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SAINTS
SHRAMAN SANGH CLOSE TO BRING BACK UNITY IN SAINTS
Due to continuous and dedicated efforts of Jain conference president, Shri.
Kantilal Jain and Past President Shri. Nemichand Chopra reconciliation
efforts in shraman sangh of Sthanakwasi Jain Saints have reached to almost
final stage. Both groups lead by Acharya Shiv Muni and Senior Jain saint
and Pravartak Maharaj Roop Muni 'Rajat' have endorsed the unity efforts.
The initiative was taken by Roop Muni to send unity message to Dr. Shiv
Muni, which was immediately welcomed in the presence of hundreds of
community members. Other community members, who coordinated the unity
efforts are Sumati Lalji Karnawat, Shri Nrip Raj Jain and Lala Nemi Nath
Jain. Before the final announcement is made, unity proposals are required
to be endorsed by Shri Vishal Muni and some other saints. Delhi-based Shri
Surendra Muni has informed that their concurrence is still awaited.
DELHI PRISONERS IMPRESSED BY JAIN SAINT SHRI AGAM
MUNI
Sthanakwasi saint Shri Agam Muni visited Rohini Jail on 25th October to
meet the 1500 prisoners. Prisoners were highly impressed and took the oath
to stop drinking, smoking and tobacco etc. The visit was organised by
Delhi Jain Mahamandal, an organisation headed by Shri Sukhbir Jain. Shri
Suresh Jain, Shri Sher Singh Jain and many other community members were
also present on the occasion. Jail superintendent Shri. V.K.Khanna thanked
the saint & Jain community for their endeavour in bringing social
reforms.
TEMPLES
NAV-AANGI DISPUTE REACHES TO FULL BENCH OF MUMBAY HIGH COURT
MUMBAI: Difference of opinion between two sects of the Jain community is now a
debate over procedure in law before a full bench of the Bombay High Court. The
two sects differ in the way they worship Mahavir. A majority of the community
follows the ek-aangi method of worship, where a small tilak of sandalwood is
applied on the deity’s forehead, while the other group follows the nav-aangi
tradition where sandalwood is applied at nine places on the deity’s body.
“Followers of the ek-aangi way passed a resolution against practicing the
nav-aangi way, saying it was not right,” said advocate Shankar Mhatre on behalf
of Kantilal Shah and others who follow the nav-aangi way.
Nav-aangi followers presented religious texts in support of their belief and
practice in the City Civil Court in 1998. The judge marked these 126 documents
as exhibits to support Kantilal’s contention but the other side argued that
these were not admissible evidence. The judge however held that the
admissibility could be decided at a later stage in the trial and the documents
could tentatively be made exhibits, which was first challenged in the HC.
Naresh Shah and others who had moved court against the nav-aangi practice raised
objection over admissibility of the documents as proof because they were
voluminous and cross examination would be futile if the court inferred the
evidence as inadmissible at a later date.
Two
judges of the HC, in separate orders, made contradicting observations. While one
said the evidence should be admitted at the beginning of the trial, the other
held it could be admitted temporarily and its admissibility could be decided
later. The case was therefore referred to a larger bench of the HC in July 2005.
Arguing on behalf of the Nav-aangi followers before a full bench of Chief
Justice Swatanter Kumar, Justices VC Daga and VM Kanade, senior
counsel Shrihari Aney said the judge can defer the decision regarding the
admissibility of evidence to a later stage in the trial and not necessarily
decide it at the onset. “Judges have to be asked to train their minds again,” he
said.
The bench will hear the case further on December 14. New Courtesy Mr. Gaurav
Jain 'Lakshaya'
M: (+91)- 981 198 1233, E-Mail :
gauravejainyji@gmail.com
ANOTHER JAIN TEMPLE FOUNDATION
LAID IN PHOENIX, U.S. -
The first slab of marble has been laid in South Phoneix. The ornate $3
million temple is being built on four acres, once part of a farm, at 6202
S. 23rd Ave., just south of Southern Avenue, in Phoenix. The temple
complex will have statues of the 24 lords or tirthankars, surrounded by
other idols. The south Phoenix site will become the center for area Jain
prayer, meditation and other activities for the Jain community. Three days
of festive celebrations were attended by 150 Jain families of the area and
guests from other areas. During the ceremony, many people dropped their
gold necklaces and diamond rings in the pit. It is believed that
these presents are accepted by the god. The International Community for
Krishna Consciousness plans to build its temple next door on four acres
that was divided from the original purchase parcel.
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BHAGWAN ADINATH BAWANGAJA MAHAMASTKAABHISHEK 2008 -
This Mahamastkaabhishek programme will take place from 27th January to 4th
February 2008 Badwani near Indore. This Jain pilgrimage place is extremely
popular and known for ancient 84feet (1008 inch) statue of Bhagwan Adinath.
To attend the Mahamastakaabhishek program Muni Vidhyanandji is also
reaching the venue. Muni Upadhyaya Sri Gupti Sagarji is already there.
Mahamastkaabhishek committee will provide 1008 kalash every day to
devotees against booking. Programme details are available on website www.bawangaja.com. You can also
speak to chief programme co-ordinator Mr. A.K.Jain on telephone no.
98-100-11697 for details. (Indore Address - 4/2, South Tukoganj, Indore,
M.P. Telephone 0731-2510141).
About the
Temple - In the heart of India , stands Madhya Pradesh and in the
heart of Madhya Pradesh is Malwa, known for its glorious cultural and
historical backgrounds. The region of Malwa has charming natural locations
between the Satpura and the Vindhyachals. This land is made holy by the
water of the Narmada , the Kshipra and the Chambal. The mountains of
Satpura had been the favorite place of great ascetics and preceptors for
practicing penance. The land of Bawangaja had been the land of penance for
several great religious dignities. In the middle of the Satpura, at the
height of 4000.6 ft. is the idol of the founder of Jainism the first
Tirthankar Rishabh Dev, carved on single stone, with height of 25.6 metres.
(84 ft.). This place is known as Bawangaja. The idol here is the highest
in the world and rich in art. For hundreds of years this captivating idol,
standing in the posture of meditation, exhibits the heights of detachment,
quietness, art and expressions.
CONFERENCES, SEMINARS & EVENTS
NATIONAL
CONVENTION OF BHARATVARSHIYA DIGAMBAR JAIN MAHASABHA HELD IN NAGPUr -
The leading institution of the entire Digambar Jain community in the country,
Bharatvarshiya Digambar Jain Mahasabha held its national convention at Nagpur on
the 6th and 7th October, 2007. Shri Nirmal Kumar Sethi, President of Mahasabha
was present along with the representatives of various committees and other
eminent members of the society. Apart from passing the budget, various important
issues concerning the community were discussed. Shri Shanti Sagar Ji scholarship
was instituted to help the needy people of Digambar Jain community. Shri Sethi
stressed the need to stop the increasing tendency of serving food during night,
after sunset on the occasion of marriages and other occasions.
HONORS
D. R. MEHTA
HONOURED WITH SOCIAL ENTREPTREURSHIP AWARD
The award for Social Entrepreneurship for the year 2007 was presented by an
eminent social organisation based in New York, called 'Indians for Collective
Action' (ICA) to Shri D.R. Mehta, ex-chairman of SEBI and a prominent and
renowned social worker for his remarkable and dedicated services to needy and
disabled people and his unstinted commitment to society not only in India but in
several other countries. The award ceremony was held recently in New York. Ms.
Lata patil , President of ICA was in the chair. In his thanks-giving speech,
Shri Mehta said that he has been striving for the last several years to provide
'Jaipur foot' to as many people as possible in many countries. He thanked the
N.R.I. community in USA, specially those in California region for their support
in this project. Shri Prem Bhandari, who is the Secretary General of 'Bhagwan
Mahavir Jaipur Foot' in USA informed on this occasion that the Institute of
Design at Stanford University, one of the leading universities of America, has
taken up the project and entered into a 'technology cooperation agreement' to
look into the possibility of redesigning and improving the Jaipur foot so that
the person wearing it can feel more comfortable during walking or even running.
Many eminent industrialists, scientists and representatives from service
organisations were present at the award ceremony.
SANJAY JAIN ELECTED CHAIRMAN OF
ICAI – DOHA CHAPTER
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) – Doha chapter,
elected a new team of office-bearers at its annual general meeting. More
than 300 C.A. attended the AGM making it one of the largest gathering in
the history of ICAI-Doha, that has held the event for the last 26 years. A
new committee was also formed during the function. Sanjay Jain has been
elected chairman of the committee for 2007-08. Sanjay Jain (5845359),
AWARD OF
DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN JAINISM TO DR. SHUGAN JAIN AND PROF. CROMWELL
CRAWFORD - Dr.
Shugan Jain has been awarded the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.).
The degree was delivered by former president of India Dr. A.P.J. Kalam on
4th November at Udaipur. The programme organised under the blessings of
Acharya Mahapragyaji was attended by Jain community in large numbers. On
this occassion Prof. Cromwell Crawford, the Academic Director of the
International School for Jain Studies was also present and was honoured
for his services in promoting Jain studies in international sector. He was
also presented honor of D.Litt at the same time from the former President
of India. Ahimsa Foundation congratulates Prof. Cromwell Crawford for his
distinguished services to Jain Religion and Dr. Shugan Jain.
STHANAKWASI JAIN SANGH MOMBASA
HONOURS SUSHILABEN SHAH AND CHIMANLAL S. SHAH -
At a
Annual Religious Luncheon Shree Swetamber Sthanakwasi Jain Sangh - Mombasa
honoured one of the dedicated couples Mr. Chimanlal Shantilal Shah and his
gracious lady Mrs. Sushilaben Chimanlal Shah among others during the
Sangh's 70 years celebrations which boasts first of its kind in the
history of the Sangh, in the city of Mombasa. Mr. and Mrs. Shah who have
attained the age of 70 years plus were deco-rated, recognized and honoured
for their selfless services towards Community and beyond. Chimanbhai's
has been actively associated with Jain Society and its well being. Mr.
Chimanbhai is a well reputed, dedicated and a humble middle management
employee entrusted with decision making duties in the Mega Doshi Group of
Companies, where his services according to statistics are in attachment
for more than fifty years plus. The programme was also attended by
Assistant High Commissioner of India , J. S. Varriah and 400 Sangh
members.
MISCELLANEOUS
INDIANS STAGE BIGGEST
ANTI-GOVERNMENT PROTEST IN MALAYSIA -
Ethnic Indian protesters brought Kuala
Lumpur to a standstill for almost six hours in the name of Queen Elizabeth
II by staging biggest-ever anti-government protest near Petronas Twin
Towers. After one day of
anti-discrimination protest staged by the ethnic Indian community, which
accounts 8% of Malaysian population, the protesters claimed victory
when the sedition charges leveled against three of them were dropped by a
Malaysian Court. More than 1,000 activists carried three freed activists
out of the courthouse on their shoulders.
Earlier , Malaysia’s
Indian community had staged its biggest-ever anti-government protest and
more than 10,000 protesters defied tear gas and water cannons to fight
against racial discrimination in the country. The protesters brought Kuala
Lumpur to a standstill for almost six hours in the name of Queen Elizabeth
II. They staged protest near Kuala Lumpur’s iconic Petronas Twin Towers
and later clashed with police, which used their batons to beat protesters.
The protesters wanted to
hand over a memorandum, which was signed by thousands of ethnic Indians,
to Queen Elizabeth II. They urged the Queen to appoint a counsel to
represent them in a class action suit against the British government that
had brought Indians to the then Malaya as ’bonded labourers’ and exploited
them. The protesters, mostly ethnic Tamils laborers brought to Malaysia
from South India, demanded that the British government to pay about $4
trillion in damages in concurrence for what they called as the ‘150 years
of exploitation’ of ethnic Indians.
P. Uthaya Kumar,
organizer of the Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf), said that Malaysian
Indians have never gathered in such large numbers in this way. They were
frustrated due to no job opportunities in the government or the private
sector. They were not given business licences or places in university. He
also said that Indians were also incensed by some recent demolitions of
Hindu temples in the country.
The workers of an
alliance of opposition parties and some civil society groups were also
participating in the anti-government protest staged by ethnic Indians.
They were chanting slogans for ‘election reform and justice’ as well.
Parliamentary opposition leader Lim Kit Siang said at the palace gates
before delivering a petition to the king that the Malaysian people must be
allowed to express their opinions and views freely. At the same time, the
New York-based Human Rights Watch has also slammed the government’s stand
against the mass rally and Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi’s step to
suppress the protest. It said that vote buying and use of public resources
by the ruling parties have sullied elections in Malaysia. It also blamed
of the Election Commission for adapting biased steps during elections.
Protests are uncommon in
Malaysia and the last major rally was seen in 1998 when the ‘Reformasi’
movement had erupted after Anwar’s sacking. Anwar, who was perceptible
successor to former PM Mahathir Mohamad until 1998 when he was sacked and
jailed under the charges of sodomy and corruption, had chanted slogan of
‘Reformasi’ or ‘Reform’. He declared that the people wanted free and fair
elections in the country. Later, the sodomy conviction leveled against him
overturned but the corruption verdict barred him from standing for public
office till April 2008. Elections might be held in early next year.
However, the mainstream
political parties disassociated themselves from the rally by terming
it as illegal gathering. They also claimed that the rally was opposition
party’s strategy to smear image of the government before the general
elections. The Malaysian government had even warned that it would not
hesitate to invoke the country’s strict security laws allowing detentions
without trial on those people involved in such rallies.
Now, the Malaysian court
has been ordered to free the three members of Hindraf, who were charged
with sedition , on technical grounds. The Police had arrested them
under the charge of the Sedition Act for the speeches they delivered on
November 16. According to the laws, sedition is punishable by three years
in prison and a fine in Malaysia.
NON-HINDUS TO GET FULL ADOPTION RIGHTS
New Delhi, Nov 17: In a significant move to enhance the legal rights of
both adopted children and the couples who give them a home, the Centre has
changed the law to allow non-Hindu parents to claim full parenthood
instead of just "guardian" status that they were allowed till now. The
changes in law also seek to encourage adoption by simplifying procedures.
Under the law so far, only Hindu couples who adopted children could claim
to be "parents". Non-Hindus were just guardians to their adopted children.
This led to the children being denied rights to inherited property besides
creating procedural hassles for parents at the time of school admissions
etc. Some clarifications may still be needed on whether the changes would
apply to Muslims as the community has its personal laws. These will be
cleared in the guidelines to be framed by Central Adoption Research
Agency. The new law also makes adoption by inter-faith couples easier.
Under the new guidelines issued by the women and child development
ministry under the Juvenile Justice Act 2000, amended last year and
notified on October 26, the new rules will also cut red-tapism in adoption
procedures while increasing the number of recognised adoption agencies.
JAIN PILGRIM
TOWN PAWAPURI TO HAVE MEDICAL COLLEGE Patna, The state government will soon open
a medical college and hospital at the pilgrim township of Pawapuri. This
was announced by the chief minister, Nitish Kumar, while talking to
newsmen after the function organized to commemorate the 2,533 years of
Nirvana of Bhagwan Mahavir at Pawapuri. He said that he had instructed the
Nalanda district magistrate to acquire land for the purpose. Several
farmers of the area had given their verbal consent for giving land
voluntarily. He disclosed that the hospital would be equipped with latest
facilities. Official sources said that the construction of the hospital
would start next year. The chief minister also visited the Swetambar Jain
temple in Pawapuri.
SIX IDOLS OF JAIN TIRTHANKARS
STOLEN FROM GURGAON JAIN TEMPLE -
After a gap of 10 months, thieves struck again at another Jain temple in Gurgaon and stole six ancient idols of Jain Tirthankars, made of
Asthadhatu. They also took away other valuables from the temple of Kasan
village in Manesar near Gurgaon on 15th November. Police commissioner
Mahendra Lal, who rushed to the spot, said that the theft of precious
items included a ‘chhattar’ made of gold and a ‘singhasan’ made of silver.
The Manesar police have registered a case after a complaint was lodged by
the president of Parasnath Digambar Jain Charitable Trust, Paritosh Jain.
In January this year, 10 Ashtadhatu idols were stolen from another Jain
temple in the old city of Gurgaon. The failure of police to nab the
thieves had triggered a protest by the Jain community. Till date, the
police have not been able to solve the case.
NEW LITERATURE ADDED ON
WWW.JAINSAMAJ.ORG
INTRODUCTION TO JAINISM BY MR.
PANKAZ CHANDMAL HINGARH
Jainism is approximately 8.4 Million years old
religion or even more old than that in this cyclic period. Some Scholars
believe that Jainism roots within India are even older than the Vedicism
(Aryans) which being believed came with the people ( the Aryans )
migrating from other parts of the world (near the Caspian Sea ). The naked
statues resembling the Jain monks amongst the remains of the Indus Valley
Civilization, do substantiate their claims. Jainism is being referred as
Original Source of Religion of India. In Ancient Times Jainism was
referred as Shraman Culture. Greeks during Period of Alexander were highly
influenced by Jain Shramans. Jains have their own original versions of Jain
Ramayan & Jain Mahabharat which many rarely
Know.........................to read further please click here.
AWARDS FOR PROMINENT JAIN SAMAJ
LEADERS
Ahimsa Foundation had announced awards for prominent Jain Samaj Leaders in
various categories, such as, Industrialists, Businessmen, Professionals,
Authors, Religious Leaders, Scholars and Institutions through its
newsletter, Ahimsa Times. Although, considerable time has elapsed in
waiting for the receipt of entries or proposals for these awards, very few
responses have been received in most of the categories and therefore it is
not feasible to carry out a selection for each of the categories of people
who could be considered as a right and appropriate choice for the awards.
The
trustees of Ahimsa Foundation have therefore been constrained to keep all
the entries received in abeyance and consider these later, if and when the
awards are announced in future. The foundation, in the meantime, expresses
its gratefulness to all those, who have cared to send their proposals for
being considered as prominent Jain samaj leaders and have and shown their
interest and confidence in our web portal, www.jainsamaj.org.
It also wishes them unstinted success, continued prominence and a happy
and bright future in their professions or activities.
ICONS OF JAIN SAMAJ-1
DR. VEER SINGH MEHTA
NEUROSURGEON, DELHI
Honoured
with Padam Shree Award By President - 26th January, 2005
Dr. Veer Singh Mehta is one of the finest
neurosurgeon not only in the country but in South-East Asia and is well known for his excellent neurosurgical results in the world.
Born on 5th December 1949
Dr. Veer Singh Mehta joined department of neurosurgery at AIIMS in 1981 as Asst. Professor. He received his neurosurgical training initially at SMS Medical College Jaipur and later at AIIMS, New Delhi under Prof. P. N. Tandon and Prof. A. K. Banerji. With his excellent achievements he was selected as professor of neurosurgery in 1992 and appointed as head of department in 1994 and chief of neurosciences centre in 2001.
He headed the neurosurgery department till 2006. Dr. Mehta is presently,
Director Neurosciences of Paras Hospitals, Gurgaon, Haryana.
Dr. Veer Singh Mehta is pioneer in surgery for brachial plexus injuries in the country. He has demonstrated excellent results for aneurysmal surgery especially for giant intracranial aneurysms and his results are comparable to the best in the world. He has also shown excellent results in brain stem tumours which is one of the most delicate area of the brain. He has contributed a lot to the development of microneurosurgery in the country. He was first one to start microneurosurgery laboratory training programme in 1981 which led to many neurosurgeons to get training in microneurosurgery in the country. Dr. Veer Singh Mehta is first one in the country to popularize day care/ short stay surgery in neurosurical practice. He has published 138 papers/ chapters in various international and national scientific journal/ books. Has delivered more than 100 guest lectures at various international and national forums. He has been involved in many international multicentric studies and has been involved with research in head injuries, intracerebral hematomas, brachial plexus injuries etc.
Dr. Veer Singh Mehta has been member of various prestigious national institutions. Some of which includes chairman advisory committee for neurosurgery for national board of examination from 2002, chairman of human ethics committee of
national brain research centre for 2002, member of academic committee of institute of human behavior and allied sciences from 1998, member of executive council of IHBAS 2003, member of governing body of NBRC from 2003. He was president of Delhi Neurological Association 2002-2003. Dr. Veer Singh Mehta has been associated with many international and national journals. He has been founder editor of the journal of neurology, neurosurgery and psychiatry (Ind. Ed) from 2001, associate editor of Acta Neurochirurgica from 2003. He was editor of progress in clinical neurosciences 1999-2002. He has been on editorial board of many important national journals.
He has been awarded with many awards and distinction and some of the important ones are E. Merk gold medal in year 1980, E. Merk gold medal in year 1985, Jack and Monica Britton
traveling fellowship 1986, senior commonwealth fellowship 1994, fellow of National Academy of Sciences 2001, awarded Best Recruiting Stich Centre in Asia 2001, special award of Excellence in Academics December 2001 by Indian Medical Association, fellow of National Academy of Medical Sciences 2003, Presidential Oration Delhi Neurological Association Feb. 2003.
Address :
Prof. (Dr.) V. S. Mehta,
Director Neurosciences, Paras Hospitals, C-1 Block, Sushant
Look, Phase-I,
Gurgaon- 122 002 ( Haryana ),
Tel : 91-0124-458555, Fax : 91-0124-4585604,
Mobile : 093-126-09366,
E-Mail : mehta_vs@rediffmail.comREADER'S
NOTES
LETTER TO WASHINGTON POST ABOUT 'DEEPAWALI
' BY BAL PATIL
I would like to
correct your misleading report in Washington Post that Diwali is
specifically Hindu festival. Are you aware that very recently the US House
of Representatives have passed a Resolution H. Res. 747 In the House of
Representatives, U. S.,October 29, 2007 as follows: "Whereas Diwali, a
festival of great significance to Indian Americans and the people of
India, is celebrated annually by Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Jains
throughout the United States and the world; Whereas there are more than
2,000,000 Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Jains in the United States;
Whereas the word `Diwali' is a shortened version of the Sanskrit term `Deepavali',
which means `a row of lamps'; Whereas Diwali is a festival of lights,
during which celebrants light small oil lamps, place them around the home,
and pray for health, knowledge, and peace; Whereas celebrants of Diwali
believe that the rows of lamps symbolize the light within the individual
that rids the soul of the darkness of ignorance; Whereas Diwali, falling
on the last day of the last month in the lunar calendar, is celebrated as
a day of thanksgiving and the beginning of the new year for many Hindus;
Whereas for Hindus, Diwali is a celebration of the victory of good over
evil; Whereas for Sikhs, Diwali is feted as the day that the sixth
founding Sikh Guru, or revered teacher, Guru Hargobind ji, was released
from captivity from the ruling Mughal Emperor; and Whereas for Jains,
Diwali marks the anniversary of the attainment of moksha or liberation by
Mahavira, the last of the Tirthankaras, who were the great teachers of
Jain dharma, at the end of his life in 527 B.C.: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--(1) during this time of
celebration, in order to demonstrate support for Indian Americans and the
Indian Diaspora throughout the world, recognizes Diwali as an important
festival;(2) acknowledges the international religious and historical
importance of the festival of Diwali;(3) recognizes and appreciates the
religious diversity in both India and the United States and throughout the
world;(4) acknowledges and supports the new relationship of collaboration
and dialogue in international efforts between the United States and India;
and(5) in observance of and out of respect for the start of Diwali, the
festival of lights, acknowledges the onset of Diwali and expresses its
deepest respect to Indian Americans and the Indian Diaspora throughout the
world on this significant occasion.
Moreover I, as Secretary-General, All-India Jain Minority Forum, New
Delhi, India, would like to point out that historically the Jain religious
tradition has alone the claim to have started this festival of lights,
although others have adopted in the course of time. The story is as
follows: "The oldest and clear mentions of Diwali are find in Jain books .
As you know Buddha Purnima is the day of nirvana of Lord Buddha. Similarly
in Jainism, Diwali is a major festival for the jains because it is the day
of nirvana of Lord Mahavira. The term Diwali was first used by Jain
Acharya Jinasena who wrote in his Harivamsha Purana in 778 AD The exact
date is clearly specified in the Jain tradition. It is mentioned in
Harivamsa Purana written by Acharyasri Jina Sena in the year 783 AD. This
deals primarily with the life and story of the jewel of Harivamsa 22nd
Tirthankar Arishta Nemi, cousin of Sri Krishna. In the last chapter (66th
sarga), the author shares this vital information about the origin of
Deepavali. Bhagawan Mahaveer reached Pawapuri and settled in manohar udyan
in the outskirts of this town (sloka 66: 15). When the fourth division of
the time (dushama sushama) cycle was left with 3 years and eight and half
months, He attained Parinirvan (Moksha, the eternal state of the soul
state, from which it never returns back to mundaneness any time) (sloka
66: 16-17). The four-fold order of clestial beings then cremated His
mortal body following the established procedure. ) (sloka 66: 18).
Pawanagari went glowing with the lamps lit by all celestial beings
assembled there) (sloka 66: 19). King Srenik and other kings along with
people assembled there also celebrated the occasion ) (sloka 66: 20). From
then on, every year people started celebrating this occasion with
deepamala or rows of lamps. Thus born the festival of Deepavali ) (sloka
66: 21).Lord Mahavira attained nirvana on this day at Pavapuri on on
Chaturdashi of Kartika Krishna.The Kalpasura of Bhadrabahu give the reason
for lighting of lamps. The kings who were present during the nirvana of
Lord Mahavira said "since the light of knowledge is gone, we will make
light of ordinary matter." Diwali is not mentioned in either the Ramayana
of Valmiki or Tulsidas. I am sure The Washington Post will publish this
correction and clarification in the best journalistic tradition of fair
reporting.
-Bal Patil Secretary-General, All India Jain Minority Forum, New Delhi,Ex-Member,
Media Expert Committee, Govt. of India,Ex- Member, Maharashtra State
Minority Commission, Govt.of Maharashtra, Mumbai.Ex-President, National
Society for Prevention of Heart Disease & Rehabilitation, Patil Estate,
278, Tardeo Road, Mumbai-400007,Tel:, 98692 55533,Email:
balpatil@globaljains.com
FESTIVALS
DIWALI CELEBRATED IN UNITED
STATES
This year the Diwali festivities reached White House and the US Congress
recognised the importance of a immigrant Indian Community. Some 150
eminent Indian American community leaders from all over the US attended
the White House celebrations on November 7 in the "Indian Treaty Room" -
where once treaties with the American Indians (Red Indians) were stored -
for the fifth year in a row. Although, President Bush himself was not
there, but US Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson, and the Under Secretary
of State for Political Affairs, Nicholas Burns, did attend the programme.
The White House celebrations came days after the US House of
Representatives approved a resolution recognising the significance of
Diwali by an overwhelming 358-0 vote on October 29, with 204 Democrats and
154 Republicans supporting it. South Carolina Representative Joe Wilson,
who sponsored the resolution, said it not only marks "the international,
religious and historical importance of the festival of Diwali", but also "recognises
the importance of Indian Americans - a strong and vibrant immigrant
community." Representative John Tanner of Tennessee said, "By celebrating
Diwali, we also are celebrating this diversity, a shared value that has
brought the United States and India closer together throughout the years."
THANKS GIVING DAY SHOULD BE
OBSERVED WITH COMPASSION PRAVIN SHAH E-MAIL:
EDUCATION@JAINA.ORG - Almost every culture in the world has held
celebrations of thanks for a plentiful harvest. The American Thanksgiving
holiday began as a feast of thanksgiving in the early days of the American
colonies almost four hundred years ago. In 1941 Congress ruled that the
4th Thursday in November would be a Federal holiday proclaimed by the
President each year.
All give thanks together
for the good things that they have. In this spirit of sharing, civic
groups and charitable organizations offer a traditional meal to those in
need, particularly the homeless. The foods eaten at the first thanksgiving meal; Turkey, corn (or maize),
pumpkins and cranberry sauce have become traditional Thanksgiving meal.
Millions of Turkey will be slaughtered in USA and other places on this day
which is on Thursday, November 22,2007.
We request the Jain community of USA and
other places to celebrate such an important tradition with your family and
friends in the following manner:
* Thanksgiving dinner -
a home cooked Vegan meal (pure vegetarian meal without any animal products
including milk, yogurt, cheese, butter, ghee, and ice cream) or Äyambil
* Recite the following prayer before your Thanksgiving meal
* Do Pratikraman in the evening
* Serve vegetarian meal to homeless and needy
Thanksgiving Prayer -
Today we give thanks for this vegetarian meal and the people who have
labored to harvest and prepare this meal for us. We give thanks to all
other human beings who have contributed to our lives. We also ask for
forgiveness from all living beings that we have harmed, intentionally and
unintentionally.
We are grateful for our
health and the opportunity to share this meal with others on this day. We
aspire, with compassionate hearts, to use the energy that we gain from
this meal and our friends to contribute to the peace and happiness of all
living beings.
We pray that all the
people everywhere in the world will avoid inflicting harm on animals and
fellow human beings and practice
nonviolence and compassion. We express our sorrow at the suffering of all
the animals that have been killed to provide meals for the Thanksgiving
celebration. May peace and compassion grow in ourselves and extend to all
around us.
HISTORY
ABBAKKA: THE WARRIOR JAIN QUEEN OF INDIA
There were many women in history of
ancient and medieval India who fought for freedom with their enemies on
battlefield. Abbakka was bravest of them; most discussed in Europe at her time,
yet less known to us. Abbakka defeated the mighty Portuguese army and navy again
and again. The legacy of the 16th century queen Abbakka of Ullal will be
revived. A 14th century Jain basadi in Ullal where she used to offer prayers is
being rebuilt, a film on her is being planned, and a permanent memorial for her
will soon be ready.
The film will be made by well-known film personality Jayamala. We understand
that this project is still in the research stage. While historians might have
brushed aside Abbakka’s first battle with the Portuguese in 1546 as a small
incident where a feudal kingdom was fighting to save itself, this brave queen
with her small band of loyal soldiers kept the Portuguese forces out of Ullal
and the Dakshina Kannada region. If not the enemy forces would have established
their presence here much before they conquered Goa. The previous government had
cleared Rs. 68 lakhs for constructing a “Abbakka Bhavan” in Ullal which is going
to be a permanent memorial for the queen.
Ullal town first organised the Rani Abbakka Utsav as a Nada Habba of Ullal in
1998. Rani Abbakka fought the Portuguese forces in 1546, destroyed a flotilla of
their ships, and drove them away with a handful of her sailors who were a mix of
communities, including Muslims, fishermen, Billavas, and Kshatriyas. Courtesy:
Mr. Mahavir S. Chavan.
JAIN DIKSHA NEWS
JAIN DIKSHA CEREMONY
Jain muni diksha ceremony will be held at Guwahati on the 29th November,2007,
where diksharthi Shri Mahavir Prasad Kashliwal will be accepting diksha in the
holy presence of 108 Acharya shri Pushpdant Sagar ji maharaj. Shri mahavir
Prasad is the son of Shri Bimal kumar ji Pataudi and Smt. Nirmala devi Pataudi.
The celebrations are being organised by Param Poojya Acharya Shri Pushpdant
Sagar ji Varshayog samiti (Shri Digambar Jain Samaj), Aath gaon, Guwahati
(Assam).
GOLDEN JUBILEE OF
DIKSHA MAHOTSAVA
The golden jubilee of diksha mahotsava of Aryikaratna 105 Shri Suparshwamati
mata ji was celebrated at Jaipur on the 18th to 21st October, 2007 with great
jubilation and reverence by thousands of devotees, coming from all over the
country. Religious programmes were conducted all through the three days period
to celebrate the occasion.
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WE HEARTILY WELCOME FOLLOWING NEW MEMBERS WHO HAVE JOINED |
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WWW.JAINSAMAJ.ORG DURING THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER, 2007 |
1. Rohit Nahata,Swetambar,Karol Bagh,Delhi,Business
2. Raj Luniya,Swetambar,Pali,Rajasthan,Academics
3. Subh Choradia,Swetambar,Nagaur,Rajasthan,Engineer
4. Saurabh Maru,Swetambar,Vellore,Tamil Nadu,Scientist
5. M.Vashimkar,Digambar,Jalgaon,Maharashtra,Service
6. Lalit Jain,Digambar,Indore,Madhya Pradesh,Service
7. Rajiv Tatia,Swetambar,Kolkata,West Bengal,Business
8. Mukul Jain,Digambar,Ghaziabad,Uttar Pradesh,Student
9. Rahul Dawawala,Swetambar,Godhra,Gujarat,Student
10. Sanjay Jain,Digambar,Newai,Rajasthan,Service
11. Sachin Vakharia,Digambar,Alberta,Canada,Engineer
12. Sandeep Kumar Jain,Digambar,Palwal,Haryana,Service
13. Lalit Bhagat,Digambar,Ajmer,Rajasthan,Engineer
14. Anish Jain,Digambar,Udaipur,Rajasthan,Engineer
15. C.Bhatera,Swetambar,Ratangarh,Rajasthan,Finance
16. Aman Jain,Swetambar,Ambala,Haryana,Academics
17. T.Chandra,Digambar,Ferozeshah Road,Delhi,Business
18. Bharat B.Jain,Digambar,Palam,Delhi,Government
19. Yogesh K.Shah,Swetambar,Sangli,Maharashtra,Industrialist
20. Abhishek Jain,Swetambar,Dungarpur,Rajasthan,Engineer |
21. Manoj Shah,Swetambar,Mumbai,Maharashtra,Finance
22. Sandeep Kumar Jain,Digambar,Noida,Uttar Pradesh,Engineer
23. Anurag Kumar Jain,Digambar,Jaipur,Rajasthan,Service
24. Payal Jain,Swetambar,Ujjain,Madhya Pradesh,Arts
25. Sharmendra Kothari,Swetambar,Salamgarh,Rajasthan,Finance
26. Manish Jain,Swetambar,Mumbai,Maharashtra,I.T.
27. Rajendra Bafna,Swetambar,Pune,Maharashtra,Business
28. Shakti Jain,Digambar,Gandhi Nagar,Delhi,Consultancy
29. Subodh Kumar Jain,Digambar,Pitamnpura,Delhi,Consultancy
30. Mukesh Gangar,Swetambar,Mumbai,Maharashtra,Business
31. Rajendra Kumar Sethi,Digambar,Kishangarh,Rajasthan,Business
32. Mahendra Bhandari,Swetambar,Jodhpur,Rajasthan,Management
33. Jitendra Kumar Jain,Swetambar,Mumbai,Maharashtra,I.T.
34. Sanjay Shaha,Swetambar,Pune,Maharashtra,Management
35. Rahul Parakh,Swetambar,Kolkata,West Bengal,Finance
36. Kalpesh Jain,Digambar,Udaipur,Rajasthan,Engineer
37. Dikshant Kikawat,Digambar,Udaipur,Rajasthan,I.T.
38. Abhijit Khandheria,Swetambar,Gondal,Gujarat,Finance
39. Sathanna Jain,Digambar,Chennai,Tamil Nadu,Business
40. Indar Banu,Swetambar,Vandavasi,Tamil Nadu,Academics |
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BRIDES
1. Pritika Jain,26,Digamber,Jaipur,Rajasthan,Medicine
2. Astha Jain,22,Digamber,Pitampura,Delhi,Service
3. Purva Gupta,22,Digamber,Railway Officers
Enclave,Delhi,Others
4. Jemini Gandhi,22,Swetamber,Rajkot,Gujarat,Computer
5. Swati Murdia,23,Swetamber,Bikaner,Rajasthan,Others
6. Amita Jain,32,Digamber,Jaipur,Rajasthan,Divorcee
7. Nilesh Shah,35,Swetamber,Jamnagar,Gujarat,Service
8. Reema Doshi,27,Swetamber,Mombasa,Kenya,Service
9. Priya Borana,27,Swetamber,Ratlam,Madhya Pradesh,Others
10. Pramila Oswal,32,Swetamber,Neemuch,Madhya Pradesh,Business
11. Avani Hasmukh Shah,27,Swetamber,Mohali,Punjab,Others
12. Aarti Jain,33,Digamber,Mumbai,Maharashtra,Medicine

GROOMS
1. Mukesh
Vashimkar,27,Digamber,Bhusawal,Maharashtra,Service
2. Siddharth Kumar Jain,30,Swetamber,Raipur,Chattisgarh,Business
3. Vaibhav Jain,26,Digamber,Nagpur,Maharashtra,Computer
4. Mukesh Vilas
Vashimkar,27,Digamber,Jalgaon,Maharashtra,Service
5. Varun Kumar Tanted,22,Swetamber,Indore,Madhya
Pradesh,Computer
6. Vishal Jain,38,Digamber,Lucknow,Uttar
Pradesh,Business
7. Anurag Kumar
Jain,26,Digamber,Jaipur,Rajasthan,Computer
8. Babal Kumar
Kothari,53,Swetamber,Bangalore,Karnataka,Business
9. Sachin Jain,29,Digamber,Paschim Vihar,Delhi,Others
10. Mahaveer Gang,26,Swetamber,Bari Sadri,Rajasthan,Others
11. Akhil Jain,31,Digamber,Janak Puri,Delhi,Service
12. Saurabh Jain,24,Digamber,Vasant Kunj,Delhi,Engineering
13. Sudhir Jain,30,Digamber,Model Town,Delhi,Law
14. Kartik Haresh Shah,23,Swetamber,Hyderabad,Andhra Pradesh,Service
1. Shakti,Gandhi
Nagar,Delhi,Miscellaneous
2. Shah
Electricals And Electronics Services,Ahmedabad,Gujarat,Computers
3. Kpj
Exports,Jaipur,Rajasthan,Jewellary
4. Ashok &
Co.,Bangkok,Thailand,Jewellary
5. Rajendra Oil
Industries,Deesa,Gujarat,Industry
6. R. K.
Jain,Pune,Maharashtra,Consultants
7. Jayshree
Creations (India) Pvt. Ltd.,Mumbai,Maharashtra,Publications
8. Pankaj
Enterprises,Bangalore,Karnataka,Textiles
9. Priya
Computers,Sangli,Maharashtra,Services
10. Khushboo
Tours And Travels,Mumbai,Maharashtra,Travel
11. Feeling
Better,Rajkot,Gujarat,Medical
12. Fusion
Shirts,Ujjain,Madhya Pradesh,Textiles
13. Futura
Electronics Pvt. Ltd.,Chennai,Tamilnadu,Electricals/Electronics |
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REQUEST TO READERS
If you find any inconsistencies or
errors in Ahimsa Times, please do inform so that we can affect
corrections.
Editor.
- Ahimsa Foundation -
Delhi Office : 21, Skipper House , 9, Pusa Road , New Delhi -
5 , India
Phones : +91-11-2875-4013, 4506-4228, 98-100-46108 , E-Mail :
ahimsa@jainsamaj.org
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Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
Phone : +91-291-243-8082, E-Mail :
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