JAINA Program, Prayers & Blessings for the 2004 Parliament Of The World's Religions
Pathways to Peace
Jain Prayers and Blessing
Obeisance Prayer
I bow and seek inspiration from the perfect souls, liberated souls, religious leaders, religious teachers, and all monks and nuns in the world. These five obeisances erase all sins. Offering this obeisance is the most auspicious of all benedictions. [Editors, see also: Namokar Mantra]
Forgiveness Prayer
I grant forgiveness to all living beings. May all living beings grant me forgiveness. My friendship is with all living beings. I have no animosity towards any beings.
Divine Refuge Prayer
I take refuge in the four auspicious and supreme entities of perfected souls, liberated souls, ascetics and the religion expounded by the enlightened.
Universal Blessing Prayer
May the entire universe be blessed. May all beings engage in other's well being. May all weakness, sickness and faults diminish. May everyone and everywhere be healthy, peaceful and blissful.
Program
| Date | Time | Location | Program Description | Speakers |
| 07.07.04 Wednesday | 17:00 - 19:00 | Auditorium | Opening Plenary Session: Jain Blessing Recital of Jain prayers and blessings: Obeisance Prayer, Forgiveness Prayer, Divine Refuge Prayer, and Universal Blessings Prayer.) | HH Amrender Muni HH Devendrakeerty Samani Pratibha Pragya Samani Punya Pragya |
| 08.07.04 Thursday | 9:30 - 11:00 | Room 123 English | The Influence of Religion on Mahatma Gandhi This lecture explores what helped Mahatma Gandhi in learning the philosophy of nonviolence and techniques of passive resistance and civil disobedience. | Dr. Vinod Kapashi Mr. Jyotindra Doshi |
| 08.07.04 Thursday | 11:30 - 13:00 | Room 120 English Spanish | Spiritual Democracy of Jainism - A Precursor of Interfaith Movement The presenter will discuss 'Relative Pluralism' an important teaching of Jainism which aims to resolve differing viewpoints for creating a harmonious society. | Dr. Natubhai Shah |
| 08.07.04 Thursday | 11:30 - 13:00 | Room 123 English | Commitment to Harmony for a Peaceful World A revered Jain monk and an activist will discuss how religion can become a dynamic contributor to a happier pluralistic human community. | Swamiji Devendrakeerty Mr. Sudhir Shah |
| 08.07.04 Thursday | 15:00 - 16:30 | Room 123 English Spanish | Dealing with Anger Compassionately An interactive workshop discussing how to express anger without feeling of guilt or blame, and much more.. | Dr. Hema Pokharna Dr. Manda Pokharna |
| 09.07.04 Friday | 11:30 - 13:00 | Room 115 English | The Ethics of Speaking and Listening The interfaith forum will articulate the issue of speaking and listening as spiritual practice in world's religious traditions. | Ms. Mirka Knaster Dr. Hema Pokharna and other presenters |
| 10.07.04 Saturday | 9:30 - 11:00 | Room 123 English | Peace Equanimity and Stress-free Life by way of Chanting Sacred Hymns This session will include chanting of mantras, explanation of words and philosophy; and experiencing the divine sound and vibrations. | HH Amrender Muniji Dr. Vinod Kapashi |
| 10.07.04 Saturday | 9:30 - 11:00 | Room 124 English | A Holistic Jain Approach to Peace with Reference to the Role of Women. The presentation will include examples of how women can make the society more compassionate. A practicing nun will explain their role in developing a peaceful society. | Mrs. Raksha Shah Samani Pratibha Pragya |
| 11.07.04 Sunday | 9:30 - 11:00 | Multiuse- Room CCIB (1800) English Spanish Catalan | Unity of Minds: A Congregation of Spiritual Leaders with the President of India Dr. Abdul Kalam, President of lndia, celebrated his 73rd birthday with 15 spiritual leaders. This presentation reviews the background of this event, includes the video presentation of the actual birthday party, explains the action plan for righteousness and eradication of poverty by 2020, a recent follow-up by the President; and responses from religious leaders. | Mr. Naresh Jain Mr. Anop Vora Samani Pratibha Pragya Samani Punya Pragya Master Nirav Shah |
| 11.07.04 Sunday | 15:00 - 16:30 | Room 130 English Spanish | Commitment to Non-possessiveness for a Better World The presenter will discuss the religious teachings which promote self-discipline, self- control and self-restraint for a better world. | Mr. Chetanya Kasyap |
| 12.07.04 Monday | 11:30 - 13:00 | Room 120 English | Role of Religion to Protect the Earth This presentation will explore how religion can be a powerful ally for an environmentally sustainable earth. | Mr. Naresh Jain Mr. Pravin Shah |
| 12.07.04 Monday | 15:00 - 16:30 | Room 134 English | Meditation for Inner Happiness This interactive session will demonstrate the process of meditation including breathing techniques, sound vibrations and feel for the flow of energy. | HH Amrender Muniji Mr. Jyotindra Doshi |
| 12.07.04 Monday | 15:00 - 16:30 | Room 111 English Spanish Catalan | Role of Religion to Eliminate Poverty The panelists will highlight the role which can be played by religious comrnunities to improve the lives of the needy. | Swamiji Devendrakeerty Dr. Vinod Kapashi Mary Kirchen Pradeep Ramlal |
| 13.07.04 Tuesday | 8:00 - 9:00 | Room 122 English Spanish Hindi | Jain Prayers, Yoga and Meditation The moming observance will include recital of mantras and prayers; and demonstration of yogic exercises and meditation. | Samani Punya Pragya |
| 13.07.04 Tuesday | 9:30 - 11:00 | Room 123 English | Global Peace and Leadership: A Jain Perspective. The presenters will discuss the role that can be played by the teachings of nonviolence and the multiplicity of viewpoints in Jainism for promoting peace and sustaining leadership globally. | Swamiji Devendrakeerty Mr. Anop Vora Mr. Naresh Jain |
| 13.07.04 Tuesday | 11:30 - 13:00 | Room 132 English Spanish | Active Nonviolence - The Pathway to Peace The inter-religious panel will discuss the divine web of interdependence that needs to be built through the practice of compassion and mutual respect; and address the critical issues of finding a peaceful path. | Mr. Naresh Jain Mr. John Ishvardas-Abdullah Mr. Robert Stuckey Ms. Linda Groff |
| 13.07.04 Tuesday | 11:30 - 13:00 | Room 123 English | Comparative Religion for Understanding the Other This acclaimed presentation will highlight the similarities and philosophical differences of the world's major faiths including; Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Shinto, Taoism and Confucianism. | Mr. Pravin Shah |
| 13.07.04 Tuesday | 11:30 - 13:00 | Room 123 English | Self Discipline, Peace and Spiritual Growth A talk to explore the practical applications and challenges of non-possessiveness or self-restraint for individual normal growth and its relevance to the society. | Mrs. Raksha Shah Mr. Sudhir Shah |