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"A true monk is one
who is not proud of his own lineage, beauty, gains and scriptural
knowledge.
Thus discarding all pride, he remains deeply immersed in the spiritual
contemplation."
JAIN SAINTS
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ACHARYA
MAHAPRAGYA'S MESSAGE TO DR. MANMOHAN SINGh- THE NEW PRIME MINISTER OF
INDIA
One
cannot think of a healthy individual and healthy society in the absence of
healthy economic order. We consider your elevation as the Prime Minister
of India an indication of a bright future for the country. You are capable
of transforming the economic order of this country in such a way that the
people living below the poverty line may fulfil their basic needs and may
stay away from the line of affluence.
In the course of our long Ahimsa Yatra the heart-rending spectacle of
starving tribals that we saw in villages cannot even be imagined by those
who live in towns and cities. Unless the ever-increasing gulf between the
economic system and morality is bridged, economic prosperity may be
beneficial for some people but not for all. I firmly believe that the
transfer of power into the hands of a worthy person like you will pave the
way for the creation of a healthy society.
It is a fact that paucity of money is the cause of increasing violence in
society, but it is also a fact that the impact of economic affluence is no
less responsible for this spurt of violence. The greatest solution of the
problem of the present lies in an economic system as well as in a social
order which might be free from both poverty and plenty. We are sure that
you have in you a potential to solve this problem. If you succeed in it,
it will mean an experience of a new lifestyle for the individual, society
and nation. I
Wish you success in your endeavor.
Acharya Tulsi, and all those connected with Anuvrat movement have always
had the privilege of cordial relations with you. Now again our next Yatra
to Delhi is scheduled in 2005. There is a possibility of our meeting and
continuation of this dialogue. We have tried to find out the causes of
violence during our Ahimsa Yatra. It will be worthwhile if we can share
our vision and also think over it. - With blessings,
Acharya Mahapragya
(
In picture Muni Lokprakash 'Lokesh' is delivering Acharya Mahapragya's
Message to Dr. Manmohan Singh in Delhi.)
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BIRTH
DAY CEREMONY OF ACHARYA MAHAPRAGYA AT RASHTRAPATI BHAWAN
On
the occasion of 85th birth day of Terapanth Acharya, Shri Mahapragya Ji,
President Abdul Kalam at a simple ceremony urged the countrymen to take
active part in social development of the masses. He appealed to people who
go for worships, prayers and darshan of dharm-gurus to accept at least one
of the following pledges in the larger interest of the nation and in the
name of the God:
1. To keep away from corruption and bribery.
2. To avoid quarrels between familis and family members.
3. To withdraw court cases concerning family differences.
4. To support five students for their studies.
5. To build tank for water storage in villages on community basis.
6. To plant at least five fruit-bearing trees.
The President desired that religious saints and gurus should themselves
take these pledges so as to motivate the devotees also to follow the same
sincerely. The ceremony was attended and addressed by eminent religious
leaders, including Muni Shri Lok Prakash Lokesh and Muni Shri Prashant
Kumar from Jain Terapanth, Swami Jitatmanand, Maulana Vaheedudeen, Swami
Bal Gangadhar nath, Jilani Ashraf saheb, Jagatguu Shiv Kirti and others.
Many members of Parliament and eminent citizens also attended the
function. Dr. L.M. Singhvi, M.P. and Chancellor, Jain Vishwa Bharati
presided over the function.
JAIN TEMPLES
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JAIN
GOLDEN TEMPLE AT FALNA (RAJ.) ATTRACTING LARGE NUMBER OF DEVOTEES
A newly built Jain temple at Falna situated on the Jaipur-Ahmedabad
highway near Ranakpur is already attracting large number of devotees and
pilgrims. The construction of the main temple, belonging to bhagwan Sri
Shankheshwar Parashwa Nath Ji was completed just a few months ago and as
reported in the June issue of Ahimsa Times, its installation and
pratishtha ceremony was conducted in the last month in the presence of
Vice-President, Shri Bhairon Singh Shekhawat. The main specialty of the
temple is that its entire structure, including all the walls, roofs,
pillars, doors, windows, steps, domes and shikhar are all painted with
thick layer of gold. It is said that the women from Jain families of the
town and near-by, spared their gold ornaments and donated the same to
temple authorities for construction of this golden temple. The main idol
of bhagwan Parashwa Nath Ji is made in black granite and is about two feet
tall. Other facilities at the temple are fast coming up which include
modern rooms for stay, elevators, bhojan shala, Prayer hall, library, etc.
The temple being situated right in the centre of the town and in a heavily
crowded area, parking of vehicles is going to be difficult.
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ILLEGAL
OCCUPATION AT GIRNAR TIRTH
It is most unfortunate to learn that the fifth peak of Mount Girnar,
declared as 'Digambar Jain Siddh Kshetra', located close to Junagarh town
in Gujarat, the holy and sacred place of Deeksha, Keval gyan and finally
Moksh of the 22nd Jain Tirthankar, Shri Neminath Bhagwan has been recently
occupied illegally by the Hindu Mahants and fanatics and a Hindu idol has
also been installed on this peak. The condition of Girnar Kshetra has been
thus deteriorating day by day and there is no action from the Government
side to stop and remove the unauthorised and totally illegal occupations.
The entire Jain community should feel concerned about this happening and
take appropriate action at whatever levels, necessary. The Civil Court of
Junagarh had earlier given an stay order on any construction work at this
place on a petition filed by the local mahants in the year 1984 and the
cases had been withdrawn by the mahants in the year 1996. When tha Hindu
mahants again tried to take up construction in April, 2004, Gujarat High
Court was moved by the Digambar samaj and a stay order was again passed.
However, in spite of the stay orders, illegal occupation has been resumed
by the mahants. It is therefore necessary to condemn the illegal and
unethical communal act aimed at destroying the ancient character of the
revered place of worship and to request the Government to remove all
illegal construction and statue erected there so as to restore originality
and sanctity of the place. Shri Nirmal Kumar Sethi, President of the All
India Digambar Jain Teerth Sanrakshini Mahasabha has also taken up the
matter with the Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Narendra Modi and
requested him to immediately intervene in the matter.
GURU
POORNIMA CELEBRATIONS AT MANDOLI, MEMORIAL - SHRI SHANTI VIJAY JI MAHARAJ
Mandoli
town situated in the Jalore district of south-western Rajasthan is
well-known for the temple built in the memory of miraculous Yogi Raj Shri
Shanti Vijay Ji Maharaj. There are large number of followers and devotees
of the saint fro all over the country, who pour in thousands to pay homage
to the saint on the day of Guru Poornima. A giant complex is now coming up
in close vicinity of the temple, which will house modern dharm-shala,
Bhojan shala, Upasraya, Guest house, library, art gallery and other
facilities. This year, the celebrations were held with great enthusiasm
and religious fervour on the 2nd July, 2004. Religious programmes, like
aarti, prayers and discourses were held through out the day.
ANCIENT
IDOL OF BHAGWAN MAHAVIR RECOVERED NEAR SHAMLI (U.P.)
An
impressive and rare idol of Bhagwan Mahavir supposed to belong to 4th
century has been recovered recently during excavations at a village,
Purmafi, about 72 km. from Shamli town in western Uttar Pradesh. The idol
after recovery was brougt to a near-by village, Gadhi Pukhta and
sanctified by the Digambar Jain saint, Shri 108 Arun Sagar Ji at a Jain
temple there.The temple was then declared by the saint as 'Atishay Kshetra'.
Earlier also, idols of Tirthankars, Tamra-patra and other materials of use
in temples belonging to ancient period has been obtained during
excavations at this place.
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ANCIENT
JAIN IDOLS RECOVERED NEAR UDAIPUR
Jain
idols of Tirthankars belonging to 3rd century have been recently recovered
near Udaipur at Chhota Bedala village during excavations for a water tank.
The tallest of the idols, of Bhagwan Mahavir, made od white marble is
having 2 ft.height and 1.5 ft. width. The other one of Bh Parashwa nath Ji
is 1.5 ft. tall and 6 in. wide.There are few other idols of Bhagwan
Adinath, Devi Padamavati and others. On one of them, Samvat 293 and month
Vaishakh is engraved.
EXPERTS
CONFIRM IDOLS DISCOVERED IN CHANDIGARH ARE JAIN SCULPTURES
The
authenticity of the Jain sculptures discovered in June by construction
workers while digging at old Shiv Temple at Burail, has been established.
The sculptures belong to the 13th and 14th centuries and will be
show-cased in the City Museum. A new section called 'Cultural Heritage of
Chandigarh' is being created at the museum to display the 16 sculptures
that are representations of Ajitnath, the 2nd Tirthankara, Suvidhinath,
the 9th, Dharmanath, the 15th, Kunthunath, the 17th, and Aranath, the 18th
Tirthankara. The sandstone sculptures with broken heads, hands and torsos
covered with lime deposits are currently being restored at the museum by
technicians. According to experts, the condition of the sculptures
strongly indicated that they were kept in Jain temples that might have
been desecrated by invaders. He said, "Broken idols aren't
worshipped. They were perhaps buried in the earth to prevent them from
further sacrilege. Even in their present state, the idols are very
valuable."
JAIN
TEMPLE LOOTED AT AGALOOR, TAMILNADU
July
9: Burglars gained entry into a Jain temple in Agaloor Village near Gingee
and decamped with gold jewellery worth 22 sovereigns besides the cash
collection of Rs 3,0000. According to police, burglars entered the temple
by breaking open the doors late last night, took away gold and cash.
Following a complaint from the temple trustee Bheemanatha Nainar, Gingee
police have registered a case and are investigating.
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TWO
JAIN TEMPLES IN WAYANAD, KERALA TO BE PROTECTED
Thiruvananthapuram,
Jul 13 - The Tourism Department in Kerala has identified two Jain temples
in Wayanad district for protection with the help of the Archaeology
Department, State Tourism Minister P Sankaran, informed the Kerala
Assembly. The temples selected are Janardhana temple at Puthanangadi and
Krishnagudi temple. The Archaeology Department is taking necessary steps
to preserve these temples without causing damage to their original design.
DISCOVERY
OF JAIN IDOLS AT KHAMBHAT, GUJARAT
July
09, 2004 Jain residents in Khambhat ( Anand Dist.) Gujarat were jubilant
to see the discovery of 65 idols at a construction site in the town.
Inscriptions on them suggested that they were over 900 years old.
Community members believe excavation might uncover a Jain temple belonging
to Tirthtankar Nemnath Swami. Officials have taken the idols in their
custody and are awaiting a team of archaeologists. "The structures
include that of temple 'Parikar' and 'Gaadi'. The year inscribed on the
plaques range from 1001 to 1130 of the Vikram calendar. This puts the
structures at over 900 years old. Also, the idol of Ambica Devi is usually
found in temples of Tirthankar Nemnath Ji. Khambhat has 72 Jain temples
and excavation at the site can yield more idols. "Khambhat has 27
names, including 'Stambhpur'. The excavation has established a connection
with these historical name as most of the structures unearthed from the
site are usually used in pillars (stambhs) in Jain temples," says
Dinesh Za-veri, representative of Anandji-Kalyanji Trust, which looks
after several Jain temples in the country. News courtesy : Mr. Yashwant
Malaiya, Email: ymalaiya@yahoo.com.
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VILLAGE
HOOLIGANS RANSACK TEMPLE OFFICE AT NAKODA TEERTH IN RAJASTHAN
July
10th, 2004. Few persons from a near-by village, Mewanagar, belonging to
Bhil community, probably in drunken state, entered the gate of Jain Temple
at Nakoda, 120 km. from Jodhpur during night time and tried to ransack the
office furniture and cut the telephone line. They had brought with them
iron rods, hockey sticks, axe etc. A scuffle between the temple security
staff and the hooligans followed for about half an hour, when the local
police from near-by Balotara town arrived on the scene and took away the
culprits. The trouble started when the driver of a tractor belonging to
village surpanch hit the car of a devotee and the car driver complained
against him and got him detained in the temple. The security of the temple
has since then been strengthened and a Police chowki has also been
established there.
ONCE
OBSCURE AND ANCIENT JAIN TEMPLE IN KANGRA (H.P.) ATTRACTS MANY PILGRIMS
Kangra
town, otherwise a centre of Buddhist culture in Himachal Pradesh,
possesses the unique distinction of having the only one Jain temple in the
entire state of Himachal Pradesh, which is popularly known as 'Dev Bhumi'.
This temple, though an extremely ancient one, dating back to Mahabharat
period, had been lying completely obscure and unknown till the year 1990,
when it was renovated and a new idol of first Tirthankar, Bhagwan Rishabh
Dev was brought from Ranakpur and installed here. Muni Shri Punya Vijay Ji
maharaj had first discovered this temple from the ruins in the year 1947
and brought it to light before the Jain community.
The story about the temple, which establishes its ancient nature, reveals that it belonged to the era of 22nd Tirthankar Bhagwan Shri Neminath Ji. During Mahabharat war, when king Susharma Chandra, fighting on behalf of Duryodhan was defeated by Pandavas at Virat nagar, he became a Jain and with a sense of remorse, built a Jain temple there devoted to Shri Adi nath Ji. For many centuries since then, the temple remained totally obscure. It is believed that once flourishing with Jain culture, this region, influenced by Buddhist monks, totally got converted into Buddhist society, so much so that all the remains of Jain religion and culture were lost. The temple is now once again attracting increasing number of pilgrims, devotees and archaeologists for its ancient nature and the ruins still existing there for the study of researchers. Adequate facilities of dharma shala and Bhojan shala are now available at the temple premises. Address: Shri Shwetambar Jain Kangra Teerth Prabandhak Committee, Post Kangra, H.P. - 176001 Phone: 01892-265187. Courtesy: Oswal Mahima, June, 2004.
DEMOLITION
OF JAIN TEMPLE IN BOMBAY
Bombay
High Court has ordered demolition of Jain Temple in Ghatkopar (west) in
Bombay and such demolition can take place any time after 26-July 2004
The order was passed on June 9,2004. in the Bombay High Court under
the Honorable Judges A.P.Shah and S.U.Kamdar. Information Courtsy:
Nishith Shah e:mail: nshahmaulik@yahoo.co.uk
JAIN INSTITUTIONS
COIMBATORE
JAINS OPENS A HOME FOR ORPHANED COWS
July
08, 2004, This is a true example of love for animals. Coimbatore Jains are
running a home for orphaned cows. The "Gaushala" has animals
which have been adopted or donated. The cattle shed currently caters to
more than 700 heads of cattle. The daily expenditure is approximately Rs.
30,000. Besides giving fodder and nutrient-rich water the shed also has
employed qualified veterinarians to look after the animals. The cowshed is
run by people from the Jain community who have migrated from Gujarat.
GARDI TRUST TO SETUP MODERN HOSPITAL AND MEDICAL COLLEGE AT JUNAGARH
Shri
Deep Chand Gardi Charitable Trust has taken a decision to build a 500 bed
modern hospital with latest facilities along-with a medical college at
Junagarh in Gujarat. The hospital complex will include an exclusive Cancer
hospital and a Kidney Institute. The Government of Gujarat has allotted 58
acres of land to the Trust for this purpose.
ADMISSIONS
OPEN AT MUMBAI , SHREE PARSHWANATH JAIN VIDYALAY VARKANA HOSTEL
For
the Jain students looking for hostel accomodation a new hostel is
available at Mumbai with all modern facilities including Library campus
etc. The term fees (Six Months) is Rs. 2100. Interested students may
contact Shri Chandmalji Hingad, Smt. Kusumben Chunnilal Shri Shrimal Boys
Hostel , Plot no.359, Kusum Vihar, 100 feet Chauda Rasta, Opp. Banjara
Sotel, Virar (W) , Mumbai , Maharashtra 401 303 Tel: 022 28768211/ 022
28737705. Information courtesy : Mr. Panks Jain, Email : pajarotouch@yahoo.com.
BH. MAHAVIR GOSHALA AT COIMBATORE TO PRODUCE MEDICINE FROM COW URINE
A
goshala, run by the Coimbatore Animal Welfare Society, plans to start a
laboratory to produce medicines out of cow urine and fertilisers from
cowdung. The Bhagwan Mahaveer Goshala, set up two years ago on 25 acres of
land near Pollachi Road, to protect the animals, particularly cows, seized
by various agencies on way to slaughter houses or to neighboring Kerala,
has nearly 800 animals now. With the presence of a large number of cows,
the society plans to start a laboratory to produce medicine from cow
urine. It is also proposed to manufacture fertilisers and manure
from cowdung and the income would be used to look after the animals,
for which an average of Rs 5 lakh are being spent per month. The society
also plans to start an old-age home. The services of the inmates would be
utilized to look after the animals. The goshala already has 10 permanent
cowsheds to accommodate about 350 animals and another 10 sheds will
be added.
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Dear
Shri Natu Bhai Shah, Dr. Jag Mohan Humar , Dr. Pierre Amiel, Prof.
Cromwell Crawford, Board
of Trustees of Ahimsa Foundation feels privileged to have you on the in
the advisory board of the foundation . We thank you for your consent and
hope under your expert guidance the foundation will work more effectively
and achieve its objectives as laid out in the following mission
statement. |
CHATURMAS CHATURMAS OF JAIN SAINTS (Continued from last issue)
Jain
Digambar sect:
1. Acharya Shri Devanandi Ji maharaj: Aurangabad
2. Acharya Shri Bharat Sagar Ji maharaj: Kuchaman city,
Rajasthan
3. Acharya Shri Pushpadant Sagar Ji maharaj: Mumbai
4. Acharya Shri Abhinandan Sagar Ji maharaj: Khandwa,
M.P.
5. Acharya Shri Shanti Sagar Ji maharaj: Gandhi nagar,
Delhi.
6. Acharya Shri Suvidha Sagar Ji maharaj: Obri,
Dungarpur Rajasthan
7. Acharya Shri Kushagranandi Ji maharaj: Bundi,
Rajasthan
8. Acharya Shri Sanmati sagar Ji maharaj: Khamira,
Rajasthan
9. Acharya Shri Vipul Sagar Ji maharaj, Paloda,
Rajasthan
10. Acharya Shri Chandra Sagar Ji maharaj, Dungarpur, Rajasthan
11. Acharya Shri Rayan Sagar Ji maharaj: Ayad, Udaipur, Rajasthan
12. Acharya Shri Kumudnandi Ji maharaj: Nandgaon, Nasik.
13. Acharya Shri Padamnandi Ji maharaj: Devalgaon, Dist. Buldhana,
Maharashtra.
14. Acharya Shri Vivek Sagar Ji maharaj: Alwar, Rajasthan.
15. Muni Shri Tarun Sagar Ji Maharaj: Nasik
16. Muni Shri Dharmnandi Ji: Udaipur Rajasthan
17. Muni Shri Hit Sagar JI Maharaj: Munged, Rajasthan
18. Muni Shri Shrut nandi Ji Maharaj: Niwai, Rajasthan
19. Muni Shri Gun Sagar Ji Maharaj: Tonk, Rajasthan
20. Muni Shri Sukumal Nandi Ji maharaj: Indore
21. Muni Shri Veer Sagar Ji maharaj: Mandsore
22. Muni Shri Surdev Sagar Ji Maharaj: Shrawan Bel Gola, Karnatak
23. Muni Shri Sudha Sagar Ji Maharaj: Surat.
24. Muni Shri Saurabh Sagar Ji Maharaj: Yamuna Vihar, Delhi
25. Muni Shri Prabal Sagar Ji Maharaj: Yamuna Vihar, Delhi
26. Muni Shri Pushp Dant Sagar Ji Maharaj; Podan Pur, Borivalli
(E), Mumbai
27. Muni Shri Meru Bhushan Ji maharaj: Hubli, Karnatak.
28. Muni Shri Prasann Sagar Ji maharaj: Dispur, Guvahati, Assam.
Jain
Shwetambar Murti-Pujak sect
1. Acharya Shri Vijay Virendra Suri Ji Maharaj:
Atma-Vallabh Vihar, Rohini, New Delhi.
2. Acharya Vijay Janak Chandra Suri Ji Maharaj: "
" New Delhi
3. Acharya Shri Vijay Nityanand Ji maharaj: "
" "
4. Acharya Shri Vijay Dharm Dhurandhar Suri Ji maharaj:
" "
5. Acharya Vijay Vasant Suri Ji maharaj: Calcutta
6. Acharya Shri Jaykumar Suri Ji and Muktiprabh Suri Ji
maharaj: Calcutta
7. Acharya Vijay Jayantsen Suri Ji maharaj: Bagh, M.P.
8. Acharya Vijay Ghosh Suri Ji maharaj: Goregaon,
Bombay
9. Acharya Navratna Suri Ji maharaj: Gandhi Nagar,
Gujarat
10. Acharya Shri Gunsheel Suri Ji maharaj: Ahmedabad
11. Acharay Shri Nayan Vardhan Suri Ji (Suriram samudaya): Paldi (Ahmedabad)
12. Upadhyay Jay Ratna Vijay Ji maharaj: Nava Vadaj, Ahmedabad
13. Muni Shri Manogya Sagar Ji maharaj: Phalodi, Rajasthan
14. Muni Shri Mahimprabh Sagar, Lalit Prabh Sagar and Chandraprabh
Sagar Ji: Bhilwara.
15. Muni Shri Veer Ratna Vijay Suri Ji maharaj: Indore
16. Muni Shri Poorna Chandra Suri Ji maharaj: Sripal Nagar, Mumbai.
Jain
Shwetambar Sthanakwasi sect
1. Acharya Shri Hira Chand Ji Maharaj, 9 thana: Bangalore
2. Upadhyay Shri Man Chandra Ji maharaj, Gautam Muni, thana 5:
Jaipur
3. Pravartak Muni Shri Amar Muni and Shri Ratan Muni: Ludhiana
4. Sadhwi pramukha Shri Sayar Kanwar Ji maharaj, thana 3: Jodhpur.
5. Muni Shri Pravin Rishi Ji and Shri Subhash Muni Ji maharaj:
Indore
6. Muni Shri Shanti Chand Ji and Shri Rakesh Muni Ji
maharaj:Shalimar Bagh,New Delhi
7. Muni Shri Sumati Prakash Ji
Maharaj: Rishabh Vihar, Delhi.
Jain
Shwetambar Terapanth sect
1. Acharya Shri Mahapragya: Siriyari, Rajasthan.
2. Muni Shri Sanjay Kumar and Muni Shri Prakash Kumar: Latur
3. Muni Shri Lok Prakash Ji Lokesh: Delhi.
4. Muni Shri Sumer Mal Ji maharaj, Hyderabad
RECENTLY PUBLISHED BOOKS ON JAINISM
JAINA SANSKRITI KOSA (in three volumes)An Encyclopedia of Jainism in Hindi, Ed. Prof. Bhagchandra Jain Bhaskar, Volume I 'Jaina Itihasa, Sanskriti, Kala evam Puratatva', 2002 220 x 140 mm 608 pp, Volume II 'Jaina Adhyatmika evam Darsanika Cetana', 2002 220 x 140 mm 391 pp, Volume III 'Jaina Sanskritika Cetana', 81 87566 46 9 (Set) Hardcover Rs. 3000.00 for the set. The Jaina Sanskriti Kosa is an exhaustive compendium of informed and well researched essays on Jaina history; the historicity of Jaina culture; Jaina Art; Jaina Architecture; Literature; Sects; Code of Conduct; Ethics; Philosophy; Science; Jina Bhakti; Tantra; Mantra; the Jaina community; Jaina places of pilgrimage; the Jaina Doctrine and contemporary Jaina society.
TATTVARTHASLOKAVARTIKAM
(Sanskrit) By Vidyanandi, Being the most exhaustive Digambara tika on,
Umasvati's 'Tattvarthasutra', Ed. by Pt. Manoharlal Nyayasastri, First
published 1918 in Mumbai by, "Nirnayasagara Press", 2002 250 x
185 mm 512 pp Hardcover Rs. 600
DHURTAKHYANA (Prakrit, Sanskrit, Gujarati) By Haribhadra Suri, With an English critical essay by Dr. A.N. Upadhye, Original Prakrit text, Sanghatilaka's Sanskrit version and Old Gujarati Prose rendering, Ed. by Muni Jinavijaya, First published 1944 in Mumbai by "Singhi Jaina Granthamala", 2002 250 x 180 mm 154 pp Hardcover Rs. 250/-
NYAYAVATARAVARTIKAVRTTI (Sanskrit - Hindi) By Santisuri of the Purnatalagaccha, Based on Siddhasena Divakara's 'Nyayavatara Sutram', Ed. by Pt. Dalsukh Malvaniya, First published 1949 in Mumbai by "Singhi Jaina Granthamala", 2002 248 x 185 mm 515 pp, Hardcover Rs. 600.
These books can be obtained from: Mr. Manish Modi, Hindi Granth Karyalay, 9, Hirabaug, C.P. Tank, Mumbai 400004. Phone: + 91 - (0) 22 - 23826739, Email: manish.modi@mtnl.net.in Web: www.hindibooks.8m.com
FEED-BACK FROM VIEWERS
CONTROVERSIES
AND OBSERVATIONS ON THE DIKSHA OF BAL SADHVI PRIYAL
Prakash
Jhaberi of the Shvetambara Murtipujak Mahamandal which “organised”
Priyal’s diksha ceremony is vehement: “Bal sadhviji (Priyal) does not
fall under any of the categories in the Juvenile Justice Act that define
‘a child in need of protection’.’’ In Pune, religious head Harsh
Sagarji, who anointed Priyal, says: “They are upset by the whole
controversy. But Priyal is now no longer any ones daughter, she belongs to
the sangh and the entire Jain society."
As the court navigates through this perplexing debate, the wishes of Priyal—ostensibly religiously inclined—are paramount. Child Welfare Committee, Chairperson Dr Nilima Mehta says, “We will certainly take her desires into account.” She is convinced of the need to palliate some of the harsh strictures of the ascetic life Priyal currently follows. “This life holds immense peace and self-fulfillment. It is the only true path,” says sagacious Vinamra Sagarji (16), a bal sadhu who embraced asceticism when he was 11: “My mother wanted at least one of her three sons to be a sadhu.” Priyal’s training involved studying lives of the great saints through Jainism’s 2,000-year history. She now relates powerful, fantastic stories of past Jain saints who embraced the harsh ascetic life even before they turned five.
Dr Rajeev Jain ,Sagar (MP) says, BAL DIKSHA has aroused many queries and samaj seems to be divided whether this is good in real sense.The religion called Jainism has been progressive and logical and changes with time are accepted. To quote that at Lord Mahavira's time baldiksha per se was prevalent may be true but nobody knows that some extraordinary persons having mental age well ahead to their chronological age were allowed to leave home and became sadhu / sadhvi .My humble suggestion is, if a brain still not mature to understand reality of life and if finds Diksha another play then basic cause will be defeated. As anyone who enters this path has to control his or her wishes and temptation willingly and failing in that one can understand a person in Clad of sadhu /sadhvi may also have KAMA KRODH KASHAYA as general GRAHSTHYA. A judicious and limited Diksha should be given by Acharyas of Digambar as well Shwetembara sect to maintain purity in sainthood. Real gems are to be selected by Acharyas they may be few who can lead this SAMAJ to right direction and may guide our ATMAN to rest to MOKSHA. e.mail rajeev@yahoo.com
CONFERENCES & EVENTS
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VICE PRESIDENT RELEASES POSTAGE STAMP ON ACHARYA BHIKSHU
On
30th June 2004, Indian Postal department has issued a multi-colored
commemorative postage stamp on the founder of the Terapanth Sect, Aacharya
Bhikshu. Two special functions were organized to release this Rs.5/-
stamp. The first function was organised at the residence of Vice President
of India, Shri Bhairo Singh Shekhavat at New Delhi. Second release
function was organized at Siriyari (Distt. Pali, Rajasthan) where Acharya
Bhikshu had attained Nirvana.
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Aacharya Bhikshu was the man of revolutionary ideas who was propelled to react after he made an intense study of ancient texts and became acutely aware of not only their misinterpretation, but also the distorted version of religion prevalent in society. He was born on the thirteenth day of the waxing moon in the month of Ashad in the Vikram Samvat year 1783, in the village of Kantaliya in Pali District, Rajasthan. He took to ascetic life under the guidance of Acharya Raghunathji. He set out from the village of Bagadi expressing his disenchantment with conservative fundamentalists, false beliefs and blind faith and reached Kelba in Mewar, Rajasthan. There he took a vow and established the Terapanth religious Sangha on June 28,1760. Aacharya Bhikshu was a philosopher saint, perceptive writer, sensitive poet and social reformer. He composed about 38000 shlokas and his writings have been compiled in two volumes as "Bhikshu Granth Ratnakar". Among his compositions, 'Nav Padarth Sadbhav", is regarded as a significant philosophical composition that deals exhaustively with the nine gems of Jain philosophy advocated a society free of exploitation. He gave to the world knowledge about the different premises of religion and society. He said wherever there is goodness and truth is conducive, irrespective of caste, creed or place to the well-being of the society. Help rendered to the suffering, exploited and helpless was labeled by him as duty, responsibility and social obligation; he gave the clarion call for a revolution in society. Aacharya Bhikshu attained eternal bliss in the Vikram Samvat year 1860 at Siriyari, Rajasthan. Information courtesy: Mr. Sudhir Jain, E-mail : mrsudhirjain@yahoo.com.
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JAIN
DOCTORS TO HOLD SECOND INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE AT MUMBAI IN JAN. 2005
In
view of the over-helming response and success of the first International
Conference held last year at Shri Mahavir Ji, it has been planned to
organise a similar conference of Jain doctors at Mumbai on 8th and 9th
January, 2005. It is expected that many more doctors from various
countries will participate in this gathering of medical professionals and
share their rich experiences. For further details, please contact:
Dr. M.M. Bengani, National President, 78, Lady Ratan Tata Medical Centre,
Koprej, M.K. Road, Mumbai- 400021. Mob.: 098200-38850. Courtesy:
Oswal Mahima, June, 2004.
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TERAPANTH SAMANI PRATIBHA PRAGYA TO ATTEND THE THIRD PARLIAMENT OF WORLD RELIGIONS
Samani
Pratibha Pragya, disciple of Acharya Mahaprajna has been invited to
participate in 'Third Parliament Of World Religions' at Barcelona, Spain
from July 7th to 13th 2004. She will recite Jain prayers and blessings at
the inauguration session where several other religious leaders from around
the World will participate. 'Ahimsa - A Holistic Approach Of Peace'
will be the subject of her forty five minutes lecture. She will also
report on the activities initiated by the 'Unity Of Minds'- Programme
noted in the ' Surat Spiritual Declaration. Please
Click here to read the report on Parliament Proceedings.
FESTIVALS
THE PARYUSHANA PARVA BY MR. YASHWANT K. MALAIYA
The
origin of Paryushana is related to the staying of the monks in one place
for the rainy season. "Paryushana" is staying of the monks in
one place. In popular terminology this stay is termed "chaturmaasa"
because the rainy season is regarded to be about four months. However the
minumum duration of Paryushana is regarded to be 70 days. For this minimum
duration, Paryushana must be initiated by panchami (fifth day) of the
shukla phase of the Bhadrapada month. In the scriptures it is described
that Lord Mahavira used to start Paryushana on Bhadrapada Shukla panchami.
The
date for the Paryushana festival is thus Bhadrapada Shukla panchami for
both major sects. Because of computational and other differences there can
be some minor differences among various subsects. Recently there have been
an attempt to get everyone to agree to use the same date...........
Please
click here to continue..........
NO CONCURRENCE AMONGST JAIN SECTS ON DATES FOR OBSERVING PARYUSHAN PARVA.
It is rather unfortunate that different sects amongst Shwetambar Jain community have not been able to decide common dates for observing Paryushan parva. There are two months of Shravan this year and some are observing it in the first month while others are observing it in the second month of Shravan. Each of the
groups have their own opinion to offer. Had there been some understanding amongst Acharyas of different sects, this situation could have been avoided. The dates announced by different sects are
:
| Sthanakwasi sect: | ||
| 1. Shraman Sangh | 11th September | - 18th September, 2004 |
| 2. Poojya Hasti Mal Ji Sampraday | 13th August | - 20th August, 2004 |
| 3. Poojya Jay Mal Ji Sampraday | 13th August | - 20th August, 2004 |
| 4. Poojya Nana Lal Ji Sampraday | 13th August | - 20th August, 2004 |
| 5. Poojya ChampalalJi Sampraday | 11th September | - 18th September, 2004 |
| Terapanthi Sect |
11th September |
- 18th September, 2004 |
Moorti Poojak sect: |
||
| Teen Thvi | 13th August | - 20th August, 2004 |
| Chaar Thvi | 11th September | - 18th September, 2004 |
Jain Digambar Sect |
18th September |
- 27th September, 2004 |
Note: In some cases, within the same sect/subsect different dates may be observed at different places. Therefore, you may please recheck the information.
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NEXT MAHAMASTHAKABHISHEKHA OF BH. SRI BAHUBALI IN FEBRUARY 2006
Shravanabelagola
(Karnataka), The first head anointing (Mahamasthakabhishekha)
ceremony of this century of Bhagawan Sri Bahubali of Shravanabelagola will
be celebrated in the month of February 2006 as stated by Paramapujya
Jagadguru Karmayogi Swastiri Charukeerthi Bhattarakha Swamiji. This
historical event bears great testimony since the time of installation of
the statue by Chavundaraya the commander in chief of Gangas of Talakadu on
March 13, 981 A.D. This 57 feet monolithic statue is situated atop the
Vindhyagiri hill. It is the ritual of Mahamasthakabhishekha is being
conducted once in every 12 years from time immemorial. The last
mahamasthakabhishekha was held in 1993. This event attracts the devotees
and tourists in large number from different parts of the world. The
arrangements are in full swing to make the event successful. The Rashtriya
Mahamasthakabhishekha Mahotsav Samithi has been formed under the able
chief patronage of Dr.D.Veerendra Heggade, Dharmasthala. The 57 feet high
Idol of Bhagawan Sri Bahubali on the Indragiri Hill at Shravanabelagola.
MISCELLANEOUS NEWS
500-YEAR-OLD
GUJARAT VILLAGE GETS 'HERITAGE' STATUS
July
09, A village named Tera in Kutch District of Gujarat has now been
declared as a ‘‘heritage village’’ by the Government of India.
This is one of the worst-affected area by the devastating earthquake. Tera
village consists of 20 ancient Jain temples and derasars, 450-year-old
havelis, forts and lakes. The village attracts thousands of tourists. The
village will be restored by a team of experts picked by the Government
from various conservation agencies. Built by Bhayats, the ruling family of
Kutch, Tera has been declared a heritage solely for its unique
architecture. The Jain temples of Tera are one of the five pilgrimages of
Kutch called Nani Panchtirth. Besides, the temples of Goddess Modheswari
and goddess Ashapura are also famous. The restoration team will work on 22
projects. This includes Darbargarh fort, the Shamalji Parshwanathji Jain
temple (approximately 300 years old); the Selor step well (450 years old);
delicate carvings on the cenotaphs, havelis, and entrance gates.
Information courtesy Mr. Bhavesh Chandaria, Email : chandariatours@yahoo.co.in
VARIOUS ORGANISATIONS REPRESENT TO RAJASTHAN C.M. TO STOP NEW SLAUGHTER HOUSES
Keeping
in view the ever-increasing number of slaughter houses in the state and
lack of control being exercised by the Government to stop illegal
operations, the representatives of non-Governmental organisations, mainly,
People for Animals, Indian Society for prevention of Cruelty to animals
and Vishwa Hindu Parishad jointly submitted a memorandum to Mrs.
Vasundhara Raje, Chief Minister of Rajasthan. The memorandum made the
following demands requesting the Chief Minister to take immediate action
on these points:
1. The newly opened slaughter house at Chainpura near Jaipur be
immediately closed.
2. No mechanised slaughter houses be allowed to be opened anywhere
in the State.
3. No technical or financial assistance be provided by the
Government to slaughter houses in the state.
DIET AND HEALTH
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DR. NEAL BARNARD, MD, PRESIDENT OF THE PHYSICIANS
COMMITTEE FOR RESPONSIBLE MEDICINE IN WASHINGTON TALKS ABOUT CHOLESTEROL
PROBLEMS
Diet
changes are more powerful than many people might imagine. Research shows
that with the right adjustments, your foods can cut cholesterol
dramatically and even reveres artery blockages. The most powerful
cholesterol - lowering programs use vegan diets. The reason , of course,
is that cholesterol is found only in animal products. Plants never contain
cholesterol at all. They are also very low in saturated fat - the
kind that causes your liver to make cholesterol. And those healthy
vegetables, fruits, beans and grains are also rich in fibre. One type of
fibre, called soluble fibre, actively reduces cholesterol levels. It is
particularly plentiful in pulses. It is also important to steer clear of
dairy products. Not only are they high in saturated fats, the proteins in
them also appear to raise cholesterol on their own, apart from the effect
of dairy fats. Researches at the University of Toronto put vegan diets to
the rest. They asked, since vegan diets, soya products, oat bran , almonds
and certain plant fats can reduce cholesterol, what would happen if they
were used all at the same time? Well, the combined effect was astounding -
a nearly 30 percent drop in LDL (bad) cholesterol.
Heart disease strikes an alarming 10 percent of Indians, and it begins in children and teenagers. In Mumbai alone, a person dies of a heart attack every 33 seconds. The World Health Organisation predicts that by 2010, Indians dying from heart attacks will account for more than one- third of deaths worldwide. By 2020, the body count from heart disease death in Indians is expected to reach 7 million - roughly the population of Hyderabad. You can protect yourself and your family. The best advice is to choose a healthy vegan diet, including a variety of vegetables, legumes, grains and fruits - and watch your cholesterol drop. Information source : PETA'S, Animal Times, Monsoon 2004 Issue.
ACHIEVEMENTS
SRI
RAJARAM JAIN HONOURED FOR HIS LITERARY CONTRIBUTIONS
Prof.
Rajaram, Director, Shri Kundkund Bharati Prakrit Shodh Sansthan, New Delhi
has been felicitated and declared 'Man of the Year-2004' by the renowned
institution of USA, A.B. Institute for his scholarly research in Jainism,
editing of ancient and unpublished manuscripts, publicity of Prakrit and
Jain studies, and other valuable services. Dr. Rajaram Jain had been
honoured in the year 2000 by Rashtrapati-Samman Puraskar and Acharya
Kundkund Puraskar. He has so far published about 30 authoritative books on
Jainism besides more than 200 research papers. He has been honorary member
of various educational bodies, like University Grants Commission, National
Council for education, research and training (N.C.E.R.T.) and
universities.
JAIN
MINISTERS IN RAJASTHAN CABINET FELICITATED
Chief
Minister Mrs. Vasundhara Raje Scindhia, has inducted Mr. Gulab Chand
Kataria as Home Minister and Mr. Pratap Singh Singhvi as
Minister of State in her cabinet. Jaipur Jain Society felicitated their
achievements and appointments and expressed hope that they will contribute
effectively for the developmental activities of the community. Dr. Tara
Chand Jain delivered the welcome address.
RAJAT
JAIN NAMED VICE-PRESIDENT, MD FOR WALT DISNEY INDIA
Rajat
Jain has joined the Walt Disney Company (India) Private Limited, as
Vice-President and Managing Director, it was announced today by Andy Bird,
President, Walt Disney International. "Jain, a senior entertainment
industry executive with extensive experience, who was most recently
Executive Vice-President and Business Head for SET MAX at Sony
Entertainment Television India Limited, will join Disney effective August
1, 2004", a Walt Disney release said. In addition, Jain will also
assume the role of Vice-President and Managing Director, Walt Disney
Television International (India), overseeing Disney television activities
in India, the release added.
SHRI
SIDH RAJ BHANDARI ELECTED PRESIDENT OF JAIN VISHWA BHARATI, LADNU
Shri
Sidh Raj Bhandari, past Director of Reliance Industries Ltd. was elected
unanimously as President of prestigious educational institution of
Terapanth Dharm Sangh, Jain Vishwa Bharati at Ladnu in Rajasthan. The
elections were held at the birth place of Acharya Bhikshu at Siriyari,
where the Chaturmas of Acharya Mahapragya is presently being held.
REGRETTABLE
MR.
R. K. JAIN, DEPUTY COMM.COMMERCIAL TAXES, BHOPAL DIES IN POLICE CUSTODY
July
15 R.K. Jain, the commercial tax department deputy commissioner arrested
on bribery charges died under mysterious circumstances in custody. His
relatives cried murder even as a magisterial probe was ordered into the
death. “A custodial death is confirmed, but it’s not clear whether it
was a suicide or a murder as alleged by Jain’s relatives,”
superintendent of police Pawan Shrivastava said. The medico-legal diary
shows that apart from a deep red mark on Jain’s throat, no other injury
marks were visible, the officer said. A case of unnatural death has been
registered.
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RAJENDRA S. LODHA INHERITS M.P. BIRLA EMPIRE, MEMBERS OF BIRLA FAMILY DISAPPOINTED
Kolkata:
The contents of the will of the late Priyamvada Birla has shaken the
entire Birla family. Tthe will is said to have bequeathed all of the
Madhav Prasad Birla group’s assets, estimated to be around Rs 5,000
crores, to the group Chartered Accountant and family friend Mr. Rajendra
S. Lodha. Mr Lodha is also on the Board of several Birla companies.
He is also the chairman of several Birla family trusts, which
control numerous charitable institutions including hospitals and
educational institutions. The development is unparalleled in more ways
than one. This is the first time that Birla assets and property have
seemingly gone out of the Birla fold to a non-Birla and a non-relative.
This is also reckoned to be the first time that a development of this
magnitude has taken place in the history of family-run businesses in
India. Yashovardhan Birla, KK Birla, SK Birla, GP Birla and CK Birla were
all present at Birla Park, when the will was opened. However, Kashi Nath
Taparia, Priyamvada Birla’s brother, wasn’t around. It is said that
Mr. Lodha himself opened the will and announced the brief contents. Mr.
Rajendra S. Lodha is a celebrity member of Jain Society. Please click here
to view his personal profile.
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