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Circulation + 75000 Copies( Jains Only ) |
Only that science is a great and the best of all sciences,
The study of which frees man from all kinds of miseries.
Mahavira (Isibhasiya, 7/1)
TEMPLES
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ANOTHER HINDU-JAIN CONTROVERSY IS BREWING AT GIRNAR - Rajkot, July 2: For more than four months, pilgrims have had to pass a police security check before climbing to the highest peak of Mount Girnar, where a pair of footprints is worshipped as that of Lord Dattatreya by Hindus and Lord Neminath by Jains. Now, for about a fortnight, policemen have also been deployed at another peak, atop which another dispute has sprung up between the two communities. The recent rivalry between Hindus and Jains - who in Gujarat have had no problems earlier, either in dealings or in worshipping at these shrines- is clearly turning ugly. The trouble, which had been brewing in Girnar over a few years, reached a head last October, when the state archaeology department allowed a Hindu trust to construct a small shrine to Lord Dattatreya atop the highest peak.
This has been challenged in Gujarat High Court, which has asked a joint committee of the district collectorate and the archaeological department to submit report in six months. Last month, matters worsened when a Hindu Sadhu Samaj installed an idol at another peak. At this peak, too, there are a set of footprints. Hindus say they are of Gorakhnath. Jains believe they are of a Muni called Sambhunath. There's also a Ramadev Pir temple here, from which, Hindus say, the original idol was stolen. Since then, Junagadh additional collector, A. C. Rathod has been flooded with memoranda by angry Jains. Their applications to Rathod say there was no idol atop the peak - only footprints of a Jain Muni, Sambhunath. They say no new idol can be installed because Mount Girnar is a protected area. Moreover, they say, the installation of the idol near the footprints hinders their prayer.
The Sadhu Samaj, on its part, has started street demonstrations, alleging a conspiracy to grab a Hindu sacred place. Says Rathod, ``We have had to permanently deploy police at both the Dattatreya shrine and Gorakhnath shrines. This is the first time this has happened.'' Mount.
Girnar in Junagadh district has many Hindu temples and Jain derasars, most of them atop its peaks. It has long been a place of pilgrimage for both communities, which have so far been very accommodative of each other. The strained relations first came to public attention with the filing of police complaints in March, 2004.
A Hindu sadhu, Swami Muktanandgiri Guru Maheshgiri, alleged that some Jains threatened and beat him up and tried to damage the shrine of Lord Dattatreya. In a counter complaint, the Jains alleged that it was Hindu sadhus who had beaten them up and were preventing them from visiting the peak.
Despite the tension this has been created, Hindus and Jains have been visiting the peak and worshipping without any problem - albeit under police guard. The dispute over the Gorakh nath shrine started with a June 17 police complaint by a Hindu priest, Rajnath Guru, that the idol of Ramdev Pir had been stolen. Akhil Bharatiya Sadhu Samaj President Gopalanand said, "This new development shows that after creating a controversy over Dattatreya, some forces also want to capture the peak of Gorakhnath. Hindus will not tolerate this." Incidently, the Swetambar Jains, who have a large population in Junagadh, are not much involved in the controversy. It is the Digambar Jains, settled in Surat and Gandhinagar, who claim the places as their own. Report Courtesy: "Mahavir" E-Mail : msanglikar@yahoo.com
PRIVATELY
RUN STONE QUARRIES POSE THREAT TO JAIN MONUMENTS IN TAMILNADU
Perumal Malai is a serene hill in Tamil Nadu with rare Jain cave temples,
which are being rapidly destroyed by indiscriminate dynamiting by private
stone quarrying. The mountain caves which are just 18 kilometers from the
town of Madurai, consists of exquisite sculptures of Jain era created by
Jain monks 1500 years ago at Nagamalai Pudukottai. It had once been a
Samanar Peetham or the Seat of the Jains. According to local residents,
quarrying is being carried out with the permission of local officials.
However, due to indiscriminate stone quarrying, these Jain remnants are
being destroyed rapidly. Private quarry contractors have already cut that
hill which used to attract Jain pilgrims from North India to make passage
for their lorries and mine gravels for laying railway tracks. Over 40 loads
of gravel are mined every day from the hill using explosives, which are
prohibited under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological sites rules of
1958. The state government has granted permission for stone quarrying at a
site which are far away from the Perumal Malai, but the certain quarry
owners have encroached and destroyed the holy hills. When the Archaeological
Survey of India has put a notification in front of the Perumal Malai stating
that the Perumal Malai Jain Sculptures were the Monuments of national
importance, and protected under the monuments and archaeological sites 1958
(24) Act, how can this illegal act of quarrying be allowed to continue?
Courtesy: E-Mail : msanglikar@yahoo.com
SAINTS
ACHARYA MERU BHUSHAN JI DECLARES TO GO ON INDEFINITE FAST UNTO DEATH FROM 26th JULY ON GIRNAR ISSUE - Acharya Shri Meru Bhushan Ji maharaj belonging to Digambar sect, who is having his chaturmas at Indore, has declared to go on indefinite fast unto death (Upsarg Sallekhana Samadhimaran) from 26th JUly, 2005. He has been forced to take this extreme step in view of the totally unconcerned attitude of both, the Central and State Governments, inspite of all the assurances given by Chief Minister of Gujarat and by the Central Govt. itself. The illegal occupation at the 4th and 5th peaks of Girnar mountain by local pandas and followers of Dattatreya still continues and the idols of Gorakh nath and Ramdev Peer have been unauthorised installed at the place where foot-prints of Bhagwan Shambhu nath exist on the third peak. The saint has demanded that all the illegal and un-authorised occupation must be got vacated and either the army or the B.S.F. be deputed on the 3rd, 4th and 5th peaks, in place of local Police.
The viewers may recollect the High Court order (Ahimsa Times, February, 05) which says that "The court has however, now constituted a committee, consisting of a representative of the Gujarat Government, District Collector and Director of Archeology department to collect and study all concerned documents and submit its report on the entire issue within a period of six months. The Court has also ordered the State authorities to arrange for necessary security and protection measures to the pilgrims going to the fifth peak for worship and darshan of Bhagwan Neminath's temple." It is not known whether the said committe has submitted any report so far.
Jain community in the whole country is highly perturbed and gravely concerned by the decision of Acharya Meru Bhushan Ji and it once again urges the Government to take necessary action in the matter immediately.
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Acharya Mahapragya
IN NEW DELHI
Acharya Mahapragya is not merely a person
but also a purpose, not just a being but also a belief. He has
served as a beacon not only to the 'Terapanth' Jain sect, but to the
human mind engulfed in countless problems. His experiments of 'Prekshadhyan'
perceptive meditation and 'Jeevan Vigyan' science of living have succeeded
in bringing people of different religions and sects to one platform and to
integrate the West with the East.
Acharyaji is both a thinker and a genius and his horizons are all-pervasive. He is deeply concerned with day-to-day life, as social, national and international problems and thinks aloud about all of them. Significantly, he not only presents the problems but also simultaneously provides their solution. He gives a deep thought about the possible remedies before placing them to the people.
Acharyaji is in Delhi at the invitation of the president APJ Abdul Kalam and is on a ahimsa yatra which started in year 2001, to go on till next year. He has walked from Rajasthan to Gujarat, Daman, Maharashtra , MP, Haryana to finally reach Delhi. He said: "I remember, when in the course of my yatra, 1 went to Gujarat during the Godhra riots and made both Hindus and Muslims sit together to understand what they are doing is incorrect. " Acharya Mahapragya is also an excellent writer and a poet.
Admirers of his writings range from common man to literary personalities, journalists and political leaders. He writes on a variety of subjects like including Logic, Philosophy, among others. He has written more than a hundred books. Currently, he is writing a book with the president. The book is called 'Beautiful homes in noble nation' and will have six chapters. He said: "The book will be released in November. Out of six chapters, I am writing three and President is writing the rest." Acharyaji has also been nominated for this year's "Sadhbhavna Ekta" award which will also be given out in November.
Mahapragyaji also wrote a Sanskrit commentary Bhashya on Aacharang Sutra, the oldest and most incomprehensible Jain scripture. Acharyaji is in Delhi till December and from here he will move to Punjab and Haryana. When asked to give a message for Delhiites, Acharyaji said: "Have self-control. People have no self-control and this is the root cause of all problems. They indulge in materialistic things and loose their self-control."
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ACHARYA MAHAPRAGYA FELICITATED ON HIS 86TH BIRTHDAY - New Delhi: Acharya Mahapragya, who is in the city as a part of his five-year ahimsa yatra, celebrated his 86th birthday on Sunday. President APJ Abdul Kalam and BJP president LK Advani congratulated the Acharya, as did thousands of devotees.
Speaking on the occasion, Kalam said: "Six years ago, when I met Acharya, he advised me to devote the rest of my life to preparing peace missiles. I accepted the challenging task and occupied myself in peace activities."
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The Acharya, Kalam said, entrusted him with the even more challenging task of "re-forming the faulty system of modern economics by preparing a complete action plan based on not only the principles of modern economics but integrated with interdisciplinary research in diverse branches like science, sociology, psycology, philosophy and also religion."
Kalam has already launched the programme for inter-faith efforts in socio-economic development of the nation through establishing the 'Foundation for Unity of Religion and Enlightened Citizenship', with Acharya and Kalam himself the two benefactors of the foundation.
Saying he was honoured to be present at the felicitation, Advani said: "Acaharya is not just a saint but a thinker and a philosopher." He added that morals are very important to get ahead in life, and he imbibed these morals and directions from Acharya Mahapragya and his literary work. In his birthday message, the Acharya said: "Every person should live his life cycle properly. We are Indians but we do not follow our traditions and rituals. We should not only think, but should do some lateral thinking."
CONFERENCES AND PROGRAMS
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THE 13TH BIENNIAL JAINA CONVENTION, CALIFORNIA - REPORT
The umbrella organization of local Jain
associations of US and Canada is a federation of 62 groups representing
around 100,000 Jains in North America. The 13th biennial Jain Associations
in Northern America convention with the theme of Extending Jain Heritage in
Western Environment took place at the Santa Clara Convention Center.
Over 3,700 Jains came together from all over US, Canada, India and
other countries. The Jain Center of Northern California with
membership of over 700 Jain families in San Francisco hosted the
gathering.
Mr. Anup Vora, JAINA President said, " Since its inception in 1981, JAINA has become a premier organization promoting the Jain philosophy of non violence, tolerance, contentment and ecological harmony. Mr. Kirit Daftary, Vice-President and Convener of the Convention said, "Via the convention, we want to re-affirm the concept of unity in diversity whereby we follow our traditions in harmony with others, especially with the growth of the Jain community in North America." The overall aim of the organization is to project a united face of the Jain community to the world and not a faith that is fractured on sects and subtleties. The coming-together of fraternity in an informal family environment was a social, cultural and educational celebration of sorts. The event was complemented with over 250 formal cultural, academic, religious and social sessions covering an array of subjects. The panels on history of the ancient religion and common health concerns were held in parallel with deliberations on fundamentals of the Jain way of life and advanced spiritual discourses on varied principles and practices encompassing Jainism.
The varied activities including the multiple panel topics of intellectual discussion, an art exhibition, a culinary demonstration, a San Francisco Bay cruise and a rich array of cultural programming constituted a smorgasbord offering something for everyone. Where the art aficionados could be seen gazing at the beautiful and myriad works of eight artists including the photographs on India by renowned photographer Robert Arnett in the exhibition arena, the culinary crazy collected at the cookery competition and learnt the principles of the palate in the demonstration by ace cookery author, Tara Dalal.Similarly, the youth deliberated in sessions tailored for them in line with concerns and thought processes on the tenets of the faith from their perspective. Various topics including Science and Religion and Do's and Don'ts of Dating made interesting topics for discussion and debate.
The entertainment section of the festivity brought one and all together to rejoice and celebrate. The programming included Raas Garba on the first day, a showcase of varied talents of stand up comic acts, traditional and Hindi film dances via solo performances and group gyrations on the 2nd day and sonorous song renditions by professional singers on the 3rd day.
The competitive cultural programme of second day included teams from Boston, Los Angles, Washington DC, Houston, Dallas and San Francisco. On the last night of the convention, Anuradha Paudwal and Manhar Udhas regaled the audience with their mono melodies and delightful duets featuring old and new movie songs, traditional Jain Bhajans and Gujarati Ghazals. Success of social gatherings- big or small is directly dependent on gastronomic delights. Jay Bharat Foods of Los Angles received applause from the attendees for the vast array of delicious and sumptuous preparations. All in all- a social meeting making memories. Report By Mr. S. K. Jain.
SUMMER
SCHOOL PARTICIPANTS FROM USA TO SPEND TWO WEEKS AT INDORE
The summer school program of
two months duration, sponsored by Mahavir World Vision Enclave America for
the students and teachers from USA and Canada is being conducted at four
places, Delhi, Jaipur, Ladnu and Indore. Eight persons, as already reported
in the June issue of Ahimsa Times are participating in this program. The
first two weeks (1st June to 14th June) were spent by the participants,
attending lectures on Essence of Jainism delivered by eminent speakers,
taking part in group discussions, visiting Jain institutions and Jain
temples and also paying visits to Jain families. The next two weeks, from
15th June to 29th June were spent at Jaipur. The next two weeks (30th June
to 10th July) were spent at Jain Vishwa Bharati, Ladnun (Raj.) The program
for the subsequent two weeks from 13th July to 26th July has been organised
at Indore by Dr. Anupam Jain. This program at Indore has been arranged at
Kundkund Gyan Peeth. The speakers delivering lectures here are: Prof. Nalin
K. Shastri (Delhi), Prof. R.S. Bhatt (Delhi), Prof. Pre Suman Jain (Udaipur),
Prof. D.S. Baya (Udaipur), Prof. S.C. Agrawal (meerut), Prof. Hampanagrajyya
(Bangalore) apart from Dr. N.P. Jain, Prof. V.V. Lalitamba, Prof. S.K. Bandi,
Dr. V.K. Nahar, Dr. Anita Jain, Sri Manmath Patni, and Sri Suraj Mal Bobra,
all from Indore. The participants are taken on a tour of Bundelkhand for
visiting ancient temples and other places of interest. From Indore, the
group will return to Delhi to have a summing up and concluding session and
then they will be leaving for USA on the 30/31st July.
AHIMSA & VEGETARIANISM
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VEGETARIAN AND HINDU GROUPS IN U.S. RECEIVE CASH BONANZA FROM Mc DONALDS - Several Hindu and other vegetarian groups in U.S. received checks ranging from $ 50,000 to $ 1.4 million, apart from a letter of apology from Mc Donald's Co. as a part of financial compensation, which was a part of the settlement amount ordered by U.S. court in the case involving the use of beef in their French fries and claiming that their fries were vegetarian. The Court, accepted the plea that religious sentiments of customers who had dietary restrictions, were severely hurt and ordered compensation a fine of $ 10 million, to be paid by Mc Donald's. Accordingly, the Company has sent checks to various groups as mentioned below:
A. Hindu groups:
1. Supporting excellence in Education: $ 900,000
2. Hinduism today Endowment: $ 250,000
3. Council of Hindu Temples of North America.: $ 200,000
4. Hindu Students Council: $ 500,000
5. International American Gita Society: $ 50,000
6. SSV Temple: $ 50,000
B. Vegetarian groups:
1. ADAF Vegetarian Nutrition Dietetic Practice Group: $ 800,000
2. Preventive Medicine Research Institute: $ 550,000
3. American Vegan Society: $ 500,000
4. Vegetarian Vision Inc. $ 250,000
5. Vegetarian Research Group: $ 140,000
6. North American Vegetarian Society: $ 100,000
Mc Donald's, in their letter to all the recipients, said that the money sent herewith will go to the Hindu, vegetarian and other groups, whose charitable and educational activities are closely-linked to the concerns of consumers, having dietary restrictions. Apart from the above-named institutions and groups, other beneficiaries include few Jewish, Muslim and Sikh groups, which had joined the law-suit. One of the recipient groups, was Hindu Monastery at Kaui, Hawaii, which publishes a magazine, 'Hinduism Today', received a check for $ 254,773. The head of this monastery, Shri Param Acharya Palaniswami felt that this amount will inspire them to do more for the cause of vegetarianism. But he as well as other victorious groups asked the customers of Mc Donald's to keep in mind the fact that Mc Donald's have made no changes in the constituents of their fries, which still carries a beef flavoring. Under the terms of settlement, the company is required to make a better disclosure of the contents, not change the way its fries are made. There are numerous Jain organizations and temples in the U.S. but it appears from the news reports that none of them participated in the famous law-suit and hence could be eligible for being called a vegetarian group and receive any compensation.
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Speaking at the function before a select audience , His Holiness said, "We Tibetans are basically Buddhists and particularly in the Mahayana tradition which we follow, we preach love and compassion towards all other living beings on earth. And therefore it is the responsibility of all of us to realize the importance of wildlife conservation. It is also in the Pali and Sanskrit tradition to show love and compassion for all living beings. It is a shame that we kill these poor animals to satisfy our own aggrandizement.
When in Tibet we have also popularized the concept of vegetarianism and we did create an impression on the minds of the people. Lately I have also turned to a vegetarian diet. Today's youth, particularly the ones who have come from Tibet and have a refugee status must inculcate these principles for their own development and to have peace of mind. The message from "mahakaruna" has clearly asked us to follow and preach love and compassion for all living beings." News courtsey Mr. Sandeep Kumar Jain, E-Mail : jeevdaya@rediffmail.com
BUTCHER HOUSES AND MEAT SHOPS SHALL NOT BE CLOSED IN PARYUSHAN PERIOD, ORDERS GUJARAT HIGH COURT - The butcher shops are kept closed and meat shops are kept shut in the entire state of Gujarat for the last several years according to a Gujarat Government notification on the holy occasion of Paryushan Parva. However, a recent order by the High Court of Gujarat has permitted these to be kept open in response to a writ petition filed by Lok Adhikar Sangh and Meat Market Association. Three years ago, these two associations had filed a suit in the Gujarat High court, for withdrawal of the Government order, on the plea that their business suffered heavily in this period for no fault of theirs and the loss was of the tune of Rs. 2 crores. The Gujarat High Court has now taken a decision in favour of the two associations, on their petition saying that the Government order is unjust and the shop-keepers can not be forced to shut their shops and butcher houses for the sake of one particular community. The order was passed by a two-judge bench, consisting of Justice G.S. Singhvi and Justice S. Dave. The news about this order has come as a rude shock to the entire Jain community, not only in Gujarat but the whole country. Paryushan are coming close and the entire Jain community should consider the matter seriously and take immediate action for the reversal of the court order.Young Jain monk Tatvavadardhan Vijayji, at Bhuj has asked Jain organisations to appeal against the Gujarat High Court’s order. ‘‘The Jains and Hindus are against running of slaughter houses during their pious months. If either the State government or any Hindu organisation like the RSS does not come forward to appeal against the judgment in the apex court, Jain organisations should do that immediately,’’ he told at a press meet.. He said when the great Muslim ruler Akbar could ban slaughter for six months, why this could not be done now. ‘‘With the Hindus still being in majority, this country automatically became a Hindu nation where nothing should be done by the minority communities like Muslims and Christians to hurt our religious feelings,’’ In a question about India being a secular country, the saint said: ‘‘If this is so, turn it into Hindu Rashtra officially by making required changes in the Constitution or anti-Hindu laws.’’ He said he found that most of the laws were in favour of Islam and Christianity. He said the court had talked of bread and butter in the judgment, but there were crores of people unemployed. ‘‘In slaughtering business, only a microscopic population of the country was involved...They could be employed elsewhere.
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AMERICAN
VEGAN SOCIETY SUMMER CONFERENCE
The conference is being organised at The Farm, Summertown Tennessee on
Wednesday August 10 to Sunday August 14 2005. Simultaneously, a Kids Vegan
Summer Program, is also being planned on Sunday, August 7 to Sunday, August
14 2005. The American Vegan Society will be going to the Farm in
ummertownTennessee for its summer conference this year. Concurrently it will
be running a summer program for kids ages 7 to 14 which is available as a
7-day or 4-day program. Care for children 2 to 6 is available to enable
parents to attend lectures. Speakers from on and off The Farm will share
their expertise on vegan nutrition, cooking, growing food, and peaceful
living. They are well-known authors and respected vegan leaders. For
registration, contact:Freya Dinshah, American Vegan Society, PO Box 369,
Malaga NJ 08328, Phone: (856) 694-2887, fax: (856) 694-2288.
HONOURS & AWARDS
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N.
K. JAIN TO BE CHAIRMAN OF RAJ. HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
Shri N. K. Jain, Chief Justice of Madras and Karnataka High Court has been
selected as Chairman of the State Human Rights Commission. The decision was
taken at a meeting of the selection committee headed by the Chief Minister,
Mrs. Vasundhara Raje. On the recommendation of the State Government, the
Governor of the State, Pratibha Patil would be issuing the necessary orders.
"MANAV
RATNA" AWARD ANNOUNCED BY ALL INDIA MANAV MILAN
The All India Manav Milan, a non-Government
organisation, devoted to humanitarian activities has announced an award of
"Manav Ratna" to a person, who has made significant contribution
to the cause of human welfare. The award will comprise of a sum of Rs.
11,000, a memento and a letter of eulogy. The national Chairman of Manav
Milan, Shri H. K. Munot informed that this institution was established 12
years ago, with the objectives of promoting social, medical and educational
services in the country. Presently, there are 18 branches of Manav Milan.
The Chairman announced that those who wish to be considered for the award or
those who would like to propose the name of any appropriate person may send
full particulars to: Shri Harish Kumar Munot, 4/5/158, Women's College road,
Kothi, Hyderabad-195. Phone: 98480 58509.
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VICE-PRESIDENT SHEKHAWAT DONATES THE AMOUNT OF ANUVRAT AWARD TO HUMANITARIAN INSTITUTIONS - Shri Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, Vice-President, who was the recipient of Anuvrat Puraskar-2003 with a cash award of Rs. 1,21,000 has decided to donate the entire sum to the following institutions involved in humanitarian activities to help the poor, deaf, dumb and handicapped persons at Jodhpur: Navjeevan Sansthan-Rs. 25,000; Netraheen Vikas Sansthan-Rs. 25,000; Nav Jyoti Manovikas Kendra-Rs. 25,000; Gandhi Mook-Badhir Vidhyalaya-Rs. 25,000; and Sucheta Kriplani Shiksha Niketan-Rs. 21,000. Mr. Shekhawat, while handing over the cheques, expressed hope that other institutions and individuals will also come forward to help the poor and down-trodden people so as to make them self-supporting.
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ELEVEN YEAR OLD "PALAK JAIN" BECOMES A LITTLE STAR OF INDIAN CINEMA - A little girl, born on 1st April, 1994, studying in seventh standard at St. Joseph School, Bombay has earned name and fame by acting in Hindi films and T. V. Programmes. Her name is Palak Jain daughter of Santosh Jain engaged in iron and steel business at Bombay for the last 20 years. Palak has acted as a child artist in Tahjeeb and Paheli feature films and in more than dozen T. V. serials, apart from playing her role in more than 50 T. V. commercials. She feels proud for getting a role of younger sister of superstar Shahrukh Khan in the recently released film Paheli. Tahjeeb was her first film in which she had played the role of Urmila Matondkar as a child. Her forth-coming films are Barsaat, Aman and Kachhi Sadak. Palak says, she had started acting in a music album at the age of 6 years. She had won the first prize in 'Talent Hunt' program organised by Zee T.V. Inspite of her busy schedule every day in films and serials, she is able to find time to attend her school. She often carries her books while going for shooting. She has learnt dancing also and she has been doing anchoring in T.V. programmes as well. Indeed she is a genius.
INSTITUTIONS
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SHRI VIRCHAND RAGHAVJI GANDHI MEMORIAL
WJC and JAINA had jointly founded "Shri
Virchand Raghavji Gandhi Memorial Samiti with
Pujya Chitrabhanuji with the following members: Shri Pratap Bhogilal, Shri N.P.Jain, Shri Mahesh V. Gandhi, Mrs. Rakshaben J. Shah and Shri Pravin C. Shah
who represents JAINA.
OBJECTIVE: To suitably modify the current VRG's birth home in Mahuva, Gujarat with modern amenities to have a permanent memorial. To take necessary steps that the Samiti may feel appropriate for raising awareness of his mission, his memorial and pursue with the Government of India the matter regarding issuing the commemorative postal stamp in his honor.
NEW PUBLICATIONS
INDIAN PHILOSOPHICAL TERMS
: GLOSSARY & SOURCES (English), Ed. Kala Acharya & Others;
2005 250 x 190 mm 712 pp, Price: Rs. 750,The book provides a comprehensive
explanation of terms found in the texts of the major religions of ancient
India - Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism. These are the faiths whose
original texts are in Sanskrit, Prakrit and Pali. The glossary is a
fascinating storehouse of knowledge for all those who are interested in
religion, philosophy and culture, whether to gain a university degree or
in a personal quest for knowledge. Each Sanskrit word is written in Roman
and Devanagari. Its meaning is explained in English. Many citations from
original texts have been provided to illustrate the meaning clearly. These
citations have also been translated into English. The book is available at
Hindi Granth Karyalya, 9 Hirabaug C.P. Tank Mumbai - 400004
INDIA. E-Mail :manish.modi@mtnl.net.in
TEN STEPS TOWARD A VEGETARIAN WORLD-By Richard H. Schwartz, Ph.D. (New York, USA) College of Staten Island, 2800 Victory Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10314, E-Mail: rschw12345@aol.com,In spite of the increasing need for a shift toward vegetarianism to counteract the present epidemic of diseases and the many environmental threats caused by the production and consumption of animal products, progress has been relatively slow. It is time for a consideration of new strategies to promote vegetarianism more effectively. The ten ideas suggested in the book are designed to start a dialogue that will lead to positive changes.
HISTORY
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JAIN
SCHOLAR FROM GERMANY - HERMANN JACOBI ( 1850 - 1937)
Hermann
Jacobi was a German scholar who worked on several aspects of
Indology. His main contribution was in the field of Jaina studies.
Hermann Georg Jacobi attended high school in his native town and then went
to Berlin where he studied mathematics. Soon he took up Sanskrit and
comparative linguistics. In 1872, he obtained a doctorate from Bonn
University. His thesis was entitled ‘On The Origins Of Indian
Astrology's Term Hora’. Jacobi visited India in 1873-74. This visit was
of decisive importance for him. He was particularly fortunate that he
could accompany Georg Buehler on his journey through Rajasthan where the
latter was collecting manuscripts. Jacobi thus visited Jaina monasteries
in which old traditions were still upheld.
Jacobi edited many Jain texts and translated them into German. Among the text editions are: ‘Zwei Jainastotras’ in ‘Indische Studien’, 1876 The Kalpasutra of Bhadrabahu edited with an Introduction, Notes and a PrakritSanskrit Glossary, Leipzig,1879. The Kalakacarya-Kathanakam, edited and translated, in the ‘Journal of the German Oriental Society’, 1880. The Ayaramga Sutta of the Svetambara Jains, Pali Text Society, London, 1882. The Sthaviravali Charita or Parisistaparvan by Hemacandra, Bibliotheca Indica, 1883. Jacobi also translated: Acaranga Sutra , Kalpa Sutra, Uttaradhyayana Sutra and Sutrakrtanga Sutra. He further published:
During his stay in India, Jacobi discovered two texts in Aprabhramsa, a language hitherto known only from quotations by grammarians. He published Bhavisatta Kaha of Dhanavala and Sanatkumaracaritam. Apart from text editions, Jacobi wrote a large number of papers on Jain subjects. He proved that Mahavira and Parshva were historic personalities. He also established that Jainism was not an offshoot of Buddhism, as earlier scholars had thought. Jacobi was awarded the title "Jaina Darsana Divakar ‘Sun of Jain Doctrine'’ by the Jain community. He also wrote several books on Hunduism amd Buddhism. A Commemoration volume, edited by W. Kirfel for Jacobi's 75th birthday in 1925, contains a bibliography of Jacobi’s works.
DIKSHA
CEREMONY
1. Shri Rajendra Kumar Ji acepted diksha in the holy presence of Acharya
Shri Umesh Muni Ji belonging to Shwetambar Sthanakwasi sect at Baijapur.
2. Km. Lali Chhajed accepted diksha in the holy presence of Acharya Shri Umesh Muni Ji belonging to Shwetambar Sthanakwasi sect at Baijapur.
3. Shri Gopal Sharma, accepted diksha in the holy presence of Pravartak Shri Roop Muni belonging to Shwetambar Sthanakwasi sect at Bhilwara. He was renamed as Gyan Muni after his diksha.
4. Smt. Kanta Baid accepted Jain diksha on the 18th May, 2005 at Jaipur in the Swetambar Terapanthi sect in the holy presence of Acharya Shri Mahapragya, head of the Shwetambar Terapanthi sect.
LETTER
TO EDITOR
From:
Panks Jain - Subject: The Source Of Silver Foil In Sweets --- FROM
TARANGA MAGAZINE
USA, Aug 23 - A couple of years ago, Indian Airlines, the domestic
air-carrier of India had issued instructions to its suppliers to supply
sweet without silver foil called VARAKH. Do you know why? Silver is widely
used for various purposes in the market today. Silver is considered
precious and its utility is enormous. The reason behind this is that
silver reflects back 95% of the light energy that falls on it. The silver
foils used for edible purposes is called VARAKH so what's so special
about VARAKH?
This is what I would like to bring to your notice. If you keenly observe this VARAKH under a microscope don't be perturbed if you happen to see traces of blood, stools and saliva of a cattle or ox. VARAKH is a silver foil and we have no second questions on this, but to prepare this VARAKH important parts of the CATTLE/OX is made use of. Intestines of Cattle/OX are obtained from the slaughterhouse. This is obtained after butchering to death the cattle/ox for beef and the part, which cannot be consumed: the intestines are pulled out of the animal and handed over to the manufacturers of VARAKH. Before handing over the intestines, they are washed in the slaughterhouse to get rid of the blood and other remains on these intestines in the limited facility that is present in the slaughterhouse. We are not sure how neatly this job is carried out. Intestines are cut into small pieces and then are bound together as pages in a notebook. A silver block is placed in the middle of these bound intestines, and the whole thing is placed in a leather bag and sealed. Experts, who know how to make VARAKH, pound the bag with wooden sticks, till the entire bag flattens out. The silver block would by this time be turned into silver foil.This Silver foil would now be separated from the intestine pack and will be placed on paper. This is VARAKH, which reaches the market ready for use. Even staunch vegetarians, who shy away from egg, unknowingly consume this as a part of sweet, pan and arecanut. Some unknowingly consume this because of the additional taste that VARAKH provides.
Now the question is "Why the intestines of the cattle/ox? Why not something else?" The reason behind using the intestines of the cattle/ox for preparing the VARAKH is because of the elasticity of the intestines. They do not get cut even after a severe pounding. This aspect is brought out in the magazine "Beauty without cruelty" and the Television show of Maneka Gandhi, "Heads and Tails". In India, on an average an estimate indicates that 2,75,000 kilos of "VARAKH" is consumed. Can you estimate how many cattle/ox are sacrificed for just a bit of taste?
If you are surprised as I am, after reading this please inform as many as possible so as to ensure that we unknowingly don't consume beef. I would like to thank the authors of this article in Taranga, a weekly magazine in Kannada, for enlightening us. Authors: Nafiza Joseph and Shailaja N Raj.
From: - Dr. C. Devakumar,
E-Mail:
cdevakumar@yahoo.com
Subject: Jain-owned NavBharat Times carries advertisement on
non-vegetarianism
Dear Valued Participants
It is rather unfortunate that the section named Hello Delhi of Nav Bharat
Times, New Delhi edition, regularly on Sundays, carries an advertisement
encouraging eating of chicken. I am sure other editions would also have
similar advertisements. I request you to take up this matter with the
owner of this newspaper Ms. Indu Jain. - Dev
MISCELLANEOUS
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NEETU
JAIN BECOMES THE VICTIM OF LONDON TERRORIST ATTACK
July 8,2005 , Neetu Jain, a 36-year-old Londoner, was
traveling in the ill-fated double decker bus which was
blown in the London terrorist attack. She has been missing since and
presumed to be dead along with other 20 occupants of the bus.
sHREE
PARSHWANATH JAIN VIDYALAY VARKANA HOSTEL,VIRAR,MUMBAI
For
the Jain students looking for hostel accommodation a new Jain hostel is
available at Mumbai with all modern facilities including Library campus
etc. Interested students may contact Shri Chandmalji Siremalji Hingarh
.Address- Smt. Kusumben Chunnilal Shri Shrimal Boys Hostel , Plot
no.359, Kusum Vihar, 100 feet Chauda Rasta, Opp. Banjara Hotel, Virar (W),Mumbai
, Maharashtra 401 303. Tel: 022 28768211/ 022 28737705. Information
courtesy : Mr. Pankaz Chandmal hingarh, E-Mail : pajarotouch@yahoo.com
ACTORS WILL NOT HENCE-FORTH BE SEEN SMOKING ON THE SCREEN, SAYS HEALTH MINISTER - The Central Health Minister, Dr. Ambumani Ramadoss, announced at a Press Conference on the occasion of World Tobacco Day that actors in the films and T. V. Programmes will hence-forth not be seen smoking. The necessary orders to this effect, are being issued, which would come into force from the 1st August, 2005. This is being done with a view to discourage people from smoking and protect their health from harmful effects. The number of people smoking, both men and women is on the increase, in spite of the health warning given on the packets and therefore such a step has become necessary. Amendments in the law, as needed will be made for this purpose. The Government has also constituted a high level committee, consisting of senior officers from the Ministries of Health and Information and Broadcasting and Council of Indian Medical Research to overview and monitor the action.
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MENAKA GANDHI DEMANDS SHARMILA TAGORE To RESIGN FROM CHAIR-PERSONSHIP OF CENSOR BOARD - Mrs. Menaka Gandhi, national Chairman of "People for Animals" has demanded that Mrs. Sharmila Tagore, Chair-person of Censor Board should resign immediately from her post, in view of the involvement of her husband, Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi in the hunting of black deer, which is a serious offence and unlawful action. Mrs. Gandhi was addressing a "Save the animals" conference at Hissar in Punjab, organised by the local chapter of 'People for Animals'. She also desired that people should stop seeing movies in which his son, Saif Ali Khan is acting.
YAHOO
GROUPS DEVOTED TO JAINISM
There are about 30 yahoogroups devoted to Jainism with membership base of over 20. Some of them are more interested in uniting Jains on the basis of regions of birth or living, some even searching gotras and castes! Nevertheless the common bond is Jainism. Only an objective analysis by an eminent panel would be in a position to rank them by their quality of service. In the absence of such an analysis, I am reproducing below top dozen groups (on the basis of their membership base) which are exclusively serving the cause of Jains and Jainism not necessarily in that order. I am listing below their names. 1. JainNet 2. jainsamachar 3. jainfriends 4. jainlist 5. jainaudio 6. JAINA_teachers 7. bhaktamar 8. yja-northeast 9. jainhistory 10. yja-southeast 11. utjain 12. jainstudygroup. To become a member click on
www.jainsamaj.org/yahoogroups
EXCLUSIVE
MEDICAL HOLIDAY PACKAGES FOR JAIN FAMILIES GLOBALLY
These packages have been offered by Tenguria Thimbles, Therapy India, Medical Treatment-Holiday Packages for Indian Families Worldwide,
22/357, Bhandarkar Road,Matunga C.R. Mumbai, 400019 India.
The offer includes the following facilities:
1. Pick up of the patient, families and attendants from where ever in the world.
2. Bringing them to India and transferring them to hotel, home or hospital, anywhere in India.
3. Taking complete care of the patient during their treatment and meanwhile looking after the family as well.
4. We have negotiated the best rates with the leading hospitals in the country for any treatment.
5. We have on our panel leading specialists and super specialists from all faculties of medicine.
6. Most economical rates for recuperation as well as post treatment holidays.
7. Life long monitoring of patients through telemedicine.
8. Special rates for senior citizens.
9. In short -care throughout once the patient joins our package.
10. Discounts for patients' family, relatives and friends in any of the best hospitals in India.
The other service partners are:
1. Jaslok hospital. 2. Lilavati hospital. 3. Wockhardt hospital group.
4. Care hospital. 5. Kamineni hospital. 6. KG hospitals.
7. Apollo hospital group. 8. Air India. 9. Kerala Institute of medical sciences.
10. Golden palms spa and resorts. 11. Gujarat tourism. 12. M. P. Tourism.
13. A. P. Tourism. This offer is for Jain families from anywhere in the World for medical tourism in India. For details,
Contact : Mr. V. K. Jain , Tele : 9810549053,E-Mail : jainpushp01@yahoo.com, visit website
www.jainpushp.org.
MUMBAI POLICE ARREST TWO JAINS DEALING IN PORN VIA MMS
Mumbai, July 23: Two young Jain boys were arrested on Friday for allegedly
possessing and dealing in pornographic videos. Ramesh Jain (43) and
Manoj Jain (27), owners of the Ramesh & Co. video shop at Lamington
Road, allegedly provided pornographic material to be transferred on to
cellphones. Their arrests came after they were named by Ashish
Gurjar (21), arrested the day before for dealing in porn at Nana Chowk.
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With Best Compliments from, Time
Travels & Tours |
Sanjiv
Jain booked by Himachal Police for land fraud
Chandigarh, July 29:
HP Police booked Sanjiv Jain with others for land fraud. Sanjiv Jain
is a local-level leader from Kalka, who had also contested the elections on the Congress
ticket. The complaint was lodged by one Vijaypal Singh accusing that he
was duped of Rs 19.58 lakh in a land purchase transaction. Acting on the basis of his complaint,
HP Police Economic Offences Wing initiated an inquiry and finally recommended registration of a criminal case against them. A case under sections 420/120-B of the Indian Penal Code was registered.
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With
Best Compliments |
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Tariff - " AHIMSA TIMES " |
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Ahimsa Foundation -
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Tel : 91-11-25815011 , 25815013 , 30926562, 98-100-46108 , Email : ahimsa@jainsamaj.org
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Rajasthan, India
Tel : 91-291-2438082, E-Mail : ahimsatimes@jainsamaj.org