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Vol.
No. 23 |
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Editors :P.L.Jain, Dr.Sulekh Jain, A. K. Jain |
First
News Magazine of Jainism on Internet |
New
AdditionsGolden
& Silver Medallions on 2600th Janm Kalyanak Mahotsav of Bh. Mahavir
To commemorate the 2600th Janm Kalyanak Mahotsav of Bhagwan Mahavir, PSIEC has
brought out pure Gold & pure Silver (Specially imported from Switzerland)
Medallions. The
design of Medallions has been approved by the Bhagwan Mahavir 2600th Janm
Kalyanak Mahotsav Mahasamiti. These limited
edition collector's items are accompanied by a Certificate of Purity from MMTC
and comes in special tamper proof packaging with details of the
Medallions. For
further information and booking you may contact at following address:
18, Himalaya Marg, Udyog Bhawan,
Sector 17-A Chandigarh, India - 160017,
Tel: 702301-05 , Fax: 0172-702039 ,
E-Mail psiec@glide.net.in , Web Site: www.psiec.com
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MAHAVIR
JAYANTI SAMAPAN SAMAROH AT 
India
does not require guidance on secularism from other nations because
secularism was message of Bhagwan Mahavir’s philosophy of non-violence and
tolerance, Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee said while
inaugurating Samapan Samaroh of the 2600th Janam Kalanak Mahotsav of
Bhagwan Mahavir at Siri Fort Auditorium, New Delhi
on 25th April. The PM felt that the need to remember Mahavir
and the basic tenets of Jainism had acquired a new urgency and relevance
in the backdrop of the current strife. "Disruptions in
The PM’s comment was a clear response to strictures passed by several
countries and the European Union for the government’s failure to contain
communal violence in
The validity of Mahavir’s canon of non-violence in the present context
was stressed by Mrs Indu Jain, chairperson of the organising committee. In
her welcome speech, she pointed to the ‘‘secular elements’’ in
Mahavir’s propagation of peace. She observed that the situation in
SUPREME COURT STARTS HEARING ON JAIN
COMMUNITY STATUS
The Supreme Court of India, consisting of an eleven judge bench, headed by
Justice B.N. Kripal started hearing over 200 petitions filed by various
institutions and organisations from 2nd April, 2002. The Bench will go into
all the aspects of the crucial question of Jain religion being a minority
religion or not. It will consider various inter-linked issues, such as
interpretation of the word, 'religion' in the constitution, which religions
can be accorded minority status, meaning of the words, 'minority'and
'minority institutions', whether Jains constitute a minority community from
religion point of view, whether the control of Jains over the temples and educational
institutions will be limited or total, what perquisites should be
enjoyed as a minority community and so on. The Court will give its verdict
once for all, deciding the true interpretation of SEc. 29 and 30 of the
Constitution.
INDIAN EMBASSY
IN USA CELEBRATES MAHAVIR JAYANTI
On Sunday,
April 28, 2002 at 9:00 AM EST TV Asia broadcast a program on "Life &
Teaching of Lord Mahavir". Also on the same day, at 4:00 PM
the Indian Ambassador, Mr. Lalit Mansingh celebrated the 2600th Birth
Anniversary of Lord Mahavir in Washington, DC. He invited
the Interfaith Leaders and Jain community to celebrate this memorable event.
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Jainsamaj
Matrimonial |
MAHAVIR
JAYANTI CELEBRATIONS IN NEW JERSEY
A
milestone event for Jain community residing at
NAMOKAR MANTRA RECITATION AND SHOBHA YATRA
ON MAHAVIR JAYANTI AT JAIPUR
On the eve of 2600th birth Kalyanak Year of
Bhagwan Mahavir, celebrations were held on a grand scale at Jaipur
for a period of 13 days, from 13th to 25th April, 2002. The entire
programme was organised under the guidance of Digambar saint, Acharya
108 Shri Shanti Sagar Ji Maharaj, disciple of Acharya 108 Shri Kalyan
Sagar Ji Mahatraj. The inauguration ceremony was held on the 13th April,
during which, Shri Anshuman Singh, Governor of Rajasthan was present as
Chief Guest. The programme was commenced with continuous recitation of
Namokar Mantra so as to recite the mantra 26 crore, 26 lakh, 26 thousand
and 626 times. A three kilometer long procession, called Shobha Yatra
was taken out on the last day through the city. The procession consisted
of 2600 Indra-Indrani couples, 26 cars, 26 jeeps, 26 elephants, 26
horses, 26 camels, 26 chariots and 26 bands. The images of Bhagwan Adi
Nath, Chanda Prabhu Ji, Mahavir Swami and others were also taken in
palaquins, along-with a large number of tableau, showing scenes from the
life of Mahavir Swami and Parshwa nath Bhagwan, all forming a part of
the huge procession. More than 25,000 enthusiastic followers of Bhagwan
Mahavir along-with Shri Shanti Sagar Ji Maharaj himself, moved with the
procession. Similarly, Shobha-Yatra processions were taken out in
various towns and cities to mark the holy occasion of Birth day of
Bhagwan Mahavir.
MAHAVIR JAYANTI CELEBRATIONS AT JODHPUR , RAJASTHAN
The entire Jain community of Jodhpur, as in the past, joined together to
celebrate Mahavir Jayanti in a befitting manner. The celebrations were held
for a period of five days, starting with flag-hoisting and 'Prabhat-Pheri'
in the morning, worship in a temple in the afternoon and programme of
devotional songs in the evening of the 24th April. The next day was the main
day of Birth of Mahavir swami. The day started with group Samayik programme
in the morning, followed by a massive procession or Shobha Yatra, carrying
about 100 tablaux depicting different scenes from the life of Mahavir and
other Tirthankars, a chariot carrying the image of Bhagwan Mahavir and huge
number of gents, ladies and children moving with the procession, as it
passed throughout the city. A mass community dinner was arranged in the
evening as a mark of rejoicing. On the remaining three days, programmes
consisted of joint discourses by Jain saints and sadhwis, seminar on the
life and philosophy of Bhagwan Mahavir and devotional music and songs
presented by famous musician, Shri Rajendra Jain.
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Jain
Spirit
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CALL
TO RETAIN MAHAVIR JAYANTI AS
The
Jain community has urged the Karnataka government to reconsider its
decision to cancel the holiday for Mahavir Jayanti on April 25.
Following the government's announcement that the holiday for Mahavir
Jayanti has been cancelled under the Negotiable Instruments Act, the
Jain Yuva Sanghathan, on behalf of the Jain community, appealed to
the Government to restore holiday of Mahavir Jayanti. Jain Yuva
Sanghathan president Jain Premkumar Kothari said the government
decision has upset the community, specially because this is the
2,600th year of Bhagwan Mahavir, and it has been declared as the
'Ahimsa year' by the central government. `The holiday for Mahavir
Jayanti is the only holiday declared for the Jain community and if
that is cancelled it will hurt the sentiments of Jains,'' Kothari
said.
MAHAVIR JAYANTI
CELEBRATIONS AT
The 2,601st birth anniversary celebrations of Lord Mahavir was celebrated at
Exhibition Grounds on Thursday from
NATIONAL SEMINAR ON
BHAGWAN MAHAVIR AT INDORE
A two-day national seminar on the life and
philosophy of Bhagwan Mahavir was organised at Indore on the 24th and
25th February, 2002. The programme was arranged by the Digambar Jain
Women's Organisation, Indore in collaboration with Devi Ahilya Univesity,
Indore, Ganini Gyanmati Prakrit Shodh Peeth, Hastinapur and Teerthankar
Rishabh Dev Jain Vidwat Mahasangh. The Conference was divided into four
sessions and about 40 eminent presented their papers and took part in
the deliberations. Many of the delegates attending the seminar came from
abroad, such as Sri Paras Mal Agarwal, from Oklahoma, USA, Sri Abhay
Jain also from USA and Dr. Dileep Bobra ,President, Jain Academic
Foundation in North America (JAFNA).
MAHAVIR
BIRTH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS AT SHRAVANBELGOLA
The
2,600th birth anniversary celebrations of Bhagwan Mahaveer were
inaugurated at the temple town of
MAHAVIR JAYANTI
CELEBRATIONS AT PANJI
The
state-level celebration committee celebrated 2601 Bhagwan Mahavir
Jayanti under the chairmanship of Chief Minster Manohar Parrikar at the
Secretariat, Panaji. A paper on the impact of Jainism in
MAHAVIR
JAYANTI CELEBRATIONS AT
Speaking
on the occasion of the 2,601 birthday celebrations of Lord Mahavir,
SOCIAL
SERVICE MARKS MAHAVIR JAYANTI AT HUBLI
The
Mahavir Youth Federation in Hubli on Thursday celebrated Bhagwan Mahavir
jayanti in Hubli by taking up social service activities. The members of
the Federation distributed tricycles to the physically challenged
persons on the occasion. Jain Acharya Sarvoday Suriswarji graced the
occasion. BJP MP Vijay Sankeshwar distributed the tricycles.
RELEASE OF FIVE
RUPEE COIN BEARING MAHAVIR'S IMAGE
To mark the occasion
of 2600th Birth Centenary celebrations of Bhagwan Mahavir, a coin of rupees
five denomination, bearing the image of Mahavir Swami on one side, was
released by the Prime Minister, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpai on the 30th March,
2002 at New Delhi.
JAIN TEMPLE OF 9th CENTURY
UNEARTHED AT AWA VILLAGE NEAR KOTA , RAJASTHAN
An ancient Jain temple of Bhagwan Rishabh Dev
Ji,
said to belong to 9th century was explored at a remote village, 'Awa' in
the district of Sangod, 43 km. away from Kota town in Rajasthan. The
temple complex, though in a completely dilapidated condition due to lack
of care and maintenance is supposed to be of considerable historical and
archaeological importance. The local office of the Archaeological
department, Government of Rajasthan, keeping in mind the archaeological
and architectural value, has taken over the charge of the place and
efforts are being made to get it included in the list of 'protected
monuments'. As there is no Jain population in the near vicinity of the
temple, no worship is carried out and it is lying in a completely
forlorn state.
GOVT. TO SPEND
RS. 32 CRORES ON JAIN
PILGRIMAGE CENTRES
Shri Jag Mohan, Minister of Culture and Tourism, Government of India,
announced at a Press Conference in New Delhi recently that on the occasion
of 2600th Birth Centenary of Bhagwan Mahavir, the Government of India have
decided to a sum of Rupees thirty crores on the
development, maintenance, protection and beautification of 54
specified Jain pilgrimage centresin the country. The work is already in
progress. The important places to developed under this scheme include
Udaigiri and Khandgiri caves of Orissa, temples of Udaigiri, Bundi and
Khargaon in M.P., relics of temples at Kumbhalgarh, Kota and Baran,
Banswara in Rajasthan, Bahubali temple in Karnatak and Satdeol in West
Bengal. Apart from these, another 27 projects are being taken up for
developing basic and infrastructural facilities such as roads, water and
power supply, site development and gardening. These will include Dilwara,
Kesarian Ji, Amer and Ranakpur in Rajasthan, Bavanganja in M.P., Bateshwar,
Dudhai, Lalitpur and Bada gaon in U.P., and will cost Rs. 11 crores.
MIRACULOUS IMAGES OF TIRTHANKARS OBTAINED
FROM CAVES IN CHANDKHEDI , M. P.
It was indeed a miracle to see the Jain saint Shri
Sudha sagar Ji Maharaj, disciple of Acharya Shri Vidhya Sagar Ji Maharaj
belonging to Digambar Jain sect to come out of 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.
SIKHISM,
BUDDHISM AND JAINISAM NOT SAME AS HINDUISM :CONSTITUTION REVIEW PANEL
In
a recognition of their separate identity, the Constitution Review Commission has
recommended that Sikhism, Buddhism and Jainism should be treated as religions
distinctly different from Hinduism saying that a constitutional provision
grouping them together should be omitted.
The existing explanation II of Article 25 of the Constitution (Freedom
of Conscience and Free Profession, Practice and Propagation of Religion)
says reference to Hindus shall be construed as including a reference to
persons professing Sikh, Jaina or Buddhist religion, and the reference
to Hindu religious institutions shall be construed accordingly.
"Explanation II to Article 25 should be omitted," according to
Justice M N Venkatachalian Commission, which submitted its report to the
government on Sunday.
The
Commission has also suggested rewording of the Sub-clause A which said nothing
in Article 25 shall affect the operation of any existing law or prevent the
state from making any law ..."Providing for social welfare and reform or
the throwing open of Hindu religious institutions of a public character to all
classes and sections of Hindus".
The Commission suggested Sub-clause (B) of Clause (2)of Article 25 should be
reworded to read ..."Providing for social welfare and reform or the
throwing open of Hindu, Sikh, Jaina or Buddhist religious institutions of a
public character to all classes and sections of these religions".
MAHENDRA
VISARIYA'S JAIN PAINTINGS
EXHIBITION - USA
Jalgaon's Solar Colour Lab's director, Mahendra Visariya's paintings
exhibition on Jain Temples in India was organised at New Jersy, and
Los Angels, San Francisco USA from 13th to 28th April. This
exhibition is being organised on the eve of 2600th Birth year of Lord
Mahavira by Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan, USA. Source: Mr. Umesh B. Sethia,
Jalgaon,www.ejalgaon.com
JAIN
VADHU-VAR SAMMELAN 2002 AT PUNE
Jain Sahyog, a youth organization from Pune is going to hold Jain
Vadhu-Var Parichay Sammelan on Sunday, the 9th June 2002. In a similar
sammelan organized in February 1999 by Jain Sahyog, tremendous
response was received with about 2700 entries in the Vadhu-Var
Directory. This time, it is expected by the organizing body that more than
3500 candidates will participate. A directory of participating
members shall also be issued on the occassion. Those who want to attend
the sammelan may contact Mr. Milind Phade, President, Jain Sahyog, 95
Market Yard, Gultekdi, Pune- 411037. Phones: 020 5433777, 5430677
(O), 020 5670408, 5671444 Email: jainsahyog@hotmail.com
JAIN PERSONALITIES HONOURED AT KOLKATA
On the occasion of 2600th Janma Kalyanak of
Bhagwan Mahavir, Kolkata Jain Samaj have honored 26 eminent Jain
personalities of India. In a grand function organized at the Science City
Auditorium, Kolkata on 15th April 2002, All India Digamber Jain Pratibha
Samman Samaroh Samiti had honored following Jain personalities of various
fields -
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Shri Sudhir Jain (Satna) : Philatelist & coins-note Collector
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Master Nitin Jain (Saharanpur) : Young Scientist
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Master Ayush Jain (Merut) : Sports/skating
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Smt. Anjali Jain (New Delhi) : Computer Communication
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Dr. D.C.Jain ( Lucknow) : Medical Science
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Ku. Pallavi Kasliwal (Nasik) : Magician
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Ku. Sneha Gandhi (Sholapur) : Tabla Player
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Shri Parshwanath Upadhyay (Belgaon) : Multifarious Activities
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Ku. Akriti Shaha (Bilaspur) : Child Pravachankar
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Dr. Anupam Jain (Indore) : Jain Mathematics
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Shri Vijay Dada Avati (Jaisinghpur) : Teaching
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Smt. Surekha C. Shaha (Solapur) :Literature
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Shri Sultan Singh Jain (Roorkee) : Scientist
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Dr. Pramod Godre (Sagar) : Eye Surgery
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Dr. G. Jawaharlal (Hyderabad) : Archaeologist
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Smt. Archana Patni (Thane) : Classical Dance
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Ku. Sarika Jain (Tejpur) : Vocal
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Shri D.N.Ekki (Gulbarga) : Drawing
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Shri Suresh Jain (New Delhi) : Artist
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Pro. Chandra Kumar Jain (Bhuvaneshwar) : Linguistics
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Sushri Indu Jain (Varanasi) : Theatre Artist
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Pro. Bhagchand Bhagendu (Damoh) : Prakrit Scholar
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Ku. Asmita Kala (Jaipur) : Folk Dance
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Dr. Sandip Narad (Indore) : Diabetes Specialist
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Dr. S.M.Jain (Kota) : Forestry Specialist
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Shri Mishri Lal Jain (Guna) : Poet
JEEV DAYA MAHAMANDAL,
PUNE TO PREVENT ANIMAL CRUELTY , PROMOTE VEGETARIANISM
Shree Jeevdaya Mahamandal was established in 1987 with the intention of
preventing cruelty to animals in all walks of life. The establishment 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 average daily expenditure on the upkeep of these animals
comes to about Rs. 5400.
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.
The objectives of Jeev Daya Mahamandal include: (I) developing the
branches of “Shri Jivdaya Mandir” (Panjarapol) all over the world as “Gokul”
providing 10,000 animals with food/fodder, shelter, & medical
assistance, (II) providing environment Protection with the aim to
protect water bodies, forest, land from draining out to sea, vegetation, and
implement pollution control measures and (III) to implement, canvass
and publicize vegetarianism.
NEW DIRECTIVE BY GOVT. TO MARK
PACKAGES AS VEGETARIAN
The
Government of India has made it mandatory for manufacturers of 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. The specification
details of the signs have been sent to the manufacturers.
|
World
Jain Directory |
EDUCATIONAL
LOANS
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.
AHIMSA
VARSH CELEBRATION AT ROYAL ALBERT'S PALACE IN NEW JERSEY
The Jains at New Jersey
celebrated Ahimsa Varsh commemorating Bhagwan Mahavir's 2600th Birth
Anniversary. The event was sponsored by Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan and
cosponsored by various organizations like JAINA, YJA, Institute of
Jainology, UK, World Jain Confederation, India, Bhagwan Mahaveer Foundation,
India and numerous Jain Centers and institutions in the U.S. This
celebration was to be inaugurated last year by Prime Minister Vajpayee but
was postponed due to September 11th.
STOP
SLAUGHTER OF INNOCENT ANIMALS
"Earthquakes, a Plea to stop the massacre of animals,
maintaining via science!" It is a new approach of M/S. Bajaj, Ibrahim
and Vijayraj Singh; the author of the book which shows a powerful plea to
stop the massacre of all the animals, birds and (even) fish in order to
avoid the earthquakes. It is difficult to say what transpired in the
authors' minds as serious physicists, having a high level of study -
penetrating the geological roughness and upheavals and thus, also, the
earthquakes. But here, Science has shown its singularities. After all, the
apostle of modern science, Albert Einstein, also applied himself once in the
Science of Geology by propagating his theory EPW (Einstein Pain Waves -
Einsteinian Waves of Sorrow). The innovation is not the only argument in
favour of this book currently based on conference papers presented by the
authors. The theory ( Bajaj-Ibrahim-Singh) is asserted as being an
additional development of the EPW of Einstein. The book claims that it is
possible to envisage the earthquakes, caused by the outrageous slaughter of
animals. The book is really original and is absolutely, eminently,
worth-reading. This book fills certain gaps in the science of seismology
which is still incipient. The arguments in the book, though highly technical
and full of scientific jargon, are presented clearly and simply in
the summary of the book. It is based on reports received from various
parts of the world noting that several earthquakes were related to the
destruction of million of the animals in or close to high-risk seismic
zones. From that, a suspicion was born and the scientists inquired into what
the organization of demolition of animals in the slaughter-houses of the
world has to do with the earthquakes.
The book asserts the study of the
complex role of the noxious waves (waves generated by the immense clamour of
the animals) causing cracks in the earth's crust which are
aligned by the tension. The origin of the earthquakes due to the interaction
of the noxious waves with the waves of gravity is closely examined in
the book. The point that the authors tried to show is that the acoustic
anisotropy led to a very powerful anisotropic tension on the rocks. The
daily demolition of thousands of animals continuously over the years
generates an acoustic anisotropy due to waves EPW (Einstein Pain Waves)
emitted by the dying animals. The book claims that as the EPW traverse a
long distance with time, the slaughter-houses of a country can generate
disasters in another country. One of the objectives of the
investigations is to explore the possibility of prediction of the
earthquakes established on guiding principles, which are well-defined. The
mathematicians and the scientists can predict the tides. Then why do they
have so much problems to predict the earthquakes?
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Promote
and Inter Society Business |
IS
DRINKING MILK HINSA?
Drinking milk is now being
considered 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.
MILK
VS KANDMUL- SHANTILAL MOHNOT
Following a tradition such as not
eating kandmool is easy since we grew up knowing it and seeing it, and
sometimes following it, making a change requires not just convincing
argument but a system. let us simply say traditions an habits die hard.
Another factor is influence of our saints. A lot of people will
change if seal of approval comes from mainstream Jain monks. We need
leaders with money and vegan motive for this movement in india to divert
families from animal milk. Still it will take time, perhaps decades to
provide alternatives with proper distribution system. Just check the use of
varak, that is almost an unnecessary article, and everybody knows, how it is
made, but still it is quite widespread among Jain families. However,
awareness and change has come in many families in India in just the past few
years. The principle that milk consumption means himsa is still not changed.
Can we live with guilt in our minds?
One will find a few Jain Society
leaders (specially in USA) who are not convinced that vegetarianism is
the only right Jain way of following our first vow of ahimsa. Veganism is
coming among Jains. There are several first generation Indian Jains, who are
pure vegetarian. For instance, Jain pathshala/educators conference in Los
Angeles being arranged next month will have only vegan food. These are good
beginnings.
MARKING
OF `VEGETARIAN' MUST ON FOOD ITEMS
The Government has made it
mandatory for manufacturers of vegetarian edibles and food items 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 the 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 milk 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. The specification
details of the signs have been sent to the manufacturers.
Scientific
Heritage Of Jain Philosophy - A NEW APPROACH
Although
ancient, Jain scientific thought is not so well known, it is a rich source
of Indian scientific heritage. The grand Jain spiritual tradition and its
masters broadly influenced Indian thought and rationality in three key
areas: Atomism, non-absolutism and mathematical concepts including the
theory of numbers. As realists, a satisfactory explanation for the origin of
the material world was important to Jain philosophers. Karma, according to
the Jains, is paudgalika or of material nature. By its linkages with body
and thus with the outer world, the soul is literally penetrated with
material particles of a very subtle kind. These come to represent karma and
build up a special body, the karmana-sarira, which remains a part of the
soul until its final emancipation. Thus the atoms of karma-matter are
believed to be invested with a peculiar faculty which manifests into the
effects of merits and demerits, finally deciding the way to the soul's
emancipation. Jain thinkers further extended this soul-karma manifestation
towards explaining the material world. According to them, ''matter is an
eternal substance, undetermined with regard to quantity and quality - it may
increase or diminish in volume without addition or loss of particles, and it
may assume any form and develop any kind of quality. Material substances may
coalesce into one substance, which may divide into many. The
Pancastikayasara, defines and describes the nature of paramanu, while the
Bhagavati-sutra fully elaborates this theory. Perhaps no ancient world-view
is comparable with that of the ancient Jain thought in proposing the theory
of non-absolutism or epistemological relativity. Jain thinkers had fully
realised that the world is much more complex and subtle than it looks. The
Syadvada or the doctrine of 'may be', and saptabhangi or the seven-fold
division, according to which, there are not merely the two possibilities of
existence and non-existence, but seven. An object or event can have seven
aspects of predication. The Nayavada or the theory of standpoints is also a
seven-fold system of predication that delineates ways of approaching an
object of observation. The pluralistic realism in Jain thought had a direct
bearing on their praxis towards a quantitative understanding of the material
world. The range of conceptual ability of Jain masters was truly amazing.
From the complexities of paramanu (molecule), to highly intricate
interpretations of the cosmic world, they laid the foundation of distinct
Jain Schools in mathematics (their main area of excellence), astronomy and
geography. Jain monks established a rich tradition in mathematics as part of
their spiritual practice. In fact, Sankhyana or mathematics became an
important anuyoga to be mastered by every pious Jain.
The well-known Jain texts dealing with scientific topics are: Ganita Sara
Sangraha, Tattvasthanadhigama Sutra, Sthananga Sutra, Jambudvipa Prajnapti,
Anuyogadvara Sutra, Ksetra Samasa, Triloka Sara and Bhagavati Sutra. One of
the greatest Jain mathematicians was the monk Mahaviracharya, who authored
the Ganita Sara Sangraha. He was the court mathematician of the benevolent
Rastrakuta King, Amoghavarsa Nrupatunga (815-878 AD). Like the emperor
Chandragupta Maurya, this king also renounced his kingdom in his last days
and became a Jain monk. Like Bhasakra-II, Mahavira has also presented
mathematical concepts in the form of beautiful poems. Science historians
have pointed out that the Ganita Sara Sangraha, for many centuries was
widely used as a textbook in South India. It is clear that for Jain monks,
scientific inquiry was not a specialised discipline but a way to achieve the
final spiritual state in which the material basis of the world is fully
understood and realised. Unfortunately, despite great interest in scientific
inquiry by the Jains in ancient times, many ancient Jain scientific texts
are on the verge of being lost. As part of the 2600th birth anniversary
celebrations of Lord Mahavira, a national effort towards retrieving and
preserving ancient Jain scientific works, possibly with the aid of digital
technology, would indeed be a befitting tribute to the founder of this great
religion. Sri Ashok Raj, the writer, and scientist himself, has carried out
thorough studies and is keenly interested in exploring the subject
further.
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FORTH-COMING CHATURMAS OF SAINTS
The season of announcement for the forth-coming four months
varsha Kal has started and our saints and sadhwis are giving indications of
the places where they will be staying and holding their chaturmas. Some of
the announcements recently made are:
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Acharya Shri Ram Lal Ji maharaj of Shwetambar Sthanakwasi Jain sect at Bikaner.
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Pravartak Shri Roop Chand Ji Maharaj, belonging to the shraman Sangh of Shwetambar Sthanakwasi Jain sect at Sojat City, Rajasthan.
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Up-Pravartak Dr. Rajendra Muni and Sri Ramesh Muni belonging to the shraman Sangh of Shwetambar Sthanakwasi Jain sect at Jullunder, Punjab.
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Gadi pati Shri Nar singh Ji and Sri Niranjan Muni Swami of Ajaramar Sect at Bidra, Kutch in Gujarat.
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Shri Ram Chandra Swami of Ajaramar Sect at Valsad, Gujarat.
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Shri Labh Chand Ji Swami of Ajaramar Sect at Limbdi, Gujarat.
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Sri Bhav Chand Ji Swami of Ajaramar sampradaya sect at Andheri, Bombay
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Sri Bhaskar Chand Ji Swami of Ajaramar Sect at Surendra Nagar, Gujarat.
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Sadhwi Shri Siddh Kunwar Ji disciple of Raj. Pravartini Shri Yash Kunwar Ji at Pali, Rajasthan.
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Acharya Gun Ratna Surishwar Ji Maharaj of Murti-Pujak Sangh at Girdhar Nagar, Shahi Bag, Ahmedabad.
ACHARYA
SHIV MUNI MOVES ON HIS RELIGIOUS MARCH THROUGH U.P. TOWNS
Acharya of the Swetambar Sthanakwasi Jain sect, Dr. Shiv Muni along-with his
entourage moved through various towns of West Uttar Pradesh, after their
departure from Delhi during the months of February to April, spreading the
message of truth and non-violence amongst the masses, and receiving great
ovations from thousands of their followers and devotees on the way. The
places where had stop-overs included Meerut, Badaut, Hastinapur, Muzaffar
Nagar, Roorkee, Hardwar, Rishikesh, and then Dehradoon.
EXPORT
OF MEAT FROM INDIA DOUBLES IN THE YEAR OF AHIMSA
It
is saddening to note that the export of meat from the country got
doubled during this year of Ahimsa which had been even officially
declared as 'Ahimsa Year' by the Government of India. It is obvious
that Government has been giving a blind support to meat export trade
with the sole objective of earning foreign exchange for the country.
The number of slaughter houses is increasing day after day in the
country. Even the illegally-operated slaughter houses are on the
increase and it is reported that presently, more than
4000 slaughter
houses are being illegally operated all over the country.The
Government has shown its utter failure to stop this activity, which
is causing massacre of thousands of poor animals every day. For a
long time, various institutions, opposed to cruelty to animals have
been pressing the Government to put a total ban on the export of
meat from the country but all the efforts are proving futile. The
statistics, however, show that real earning from the export of meat
is hardly 0.71% of the total revenue, which is negligible and it can
be made up from other sources.
USE OF COLD DRINKS
RENDERS THE BODY COLD AND LEADS TO CANCER The latest
researches carried out in USA have shown that cold drinks weaken the bones,
which provide protection to the heart. Dr. Eral Maital in his famous book,
"Unsafe at any meal", writes that the worst-affected part of the body
due to the use of cold drinks is kidney and those beyond 40 years should
specially keep away from this item in order to maintain kidneys in good
condition. The sugar-less varieties of cold drinks are still more harmful as
they contain sodium cyclomate in the place of sugar, which is a strong promoter
of Cancer. In fact, US Department of Food and Drug Administration has already
put a ban on the use of this sugar-less cold drinks. BRISTOL
CANCER CENTRE RECOMMENDS VEGETARIAN DIET TO PREVENT CANCER
It was recently reported
in the press that in a "Cold Drink competition", held in a Delhi
College, one boy drank 8 bottles of cold drink and he could win the contest but
soon after, he fell unconscious and then died there on the spot. Thereafter, the
Principal of the college prohibited the use of all sorts of cold drinks on the
college campus. This is neither the first instance of death by excessive use of
cold drink nor it is the first institution to have banned the use of cold drinks
on the campus. There are many countries now in the world, which have banned the
sale of cold drinks owing to their injurious effect on the human health. Many
researches have shown that the cold drinks carry a negative effect on various
parts of body and even lead to growth of cancer
Soft drinks sold in the market contain several types of sugar agents, which
promote cancer. These constituents may cause sleeplessness, lethargy, burning,
headache and even migraine. 12 Ounces of soft drink contained about 9 spoons of
sugar, which tends to weaken the defense mechanism of the human body. For proper
digestion, the temperature of the food items should be around 37 deg. C. The
temperature at which cold drinks are stored is around 0 deg.C and it is consumed
also at 3 to 5 deg. This difference of temperature causes strain on the
digestive mechanism and consequently acidity. The problem may become chronic if
cold drinks are consumed regularly. These products also contain Phosphoric acid
which can dissolve the hard protective coating on the teeth and also other
tender parts of the body. The presence of sodium is further found to affect the
blood pressure of the body and causes damage to kidneys and blood vessels.
In order to
avoid the incidence of Cancer disease, which is already quite high in U.K., the
people are becoming increasingly conscious about adopting all possible
preventive methods including changing over from non-vegetarian meals to a
strictly regulated vegetarian diet. The Bristol Cancer Help Centre, attached to
Bristol Cancer Hospital in U.K. has come out with guide-lines for those
suffering from this disease and also for others to strengthen the defence
mechanism in the body to prevent cancer.The items recommended in the diet are:
-
Increasing the use of whole grains and cereals, brown rice and corn.
-
Use of pulses, beans and soyabeen at least thrice a week.
-
Use of sun-flower oil and Olive oil as cooking media.
-
Avoiding use of milk having high cream-content, curd and Paneer.
-
Use of honey in place of refined or crystal sugar.
-
Avoid any pre-cooked food items, tea, coffee, chockletes and cola.
-
Taking wine in very limited quantity, if at all unavoidable.
-
Taking ample quantity of water every day (3 to 4 litres).
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YoungMinds
AN INTERNET MAGAZINE FOR Young Jains
YoungMinds
is Young Jains of Americas's Bi-Weekly e-zine. It contains the latest on
Jain events around the country. It can be viewed at:
www.yja.org
SUMMER
SCHOOLS
Bhogilal Leherchand Institute of Indology invites applications from eligible candidates
for admission to the following summer schools to be held w.e.f. 26th May to 16th June
2002,
-
Prakirit Language & Literature (Elmentary)
-
Prakrti Language & Literature (Advanced)
-
Jain Religion & Philosophy;
-
Manuscript logy and Research Methodology.
Contact: Direcotor, Bhogilal Lehrchand Institute of Indology; 21th KM., G.T. Karnal Road, P.O. Alipur, Delhi 110036 E-mail: upjain@nda.vsnl.net.in
INTERNATIONAL AHIMSA
ACADEMY LAUNCHED AT DELHI
On 24th April 2002, International Ahimsa Academy has been launched by Bhagwan Mahavir
2600th Janm Kalyanak
Mahotsav Samiti, Delhi Pradesh at Jawaharlal Nehru Auditorium, Teen Murti. In the opening
ceremony function Shri Jagmohan, the Minister of Culture said that serving the cause of Ahimsa for
the world peace, communal harmony and religious tolerance would be the real tribute to
Lord Mahavir. Dr. L. M. Singhvi, eminent Jurist and Member of Rajya Sabha, reiterated that only
through Ahimsa we can ensure conservation of rare species, protection of animals, flora
and fauna. Dr. Karan Singh, Member Rajya Sabha in an emotional tone said that Gujarat incidents
are black spot on spiritual and cultural heritage of our country. Kr. Nirmala
Deshpandey, eminent Gandhian spoke that Gandhiji had been biggest
experimenter and practitioner of Ahimsa after Lord Mahavir. He had not only practices
Ahimsa, but also trained leaders for the cause of Ahimsa.Shri Rikhab C. Jain, President of Bhagwan Mahavir 2600the Janm Kalyanak Mahotsav Samiti
Delhi Pradesh welcomed the dignitaries and delegates. Prof. Rattan Jain proposed that teaching and training of Ahimsa should be integral part
of our education system. To begin with, Autobiography of Mahatma Gandhi should form text
of education from school level to university level.
BOOK
REVIEW - THE SCIENTIFIC FOUNDATIONS OF JAINISM - AUTHOR : MR. K. V. MARDIA
In
"The Scientific Foundations of Jainism" Prof. Mardia attempts to elucidate
the point that Jainism is a science with religion. It brings together his attempts in
a unified way. Four axioms are constructed which highlight the foundations of Jainism.
For example, axiom 1 states that "The soul exists with karmic matter and it longs
to be purified". These four axioms focus on the essence rather than on detail .
After a very brief introduction to Jainism, the author introduces he axioms and
discusses their theoretical and applied aspects and their plausibility in the modern
context. The book presents Jaina logic together with present trends in scientific
thinking and indicates how Jainism and modern science are related.
"Written by a modern thinker and a scientist with an international reputation in research and the dissemination of scientific knowledge, the Scientific Foundations of Jainism is valuable guide in understanding Jainism. Mardia refers to the Jain claim that one can see the whole truth of Jain science when one attains kevaljnana or infinite knowledge! His efforts to reveal to us the truth of Jain science in an understandable way provides a testimony to the vast amount of knowledge he must acquired through the diligent study of the literature on Jainism. The book will be of great value to Jains as well as non - Jains in understanding the emergence of a great religion to help us in seeking truth and understanding our existence and the purpose of life."
--------------------------------------------------------------------- My
younger brother, Paresh Jain, aged 35 Years has been recently detected as
having Blood Cancer (Chronic Myeloid Leukemia). The average life span in such
case is about 3 to 5 years only. Paresh is married for the past 5 years,
though he has no children. Bone Marrow Transplant offers the only possible
cure for the disease. Unfortunately, its a very costly procedure to undertake
even in India, the cost being in the region of Rs. 10 to 15 lakhs. I sincerely
make an appeal from my heart to donate generously to enable us to undertake
the transplant. Donations can be sent by cheques to Paresh Jain 6, Gyan Nagar,
L.T. Road Opp. Diamond Talkies Borivli (West), Mumbai 400 092 India Jai
Jinendra Rajesh Jain .
Book Review by : Prof C. R. Rao, FRS, Pennsylvania State University, USA
---------------------------------------------------------------------
APPEAL TO THE ENTIRE JAIN
COMMUNITY
----
1----
---- 2----
Appeal for Lung Donation A mother of 2 children, lives in Queens (New York)
needs immediately to transplant her both lungs (not functioning). We appeal to
all of you to donate lungs of your loved one passing away from life. LUNGS CAN
BE DONATED WITHIN FEW HOURS AFTER DEATH. Mother name: Vishakhaben Prashantbhai
Shah Height: 4', 10" to 5' Blood group: A Positive Contact: Columbia
Presbyterian Hospital, New York Ph# 212 305 7770 (Her Doctor) Dr. Joshua
Sonnet or assistant Patricia Mannie Ph# 212 305 7600, then press Emergency
Option. Please help passing this message within your group.
BHAGWAN MAHAVIR COIN
ISSUED BY NEPAL GOVERNMENT
To
commemorate the 2600th Janma Kalyanak of Bhagwan Mahaveer,
Nepal Govt. has recently issued special coin. The commemorative coin on Bhagwan Mahaveer
was issued on
13th April 2002 at Kathmandu in a grand function. This silver coin is of Rs.
250/- value.
SPECIAL
POSTAL CANCELLATION ON MAHAVIR JAYANTI
A
special cover and special cancellation has been released by the Indian Postal
department at Ajmer (Rajsthan) on 25-4-2002 i.e. Mahaveer Jayanti. This
special cover bears photo of famous Golden Jain temple of Ajmer "Soniji
Kee Swarna Nasian". Special cancellation bears the design related to
dignity of Gurudeo.
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