jain Bhavan Complex, he said when commoners hanker after money and property, saints get them involved in charitable works and make a difference to others' lives. "They help inculcate patience, creativity and positive thinking in people." Through social services, one can attain a sense of virtue, he stressed, and cited the example of the charitable nature of the Jain community.
Unveiling a statue of late Justice TK Tukol, Jagadish Shettar, Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly he lauded the community, saying the Jains have been playing a vital role in the development of the nation. "The Digambar Jain Boarding, which is celebrating its centenary this year, has been generous enough to meet the needs of poor students in education, accommodation and food in Hubballi." Dharwad MP Pralhad Joshi, who released a souvenir "Chandraprabhe" credited The Digambar Jain Boarding with lowering the school dropout rate. He suggested that the boarding's management fund medical and higher education expenses poor and talented students from the Jain community. Rural development and Panchayat Raj Minister H. K.Patil underscored the community's concern for the poor, animals and sources of water. Laxmisena Bhattaraka of Jain Mutt, Kolhapur, Dharmasena Bhattaraka of Navagraha Tirth, Varur, Bhattakalanka Bhattaraka of Swadi Mutt, Sonda, veteran journalist Patil Puttappa, former Minister Basavaraj Horatti, MLA Prasad Abbayya, President of Dakshin Bharat Jain Samaj Ravsaheb Patil, Boarding's President Datta Dorle and others also spoke and participated.
THANK YOU
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JALGAON HOUSING SCAM: SC REFUSES TO QUASH CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS
Mumbai, 21st November, 2014: The Supreme Court dismissed petitions filed by former State Housing Minister Suresh Dada Jain, seeking bail and quashing of criminal proceedings against him in the Jalgaon Housing Scam. Former Union law Minister Salman Khurshid represented Suresh Dada Jain before the Chief Justice H. L. Dattu. The court did not accept Jain's plea that prior sanction was required for his prosecution as he was an MLA when accused in the case.
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Suresh Dada Jain is an accused in an alleged housing scheme scam worth about Rs 110 crore dating back to 1997. He has been in custody since his arrest in 2012 in Jalgaon and in judicial custody from July 2012 but been on bail on medical grounds from March to July 2013. The Aurangabad bench of the Bombay High Court whose order was challenged, had held that an MLA could not be treated as a public servant like an MP.
The High Court order of October had relied on an earlier SC order that said: "It is not part of the duty of a public servant while discharging his official duty to enter into criminal conspiracy or indulge in criminal misconduct and so, prior government sanction under section 197 of Criminal Procedure Code is not necessary."
BHAGWAN ADINAH COMMEMORATIVE COIN ISSUED BY COOK ISLANDS
Cook Islands, an Island Country in the South Pacific Ocean, Launched a Special Commemorative Coin for the Jain Religion’s Founder, Lord Adinath. The Cook Islands in the South Pacific have created a new commemorative coin which has just been released. It’s been made to celebrate the founder of the religion Jainism, Lord Adinath. Many people expect the coins to become collectors’ items because Jainism and the history of Lord Adinath is very important to the people that live on the Cook Islands. Lord Adinath, or Rishabha as he is also known, is considered to be the very first founder of Jainism and a great man. Legend tells that he lived in the ninth century B. C. E, which is around eleven thousand years ago now, and that he brought order to a chaotic world. Lord Adinath is credited with the invention of 72 sciences, which include art, dancing, literacy, music, and the art of love making. Lord Adinath spent most of his later years travelling around his kingdom and preaching Jainism, and is considered to be one of the first human ever to achieve moksha, which is release from suffering and the cycle of life and death.Although Jainism first began in India, it has spread all over the world including to the Cook Islands. As the largest proportion of the inhabitants of the Cook Islands are Maori, folk traditions remain strong there, and are still practiced by many today. The arrival of Christianity in the year 1821 by missionaries from England has also had a deep hold on the Cook Islands. However, the ancient religion of Jainism has remained throughout the centuries, leading to a wonderful melting pot of cultures and religions on the Cook Islands. The commemorative coins for Lord Adinath are just one reflection of this multicultural country, and they are already proving very popular in India.
The issued commemorative coin has a face value of 20 dollars. A limited edition of 1008 coins is minted for collectors. The coin is weighing 2 oz. (62.2 gram) and is made of 999 silver with partially colour printing, with the Palitana temple facade in high relief as the background.
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LARGE SUMS REMITTED BY REMITTED TO INDIA FOR RELIGIOUS CONVERSIONS?
December 14, 2014: The Opposition parties have decided to bring up the issue of re-conversions, it would also do well if it debated at length the inflow of money amounting to Rs 10,500 crore that is pumped in to Christian missionaries. As has been noted by Phillip Goldberg, the author of American Veda, it is not conversion but coercion that is taking this clearly driving the point that people are forced for the numbers and not for the faith.In the year 2011 it was found by various agencies that an illicit in flow of money had come into India with an intent of funding religious conversions. All this money landed into the coffers of various NGOs. There was a considerable amount of money which had no accounting and when the records were checked it was marked under the miscellaneous column.
None of the NGOs had a suitable answer to this and barring a few protests by them they have still not been able to satisfy the agencies satisfactorily about the application of funds. The Bangalore Initiative for Religious Dialogue (BIRD) had conducted a survey pertaining to religious conversions. It had found that there was an aggressive marketing strategy involved in conversions undertaken by evangelists.They had noted that there was very aggressive marketing by some missionaries and they were using questionable means.They dole out incentives for conversions. Several reports relating to conversions suggest that the gullible are targeted. Moreover the lure of money is so high that not too many come forward and complain. As per a report with the government the major donors to some of the NGOs in India are the Christian missionaries. A huge amount has been remitted into the accounts few NGO's for conversions and in turn distributed to various conversion centers across the country. The inflow of money was from the USA, Germany, United Kingdom, Netherlands, Spain and Italy. This is largely to do with the fact there is too much money at play and agencies take advantage of extreme poverty conditions of people and play with their faith. Source: Major General Ashok Coomar, Posted by: Kishin Chandiramani, E-Mail: to on 14th December, 2014
PROGRAM TO STUDY NONVIOLENCE & JAIN DHARMIC / RELIGIOUS TRADITION IN INDIA
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This programme is designed for undergraduate and graduate students, Post-Doctoral Fellows, full time faculty and School Teachers, with an interest in the Jaina Studies and ahimsa (nonviolence), the three, four and six week long, stand alone and separate intensive courses in International Summer School for Jain Studies 2015 will entail morning lectures, afternoon field trips, visits to some schools, time in a few ancient cities and meetings with Jain professionals, monks and nuns.
It is India based and makes India a classroom for the study of ahimsa, Jain, history, culture and philosophy. Contact for further details: Sulekh C. Jain, PhD, Chairman Governing Council, International School for Jain Studies, Houston, Texas, USA, E-Mail:
DIKSHA
FORTY FIVE JAIN DIKSHA IN SURAT A RECORD
December 1, 2014: Forty five Jains aged 12 to 59 years renounced their worldly lives to become monks at a ceremony in Ichchanath area of Surat. Of these 30 were women, and the rest were men. The event organised by the Samyam Suvas Parivar which claimed this was the biggest initiation in 522 years, the last one being in Palitana where 38 had taken diksha.
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The celebration lasted three days where the children, men and women dressed up in all their finery, the women with henna on their hands and wearing sarees and the men in sherwanis, rode chariots driven by horses and camels, and some riding elephants through the streets showering gold and silver and currency notes, apart from clothes and household items.
Of the 45 who attained sainthood, the youngest is 12 year old boy and 14-year old girl while the eldest is 59 year old male. Of the 30 females, 17 are from Surat, followed by 10 from Mumbai and five from Ahmedabad and remaining ones from others places from Navsari, Navsari, Halol, Kolkata, etc.
Thousands from Jain community and other faiths from all parts of India participated in Diksha ceremony at Ichhanath. According to the organisers "It is a spiritual miracle in this modern age that 45 educated, intelligent and well to do persons abandoned worldly pleasures. One of them is from LD Engineering College, Ahmedabad. He was planning to go abroad before he happened to listen to spiritual lectures and changed his mind. One young woman had married only 30 months ago, but preferred nunhood to domesticity with the permission from her husband. Three married couples also accepted diksha as the two young daughters of a wealthy diamond merchant". One gentleman embraced diksha along with his two young sons. Five pairs of siblings also renounced the world together. The eight-day ceremony held at Balar Farmhouse in Piplod upon a 10-acre ground. A makeshift Jain temple was crafted for puja and functions. A big dome was erected in an area of 1.50 lakh sq ft that accommodated 50,000 spectators. The dining hall served food to 5,000 devotees in a single round. All guests were comfortably seated and served. There was an exhibition of past Jain Child Sanyasis with live commentary by child artistes. After a series of rituals and programmes the 'mumuxus' bid farewell with brief speeches.
There are various orders of monks of which the Vijay Ramchandrasuriji order is the biggest. Acharyashri Vijay Ramchandrasuriji made a record by giving 26 dikshas in 1977. This record was broken by Acharyashri Vijay Gunratnasuriji when he gave diksha to 38 men and women at Palitana in Gujarat.
Now with the blessings of Acharyashri Vijay Jinchandrasuriji, who is the last pattadhar of the late Acharya Vijay Shantichandrasuriji, 45 people joined the order. Most are inspired by the religious discourses of Acharyashri Vijay Yogtilaksuriji. The main organiser of this mass Diksha ceremony was 'Samyam Suvas Parivar. Diksha candidates alongwith organisers also visited Delhi on October 25 to invite the President and Prime Minister. Prime Minister Narendra Modi met them at his residence and reportedly said, "Now I am blessing you, but after taking diksha, please give me blessings that I may be able to serve the nation by spreading moral values in people of India." President Pranab Mukherji threw high tea for them in the banquet hall, where only Jain food was served. Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel was to attend the event, but she was down with viral fever.
JAIN BHAGWATI DIKSHA
Mumukshu Smt. Manju Mehta from Bangalore, Smt. Saroj Surana from Chennai and Sushri Asha Surana also from Chennai accepted Jain Bhagwati Diksha on the 3rd October, 2014 from Mahasati Shri Gyan Lata Ji maharaj, disciple of Mahasati Shri Maina Sundari Ji maharaj belonging to Shwetambar Sthanakwasi Jain Ratna Hiteshi Shrawak Sangh in the presence of more than five thousand devotees at Shanti Nagar, Bangalore. Subsequently, the 'Bari' diksha was held on 10th October, 2014 at the same place.
At a Bhagwati Diksha ceremony heldo on 6th December, 2014 at Hubli Nagar Dadawari, diksha was accepted by Prema Jirawala (Sadhvi Viralprabhaji), Sumitra Jirawala (Sadhvi Vipulprabhaji), Mamta Bagrecha (Sadhvi Viratiprabhaji), Shilpa Ostwal (Sadhvi Vibhudhprabhaji), Princi Kawar (Sadhvi Vishudhprabhaji) and Darshna Gulechha (Sadhvi Vishrutprabhaji)
JAIN TEMPLES OUTSIDE INDIA| Canada Shree Mahavir Swami 14225 - 133 Avenue Edmonton | Canada Shree Mahavir Swami Jain Society Of Toronto 247 Parklawn Road Toronto Ontario, Canada Phone: 416-273-9387 Temple 416-251-8112 |
| Canada Jain Society of Toronto Shree Mahavir Swami 48 Rosemeade Avenue Etobicoke, Ontario Canada | China Shenzhen Temple Xingkan Hong, Building No. 7 Flat no 101, Cuizhu Road Shenzhen, China Temple Tel. No. + 86 -755 - 25782814 Contact Person: Pratickbhai Shah (Mobile No. + 86 - 13113811976) |
| Combodia Jangkorvat City Combodia | Hong Kong Shree Hongkong Jain Sangh Ltd. Flat No. 50, 7 th Floor, Grand Building 50 - 52 Granville Road Tsim Sha Tsui Kowloon Hong Kong Temple Tel. No. + 852 -2739 9955 Contact Person Bharat Mehta - Mobile No. + 852 - 9455 5935 |
| Japan Bhagwan Mahavir Swami Jain Temple Kitano - Cho, 3 Chome Chuo - ku Kobe, Japan Tel. Nos. (81) 78 241- 5995 | Japan Tokyo Derasar 1-10 - 12 Higashi Ueno Taito Ku Tokyo 110 - 0015 Japan |
| Malaysia Shantiniketan Foundation Malaysia Paras Villa, 15, Persiaran Bekor 4 First Girden, 30100 Ipoh, Perak Malaysia Tel. No. 605 - 5267801 Fax No. 605 - 5279848 E-Mail: | Taiwan Taipei Temple Lane - 63, Tun Hwa South Road, Sector - 2 No:- 7, 20th Floor, Taipei, Taiwan Contact Person: Rakesh Shah - Mobile No. + 886-932026425 Manoj Jhaveri - Mobile No. + 886-932181286) |
| Thailand Shree Sheetalnath Jain Ghru Jinalay 315 / 440, 8th Floor Fortune Condo Building 4 Sathu Pradit Soi 24 (Soi Wat Pho Men) Yannawa, Bangkok, Thailand -10120 Contact Person Devang Sanghavi +662-6741402, +6681-9389384 | Thailand 1. Shree Sambavnath Jain Derasar 191/24, Milindsuta Building Soi Putto - Osot Behind Suriwong Road Bangrak Bangkok, Thaliand –10500 |
| United Kingdom 32, Oxford Street Leicester Le1 5xu United Kingdom | United Kingdom Shree Mahavir Swami Oshwal Centre, Potters Bar, London |
| United Kingdom Mahavir Swami Jain Temple 1, The Broadway Wealdstone Harrow, Middlesex, UK Contact: Mr. Vijen Shah 020 - 8566 7100,E-Mail: | United States Allentown Shree Abhinandan Swami 4200 Airport Road Allentown, PA 18103 Temple / Pujari - 215-264–2810 |
| United States - Boston Shree Abhinandan Swami 15 Cedar Street Norwood MA - 02062 | United States Shree Adeshvar From 880 (San Jose) Take 880 North to Great Mall Exit East Turn Left at Main St. Jain Bhavan Number 722. |
| United States Houston Jain Temple Shree Abhinandan Swami Califormia | United States |
| United States Shree Abhinandan Swami Jain Temple of Metropolitan Chicago, USA | United States Shree Abhinandan Swami Jain Society of Greater Detroit 29278 W 12 Mile Rd., Farmington Hills MI - 48334 - 4108 |
| United States Shree Rishbhdev 233 Runnymede Road Essex Fells, NJ - 07006 Tel. No. 609-662-1076 / 722-1919-424-4897 | United States Siddhanchalam Mulnayak Shree Simandar Swami 65 Mud Pond Road Blairstown New Jersey-07825 Phone: 908-362-9793 |
| United States Shree Mahavir Swami 3401 Cooper Ave- Pennsauken NJ - 08109 | United States |
| United States Ithaca Street Jain Temple 43 - 11 Ithaca Street Elmhurst New York -11373 Phone: 718-391-9170 | United States Shree Abhinandan Swami 6515, Bustleton Avenue Philadelhia Philadelphia Phone: 215-537-9537 / 561-0581 |
Kenya - Nairobi | Pakistan Sindh Pradesh Tharparkar District Nagarparkar City |
JAIN CALENDAR FOR THE MONTH OF DECEMBER 2014
VIR SAMVAT 2541 JAIN CALENDAR VIKRAM SAMVAT 2071
Aatham | Chaudas | Pancham | Bij | Agiyaras | Jain Festival | Auspicious Day |
| MAGSAR - DECEMBER 2014 - POSH | AVOID GREEN & ROOT VEGETABLES | ||||||
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | |
8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | |
15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | |
22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | |
| 29 Sud Aatham | 30 Sud Nom | 31 Sud Dasam | MAGSAR: 1 TO 21 DECEMBER POSH: 22 TO 31 DECEMBER | ||||