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SAINTS
SHRAMAN SANGH ACHARYAS RECONCILE DIFFERENCES About five year back, some of the decisions of Dr. Shiv Muniji taken in the capacity as Acharya of the Sangh became highly controversial within the saint community. This led to separation by a small group of saints, who formed another group, led by Sri Roop Muniji “Rajat”. Shri Roop Muniji nominated a vetaran saint, Shri Umesh Muniji as Acharya of the dissenting group. Several delegations made repeated efforts for reconciliations but the internal politics of Sangh Members (Sharavaks) blocked all peace efforts. Saints were also too tired of negative media coverage and publicity of the whole issue. Taking lead, Dr. Shiv Muniji during his 2007 Chaturmas at Ambala issued fresh appeal to all the saints to come and work together. This initiative was welcomed by all and positive signals started appearing from other sides too. Everyone was looking for an honourable solution which could be acceptable to all. It was finally resolved that, "Umesh Muniji Maharaj will be designated as “Ganadheesh” of Shraman Sangh and everyone will accept the leadership of Dr. Shiv Muniji as the Acharya of the Sangh".
The members of Executive Committee of All India Sthanakwasi Jain Conference, Shri Kantilal Jain, Shri Sumati Lal Karnawat, Mumbai, Shri Paras Mal Chajjed, Shri Nemi Chand Chopra and Shri Kesrimal Burad played key role in facilitating peace dialogue. We are grateful to Dr. Rajendra Muniji M. S. at Delhi for briefing Ahimsa Times on this issue. Dr. Rajendra Muniji, who is very popular in Sthankwasi Samaj has also inspired the members of Sthanakwasi Samaj to build a Jain institution for research and education at Delhi. Response to this appeal has been very encouraging. Land has been identified & procurement formalities are being completed. The place will be known as “ Navakar Teerth Atishay Kshetra”. For any further information, please contact Ahimsa Times or call on 098-100-46108.
TEMPLES MAHAMASTAKABHISHEK CEREMONY AT BAWANGAJA IN M. P. FROM 27TH JAN. TO 4TH FEB. 08 - The first Mahamastakabhishek ceremony of Bhagwan Shri Adinath, first in this century, is being held after 7 years, The ceremony is being held in the holy presence of Acharya Shri Vidyanandji maharaj and Upadhyay Shri Guptisagar ji maharaj at Bawangaja, Dist. Badwani, in Madhya Pradesh from 27th January to 4th February, 2008. The idol of Bhagwan Adinath is 84 feet tall, one of the tallest in the world. The 'abhishek' will be held on 27th, 29th, 31st January and 2nd and 4th February with 1008 'kalash' on each of these days. It is expected that more than five lakh devotees from all over the country and abraod will participate in these celebrations.Discourses, religious and cultural programmes will be held on all the days.
JAIN SAMAJ DIVIDED OVER 'SAPTRANGI
ABHISHEK' AT BAWANGAJA The 'saptrangi abhishek' of lord Adinath at Babangaja, the Jain religion's one of the most sacred places in the country, is organized every 12th year. Last time also because of some controversy, the 'abhishek' could not take place and now it is after 17 years that the Digamber Jain Samaj has planned 'saptrangi abhishek' from January 20 to February 4 this year. However, going by the whale of protests from a section of the Digamber Jain Samaj, the proposed 'abhishek' seems to have run into rough weather. While describing the 'saptrangi abhishek' as against the religious text, the Samaj youths have threatened an agitation in this regard. So far the 'abhishek' of 84 ft height of 'Bhagwan Bahubali' is being performed through water. However, this year, the Babangaja Barwani Committee has decided to perform 'saptrangi abhishek' which will comprise of sugarcane juice, milk, curd, coconut, water, honey, sandalwood and saffron. All these materials will be rubbed on the statue of Bahubali and it is feared that with the apply of these material, it will lead to development of germs on the statue. Rohit Dhanote, president, Digamber Jain Yuva Sangathan said the idol of lord Adinath is a symbol of the Jain religion's faith and since ancient times 'abhishek' has been performed on the idol of lord Adinath only through water and 'panchamrit'. Some people are trying to break this tradition which is against the religious text, he said. Other people associated with the association said since this historical statue is already facing erosion and undergoing cement treatment for its preservation, the 'saptrangi abhishek' will only cause damage to the statue. Panchkalyanak Pratishtha Mahotsav and the 'saptrangi mahamastabhishek' of lord Adinath at Babangaja in Barwani district is scheduled to be organized from January 20 and it will continue till February 4. A large number of hight-profile dignitaries including the President of India, the Prime Minister, Governors of various states, chief ministers are scheduled to participate in one of the biggest religious congregations of the Jain Samaj. About seven lakh people from various parts of the country and abroad are expected to participate in this religious event.
BHAGWAN MAHAVEER SWAMI
MAHAMASTKAABHISHEK-2008 AT UJJAIN
SECOND DIGAMBAR JAIN MUTT AT
ARIHANTHAGIRI - TIRUMALAI IN TAMILNADU JAINS HURT BY APATHETIC CONDUCT OF RAJASTHAN GOVT. ON KESARIA JI TEMPLE ISSUE - Shri Kesaria ji, near Udaipur in Rajasthanhas been a holy pilgrimage center for the entire Jain community and it has been in the sole custody of Jains. Its ownership of late has fallen into controversy amongst local Hindu pandas, nearby adivasi community and the Jain community. As a result of this controversy, the number of Jains has got reduced to less than 10% and the matter had been moving in the courts of law. In a recent decision of the Supreme Court, the custodianship of the temple and its premises was to be handed over to the Jain community by the State Government, which had earlier been held with the Devasthan Department. The State Government has however, little interest in transferring the ownership from Devasthan Department to Jain community and the matter has been lying in the cold storage for long. It is now for the Jain community at large, to muster strength and show unity to take up the matter seriously with the State Government so that the holy teerth can regain its glory and popularity and maintain its heritage value. CONFERENCES & CEREMONIES
JAIN TRADERS (JITO) RAISE RS. 540 MILLION TO TRAIN IAS ASPIRANTS - Mumbai: In an unexpected move, 36 leading Jain businessmen from India and abroad donated Rs 540 million to set up five academies to train students for the civil services examinations. The donations — each amounting to Rs 15 million — were made following an appeal by Jain spiritual leader Munishri Navapadam Sagarji Maharaj at the Jain International Trade Organisation (JITO) fair at Mumbai. One of the JITO organisers, Girish Shah, said the money collected would be utilised to set up five training academies to prepare students for the prestigious Indian Administrative Services. Admissions will not be restricted only to Jains but deserving students from all sections of society shall be admitted. He added that the first such institute is already functional in New Delhi. The new academies shall be set up by July this year in Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Indore and Chennai. The JITO Triple Grand Event, comprising Multi-Product Trade Fair, International Business and Industry Conference and Jain Pavilion, is being held at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Goregaon. Speaking at the inauguration of a four-day trade fair organised by Jain International Trade Organisation, its President Hemant Shah expressed the desire that every young Jain should be economically empowered so as to employ 1000 individuals each. Stressing on Jain unity, he appealed that the Jains should overcome obstacles that may come in the way of their unity, under the banner of JITO. Munishri Navapadam Sagarji Maharaj, who was instrumental in inspiring devotees for the formation of JITO, gave an example of a Jain collector of Vadodra, who saved the lives of thousands of animals, preventing their slaughter, by making a statement that they are diseased. He said that JITO is the amalgamation of philanthropy, universal brotherhood and the welfare of all living beings. Munishree, who does not like his name or photograph to be carried by the media, said that Ratan Tata has expressed pleasure that Jains are coming together under one banner and described the unity as the ocean of philanthropy.
JAIN DOCTORS' INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE (JDICON 2008)
JAIN DOCTORS CONFERENCE ORGANISED AT, JABALPUR
PROGRAM ON WORLD RELIGIONS IN NEW JERSEY "UNITY IN DIVERSITY" - New Jersey will host seminar ‘World Religions in New Jersey: Unity in Diversity’ on March 08 and 09, 2008, at the Millburn Free Public Library, Millburn (about 15 miles north of Edison). This program has been sponsored by several religious and interfaith centers. For more information, please visit www.worldreligionsnj.i8.com. There is an increasing interest in learning about other cultures and religions for our well being and quality of life. This program will be beneficial to students, young professionals, employees of most organizations, volunteers, and those who frequently communicate with people from different cultures including community & religious representatives, teachers, sales persons, businessmen, nurses and health care professionals. The presentations will describe the basic beliefs of major religions including Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Jainism, Judaism, and Sikhism; as well as the oriental philosophies of Shinto, Taoism and Confucianis, overview of world religions and a question answer session with a panel of representatives from major faiths. For more information contact Mr. Naresh Jain, E-Mail : njain52253@aol.com
V. R. GANDHI MEMORIAL FUNCTION AT UNIVERSITY OF MUMBAI - An intellectual meet of Jainology students was arranged at lecture complex of University of Mumbai on 1st December 2007. The meeting was presided over by Dr. Minal Katarnikar, adjunct reader in Jainology course, Department of philosophy, University of Mumbai. The chief guest of function was Sri Pravin C. Shah, Chair person, VRG Scholarship committee, JAINA of U.S.A. The persons on the dais were Dr.Bipin Doshi, Shri Mahesh Gandhi, Pritiben Shah from Ahmedabad and Sri Prakash Zaveri, president of Jaina Alumni Association of Mumbai. Dr. Minal Katarnikar welcomed all the speakers and invitee of the function. Dr.Minal Katarnikar gave brief Idea about the VRG scholarship and some glimpses of life of Shri Virchand Raghavji Gandhi. Sri Pravinbhai gave full information of the life of Virchand Gandhi, His memorable and price-less service to the Jain community in the world. Sri Pravinbhai gave three distinct points in his lecture 1) Regarding VRG Scholarship 2) Memorial in his remembrance at Mahuva and 3) VRG stamp to be released in India as well as in Canada and U.S.A. Dr.Bipin Doshi spoke for VRG as well as gave new ideas of convention held in U.S.A. Sri Mahesh Gandhi spoke about the stamp release and in general for VRG life. Pritiben has done M.Phill on VRG and she narrated some specific points about VRG like the fight in British parliament. The host of the function was Dr.Bipin Doshi, Trusty and Secretary of Jain Academy Education Research Centre Promotion Trust, Mumbai. (Courtesy: Pravin C. Shah, Chair person, JAINA Shri V. R.Gandhi scholarship & Memorial Committee). Courtsey: Pravin C. Shah E-Mail: pravincshah2k@yahoo.com
INTER-RELIGIOUS CONFERENCE ON
ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION Buddhist leader, Dalai Lama in his speech stressed the need to revive the age-old culture of following concept of ahimsa, which only build a strong and powerful nation. Eminent sadhwi Dr. Sadhna Ji expressed the need to protect the mankind from both internal and external pollution by inculcating the principles of Jainism. Others who spoke on the subject included Acharya Shri Sundersuri ji maharaj of Jain shwetambar murti-pujak sect, Acharya Shri Man Mal ji, Jagadguru Shankaracharya of Dwarkapeeth, Diwan of Ajmer Sharif Dargah, Lama Job Jung, Jathedar Richpal Singh, Swami Pragya nand ji, Mahamandaleshwar Sarvanand ji, Raghavanand ji and Dayanand ji,Sant Rajendra singh, Fr. Karm Masih and Dr. A.K. Merchant. The conference gave ample scope to discuss the subject on environment protection through respective religions of the participants and was an overwhelming success in promoting religious amity, feeing of tolerance toward each other, mutual unity and cohesion among different religions.
FIVE DAYS PREKSHA MEDITATION CAMP AWARDS AND SCHOLARSHIPS
NATIONAL AWARD TO SMT. SUSHILA BOHRA FOR HER SERVICES TO THE BLIND - Smt. Sushila Bohra belonging to Jodhpur in Rajasthan, an eminent social figure and Jain devotee, having been awarded earlier with several awards for her unstinted and dedicated services to the blind people has now been honoured with Sarojini Trilok Nath National Award for the year 2007 by the National Association of the Blind. This award was given by the chief guest at a simple ceremony by General O.P. Malhotra. The award consists of a cash grant of Rs. 50,000 and a letter of appreciation. She has been working selflessly for the last 30 years in the service of blind people of Rajasthan, particularly for their education and rehabilitation. She has set up with public support a residential school for the blind people named, 'Netraheen Vikas Sansthan' , which provides all necessary facilities under one roof for their boarding, lodging, medical help, recreation, play grounds and their education up to post-graduation level, so as to obtain degree from an university. The students are also trained to operate computers with the help of special hardware and software obtained as donation from USA with the help of an N.R.I. The State Government has awarded the best service institution of the year 2007 award to this institution, which was given by the then Governor of Rajasthan, Mrs. Pratibha Patil. Financial support from donors is welcome.
PADAM BHUSHAN AWARD TO SHRI D. R.
MEHTA ANNOUNCED ON EVE OF REPUBLIC DAY
PREM BHANDARI, MEDIA CHAIRMAN,
RANA FELICITATED IN RAJASTHAN
MISCELLANEOUS
NOW A PROSTHETIC HAND WITH WHICH ONE CAN WRITE, EAT AND EVEN DRIVE A CAR - Bangalore: Everyone is familiar with the Jaipur foot, a remarkable innovation where an artificial foot is tailored to suit the Indian lifestyle. Now at the recently organised Jaipur limb camp, at Delhi, a multi-purpose prosthetic hand has been provided with which one can write, eat and even drive a car or ride a bicycle without much difficulty. At the camp, a beneficiary gleefully demonstrated what he could do after being fitted with the Jaipur limb. He jumped, ran and even danced on stage. Addressing the gathering, he said: “I am no different from normal people. I sometimes forget that I have an artificial limb. The camp was organised by Rotary Bangalore, Peenya, in association with Sri Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayatha Samiti, Jaipur and supported by Rotary International District 1250 and 1130. Twelve sample pieces of the prosthetic hand were donated by the U.K. Rotary Club. Participants were provided free board, lodging, calipers, walkers, tricycles, wheelchairs, as well as surgery, if needed. The aim was to reach out to the disabled everywhere.
CHANDRASWAMI (JAIN) AWAITS COURT
NOD TO GO ABROAD Originally called Nemi Chand Jain, Chandraswamy is facing trial in 11 cases of violation of the Foreign Exchange Regulation Act and the stipulated penalties on him could well run into millions of rupees. He was even charged in what was called the St Kitts case that sought to show that another former prime minister, V P Singh had stashed away wealth in a bank in the tiny Caribbean island by allegedly forging the signature of his son, Ajeya Singh. But the charges could not be proved in court. According to him, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi is a prospective prime minister. Modi stood up in this election on his principles and proved to the world that even when his party had forgotten the principles, he still stood by them and this is where he got the political mileage and could be a strong contender for the post of PM.
ABDUCTED BOY, MIHIR JAIN OF JAIPUR
TRACED
JAIN FAMILY OF 180 MEMBERS Rooted to the soil, with farming as its main occupation, the clan is self-reliant and self-sufficient in meeting its needs by harvesting grains such as wheat, maize and corn for consumption and generating income. Besides cultivating cotton, sugarcane and oilseeds, the men are involved in growing a variety of vegetables, including potatoes and onions on their 280 acres of farmland. Living a frugal life, the joint family is financially sound and debt free, with an annual income of Rs.0.8-Rs.1.2 million depending on the monsoon and the market rate for the farm produce. The annual expenditure, largely on farm labour and machinery, is judiciously limited to Rs.1 million. Devout Jains, the family consumes daily about 50 kg of maize, 20 kg of wheat flour and 40 litres of milk, drawn from its huge dairy. Though individual families share different rooms with porticos, all the members converge on the spacious dining hall for meals. Many of them also gather in the common hall upstairs to watch television. The grand family has about 100 votes. In the gram panchayat polls, the family calls the shots in choosing the candidate. The 35-year-old stone mansion is a treasure-trove of antiques, artifacts and collectors' items left behind by successive generations over the last four to five centuries. Courtsey: Mahavir S. Chavan.
JAIN STUDY CIRCULAR NOW AVAILABLE
ON THE WEB SITE Quotations From Scriptures - a logical and systematic presentation of the sophisticated features of the Jain concept of reality by Acharya Umaswati in TATTVAARTH SUTRA. Quotations from the fifth chapter of TATTVAARTH SUTRA have been presented in this issue. ‘Foundations Of An Ideal State Of Mind’ by Dr. Pradyumn Kumar Jain. This article brings out the subtle distinction between the Jain concepts and modern psychology as far as attaining peace and happiness in life is concerned. Religion & Society – The article ‘In The Mirror Of Memories’, Mrs. Raj Kumari Begani has presented a true story, which brings out some undesirable aspects of our religious practices. Straight Talk – The insightful thinker, Mahatma Bhagwan Din, presents a genuine religious system as opposed to antiquated, delusive and pretentious religion in the article ‘ Facets Of True Religion’ Please enjoy some parallels between the scientific approach and the system adopted by Jainism to unravel reality in the article ‘Jainism And Modern Science: A Comparative Study’ by Duli Chandra Jain. The column ‘Observations & Views’ contains the articles: articles ‘Vegetarianism On The Rise’ and ‘Some Observations On Religion’. The issues of past several years are contained in the archives of www.jainstudy.org All are welcome to visit the website of the Jain Study Circle to study, copy, e-mail and/or print the material on our website. Comments and suggestions would be appreciated. (Courtesy: Shri Duli Chandra Jain)
DIKSHA
CEREMONY 2. Mumukshu Sonal Mehta aged, 18 years, daughter of shri Amolak Chand ji Mehta of Beawar in Rajasthan accepted Jain diksha on the 29th November, 2007 in the holy presence of Acharya Shri Gyanesh. She has studied up to 12th Std. and learnt various sutra from Agams.
DIKSHA INVITATION COMMENTS FROM READERS
STOP KITE-FLYING; SAVE BIRDS Madam, you are a good social activist of our country, at least you can better understand about the matter. I am sending following pictures of birds injured by kites. We should not interfere in there freedom. God has gifted them sky for fly, not earth. Makar Sakranti is a religious festival. As per our holy religious books and religious saints / gurus, we should remember to our god on this holy day and we should donate to poor and needy persons but not kill to any bird even a small ant. Our Indian culture also does not allow the killing to others. For this reason, Pakistan govt. had also banned the kite flying and imposed a fine of Rs 1 lac for kite flying. You can see news cutting of our leading news paper 'Hindustan' dated 09.02.2007 for the same. Sunjay Jain, President, Vishwa Jain Sangathan ,Mob : 9312278313, E-Mail: vishwajains@yahoo.com
SAPTRANGI ABHISHEK
Dear friends,
BIRD FLUE IN WEST BENGAL/ MAD COW IN U.K/CANADA ETC. Does Jainism permits such killings? and if no, then please find the way by contacting our learned Jain monks that how to stop such killings . Presently more then a Lakh birds are likely to be killed in West Bengal, but no Jain Saint/ Jain group/ Jain society or Jain community has opposed it. Non-opposition represents that Jainism allow such killings in these circumstances . Hemendra Jain E-Mail : hemendra_in@yahoo.com
Devlok gaman
- Sri saurabh muni |
