16.09.2016 ►JAINA ►Newsletter

Have benevolence towards all living beings, joy at the sight of the virtuous, compassion and sympathy for the afflicted, and tolerance towards the indolent and ill-behaved.

- Tattvarthasutra 7.11

To have birth as a human being is rare and that too having five senses and a mind to think. Due to Kshay (Attachment, Anger) the process of Karmabandhan is going on and resulting in the cycle of birth and death. One way of getting rid of Karmabandhan is Nirjara, and Tapasya is one of the best way to do Nirjara. Our Mind is responsible for both Karmabandhan and Liberation. If we have positive thoughts (Shubh Bhav) than we move more towards Liberation and with negative thoughts (Ashubh Bhav) we are more into Karmabandhan. The way brake is a must for a car, similarly tapasaya is a must for control of mind. The way Swan can separate milk and water, similarly tapasaya can lead to separation of Soul and Karma.

Tapasaya should not be done with any intention of fame or getting materialistic gain (Rajsik) nor should it be to get any powers which can be used to harm somebody (Tamsik). Tapasya should be Satvik which means only with intention of purifying our soul and Nirjara of Karma. Even Chakravarti (Winner of 6 Khands) has to do a 3 Upvaas before conquering each khand. Tirthankars who are sure of Liberation (Moksh), they also do Tapsaya, therefore Tapasaya is very important in Jainism. Its irony that human beings are very possessive of their physical attributes, more than one’s soul and thus we are not able to give any trouble to our body. As the saying goes ‘NO GAIN WITHOUT PAIN’, so one has to do Tapasaya to attain liberation. To do Tapasaya in an atmosphere where we have so many delicacies to eat, still one when does tapasaya, he controls his mind from getting distracted. There are twelve (12) types of tap and each tap has its importance in purifying his/her soul. We all should appreciate these souls who are able to do Tapasayas.

Preparations for JAINA Convention 2017 have been proceeding at breakneck pace. All the Jain Centers in North America have been mailed a colorful and descriptive Convention poster with many details about registration and programming. Many Jain centers have reported positive feedback after displaying the poster during Paryushan and Das Laksana observances. Thanks for the enthusiastic support from Jain Centers - over the first 2 weeks, our registration surpassed 1,600 individuals and is continuing to exceed all expectations. The registration fee will increase somewhat after the first 2,500 registrants, so sign up as soon as you can!

By the end of September, the Convention Board will announce details on Convention sponsorship opportunities, souvenir advertising rates, booth rentals, etc. These activities are incredibly important, as registration fees alone do not fully cover the immense costs of holding the convention. In addition, Community participation, including financial support and volunteer service, is a unique opportunity for the entire North American Jain community to come together - students, professionals and retirees - for a Biennial event that celebrates our precious heritage. JAINA Convention is an opportunity to showcase our family values, religious devotion and Jain unity, all of which will be observed and appreciated by the global Jain Community.

Jain Temple of Virginia, had excellent Angi on all eight days of Paryushan for last two years and congratulations to their Angi team for doing amazing, Angi. The temple is just two year old and have Shankheshwar Pashwanath Pratimaji as a Mulnayak. Please enjoy all Angi Darshan including Real Mogra, Cashew nut, Rajma - Mag, Dhoop etc.

On Saturday, 3rd September, Swapna Ceremony as part of Paryushan parva were celebrated with around 500 familes. Dr Jitendra Shah explained the importance of each Swapna and the participating members had the honour to carry each swapna to the stage of the auditorium. The Pathshala Class G graduating students were recognized for their hard work. The participants of Pathshala 2016 Essay Competition were also reognised. The ceremony lasting for several hours concluded with Aarti and Mangal Divo and was followed by Swami Vatsalya Bhojan (dinner) at the spacious cafeteria hall of the above High School for all attendees of the auspicious function. An impassioned appeal was made by Dr. Sushil Jain, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, to ensure regular flow of donations for the building fund so as to expedite construction of the proposed multi-million dollar Shikhar Bandhi temple for which plans and drawings have already been approved.

At this time of the year, many young Jains are heading to college. We highly recommend that you become involved with our College Chapter Project. Participating schools include UPenn, Michigan, Pittsburgh, UT-Austin, Illinois, and Boston University. Want to stay connected to Jainism while pursuing your degree? Want to start your own college youth group? Please visit to learn more about YJA's College Chapter Project!'.