Ahimsa Times
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JAIN TEMPLE
MAHAMASTAKABHISHEKA IN 2018 WILL BE A SIMPLE AFFAIR
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Charukeerti Bhattaraka Swami of the mutt, chairing the first national-level Digambar Jain Committee meeting held in Shravanabelagola, said the event would be simple. However, the works related to improving facilities for the public at the pilgrimage centre and providing care and shelter for devotees would go on as per requirement. ''As we did in the past, we won't make mega arrangements. Last year, there was a dip in rainfall, resulting in a drought this year. Farmers are in distress. People are not getting drinking water,'' he said. On a query on how the event would be, the swami said the programmes would be simple, with minimum expenses. ''We will not compromise in showing devotion to Bahubali or providing basic amenities for devotees who come from distant places,'' he said. ''During the Mahamastakabhisheka held in 2006, four special trains had carried devotees from Ahmedabad, Assam, Mumbai and Indore. This time too hundreds of devotees will come in special trains. The necessary arrangements have to be made,'' he said. The mutt has appealed to the Archaeological Survey of India to widen the steps to Chandragiri and Vindhyagiri, which devotees climb to reach the 57-foot statue of Bahubali. Representatives of various Jain committees across the country participated in the national-level meeting. Veerendra Heggade of Dharmasthala, who inaugurated the meeting, said he had been involved in the last three Mahamastakabhishekas. ''I will be proud to participate the fourth time. I am eager to take orders from the seer to do my work for the success of the event,'' he said.
JAIN SAINTS
TERAPANTH JAIN SAINTS DELIBERATE ON "ROLE OF SAINTS IN BUILDING NATION"
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May 04, 2016: Ujjain: Jain seers addressed the occasion of 7th Mahaprayan Diwas of National Saint Acharya Mahapragya at Akhand Param Dham located at Dutt Akhara. They shared the valuable thoughts on 'Role of Saints in Building Nation'. Anuvrat Anushasta Acharya Mahashraman Agyanuvrat Muni Suresh Kumar Harnawa said, India is nation of saints and seers. This land has given birth to many great men. One who dedicates his life to the development of nation is a great man. The whole world is getting the message of unity from Simhastha Mahakumbbh on the auspicious day. Muni expressed gratitude towards Mahamandleshwar Paramanand Giri for hosting the programme. Paying a tribute to Acharya Mahapragya with a poetical presentation, Seer Ramesh Kumar said, Mahapragya was the soul of Indian culture. The scale to the real development of the nation is the sublime character. Yug Purush Paramanand Giri chairing the programme told that the nation has been divided by the political pawns otherwise they are all the products of Indian culture. One who owns the senses has the right to rule over India. He expressed anxiety over the infiltration of western culture in India. Indian would be world leader the day saints will start breaking the wrong traditions and preserve the holy conventions.
FORTY RESOLUTIONS PASSED AT JAINISM EVENT IN PALITANA
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Ahmedabad: April 5, 2016: Shree Tapagachchiya Shraman Sammelan, the eight-day mega Jainism meet at Palitana, concluded where the representatives passed over 40 resolutions, providing guiding directives to the monks, nuns and followers of Jainism at large. It was for the first time in recent history that 18 sects of Shwetambar Jainism came together to discuss the common issues. More than 2,500 monks and nuns participated in the event, where thousands of devotees from India and abroad had also been in attendance. The celebrations started with a major procession from Kesariyaji Dharmashala to Parna Bhavan in Palitana, where the meet was convened. Acharya of all the 18 Sects along with senior office bearers of Sheth Anandji Kalyanji Pedhi had been present at the meet. The meet had additional acceptance from over 7,800 monks and nuns from across India.
Some of the resolutions passed at the event included preventing unnecessary pomp at religious events, providing extra care to the ancient religious places but refraining from unnecessary revamp, focusing on Jain teachings at schools, constituting educational and research institutes for Jainism to identify ancient Jain pilgrim spots, motivating more from the religion to assume public roles, providing alternative to the idols kept in areas where Jains no longer live, no construction of new tirtha on highways and using technology for digitizing information from various scripture repositories in India. The meet also unanimously decided to prevent the current custom of bringing body of monk, sadhvi or acharya to a specific place for last rites. The acharya decided to perform the last rites at the nearest place, reducing use of the vehicles for transport. Moreover, talking about the growing incidents of highway accidents involving Jain monks and nuns, the meet decided to provide guidelines such as walking on the wrong side, avoiding very early hours and taking help of volunteers and police while needed. Youtube Linsk: www.youtube.com/watch?v=1whOoQR5fOY
AHMEDABAD'S HERITAGE WARRIOR IS A JAIN SADHVI- MAITRI RATNASHRI
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Ahmedabad: April 19, 2016: A Jain Sadhvi in the walled city is scripting a courageous campaign against illegal construction. Her fight is against the powerful building mafia which is systematically targeting the city's historical core, frantically pulling down heritage homes, replacing them with commercial complexes or godowns and deteriorating the way of life in in old heritage city of Ahemdabad. Maitri Ratnashri Maharajsahib's weapon in this fight is the RTI Act. She and her team of young followers have filed over 115 RTIs in the past six months to collect evidence to show inaction of the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation despite thousands of citizens alerting it about illegal activities. "If we lose our heritage, we will lose ourselves. Our culture and tradition will stay only if we exist in that place. That's why we call the walled city a living heritage," says Maitri Ratnashri, who incidentally is not even a permanent resident of the city.
Since April last year, the Jain sadhvi has mobilised people to file 17,500 petitions in AMC to stop illegal construction and collected evidence about the same in at least a dozen pols including Vaghanni Pol, Zaveriwad, Saudagar Pol, Ratan Pol, Chaumukhini Pol, Rupasur Chandni Pol, Patasha Pol and Leheriya Pol. The Sadhvi says she started the fight for 3,000-odd Jain families living in the pols but is now dedicated to each of 3.7 lakh people residing in walled city. Many families were contemplating shifting out of the walled city because of commercial complexes eating away Pol Chowks or squares for parking. "There are 115 centuries old Jain temples in walled city that comprise 80% of Jain temples in Ahmedabad. If people start moving out who will then come to these temples. It is the same problem for Hindus and Muslims too," she says.
SCIENTIFIC STUDY CONFIRMS JAIN CHANTS IMPROVE BRAIN POWER
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Mumbai: April 9, 2016: A study on 100 kids many of who practised "Saraswati Sadhana" concludes that meditation helps in better memory and concentration. The programme called Saraswati Sadhana needs to be followed for 36 days.A programme for improving one's memory that the Jain community has believed in for years has now been scientifically proved. Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) scientists have revealed the results of research done on 104 students who followed the Saraswati Sadhana Programme for 36 days. The results were revealed in a ceremony organised in Mumbai by the Saraswati Sadhana Research Foundation. A team of six people, including clinical Neurophysiologists Dr. Urvashi Shah and Yuvika Kamdar and clinical psychologists Somini Mehta, Tanvi Dingankar, Aishani Desai and Mayuri Jain Kalika, headed the research on the Saraswati Sadhana Programme, which was initiated by Acharya Shri Naychandra Sagar Suriji. The programme is aimed at enhancing the memory of students.It is based on one root mantra 'om aim namah used during Saraswati Puja. The programme also comprises meditation, mantra chanting with and without music and repeatedly writing down the mantra. The whole programme is supposed to be practised for half an hour daily for 36 days.
The research included students studying between classes VII and IX, who were divided into two groups a 'controlled group' and a 'Sadhana group'. The controlled group was given tests for 30 days, after which they were asked to practise Saraswati Sadhana, while the Sadhana group was given the tests before and after practising the sadhana. The results derived from both the groups were then scored and compared. Dr. Paresh Joshi, a neurosurgeon who was a part of the team, said, "We have seen a good amount of difference in the children we evaluated. There was a change not just scientifically, but socially as well. We at Jaslok Hospital are planning to give this study a larger platform, with a larger sample size."At the ceremony in which the results were revealed, two students demonstrated their memory power on stage by repeating 25 words that the audience had suggested. One of the students repeated the words in ascending order while the other did so in descending order. Talking about his experience, one of the students, Vraj Bramhabhatt (17), said, "I did not have interest in studies but I have now become more mature. I have seen a lot of change in myself. I have been able to grasp things more, apart from focusing and concentrating better."
This is an initiative of a 27-year-old Jain monk, Munishri Ajitchandra Sagarji, who is known for his memory feats. Speaking in an interview at the Jain Derasar in Goregaon, Munishri said, he has guided more than 25,000 children in Saraswati Sadhana but this will be the first time that we have a research paper to scientifically validate its effect. In Saraswati Sadhana, all the sensory organs are focused on one mantra which helps in improving the brain power. The sadhana involves children chanting and writing down a mantra and participating in two types of meditations for two hours every day. According to Ajitchandraji, 100 children between the age group of 11 to 14 were selected for the study, that began in November 2015. A majority of these children were from Malad as the sadhana was carried out in a Jain derasar there, but a few came from nearby suburbs like Kandivali and Goregaon as well. On evalution, under the time-tested Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (IV) the experimental group showed significant improvement in terms of working memory and sustained attention. According to Ajitchandraji, children fail to achieve when they are lazy, stubborn or physically weak. By sadhana, they can overcome all of these. Munishri has studied till Class 9 and mastered the sadhana after taking diksha at the age of 12. He remained in silence, a vow for eight years during which he continued his sadhana and also undertook religious studies. At 19, he was able to perform 'Shatavdhan', a challenge wherein one is able to recall 100 questions posed by the audience and repeat them in both ascending and descending orders. His last memory feat was in November 2014 when he performed a 'Mahashatavdhan' challenge, a 500-question challenge.
DIGAMBER JAIN SEER DR. PRANAM SAGARJI PERFORMS KESH LOCHAN
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Ujjain: May 8, 2016: It will perhaps be a first time in the history of Simhastha Mahakumbh that a Digambar Jain Muni is going for tonsure, which is commonly known as ''Kesh Lochan'. Young seer Dr. Pranam Sagar will go through this ritual on May 12 at Kalchuri Gram, plot number 103 under Bhairavgarh sector to mark the occasion of Simhastha-2016. The Jain seer told a press conference that a five-day 'Sarvajan Sukhayah-Sarvajan Hitayah Mahakumbh' is being organised on the sidelines of the Simhastha. On May 8, a procession will be taken out at 8 am from Pipli Chow under the leadership of Pradesh Congress Committee President Arun Yadav. It will cross various places and conclude at the main venue. On May 9 on the day of Shahi Snan, the seer will take Surya Snana and will distribute 'ikshu ras'. On May 10, a 'Sarvadharm Dharmsasabha' will be organised from 5 pm which will also be organised on May 11. Kesh Lochan will be held on May 12. On May 15, 'Sarvajan Sukhay Kalyanarth Shanti Mahayajna' will also be held. According to the Jain seer, he is organising the event to minimise the ill effects of 'Guru Chandaal Yog. According to him, the squall which was occurred couple of days was the effect of this planetary situation. He also said that the effect of squall could have been bigger if the tapasvis and sadhus did not make special efforts to lower down its effect in the fair.
TERAPANTH ACHARYA MAHASHARMANJI HOLDS SPIRITUAL MEETS AT TEZPUR
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Tezpur, Assam: May 6, 2016: According to Jainism, each individual soul is pure and perfect, but since eternity it has been associated with karmic matter which is transformed into different forms. This suppresses innate cognitive and other properties of the soul which has, therefore, become subject to birth and rebirth. The supreme object of religion is to show the way of liberation to the soul from the bondage of karma. This spiritual process is inextricably connected with the process of shedding karmas. The basic concept underlying a vow of sallekhana or santhara is to prevent influx of new karmas even at the last stages of life and at the same time liberate the soul from the bondage of karmas. This message of Jainism was delivered by the eleventh Acharya of the Jain Terapanth Sect, Acharya Shri Mahashramanji, while addressing the Indian Army at Tezpur ITBP Headquarters. Acharya Shri was on five-day Ahimsa Yatra here. Acharya Shri who has been on a mission to promote world peace and harmony and to campaign against drug abuse, held a meeting at the ITBP headquarters. He laid stress on avoidance of drugs and said that intoxication ruins life. Consumption of alcohol or other intoxicating substances affects the physical and mental faculties of a person and he or she loses respect in the family and society. Accompanied by other leaders of the sect, the Acharya Shri was welcomed to Tezpur by Vyawastha Samiti, Tezpur. He has since been attending a series of spiritual meetings at various places.
LEADERS OF DIFFERENT FAITHS RELEASE DECLARATION ON 'SWACHHTA KRANTI'
Ujjain: May 4, 2016: A grand assembly of prominent religious leaders representing many faiths came together for a historic first time at the Simhastha Mahakumbh-2016, to appeal for a Swachhta Kranti (Clean Revolution) for Mother India through Sadbhavana Sankalp. In doing so, they implored the people of India to rise together so that India may shine as a global example of cleanliness. For this, they said that we must do all we can to ensure that our lands and rivers are kept open-defecation free through the use of eco-friendly toilets. On illuminating a holy lamp at this Sarva Dharma Swachhta Sankalp event, Swami Chidanand Saraswati, Co-founder of the Global Interfaith WASH Alliance and President of Parmarth Niketan Rishikesh, stated, ''The world is as we dream it, and it is time for a new dream. Every day, 1,200 children die needlessly in India due to lack of clean water, sanitation and hygiene. The deaths are a result of our bad habits. We can change that. By changing our ways, we change the world.'' Representing five religions, the faith leaders were brought together by the Global Interfaith WASH Alliance (GIWA), with technical support from UNICEF, under the inspiration of Chidanandji.
Representing Jain Community Acharya Lokesh Muni shared that ahimsa (non-violence) and sanitation must be seen as going hand-in-hand. Unclean choices are causing the deaths of countless children every day. This suffering must end. It is up to all of us to be the change. Junapeethadishwar Swami Avdheshanand Giri shared his views on water conservation and cleanliness. He said that water is the most basic requirement of all life, but only 0.75 percent is potable; therefore, it is crucial to conserve water. Eminent Sunni leader and president of All India Imam Organisation Imam Umar Ilyasi pledged to bring all of India's Imams together to spread vital messages on the importance of health, water, sanitation and hygiene in our homes and communities. Shia leader, Maulana Dr. Syed Kalbe Sadiq, founder of Tauheedul Muslimeen Trust said, ''From today onwards, let dreams become reality. Our hands should be tools for action. In our hearts should be pledges for change.''
LET OUR MONKS DEFECATE IN THE OPEN: JAIN GROUP TO MP GOVERNMENT
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May 01, 2016: Madhya Pradesh: A group representing Digambara Jains has approached the Madhya Pradesh Government seeking exemption for their monks to defecate in the open, which is the Jain Ascetics' way of life. It is feared that Central government diktat to panchayats to frame a law to penalise open defecators may create problems for Jain Ascetics. The memorandum seeking exemption was submitted to State Minister of Panchayat and Rural Development Gopal Bhargava by the Digamber Jain Social Group Federation. They are worried Madhya Pradesh might go the way of Rajasthan in penalizing open defecators. According to local Jain leadership they have asked the government to allow our monks and seers to attend the nature's call in the open as they never use toilets for doing so. Union Government has undertaken an ambitious toilet construction programme-part of the Swachh Bharat Mission to make the country open-defecation free by 2019. To achieve the target, the government is nudging states to adopt a stricter law to curb the menace. Madhya Pradesh is one of the states where a good number of Jain monks travel, and if this rule is implemented then it will surely create problems for them who are very strict about following their lifestyle.
JAIN BAL DIKSHA CASE: ONCE AGAIN WARRANT ISSUED AGAINST MONK
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Ahmedabad: A magisterial court has again issued bailable warrant on fourth occasion against the Jain monk, who had sought eight months' time to walk to Ahmedabad from Kolkata to face criminal prosecution. After three warrants could not be served on Acharya Kirti Yashurishwarji Maharaj on his address in West Bengal furnished to court, complainant Rashmi Shah's counsel Nitin Gandhi urged the court to issue another warrant. He also requested the court to ask the monk's advocate to furnish correct address because earlier warrants could not be served on old address. Earlier, the complainant unsuccessfully tried for non-bailable warrant in this case. The monk is one of five persons against whom a complaint was lodged for publishing a forged government notification suggesting that the Centre supports Bal Diksha, the practice of renunciation of the world at a very early age amongst the Jains. When the court first issued warrant against the monk, his lawyer appeared and urged the court to cancel the warrant on the ground that the monk would proceed towards Ahmedabad on foot and it would take eight months for him to appear before the court. As Jain monks do not travel in a motorized vehicle, the Monk had told the court that his health was not proper and hence he could not walk more than a few Kilometres in a day.
AWARD AND ACHIEVEMENTS
DR. ASHWIN PORWAL BAGS 'YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR' AWARD AT JITO
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Pune: April 24, 2016: Pune's leading Proctologist Ashwin Porwal was honoured with the Young Entrepreneur Award at the hands of veteran actor Anupam Kher at the recently concluded annual conference of Jain International Trade Organisation JITO Connect 2016. The award was one of the categories of the pride of Pune awards, in which eminent personalities from the city were recognized for their social contribution to the society. Those included, amongst others, Rasiklal Dhariwal, the man behind the Manikchand group of industries for his charity work, as also senior homeopath Gunwant Oswal for his innovative work in the field neurology. Dr. Porwal who is the founder of Healing Hands Clinic, a specialty clinic for treating anorectal disorders, was recognized for his pioneering work in the field of proctology which includes bringing the latest technologies in India. He is the first surgeon to perform the POPS surgery for female organ prolapse in the country. He is also the first in the state to perform the STARR surgery for chronic constipation. Porwal introduced Laser treatment for piles (LHP) and fistula (FiLaC), and has presented research papers in various international conferences, the latest being a case series of 500 patients treated with STARR surgery, that has been published in the World Journal of Colorectal Surgery. Porwal's contribution towards spreading awareness in the society through various seminars in corporate companies, banks and housing societies was considered while nominating him for the award.
His charity work includes a mobile dispensary set in an ambulance that travels to the most remote villages of Maharashtra, providing basic medical care to the poor, at no cost. On an average, in a month almost 10 surgeries are done, free of cost, as humanitarian work towards the underprivileged. In an effort to spread his knowledge, Porwal has trained surgeons from various parts of the world. It comes as no surprise then, that Healing Hands Clinic has been recognized as Centre of Excellence in proctology by world renowned colorectal surgeon, Dr. Antonio Longo. Porwal says, "After a lot of research we were able to formulate Constac powder for constipation and Anoac cream for piles. Currently we are working on a new mesh design that will revolutionise the way umbilical hernia is treated. In an age of start-ups, we have also introduced Healing Hands Herbs, where WHO recognized organic formulations will be prepared for treating a host of gastro-intestinal ailments. My aim is to expand Healing Hands Clinic across India, and provide top notch medical treatments in our country itself."
NAMAN JAIN NOMINATED AT NEW YORK FILM FESTIVAL
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Dubai-based director Sasha John's film Jacob's Pond, which premiered at the 16th New York Indian Film Festival and was received warmly, has secured a Best Child Actor nomination for Naman Jain. Jain, whose credits include Hindi feature films Raanjhanaa and Bombay Talkies, plays the role of Iqbal, a 12-year-old pickpocket who strikes an unlikely friendship with an older man, in Jacob's Pond. Jacob Pond is a story about the loneliness that people face in a big city and looks into the friendship between a young boy and a 60-year-old man.
CONFERENCES, SEMINARS AND EVENTS
MAHAVIR JAYANTI CELEBRATED AS WORLD PEACE HARMONY DAY
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New Delhi: 15 Apr 2016: It was also the occasion of Mahavir Jayanti. Lord Mahavir the 24th Tirthankar of Jain religion was born 2615 years ago. On 19th April, his ideology completed 2615 years. This was also an auspicious day of Ram Navmi. Jain saint Acharya Lokesh Muni decided to club these auspicious occasions to create a message under the umbrella of 'World Peace Harmony Day' in Vigyan Bhavan of New Delhi. The message was loud and clear. Surely it's not for Jain religion only. Its the practical teachings of Mahavira that supports Anekantavaad, the first message of Interfaith by any religious guru. The dais was full of inspiring personalities. Addressing the gathering, Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj said that "the challenges of nuclear wars, terrorism can be neutralised by the philosophy of Lord Mahavir. The world is seeing lot of violence today, the anekant theory of Mahavir can create a wider message of peace and harmony". This is what Jain religion preaches from day one. Union Minority Affairs Minister Nazma Heptullah said "the imbalance of economical realities can be solved by Mahavir teachings of limited personal usage of physical things". Union Cabinet Minister Ravishankar Prasad said "he belongs to Bihar, which is land of Lord Mahavir, and he always follow his teachings".
Speaking as special invitee, Actor Vivek Oberoi, said that, Jains are in minority but when any social work comes, they are the majority supporters. Its the beauty of this religion, which is developed similarly with Buddh religion. One core theme for any follower of Jainism is peace and harmony, they believe in hard work, social service and salvation. Jainism is a now more a philosophy, way of living and thought, than a religion. You can't differentiate a Jain person by his behavior or common gestures. He mingled himself so immensely that many are now soft followers of other religions too. Acharya Lokesh Muni emphasised the value of Jain philosophy via many examples of social reforms, the saints have done. The beauty of Jain religion lies in the practical aspect of following. Jainism itself provides many solutions to relevant problems. The living of a Jain saint or a common follower idealistically create the message of simplicity and harmony. Jain religion today comes into the minority category, though many states of India, never considered them a different faith. They gel in society like water and produce the best for the milieu. The programme was attended by several other religious dignitaries. National Conference on 'Contribution of Jainism to the World Humanity'. Bhagwan Mahavira's message of non-violence and multicipility of many facets of the truth was loud and clear in 3rd century BC and remain relevant to present strife torn world and to follow these is only solution for peaceful co-existence of humanity. Speakers after speakers elaborated His basic message during the 'National Conference on Contribution of Jainism to the World Humanity', organized jointly by Bhagwan Mahavir Memorial Samiti and Bharatvarshiya Digamber Jain Mahasabha at Bhagwan Mahavir Kendra, New Delhi.
The Speakers cited Mahavira's teachings of non-violence towards any living being, respect for other's perception of truth, tolerance and co-existence as well as non- possession of material goods beyond basic needs are the only solution to any conflict. Truth has many facets and viewers see and describe as per their perception, others should respect it with restraint. If His teachings are followed the world would become conflict and tension free. The distinguished speakers included K. N. Dixit- President Indian Archaeological Society, Dr. B. R. Mani, Former Additional Director General of Archaeological Survey of India, Dr. Veer Sagar Jain, Lal Bahadur Shastri Sanskrit University, Prof Narendra Kumar Jain, Chaudhary Charan Singh University, Dr. Brijesh Rawat, Assistant Professor SDR University, CA Anil Jain- Ahimsa Foundation, Anil Jain, Kund Kund Bharti. The speakers and audience both desired that since the theme was so broad based that organizers Nirmal Kumar Sethi, National President Bharatvarshiya Digamber Jain Mahasabha and Dr. M. P. Jain, General Secretary- Bhagwan Mahavir Memorial Samiti should organize a chain of conferences on the message of Mahavira, which is so relevant to present world scenario. The prominent personalities of different samaj participated including Sahu Akhilesh Jain- Managing Trustee Bhartiya Jyanpith, Chakresh Jain, President Jain Samaj Delhi, Naren Bhiku Ram Jain, Suresh Chand Jain, President Kund Kund Bharti, R. K. Jain, Veera Builders and many more.
SOLUTION TO WORLD'S PROBLEMS IN LORD MAHAVIR'S PRINCIPLES: SUSHMA SWARAJ
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New Delhi: Noting that terrorism, climate change and inequality are the key challenges facing the world, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj today hailed Lord Mahavir Jain's principles of "ahimsa, anekant and aparigriha" as the solutions to these issues. "There are three key challenges before us. Terrorism, climate change and inequality. And it is a coincidence that, if we identify, three things (principles) come to fore in Mahavir Darshan, ahimsa (non-violence), anekant (unity in diversity) and aparigriha (renunciation). If we look for solutions to these problems, then those are lying in these principles," Swaraj said. The minister made the remarks while addressing 'World Peace Harmony Day' organised by Jain spiritual leader Acharya Lokesh Muni-founded Ahimsa Vishwa Bharti on the occasion of Mahavir Jayanti here.
The event was also attended by Union ministers Najma Heptulla and Ravi Shankar Prasad, actor Vivek Oberoi and religious and spiritual leaders. Swaraj said those engaged in spread of terrorism consider their ideology as "superior most" and kill people who don't believe in the same. The minister underscored 'anekant' as the principle to tackle the menace of terrorism as it talks about giving right to a person to select and follow his/her own values. Swaraj said the idea of secularism is that "one becomes a good Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Christian or Jain" or any other religion the person follows and not impose that ideology on others. Invoking Mahatma Gandhi, Swaraj said, "Nature can fulfill one's needs, but not greed" to stress that natural calamities that occur when human beings seek more. "Ever since human beings became greedy, this issue of climate change has surfaced. Nature is ready (to) offer what we need. But we are cutting trees, reclaiming seas, rivers are being polluted. We forget this leads to calamities like tsunami and others. In this context too, Lord Mahavir's message to seek only what is needed is important," she said. Stating that inequality goes on increasing if one focuses on "excess" gains, Swaraj underscored the need to pursue aparigriha which focuses on storing only what is necessary to combat the imbalance. "Lord Mahavir said acquire enough to survive but avoid anything in excess. Inequality increases when stress is given on excess. Rich become richer, while poor become poorer (if one focuses on excess). Mahavir Jain's message of aparigriha is relevant in dealing with the issue of inequality," she added.
BOOKS ON JAINISM
MAHAVIRA PRINCE OF PEACE
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Mahavira Prince of Peace: Life of the 24th Jina, Bhagavan Mahavira, Includes over 35 full colour original paintings. Text by Ranchor Prime, Paintings by B. G. Sharma, Foreword by Vinod Kapashi, Preface by Michael Tobias. This is a charming book, worth treasuring for the simplicity of its language and the gorgeous illustrations. It is based on the life and teachings of Bhagavan Mahavira who lived in the 6th century Before Common Era. Mahavira was the 24th Tirthankara. The Foreword is well written and lends perspective to the book. Book can be obtained from Hindi Granth Karyalay, Mumbai.
CLASSICAL JAIN TEXTS
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Classical Jain Texts: Vijay Kumar Jain has begun translating and publishing a brand new series of Hindi + English translations of some of the most important Jain texts. This is a welcome development as more and more Jains prefer to read their sacred books in English these days. In the past two decades or so, many publishers have come forward to publish Jain texts in English. Hindi Granth Karyalay, Radiant Publishers and many others are now publishing new Hindi and English translations of important Jain texts. Translators like Dr. Jaykumar Jalaj, Jagdish Prasad Jain Sadhak and Manish Modi are presenting translations of important Jain texts. Modern translators have translated Jain texts in a reader-friendly manner to enable readers to access the sublime teachings of the Jinas on their own in the language they feel most comfortable with. Here is a series of Hindi and English translations by Vijay Kumar Jain.
Tattvarthasutra: By Acarya Umasvami, Sanskrit text + Hindi translation + English translation, Hindi & English translations by Vijay Kumar Jain.
Samayasara: By Acarya Kundakunda, Prakrit text + Hindi translation + English translation, Hindi & English translations by Vijay Kumar Jain.
Purusharthasiddhyupaya: By Acarya Amritacandra, Sanskrit text + Hindi translation + English translation, Hindi & English translations by Vijay Kumar Jain.
Dravyasamgraha: By Acarya Nemicandra, Prakrit text + Hindi translation + English translation, Hindi & English translations by Vijay Kumar Jain.
Ishtopadesha: By Acarya Pujyapada, Sanskrit text + Hindi translation + English translation, Hindi & English translations by Vijay Kumar Jain.
Svayambhustotra: By Acarya Samantabhadra, Sanskrit text + Hindi translation + English translation, Hindi & English translations by Vijay Kumar Jain.
Aptamimamsa: By Acarya Samantabhadra, Sanskrit text + Hindi translation + English translation, Hindi & English translations by Vijay Kumar Jain.
MISCELLANEOUS
GUJARAT GOVERNMENT ACCORDS MINORITY STATUS TO JAINS
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Ahmedabad: May 9, 2016: After consistent follow-up by the Jain Community Gujarat Government has resolved to give minority status to the Jain community. This was announced by the Transport Minister and BJP State Unit Chief Vijay Rupani. Earlier in 2014, the UPA government had conferred minority status to the Jain Community at the national level. According to the Minster, ''Chief Minister Anandiben Patel decided to accord minority status to the Jain community. The matter had been put on hold for some time due to the Patidar reservation agitation. The decision has been pending also because a large section of the Jain community felt several rituals of the community are similar to those practised by the Hindus, so the Jains are a part of the Hindu community and should not be treated as separate entity. The decision has nothing to do with reservation. The status will benefit the poor among the Jain community as they can avail of various scholarships, government welfare schemes. Jain institutions will get special status like those accorded to Christian and Muslim institutions." The decision comes within a week of the state government awarding 10 per cent reservation to the economically backward class among the upper castes in the face of Patel community's agitation for OBC quota.
SYMPOSIUM ON JAIN PHILOSOPHY AND SCIENCE IN CONTEXT OF BHAGAVATI SUTRA
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Mumbai: May 8, 2016: Inaugurating the National Symposium on 'Jain Philosophy and Science in Context of Bhagavati Sutra' at Yogi Sabhagriha at Dadar in Central Mumbai, Maharashtra Governor C. Vidyasagar Rao called for integrating spiritual and traditional education to develop the personality and character of students. According to him, "The teachings of Mahavira such as Ahimsa (non-violence), Anekant (respect for plurality of viewpoints) and Aparigraha (non-possession) have the potential to restore peace in the world and lead humanity on the path of enlightenment." The Governor also released the Hindi commentary of the 5th Volume of Bhagvati Sutra, a Jain Aagama containing scientific aspects of Jainism, on the occasion Justice K. K. Tated of the Bombay High Court, Jain Muni Mahendra Kumar, Namra Muni, Ashok Kothari, Honorary Director of the Symposium and science leaders from various institutions and members of Jain community were present at the event.
BOMBAY HIGH COURT UPHELD BAN ON ANIMAL SLAUGHTER
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Mumbai: May 9, 2016: By declaring that citizens cannot be prevented from eating beef obtained from a state or country where there is no prohibition on slaughter, the court has narrowed the scope of state intervention on the question of cow slaughter to the protection of clear agricultural interests and nothing else. The Bombay high court ruled that it will no longer be illegal to consume or keep imported beef but upheld the Maharashtra government's ban on slaughter of cows and bullocks in the state. A division bench of justice Abhay Oka and justice S. C. Gupta struck down two provisions of the Maharashtra Animal Preservation Act, 1976, which prohibit the import of beef and criminalise its possession, saying they violate the right to privacy and the right to choice of food that is guaranteed under Article 21 of Constitution. Last year, the Maharashtra government enforced a complete ban on beef and made the sale or consumption of the meat punishable by a five-year jail term and Rs. 10,000 fine, sparking a raging debate over the right to choice. A number of petitions were filed in the high court challenging the constitutional validity of various provisions of the Maharashtra Animal Preservation Act, 1976, which were introduced by an amendment, but brought into force 20 years later in March 2015. The original 1976 act banned slaughter of cows, but the amendment also prohibited slaughter of bulls and bullocks and possession and consumption of their meat.
What has the High Court changed? The High Court has struck down the provision that made the possession of the flesh of cows, bulls or bullocks slaughtered outside of Maharashtra a criminal offence. It held that the consumption of food not injurious to health is a part of an individual's autonomy and hence the provision infringes on individuals' right to privacy. The High Court did not accept the state's contention that there were questions over the right to privacy as a fundamental right under the Constitution of India because of reference of the issue to a constitution bench of the Supreme Court in the Aadhaar case. Further, the High Court has also struck down Section 9B, which had put the burden on the accused to try and prove, in his or her trial under the Act, that the slaughter, transport, or export outside Maharashtra, sale, purchase or possession of the flesh of a cow, bull or bullock was not in contravention of the provisions of the Act. The High Court held the provision to be violative of Article 21 of the Constitution, as it put a negative burden of proof on the accused and hence was not fair, just and reasonable.
ANNA HAZARE DROPS DEFAMATION CASE AGAINST SURESH JAIN
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Pune: May 6, 2016, Pune: Over a month after a court in Pune ruled that there were sufficient grounds to frame defamation charges against Suresh Jain, a former state minister, in a case filed against him by social activist Anna Hazare in 2003, the case has been withdrawn by Hazare on ''humanitarian grounds, considering Jain's age''. Jain, a 75-year-old is currently in jail for his alleged involvement in a housing scam. In 2003, Hazare had accused Jain of graft. In May 2003, Jain alleged that Hazare had misappropriated funds under the guise of Hind Swaraj Trust, an organisation founded by Hazare. Jain's claims were widely reported in the media. He also gave media interviews, raising the same allegations, after which Hazare filed a criminal defamation suit against him in a court in Pune. Jain had also filed a defamation case against Hazare in a court in Jalgaon.
MUZAFFAR NAGAR: POLITICAL LEADER SUSHIL KUMAR JAIN CONVERTS TO ISLAM
Muzaffarnagar: April 21, 2016: A Shiv Sena leader created flutter in political circles in Uttar Pradesh when he announced his conversion to Islam on Mahavir Jayanti. Shiv Sena leader Sushil Kumar Jain embraced Islam and is now known as Mohammad Abdul Samad. However the conversion took place on February 15, but he made public announcement on the occasion of Mahavir Jayanti. According to reports, Sushil Kumar Jain accepted Islam following disappointment with the Jain community, municipal corporation, and work culture of revenue department. He clarified that he was not pressurised to change his religion and Islam is his own choice. Sushil Kumar Jain hails from Khatauli town of Muzaffarnagar district in Uttar Pradesh. He is a leader of Shiv Sena, which was founded by political cartoonist late Bal Thackeray. The party is pro-Marathi and believes in Hindu nationalism. Sushil Kumar Jain's conversion to Islam has left many amazed in the locality. The news has created flutters in Khatauli town, Muzaffarnagar district. Source: www.india.com
DEHRADOON JAIN DHARAMSHALA LICENSE CANCELLED
Around 500 people from various parts of the country who have been living in Sri Digambar Jain Bhawan (Jain Dharamshala), Dehradun at affordable rates will now be forced to try accommodation elsewhere. This is because the Dehradun district administration has cancelled its registration, saying that it failed to comply with the provisions of the Sarai Act. It is alleged that the Dharamshala authority has not taken any security initiative as well as that of providing adequate parking space as has been enshrined in the Act. However, Dharamshala manager SatendraJain denied the charges, complaining that the district administration has not cared to serve any notice to them regarding the same. MDDA, Fire Service department, SDM and city magistrate had earlier conducted inspection at the Dharamshala and based on their report, DM Ravinath Raman has cancelled Dharamshala's registration. As per the report submitted by SSP office and fire service officer to DM, the Dharamshala is not equipped with fire safety equipments adequately. It has no proper security plan and is not equipped with CCTV camera either. Besides, the name of the manager Satendra Jain has not been put in place of the previous manager in the Dharamshala registration certificate now being kept in the Dharamshala office under Sarai Act. Notably, the name of Jain Dharamshala has been changed to Digambar Jain Panchayat Mandir and Jain Bhawan.
However, Dharamshala's manager Jain denied the charges, saying that they wonder how the administration could have taken such a drastic action. He said he had learnt about cancellation through media. ''Administrative officers have been visiting the Dharamshala from time to time for inspection. They should have served us notice before plunging into such a drastic action,'' he said, adding that the Dharamshala is equipped with CCTV camera, fire safety equipment, parking lots and the like. Dehradun DM Raman said that the management has not cared to register the Dharamshala over the past four years. ''The administration would hardly serve notice to it when it remains unregistered. MDDA, SDM, City Magistrate SSP, Fire Service Department officers and others have conducted surprise inspection and the reports submitted by them are all negative,'' he said, adding that they should apply for registration for its renewal to the administration after fulfilling all the provisions under Sarai Act. Jain further said that around 500 people are coming to the Dharamshala to get accommodation daily. The rates are nominal such as Rs50, Rs100, Rs200 and Rs250. ''This Dharamshala has been here since 1936. Social, cultural, religious activities are being held here aside from the wedding parties,'' he said, adding that he would meet DM Raman over this issue soon. ''I hope that the cancellation would be withdrawn in public interest,'' he said.
MAHARASHTRA JAIN GROUPS ADOPT 10 PARCHED TRIBAL VILLAGES
Nashik: April, 20, 2016: While celebrating Mahaveer Jayanti this year, Jain Social Group and Jain Seva Sangh in Nashik resolved to adopt 10 remote villages in tribal belt of Nashik district for the next two months. These social organisations will provide water to the villages by arranging private tankers. Maharashtra is facing one of the worst droughts this year. The people residing in remote hilly villages suffer the most due to drought. Hence, the Jain groups have decided to adopt ten remote villages on Trimbak Road and Peth Road. According to Vijay Lohade, President of Jain Social Group, they will provide one tanker a day to these villages from April 13 to June 15. The tribal villages selected for the social service are Kakadpana, Nilumbar, Dhol Ohol, Dehad Mal, Sheoga Pada, Bori Pada, Shin Pada, Beli Pada, Barda Pada and Bablicha Mala. The population of these villages is between 300 and 1,100. Jain Seva Sangh has deployed a special team to manage the entire process. The groups will ensure regular visits of tankers to these villages. They will also monitor whether the residents are receiving complete benefit of the process. Jain Social Group has also resolved to provide five tonnes of fodder daily to the cattle in three major cow shades in Nashik. The group conducted a blood donation camp on the occasion of Mahaveer Jayanti in which 371 people donated blood. In the meantime, colourful processions based on the theme 'save water, save life' marked the celebrations early in the morning. Two major processions were taken out in the old city area. "We also cut down the expenditure on the procession so that funds could be used for the welfare of drought-hit people," said J C Bhandari, President of Jain Seva Sangh.
RECORD 601 UNITS BLOOD DONATED BY RAJASTHAN JAIN SOCIAL GROUPS
Udaipur: April 20, 2016: Jain Social Groups broke the record by setting a new one through donating 601 units of blood under one roof in a blood donation camp organized by Zonal Co-ordinator Mohan Bohra and Guardian of Mahaveer Youth Council Rajkumar Fattawat and Manish Gulandiya. C. Mehta, Joint Secretary of Jain Group International Federation told that many teams including RNT Medical College, Pacific medical college, GBH medical college, Lokmitra and Saral blood bank supported the event. All the donators were immediately given certificates and gifts. Any person can contact the JSG helpline for blood requirements at 9414316575. Brijendra Seth. Abhishek Sancheti, Vishal Jain, Avilesh Jain, Sushil Singhvi, Rajendra Bhandari, Gajendra Jodhawat, Kamlesh Talesra, Rachna Gulandia, Rekha Jain, Hitesh Bhandari, Shailesh Jain, Yashwant Kothari, Pankaj Bohra, Haraklal Duggar, Parmeshwar Porwal, Roshan Lal Dangi, Dinesh Mehta etc gave their best to make this event a success.
LAW OF PASSIVE EUTHANASIA: VIEWS INVITED
' Proposed law to protect patients and doctors from criminal or civil liabilities, last date to submit public comments is June 19, 2016.
' Competent patients - who can take decisions themselves - can inform doctor directly to withhold treatment.
' Incompetent patients, those who can't take informed decisions themselves, can get passive euthanasia only through a high court order to be filed by relatives.
' High court is expected to take a decision on such application within a month based on advise of three doctors appointed by the court.
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JAIN DIKSHA
DELHI BUSINESSMAN ACCEPTS MUNI DIKSHA AT PATNA
Patna: It is for the first time that, Patna is witnessing Jain Diksha ceremony. Digamber Jain Muni Shri Sudhesh Sagarji will confer this Muni Diksha to Nirmal Kumar Godha. He is renouncing the worldly activities and possessions with the consent of his wife Pavan Kumari Godha and all other family members. The life of Digamber Muni is considered to be tough as they do not use any kind of material possession. Besides, walking barefooted is also difficult. Digamber Muni consume food once a day only and remain cloth less. After Diksha he will be known with a new name.