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Vol.
No. 24 |
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Editors
:P. L. Jain, |
First
News Magazine of Jainism on Internet |
New
Additions
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PRIME
MINISTER TO SEEK GUIDANCE FROM ACHARYA MAHA PRAGYA
COMMUNAL RIOT
REPORTS OF
Three reports published by Human Rights Watch group of
List of Reports
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HRW - Document on Communal Riot in
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Retaliatory attacks on Hindus,
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Massacres in Godhra and Ahmedabad,
Jain organizations and Jain leaders at large have not actively participated
in diffusing this communal riot and helping the innocent victims of this riot.
During the natural disaster of
"JAIN
TEMPLES
IN
INDIA
AND AROUND THE WORLD" - BOOK RELEASED BY PRIME MINISTER
On
the occasion of Mahavir Jayanti, Prime Minister, Shri A.B. Vajpai released a
photo album depicting various Jain temples both in
ALL
The
Convention of the All India Digambar Jain Conference was held at village Jhadol,
Sarada Tehsil, Dist. Udaipur from 18th to
A
Panch Kalyanak Pratishtha Mahotsava was
also celebrated from 18th to
SEVEN LAKH
PERSONS VIEWED EXHIBITION ON LIFE OF BH. MAHAVIR AT MUMBAI
Bombay Jain Mahotsava Samiti organised a five day exhibition on the life and
philosophy of Bhagwan Mahavir at August Kranti Maidan,
JAIN
TIRTHANKAR STATUES DAMAGED BY ANTI-SOCIAL ELEMENTS AT JALORE (RAJ.)
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Some mischievous anti-social elements are reported to have entered a Jain temple situated in the Fort area of Jalore town in Rajasthan and broken three statues of Jain Tirthankars. On hearing the news, the entire Jain community of the town and nearby villages, showing their resentment and anger took out a silent procession wearing black badges on their arms through the city and handed over a Memorandum to the Collector and Superintendent of police, demanding immediate arrest of the culprits and an enquiry into the whole incident by C.B.I. They also demanded full protection of all the Jain temples, many of which were very ancient and were a national heritage, from any further damage and destruction. The Collector assured the people that he will look into the matter and see that all those who are guilty shall not be spared and proper enquiry shall be conducted. The security and safety of the temples would also be looked after. He requested the public to maintain peace.
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Jainsamaj
Matrimonial |
SEMINAR ON JAIN EDUCATION AT
LONDON
A Seminar
was organised recently at the
SOLAR RADIATIONS KEEP MAN ALIVE WITHOUT FOOD FOR
YEARS-HIRA RATAN MANAK (JAIN)
A
Kerala-based Mechanical Engineer from traditional Jain family, named Hira Ratan
Manak has claimed that he can remain without food for the whole of his life. He
has been moving round the country and abroad, spreading the message of Gayatri
Mantra, that instructs to take the sun's rays for peace and strength. Manek
started living only on solar energy to nourish himself since 1992. Ever since
1995, he has been living without food. At present, he is surviving only on
water, tea and coffee. He has been carrying out all his duties in normal way and
reported no loss of strength whatsoever. Further, he claims that since 1992, he
had had no illness of any sort, not even a mild headache. He explains that a
regular process of imbibing sun's rays through eyes, one can gradually achieve
mental peace and later give up food completely.
In
order to substantiate his claim, he had undergone a close observation for a
period of 45 days by a team of 21 doctors at Ahmedabad in the year 2000. The
Project to test his body and mind was funded by a California-based Trust. He
went through the test programme without consuming anything but water and taking
sun's rays. CT Scan and MRI Scan reports of his brain have revealed to the utter
surprise of all the doctors an enlarged pinial gland, which in a man in sixties
like him, should have diminished considerably, as well as very active neurons.
According to him, the secret of it all is nothing but all-powerful energy
derived from the sun. The brain as a photo-sensitive organ is a powerful
recipient of energy and regular absorption precludes the need to rely on energy
from food. He says that 25000 people around the world are practicing this
process seriously, of which 3000 of them are only in Ahmedabad. He is proceeding
next month to the
NO SLAUGHTER HOUSE TO BE OPENED IN CHHATISGARH
HENCE-FORTH - CHIEF MINISTER
The
Chief Minister of Chhatis Garh, Shri Ajit Jogi at the concluding ceremony of
nation-wide 2600th Birth Centenary celebrations of Bhagwan Mahavir,
declared that no new slaughter house will be allowed to be opened in the State.
He showed his dis-agreement with the policy of the Government of India to boost
export of meat in order to earn foreign exchange. He said there was nothing to
be proud of but it was a matter of shame to earn foreign exchange by killing
animals in the
EXCAVATIONS AT JALORE
(RAJASTHAN) REVEAL 8TH CENTURY IMAGES OF
TIRTHANKARS
Recent
excavations under the sand dunes at Sayala village in the District of Jalore in
Rajasthan have brought out 32 images of various Jain Tirthankars and doormen.
These are made in white marble and are supposed to belong to 8th
century A.D. period. These statues will be kept for public viewing at the
MONIKA JAIN OF
Mrs.
Monika Jain wife of Shri Vijay Kumar Thakudia, resident of
JAIN
COMMUNITY AT SARNATH ANGRY FOR STOPPING IMAGE INSTALLATION CEREMONY
Jain
community at Sarnath, near
NOMINATION INVITED FOR PRIZES FOR BEST BOOKS
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Prize of Rs. 51,000 announced for best book on Ahimsa by Digambar Jain Sahitya Sanskriti Sanrakshan Samiti. The book should relate to the principles of religion laid down by Bhagwan Mahavir and their application to find solutions to the problems of the present era. The presentation should be in modern style. It should be original and unpublished and should not contain more than 200 pages. Six copies of the manuscript may be sent to Shri Ravi Kumar Jain, D-302, Vivek Vihar,
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Prizes worth Rs. 2 lakhs announced for best books on Jainism by Bhagwan Mahavir Foundation, Chennai. Two prizes have been announced, each for Rs. 1 lakh, to the authors of best books in Hindi and English languages. The book should contain not more than 250 pages. Six copies of the manuscript may be sent to Shri Duli Chand Jain, Convenor, Bhagwan Mahavir Foundation, Post Box No. 2983, 11, Ponappa Lane, Triplicane High road, Chennai - 600 005, latest by 30th November, 2002. The Foundation may also give awards of smaller amounts to other books of merit.
PUNJAB SMALL INDUSTRIES CORP.
ISSUES GOLD AND SILVER MEDALS
On
the occasion of 2600th Birth Centenary of Bhagwan Mahavir, Punjab
Small Industries Corporation has issued 24 Carat Gold medals having 99.9 %
purity and 25mm. diameter, weighing 10 grams and silver medals of 50 grams
weight, having diameter of 47 mm. The gold medal costs Rs. 5800/- and silver
medal costs Rs. 700/-. Prime
Minister Shri A.B. Vajpai released these medals for public sale.
CHATURMAS ANNOUNCEMENTS
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Acharya Shri Vardhman Sagar Ji Maharaj at
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Acharya Shri Hira Chand Ji Maharaj at Balkeshwar,
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Mahasati Shri Ratan Kunwar JI at Ahmedabad (Shwetambar Sthanakwasi)
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Acharya Shri Ram Lal Ji maharaj at
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Pravartak Shri Roop Chand Ji Maharaj at
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Up-Pravartak Dr. Rajendra Muni and Sri Ramesh Muni at
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Sadhwi Shri Siddh Kunwar Ji disciple of Raj. Pravartini Shri Yash Kunwar Ji at Pali, Rajasthan. (Shwetambar Sthanakwasi)
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Acharya Gun Ratna Surishwar Ji Maharaj at Girdhar Nagar, Shahi Bag, Ahmedabad. (Murti-Pujak Sect)
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Gachhadhipati Shri Ratnakar Surishwar Ji Maharaj at
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Acharya Shri Padam Sagar Surishwar Ji Maharaj at Sadri (Raj. ) (Murti-pujak)
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Shri Kamal Muni Kamlesh at Changalpeth (T.N.) (Shwetambar Sthanakwasi).
TIRTHANKARS' IMAGES RECOVERED FROM CAVES IN CHANDKHEDI
, M.P.
It was indeed miraculous to see the Jain saint Shri Sudha sagar Ji Maharaj, disciple of Acharya Shri Vidhya Sagar Ji Maharaj belonging to Digambar Jain sect coming out from the caves at Chandkhedi Atishaya Kshetra in Madhya Pradesh in the afternoon of the 31st March, 2002, carrying three images made of 'sphatik mani' (clear transparent stone) and displaying thse before a huge mass of Jain followers to their utter surprise. The images were of a rare nature, simply marvellous,alluring and supernatural, as if heavenly or celestial in appearance. One of these was of Shri Chanda Prabhu Ji, 2.5 feet in height, second of Arihant Bhagwan and the third one of Shri Parshwa Nath Bhagwan. It is probably for the first time, that statues of such a clear crystal, majestic in appearance have been obtained in miraculous circumstances. The saint had earlier proclaimed that he had been advised in a dream to take these images out from a certain place inside the caves on a particular day and time, from the place, where these were safely stored for thousands of years. According to the saint, Shri Sudha sagar Ji, the history of Chandkhedi village is itself about 1200 years old and so the statues images would be much older than that.These images are presently kept in safe custody of the temple authorities and will be appropriately installed in due course. For the information of pilgrims, Chandkhedi is located at 55 km. from Ataru railway station on Kota-Guna line of the Western Railway.
PREVENT ANIMAL CRUELTY , PROMOTE
VEGETARIANISM - JEEV DAYA MAHAMANDAL, PUNE
Shree Jeevdaya Mahamandal, was established in 1987 with the objective of preventing cruelty to animals in all walks of life. The organisation is engaged in relieving animals like cows, sheep, goats, etc from the clutches of butchers, slaughter-house and animal ponds. Adequate care of stray dogs and other orphan animals is taken by the society with the help of trained volunteers, providing them with food/fodder, shelter, & medical assistance, till the time they die a natural death. Till date, more than 6666 animals have been saved and as of now more than 425 animals are in the custody. The organisation also works for the promotion of vegetarianism by donating productive animals (like cows, Ox) to the people who are vegetarian or are willing to become 100% vegetarian. This scheme has yielded a very good response from the local residents and it is reported that approximately 4000 people have been converted to vegetarian diet. The institution is recognized by the Animal Welfare Board, Govt. of India Chennai.
GOVERNMENT ORDERS TO MARK PACKAGES AS VEGETARIAN
The Government of India has made it mandatory for manufacturers of all vegetarian edibles to mark clearly on each package that the article contained within is vegetarian. The new directives will come into force from June 2002. According the new directives, manufacturers will have put a green marking near the brand name or the main display panel on the package. The marking will be a circle filled with green colour in a square with side of twice the circle's diameter.
The Central Health and Family Welfare Ministry, New Delhi had published a notification in this connection in December, 2001 last year in its official gazette. The notification is related with `Food Adulteration Prevention (ninth amendment) Regulation. The notification also defines `vegetarian food'. In an earlier notification the government had defined non-vegetarian food clarifying that foods containing as even one constituents `parts or articles of animal origin of birds, fresh or marine water animals or their eggs, all animals etc. will be deemed as non- vegetarian. Under this milk and products however will not be considered as non-vegetarian. A similar circle in a square with same specifications as for vegetarian products will also be put on non-vegetarian with the circle being filled with brown colour. The consumers will have to look for circle filled with green or brown colour while purchasing packaged foods to know whether they are vegetarian or non-vegetarian. The signs will have to be put on containers, pamphlets, advertisements, or on any type of publicity of the products clearly near the brand name.
EDUCATIONAL LOANS FOR DESERVING JAIN STUDENTS
International Alumni Association of Shri Mahavir Jain Vidyalaya, a non-profit organization, is pleased to announce continuation of the educational loan program for Jain students graduating from US high schools. This is the third year of the program. During the first two years of program, They have already committed and awarded loans of $32,000. The loan of $4,000 ($1,000 per year) is awarded for undergraduate college studies to the selected students based on merit, community services and need. The application deadline for 2002 program for graduating high school seniors is June 30, 2002. For more information Please visit
: www.iaamjv.org
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Jain
Spirit |
IS MILK VEGETARIAN?
Drinking milk is now being considered as un-vegetarian because certain degree of hinsa is involved in it. As rightly mentioned by Mrs. Menaka Gandhi, The calf, if male is often butchered to save the share of milk taken by it and also to make an earning out of its flesh.The cow itself, once it dries uo and stops giving milk is killed. So double hinsa is involved and it is wholly sinful to get involved in this type of hinsa at least by a Jain. In olden days, milk was considered vegetarian because the yield of milk from cows was very large and after satisfying the need of the calf, still, enough quantity of milk was left behind for the consumption of the family.If that milk was not removed, cow would fall ill.
The calves, may they be male or female were not killed in those days nor were the cows, once they got dried up. Hence no himsa of any kind was involved in those days. Now that the the entire picture has changed, we have to seriously think whether we should now consider milk as vegetarian. Of course, with milk, all milk products, like curds, butter, ghee and sweet-meats will also have to be abandoned. How far will it will be practicable? Are we all preparing ourselves for the sacrifice in the interest of vegetarianism? Can some dietician or anyone else suggest an alternative menu please? I think, there is no controversy about Kand-mool.
ELEVEN MEMORIALS TO BE BUILT IN MEMORY OF LATE
SH. KALA POORNA SURISHWAR JI MS.
It is reported hat eleven memorial temples, in the form Guru Mandirs will be built at different places in the country in revered memory of divine saint Acharya Shri Kala Poorna Surishwar Ji Maharaj. The first such temple is being built at Pawapuri complex, near Sirohi in Rajasthan by the K.P. Sanghvi Religious Trust, the foundation stone of which was laid by Shri Babu Bhai Bafna, Founder Chairman of the Trust on 7th March, 2002. The announcement in this regards was made by Shri Bafna at Girnar, on the occasion of concluding ceremony of the a foot march by a large group of followers including both saints and pilgrims from Palitana to Girnar. Another temple of the saint is planned to be built at Ajmer in Jain Aradhana Bhawan situated on the Pushkar road. The one in series will be coming up at Rajnadgaon in Maharashtra, where the Acharya had inspired a large number of followers.
KARUNA INTERNATIONAL BOOSTS UP ITS ACTIVITIES TO EDUCATE CHILDREN
Shri Duli Chand Jain, President of the Karuna International organisation at its annual ceremony held recently in Chennai said that Karuna Clubs started in various schools in Chennai and elsewhere to inculcate and develop respect, kindness and compassion towards all living-beings and appreciation of human values in growing children have grown much beyond expectations and have expanded in various parts of the country. The activities of these Clubs, carried out with full cooperation of school management and teachers have taken the shape of a mass movement specially in South India. He elaborated that presently, Karuna Clubs were being actively run in 133 schools in Tamilnadu, 127 schools in Andhra Pradesh, 22 schools in Rajasthan and 27 schools in Delhi. At many other places, the activities of Karuna Clubs are being initiated. At the ceremony, a rolling trophy and cash prizes were awarded to promising schools and children.
McDONALD'S APOLOGISES FOR USING BEEF IN FRENCH FRIES
Fast food giant, McDonald's have agreed to publicly apologise to "Hindus, vegetarians and others" for failing to disclose the use of animal products in foods, it identified as vegetarian. The company will also donate $10 million to concerns to espoused by these groups as part of a settlement in a class- action lawsuit initiated by Indian-American attorney Harish Bharti. However, the McDonald's India clarified on Friday that it has never used beef, pork or animal extract in its vegetarian products sold in India.
Starting next month, McDonald's will insert advertisements in newspapers apologising for its mistake, acknowledging that, upon our switch to vegetable oil in the early 1990's for the purpose of reducing cholesterol, mistakes were made in communicating to the public and customers about the ingredients in their French fries and hash browns", the ads will say "We regret we did not provide these customers with complete information, and we sincerely apologise for any hardship that these miscommunications have caused among Hindus, vegetarians and others," the settlement-ad will say. The lawsuit arose from an episode in April 2001 when some Indian-American vegetarians on the West Coast accused McDonald's of misleading customers by presenting its golden fries as
vegetarian.
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World
Jain Directory |
NEW BOOK ON JAINISM
A new book -
Jainism and the New Spirituality has been just brought out by Professor Vastupal
Parikh. The author explains principles and practices of Jainism in a simple lucid language and links this ancient religion with the modern concepts of spirituality. He proposes that Jainism represents a new spirituality – one that has at its core the human rights, social justice, and environment. The book will be a valuable reading for anyone interested in spiritual values, world religions, multi-faith movement, peace, ecology, and social justice. It is also for students of Jainism, whether they are exploring the depths and riches of Jain philosophy or rediscovering their heritage. We believe that the book will be an excellent aid in your attempt to globalize Jainism. To find out more about the book, please open the attached file.
Jainism and the New Spirituality is a Canadian publication, and can also be ordered in India at a subsidized price (Rs. 600 + shipping) from: Peace Publication, 4 Chandanwadi, Shahibag, Opposite Raj Bhavan, AHMEDABAD, Gujarat.
REPLACE MULES BY PALANQUINS AT VAISHNO DEVI - MRS. MENAKA GANDHI
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Investment & Tax Consultants
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CONGREGATION OF UNITED JAIN SAMAJ AT HALDI GHATI DEMANDS SOCIAL UNITY & PEACE
It
was indeed a rare sight to see a large number of Jain Saints and sadhwis, men
and women from all the four sects of Jain religion, Digambar, Swetambar
Sthanakwasi, Terapanthi and Murti-Pujak to collect at one place in a
congregation at the historic place of Haldighati, Khamanour near Chittore. About
15 to 16 thousand devotees from nearby 52 villages and towns of Mewar and from
various parts of the country and about 250 saints and sadhwis had gathered on
the land of Maharana Pratap to give a serious thought to the need for social
unity. The Jai Acharyas and Munis who were present there also said in one voice
that Mahavir gave only one panth and not many, and we all must strive to unify
the various sects into a single strong community. Unity and world peace was the
theme of the congregation and all those who spoke , stressed in unequivocal
terms the necessity of maintaining unity and peace at this crucial time. A huge
procession was earlier taken out before it reached Shahi Bag at Haldi Ghati and
assembled into a Conference.
CHHATIS
Shri
Ajit Jogi, Chief Minister of the newly formed
CD-ROM ON JAIN RELIGION AND JAIN PILGRIMAGE CENTRES RELEASED BY
Shri
Narendra Modi, Chief Minister of
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JAIN RATNA ALANKARAN CELEBRATIONS CONCLUDED -N.DELHI
DIKSHA CEREMONIES
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Vineeta Bachhawat, daughter of Shri Ratan Chand Ji Bachhawat took Jain Bhagwati diksha in the presence of Upadhyay Shri Maniprabh Sagar Ji Maharaj under Sadhwi Shri Komal Shri Ji of Murti Pujak Sect on
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Km. Kavita daughter of late Shri Tej Raj Ji Hira Chand Ji of Ahore, Dist. Jalore in Rajasthan took Jain Bhagwati Diksha in the holy presence of Gachhadhipati Acharya Shri Hemendra Surishwar Ji Maharaj and under Muni Shri Jay Prabh Vijay Ji at Ahore on
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Km. Nirmala Kothari daughter of Shri Champa Lal Ji and Smt. Kanta Bai Ji Kothari, took Jain Murti-Pujak Bhagwati Diksha in the presence of Muni Shri Jay Prabh Vijay Ji Maharaj under Sadhwi Shri Mukti Shree Ji at Ahore (Raj.) on
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Shri Babu Lal Surana of Zaak village in
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Six ladies, as named below were accepted as Jain Sadhwi by Gyan Gachhadhipati Shri Champa Lal Ji Maharaj at Balotra on the Mahavir Jayanti day.
They were:
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Neema Kumari, aged 24 years, having passed B.Com. Part II.
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Rekha Kumari, aged 22 years, having passed B.Com. part I
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Pinki Kumari, aged 21 years, having passed 10th Standard.
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Ranjana Hundia, aged 21 years, having passed B.Com. part I.
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Neetu Lookar, aged 21 years, having passed 12th class.
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Samata Kumari, aged 21 years.
STAY OF SAINTS
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Acharya Shri Bharat sagar Ji Maharaj at Prayag,
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Acharya Shri Vidhya Sagar Ji Maharaj at Nemavar,
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Muni Shri Saurabh Sagar Ji Maharaj at Dolly Ganj,
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Muni Shri Kshma Sagar Ji disciple of Acharya Shri Vidhya sagar Ji Maharaj at Jaipur
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Dr. Acharya Shiv Muni - Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
INSTALLATION CEREMONY OF FOOT STEPS OF
BH. SAMBHAV NATH JI AT SAMMET SHIKHAR
JI.As a mark of mutual cooperation between Swetambar and Digambar sects, the installation ceremony
(Pran-Pratishtha Samaroh) of the foot steps of third Tirthankar, Shri Sambhav Nath Ji was conducted at the
Sammet Shikhar Ji mountain jointly by the two Jain communities, last month, in order to rebuild and restore the
original foot steps there. The place, where these foot steps (Pada chinha) were located was totally damaged
earlier due to heavy rains and lightening in the sky. The entire work of rebuilding was carried out by both the
communities, hand in hand. During the ceremony, worship was carried out jointly by eminent persons from both
Digambar and Swetambar sects. The presence of celebrity saint, Acharya Shri Nityanand Vijay
Suri- shwar Ji Maharaj, who was on his way from Calcutta to Madras for his next
chaturmas, added further grace to the occasion.
OBITUARY
It was most shocking for the entire Jain community
and also for for the humanity in general to learn about
the savagely murder of 31 years old, Shri Lalit Jain, an eminent lawyer at
Bhivandi, District Thane in Maharashtra by the people from 'kasai' community. He was shot down in broad day light at 11.30 A.M. in a busy market place
by the slaughter house people because he had been fighting cases against them in the courts for the cause of
non-violence, compassion and animal protection. So far, he had fought about 200 cases of illegal killing of cows
and other animals during the last eight years and had won all of them. He had prevented more than 5000 animals
from being taken to illegally operated slaughter houses. Shri Jain was a staunch follower of Acharya Shri Hem
Ratna Suri Ji Maharaj and had dedicated his entire life for religious and animal welfare activities. Earlier also, he
had been threatened several times for life but he never cared them and had been moving ahead fearlessly with a
missionary spirit. May his souls rest in peace.
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Australian
Newspaper editor Apologizes for Insulting Cartoon of Lord Ganesha
Syndey , June 4 , 2002: The Financial Review's editor, Glenn urge,
issued a formal apology today for a cartoon which ran in his
newspaper. The cartoon showed a caricature of Lord Ganesha with four
arms standing on a map of India. One hand juggled an atomic bomb,
another sticks of dynamite, a third a chicken and the fourth gestured
obscenely in the direction of Pakistan. The apology, direct to Dr. A.
Balasubramaniam of the Hindu Council of Australia, who lodged the
formal complaint with the paper reads: "I would like to formally
apologize to you as chairman of the Hindu Council of Australia for the
illustration that appeared in the Australian Financial Review by our
cartoonist. I would appreciate it if you could circulate it to the
broader Hindu community in Australia and internationally to
acknowledge my sincere apology for the offense the illustration has
caused to the community. As the apology notes, the misrepresentation
of Ganesha in the illustration of the Kashmir conflict was not
intended to insult the Hindu religion. As editor, I will ensure there
will be no repeat of such an unfortunate incident." News
Courtesy Mr. Rajindra S. Jain , Email :exceltrade@email.com
US LAWSUIT CLAIMS 'VEGGIE LOVER'S PIZZA CONTAINS A 'BEEF
PRODUCT'
The Seattle lawyer who successfully forced McDonald's to publicly admit its use of beef extract in its supposedly
vegetarian French fries now has set his sights on another popular fast-food chain: Pizza Hut. The proposed
class-action suit, filed by attorney Harish Bharti on behalf of 15 million vegetarians and 1 million Hindus
throughout the country, claims that Pizza Hut has used beef products in its "Veggie Lover's" pizza, but has been
falsely promoting otherwise. "Defendants intentionally market their pizza to the vegetarian community,"
according to the complaint, "knowing full well that the foods are not vegetarian."
RS.
60 LAKHS PROVIDED BY CENTERAL GOVT. FOR JAIN TEMPLES IN U. P.
On the occasion of 2600the
Birth Centenary Year of Bh. Mahaveer , Indian Government has allotted
Rs. 60 lakhs to three districts namely Meerut,
Muzzafarnagar, & Baghpat. This amount is for overall development of facilities for the people
and pilgrims in the birthplaces of eighteen Tirthankars. According to the Department of National
Integration, district wise amount distributed is , Hastinapur (Meerut) - 14.80
lakhs
Vahalna (Muzzafarnagar) 19.34 lakhs , Badagaon (Bhagpat) 24. 92 lakhs.
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108 Buried Siva Temples Found
Source at Siddavatam along pennar river, cuddapah
Siddavatam
, Cuddapah , June 2, 2002: The surfacing of five ancient Siva temples partly in sand dunes
along the Pennar river in Jyothi village in Siddhavatam mandal has led to the discovery that as many as 108
Siva temples have been buried under sand at the place. Besides the rare presence
of 108 Siva temples dating back to 1213 , a silver chariot and a diamond crown said to have been presented to the Jyothi Siddhavateswara Swamy
temple by Kakatiya Rudrama Devi were kept in Jyothi village, according to
inscriptions discovered there. The 108 Siva
temples were said to have been constructed by King Rakkasi Gangarayadeva and his aide,
Jantimanayakudu, in the 12th century and were buried under sand during the Muslim Kings'
rule, says Pothuraju Venkata Subbanna, a retired headmaster and chairman of several temples in Siddhavatam mandal. The main temple is called
Jyothi Siddheswara Swamy temple. A life-size inscription in the temple has a swastika symbol on the left and the Sun, Moon and a sturdy bull on the
right. News Courtesy Mr. Rajindra S. Jain , Email: exceltrade@email.com
SAMBODHI
FOUNDATION INVITES FOR SAMBODHI AWARDS
Sambodhi Foundation, Ahmedabad, working for the promotion and preservation of Indian culture,
religion, literature and education is inviting candidates for nomination for Sambodhi award, which carries a cash award and a citation.
Contact for more information Email: sambodhiad1@sancharnet.in
APPLICATIONS ARE INVITED FOR SUBARNACHANDARK AWARD
Sri Babulal Amritlal Shah Chartable Trust,
Ahmedabad, invites applications for Subarnachandrak Award, 2002. Candidates having significant contribution towards the development of education, literature, religion and society will stand for consideration for the award. Further information may be sought from:
Babulal Amritlal Charitable Trust, 803, Sarap, (Near Navjeevan Press), Ashram
Raod, Ahmedabad - 380014
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Email
addresses representing Jain community around the world available for
mass mailing For details mail at: ahimsa@jainsamaj.org |
BALI – THE SACRIFICE A PLAY BY GIRISH KARNAD
Leicester Haymarket Theatre -
31st May –15th June 2002 , Tel : 0116-253 9797
Review by Dr. Atul K. Shah,Editor, Jain
Spirit
Girish Karnad’s unique new play,
adapted from Somadeva Suri’s Jain Epic Yashastilaka (A.D. 950) is a window
into this ancient world, suggesting that Jains were master storytellers as
Professor Hardy has stated. The story is about a Hindu prince who falls in love
with a Jain girl and marries her. She converts him to Jainism and thereby
opposes the age-old family tradition of animal sacrifice as a way of appeasing
the gods. One night, she hears a beautiful voice, and follows it into the woods,
committing adultery. The play focuses on the conflict between Vedanta and
Jainism, focusing on intention prior to action. Jains have long believed that
violence starts from the mind, and thinking violently about another is itself an
act of violence. The play brings out this conflict, with the Queen Mother intent
on animal sacrifice and unhappy with the son for being converted to Jain
thinking. She strikes a compromise, and the story peaks at this, visually
portraying the torment between the two lovers and their beliefs.
There are various layers in this story, which are left to the audience to see
and interpret. The acting of Naseeruddin Shah, the world-famous bollywood actor,
Neve Taylor as the Queen and all the cast, including Ratna Pathak is
exceptional. The setting of the stage, music and design are all very
professional, and watching the theatre is an intense experience. As a Jain, it
was a joy to see a rich philosophical debate presented through theatre, and the
huge professionalism of the actors, producers and directors. I have always felt
that the Jain community in the West rarely sets itself high standards in
community endeavours, and is very quick to compromise, with a very poor
appreciation and knowledge of the Jain arts. They are presently overtaken by
business and commercial values, and the arts are virtually in the doldrums.
Charity, when undertaken, is for physical assets like temples, and arts rarely
figure in this. I was therefore astounded and deeply gratified to see that a
British theatre company took it upon itself to raise the tens of thousands of
pounds needed for this production and market it to diverse communities living in
Leicester. Every reflective Jain living in Britain should rush to see this play,
even if it means traveling far.
NEW
BOOKS ON JAINISM
Collected Papers on Jaina Studies
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By Padamnabh S. Jaini
"The book provides not only an insight into the author's refelctions on various Jaina topics, but also highlights these reflections as a process-a process interdisciplinary study over the course of the authors remarkable career"
- Jinamanjari, Rs. 395/-
A Pictorial Gudide to the Religion of Non-Violence -
By Kurt Titze
".... a descriptive reflection onJainism and Jain pilgrimage sites. This book is most useful for its inclusion of 351 plates illustrations, including many photographs of some rarely represented temples and ceremonies."
- Religious Studies Review. Rs. 2500/-
A Jaina Perspective On The Philisophy of Religion -
By Arvind Sharma
"... Dr. Sharma's approach to Jain Religion has surpassed the earlier studies ... quite different from the other concepts of religious subjects based on ratinal or revealed theology ... Dr. Sharma discusses the problem in a lucid way from a new angle of vision."
- Satya Ranjan Banerjee, Calcutta University. Rs. 195/-
HIGHEST HONOUR FOR TEACHING EXCELLENCE TO MS. USHA JAIN, CALIFORNIA, USA
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Ms. Usha Jain from University of California, USA joined Five faculty members in the elite ranks of teaching excellence on April 30 when they were presented with the 2002 Distinguished Teaching Award. The award is the highest honor for instruction given by UC Berkeley. Only five percent of those who have taught at the campus since 1959 - when the awards began - have received this award. This year's recipients bring the total to 207. Ms. Usha Jain is a senior lecturer of Hindi language and literature since 1971 at University of California, Berkeley.
Over the decades, Ms. Usha Jain has continued to experiment with new classroom tools and materials, writing and developing textbooks and a CD-ROM - items widely used in the United States and Europe. In the classroom, she uses slides, films and discussion of contemporary issues to provide cultural context to the language. Awardees each receive a certificate and $10,000 from UC Berkeley, as well as a gift from the California Alumni Association. More information about the Distinguished Teaching Award and its current and past recipients is available at www.teaching.berkeley.edu
10TH
PLAN COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS MORE SLAUGHTER OF ANIMALS TO BOOST EXPORTS
The
tenth Five-Year Plan of our country is currently under formulation by experts. The
sub-committee on meat has recommended increase of slaughter of animals, especially
of cattle; to encourage the export of meat from our country; it also envisages
promotion of eating of meat by Indians. Vested interests from the meat industry, who
stand to make a profit from such a policy, have dictated these recommendations, and
it is on its way to becoming an official policy. Such
a policy, if passed would have a great impact on the actions and initiatives by
government and other institutions would affect our country, economically, socially
and culturally. A country of farmers is sought to be turned into a country o
butchers! Mr. Shanthi Prasad Jain ( asprasad@lucent.com
) is taking up the matter with the government to prevent such policy
formation and request all the members of the Jain Community to come
forward and
condemning this whole recommendation. You can also log on to Prime Miinister Office Website and
in the place given for
citizen's appeals, strongly protest against this cruelty. www.pmindia.nic.in/writetous.htm
Lawsuit
claims 'Veggie Lover's' pizza contains a 'beef product'
The Seattle lawyer who successfully forced McDonald's to publicly admit
its use of beef extract in its supposedly vegetarian french fries now has
set his sights on another popular fast-food chain: Pizza Hut. The
proposed class-action suit, filed by attorney Harish Bharti on behalf of 15
million vegetarians and 1 million Hindus throughout the country, claims that
Pizza Hut has used beef products in its "Veggie Lover's" pizza,
but has been falsely promoting otherwise. Pizza Hut has denied the charge. "We do
not have any beef product in our pizzas," said Patty Sullivan,
spokeswoman for Dallas-based Pizza Hut. Beyond that, Sullivan said the company doesn't
comment on pending litigation. In March, McDonald's agreed to pay $10 million to
settle the class-action suit regarding its little-known use of beef extract
in its french fries. The settlement -- which was granted preliminary
approval by an Illinois state court judge yesterday -- calls for an apology
to McDonald's customers, creation of a board to advise on a vegetarian menu,
and $10 million to go to vegetarian and Hindu organizations. www.msnbc.com
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PETA
CONDEMNS NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF VIROLOGY AS ‘CRUEL AND UNSCIENTIFIC’
:
Pune—This
week, on the heels of an announcement by the Union health minister, Dr C P
Thakur, that he would ask Prime Minister Vajpayee to exempt laboratories housing
animals from certain animal welfare regulations and inspections, PETA Chief
Functionary and CPCSEA nominee, Anuradha Sawhney, has exposed wrongdoing at the
National Institute of Virology, one of the pioneer Institutes of the Indian
Council of Medical Research (ICMR), and documented atrocious conditions.
Veterinarians from the Bombay Veterinary College conducted a follow-up
inspection to Ms. Sawhney’s visit. Ms.
Sawhney led a team from the Committee for the Purpose of Control and Supervision
of Experiments on Animals (CPCSEA) consisting of Dharmesh Solanki and other
officials for surprise inspections on 8 May 2002 and the veterinarians inspected
the facility on 11 May 2002. As
a result of an inspection in July of 2001 by expert consultant of CPCSEA, Dr.
Syed Qadri, NIV had already been directed to suspend its experiments on animals
due to unacceptable conditions discovered in the facility’s animal house. Now,
ten months after the warning and suspension, PETA video footage and photographs
reveal that the animal house remains inhumane, filthy, and hardly a place where
good science could be conducted. Anuradha
Sawhney Email :anuradhaS@peta.org
appeal against tobacco
by gandhidham cancer society and rotaract club
Gandhidham
Cancer Society and Rotaract club of Gandhidham are shortly going to present
world’s largest appeal against tobacco. This will be in the form of one-kilometer
long banner prepared and signed by one-lac students of about one hundred teaching
institutions of Kachchh. This appeal after completion, will be displayed at
Gandhinagar and then presented to the Chief Minister of Gujarat who will be pleaded
to take some concrete action against the production and sale of Gutka, the deadly
poison for new generation! The project will be complete as soon as the schools
reopen i.e. by mid-June. It had to be postponed because of the prevailing situation
in Gujarat and annual exams in the schools but yet many schools have done
commendable job and have been able to complete their share of work. 31st
May is World No-Tobacco Day. To mark this occasion some of these banner pieces
will be displayed in Gandhidham in presence of leading citizens of Gandhidham on
31st May 2002. Gandhidham
Cancer Society (visit www.cancerconcepts.org
for more details), since last four years is carrying out intensive campaign against
Gutka and has so far conducted more than hundred slide shows and video movie
presentation in many villages, teaching institutions, slum areas and industries. It
has also arranged school children rallies, exhibitions involving schools etc.
From: cancergm@wilnetonline.net
APPEAL TO THE ENTIRE JAIN
COMMUNITY Not
long ago the doctors dected brain concer and in her little body . There is
only one way to save her.......an operation . Sadly , we don't have enough
money to pay the price. AOL and ZONET have agreed to help us. The only way
they can help us is this way , I send this email to you and you send it to
other people. AOL will track this email and cont how many people get it.
Every
person who opens this email and send it to at least 3 people will give us 32
cents.
Pleas
help us. - George Arlington - kaushik.sheetal@btinternet.com |
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