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We
take opportunity of this Paryushan Samvatsari,
to thank you for all the love,
kindness and friendship showered on us.
We also ask for your forgiveness
for any indiscretions, knowingly or unknowingly, committed by us.
KHAMEMI SAVVE JIVA
We forgive all the living beings,
SAVVE JIVA KHAMANTU ME
We seek pardon from all the living beings,
MITTI ME SAVVA BHUTESU
We are friendly towards all the living beings,
VERAM MAJJHAM NA KENVI
And we seek enmity with none,
MICHHAMI DUKKADDAM!
And we ask for forgiveness from all!
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JAINISM - A TRADITION WHICH JAINS MUST REVIVE & REINVIGORATE
Prof.
Cromwell Crawford: Jainism is a religion waiting to be reborn. The
likelihood, though, is that its rebirth will take place in the West, rather
than in the East. Throughout the ages, Jainism has always been ahead of
itself. The
ancient saints possessed ideas and ideals which could not be fully
understood or
appreciated in the pre-modern world, and therefore they had to
await present developments in order to come into their own. It is this
historic fruition of Jainism to contribute toward the making of the new
millennium that supplies the motivation for Jains to revive and reinvigorate
their tradition To illustrate the premise that Jainism has ideas and ideals
that are eminently relevant to contemporary issues, we take a look at
developments in the areas of ecology and theology.
It is common knowledge that people everywhere are facing an environmental crisis in the areas of global warming, biodiversity, waste, pollution, population, and nuclear proliferation. We have thrown ourselves all the way back to our primitive beginnings in which the dominant problem on earth was coping with the environment. The only difference between our tribal beginnings and the situation today is that the problems now are of our own making. We have found little difficulty to make the earth accessible, but never manageable. Now the price of our survival is the management of our planet. This calls for a new philosophy in the comprehension and management of our planet.
Jain philosophy has all of the elements to address the present crisis. These include: The Principle of Equality; The Principle of Non-Violence; The Principle of Consequentially, The Principle of Responsibility; The Principle of Reciprocity; and The Principle of Restraint. The relevance of these principles to the environmental problems cited above is clear, even on the briefest descriptions. First, the Jain religion is built on the bedrock of equality, which is not limited to socio-political considerations, but is a universal concept, including all selves: earth-bodied, water-bodied, vegetable organisms, insects, birds, and animals. Second, the principle of equality provides the rationale for the second principle of non-violence. Ahimsa is the first of five anuvratas or minor vows a householder must observe. All religions accord a place of honour to non-violence, but when the Jain sages declared 'ahimsa parmo dharmah,' they were affirming ahimsa as the lynchpin of all religion. Third, the doctrine of samaiya is also correlated with the doctrine of karma. Numerous scriptures warn of the consequences of doing harm by thought, word and deed. Fourth, karma underscores the principle of responsibility. Jainism grants homo sapiens a superior status, but since responsibility is seen as a dimension of human character, people are held answerable for their stewardship of the natural environment. Here superiority is not a license for the strong to exploit the weak, but an obligation for them to protect and to preserve. Fifth, the principle of reciprocity is rooted in Jain ethical notions of equality, individuality and mutuality. Recognising that life forms occupy heterogeneous bodies, and that they are all individualised through their karma, it follows that our perceptions of others is bound to be inadequate, and efforts must therefore be made to overcome the inadequacy and to become aware of other beings in all of their idiosyncratic differences. This is the Jain version of the Golden Rule.
'The fanatic is usually a person who does what he thinks God would do if God knew all of the facts of the case' Finally, there is the principle of restraint, which arises from the essentially ascetic ethos of Jainism. Restraint is not some masochistic form of aberrant behavior. It grows out of an understanding of the human condition. Ignorant of the true nature of the jiva, humans identify with the ajiva and become immersed within it through the seduction of the senses. The trouble here is that the senses can never be satisfied; hence cupidity and suffering go hand in hand. To save people from the pain and disappointment of looking into the bottomless pit of human wants, Jainism includes aparigraha into its five vratas or abstinences. It means freedom from slavery to avarice and unnecessary luxuries which burden the environment.
A second area in which Jainism has something important to contribute to the modern world is in respect to the way we think in matters of religion, given the emerging pluralism of global existence. Eminent scholars warn us of 'the clash of cultures' in which fanaticism poses as the chief threat to world peace. Fanaticism wears three masks: racism, religious bigotry, and ethnic hatred. These three hatreds are the root cause of almost all of the fighting around the globe, as is most evident in the current atrocities of ethnic cleansing going on in the former Yugoslavia. Clashes between Hindus and Muslims in India, and between Protestants and Roman Catholics in Ireland tell the same sorry tale. In America, religious fanaticism is behind the bombing of abortion clinics, the burning of black churches, and the desecration of Jewish synagogues. The fanatic is usually a person who does what he thinks God would do if God knew all of the facts of the case.
What is needed to end all cultural wars is a Jain type of ethic of anekantavada. This notion highlights the role of relativity in all human thinking, especially when it comes to matters of religion. Anekantavada fosters a mind-set that says: things are not always as they seem; that contradictions abound in our everyday perceptions; that we all occupy subjective worlds; and that sincerity is no guarantee for truth and certainty.
'The environmental and theological ideas of Jainism are but two examples of the rich legacy of this ancient religion which Jains must revive and reinvigorate'
The environmental and theological ideas of Jainism are but two examples of the rich legacy of this ancient religion which Jains must revive and reinvigorate, because it is in the present Western sky that its star can be seen in brightest form. In a real sense it is only now that that star is born, for it takes a modern view of life in this universe, fully to appreciate its wisdom and worth. Moreover, though Jains are newcomers to the Western world, they are already among the wealthiest and best educated of North Americans and Britons. These communal assets and qualifications make the challenge of a Jain revival, not just a matter of opportunity but of obligation, for to whom much is given, much is required The land which has given us the gift of life and has nurtured us in faith, has sacrificed much to see its sons and daughters leave for distant shores. It is now our duty to make that sacrifice count for something, or else we will count for nothing.
HURRICANE KATRINA VICTIM'S RELIEF FUND LAUNCHED BY WORLD COMMUNITY SERVICE.
JAINA REQUESTS CONTRIBUTIONS FROM COMMUNITY MEMBERS
World
Community Services of Federation of Jain Associations in North America
has launched Hurricane Katrina Victim’s Relief Fund” to raise the fund
to help the victims of this disaster. After hitting Florida, Katrina
came ashore as a Category 4 storm with wind of 145 mph. Entire gulf coast of
Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama and northwest Florida suffered a major
blow. Thousands of homes and businesses were washed away in the raging
waters. World Community Services has already allotted $5,000 from its funds
for relief operation and channeled the funds to Jain center of Houston to
help evacuee’s families at the Astrodome. Rajni Shah is the president of
Jain Center of Houston and he can be contacted at E-Mail : rshah4@houston.rr.com
Previously also JAINA had raised over $200,000 for Tsunami victims, $750,000 for Gujarat Earthquake, $100,000 for Latur Earthquake Fund, more than $70,000 for Kutch Cyclone Relief Fund and then for the Turkey earthquake Fund, Orissa and Kosovo. This time we request your generous help for this humane cause.
Jains in North America have always shown our generosity all over the world in the time of need as steadfast believers of “Jiv Daya” and “Ahimsa”. All donations collected will be distributed through Jain Society of Houston or Jain Society of South Louisiana. Shalin S. Shah is leading this effort in Louisiana and can be contacted at shalin112@hotmail.com for more information. Santosh C. Shah, a leader of JSSL since establishment in 1982 is currently in Houston and is assisting the Houston Jain community in their efforts. We request you to send your contributions payable to JAINA on receipt of this appeal and mail to:Prakash Mehta , 2960 Mother Well Ct, Oak Hill, VA 20171,703-352-8340,703-318-8252 H, E-Mail : Pmehta@psiint.com
WE REQUEST ALL INDIA-BASED SWETAMBER AND DIGAMBER ORGANISATIONS TO GENEROUSLY COME FORWARD AND JOIN JAINA IN ITS ENDEAVOUR TO SERVE HUMANITY. THERE IS LOT OF IDLE MONEY WITH JAIN TEMPLES, SOME OF IT MAY BE USED.
TEMPLES
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KANCHI
IS IN THE NEWS FOR WRONG REASONS
Kanchipuram was the
capital of Pallava dynasty in 5-8th century AD. Early Pallavas patronized
Jainism. It was a famous seat of Jainism and at this very place Acharya
Bhatta Akalanka defeated Buddha bhiskhus by 8-day debate in the year 643 AD
in the palace of King Hima Sheetala. Princes Akalanka and his brother
Nishkalanka underwent training in Buddhism at Nalanda in their youth.
Eventually, Nishkalanka was killed by Buddhists and his death wish to his
elder brother was to marginalize Buddhism which is against theism of soul (Anatmavadi
or shunyavada). The later era witnessed revival of Vedanta through seers
like Adi Sankara and so called Bhakti movement unleashing terror and all
kinds of dirty civil wars. (That was the worst period of our civilization.
This encouraged foreign invasion from Arab world and slavery to Islamic
rulers.) The temples now under Hindu custody at Kanchi puram were Jain
temples. Once Jains were eliminated in the civil war, the famous Vardhamana
Mahaveer temple became Varadaraja Perumal temple. The Neminatha temple
became Kamakshi temple. Kamakshi is the new name of Kushmandini or Ambikaa
yakshi of Bhagvan Neminatha. Both Vaishnavites and Saivites took charge of
these temples respectively.
The brahmins regrouped in 18th century and took over charge of Kanchipuram temples and assets. Their mutt at Kumbakonam near TiruJinaPalli (the venerable seat of Jina Munis, now called Tiruchi) was eventually shifted here with the permission of Britishers on the pretext of performance of Kumbabhishekam to Kamakshi yakshi. They wrote fresh history, linked this mutt to Adi Sankara whose period itself was antedated from 8th AD to 5th century BC to be in close company with Mahaveer and Buddha. Adi Sankara was credited institution of four mutts in the country in the lines of Jinakanchi. But this present Peetam does not figure in it. But money and influence can rewrite history. You persist with a statement; it is bound to be accepted as a gospel truth. So this mutt keeps on trumpeting this false history at every opportunity. Truth can also be new and need not be old or ancient to be sacred. But the over millennium years gap between Adi Sankara and other two Sramanas is unpalatable to modern day rehabilitated Kanchi peetam. It is strongly believed that the decorated Balaji is in fact kayotsarga idol of Bhagvan Neminath, the cousin of Lord Krishna. Recently some one circulated the original idol in the net. Most of the present day Brahmins at these centres are descendants of Jains who shifted loyalty due to one or factors like fear or favour and lack of Punyoday. This message is aimed at arriving the truth through pages of history but in no way at hurting any one's sentiments. Courtesy: Dr. C. Devakumar E-Mail : cdevakumar@yahoo.com
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ANTI-SOCIAL
ELEMENTS ATTEMPT TO OCCUPY LAND AT PAWAPURI PREMISES IN BIHAR
After
Girnar, trouble is now brewing at Pawapuri in Bihar, the place of worship
and a pilgrimage centre for the Jain community, from where Bhagwan
Mahavir attained salvation. Close to the lotus temple in which the
foot-prints of Bhagwan Mahavir are built, the office of Digambar Jain Siddh
Kshetra is located. The ground in front of this office belongs to the
Digambar Jain committee. Some anti-social elements have been trying to usurp
this land and take its illegal possession probably for the purpose of
building some temple of their own. They have also reportedly filed a
criminal case in the court of Chief Judicial Magistrate, Bihar Sharif,
making allegations against the Secretary, Bihar State Digambar Jain Teerth
Kshetra Committee, Manager, Pawapuri Ji Digambar Siddh Kshetra and the
Manager, Shri Rajgir Siddh Kshetra. It is also reported that attempts to
occupy the land have been going on repeatedly in the recent past. When the
matter was reported to the police, the miscreants instigated and misled the
local Hindu community to start building a place of worship there. The
present conditions have been causing ill-will and mis-understanding amonst
the two communities, giving rise to chances of breach of peace any time.
ORNAMENTS LOOTED FROM EAST DELHI DIGAMBAR JAIN TEMPLE
On
August 27th, four armed men looted cash and ornaments worth over several
lakhs from the Jain Digambar temple in Preet Vihar, East Delhi. Four persons
broke open the locks and entered the temple at around 2.30 A.M., injured
the guard and the sewadar when they told the robbers that the keys
were with the priest. Robbers
took away gold and silver ornaments, and several canopies from the
idols. The robbers also broke open the locks of three donation boxes. The
incident came to light when three women came to offer prayers at the
temple in the morning. Theft case has been registered at the
Preet Vihar police station.
THIEVES STEAL FROM SHWETAMBER JAIN TEMPLE AT ANDHERI, MUMBAI
Hours after Lord
Mahavir’s birthday celebrations on September 6, it was the thieves turn to
collect their ‘prasad’ at the Shwetamber Jain Temple at Andheri. They
stole Rs 50,000 from the temple in the early hours, just after the
celebrations came to an end. As celebrations continued till midnight, it is
suspected that the incident happened between 2 A.M. and 4 A.M.. “Due
to the ongoing Jain festivals, far more devotees had visited the
temple and the thieves stole Rs 45,000 from the donation boxes and jewellery
worth Rs 5,000 from the idols,”
SAINTS
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SCIENCE
OF LIVING TO BE INTRODUCED IN ALL DELHI SCHOOLS
At
a national seminar held in the holy presence of Acharya Mahapragya Ji at New
Delhi, Smt. Sheela Dixit, Chief Minister of Delhi mentioned that the study
of 'science of living' (Jeevan Vigyan), as a subject in schools, as
enunciated by Acharya Mahapragya, will lead to much-needed value-based
education and it would help in solving the basic problems facing the
country. It would encompass human values, ethics and moral education, health
and yoga. This subject would soon be introduced in all Delhi schools.
The seminar was attended by Shri Arjun Singh, Minister of Human Resource
Development, Government of India. He said that the subject of scince of
living would be extremely useful for the development of of people and
building a healthy society. The progress of the country, at the present
juncture, would be much-enhanced when the value-based education system is
introduced in our teaching institutions all over the country. It would help
in over-powering the divisive forces of communalism, casteeism and
terrorism. He further added that it is now necessary to impart a new shape
to our existing educational system in which moral education and ethics are
given maximum emphasis. Acharya Mahapragya, giving his blessings, expressed
his view that education and society were closely linked to each other. The
role of education has to be to develop people such that they can make the
society vibrant. In the backdrop of science of living, both the individual
and society have to given a balanced attention. Only if the individual
improves, the society can improve. Other distinguished people who addressed
the seminar were Shri S. Ranganathan, Chief Secretary to Delhi Govt., Mrs.
Ranganathan, Vice-Chancellor, Jain Vishwa Bharati, Ladnu and others.
CONFERENCES AND PROGRAMS
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JAINA PRESIDENT MR. KIRIT DAFTARY FELICITATED AT DELHI BY DIGAMBAR JAIN MAHASABHA - The new JAINA president Mr Kirit Daftary (from Waco, Texas, USA) visited Delhi on 10th & 11th Sept. '05 a special mission to develop better understanding and interaction with different sects of Jains in India. During his visit, he & his wife also paid their respects to Acharya Vidyanandji and Acharya Mahapragyaji and talked to several prominent members of Jain community. Shri Nirmal Kumar ji Sethi, the President of "All India Digambar Jain Mahasabha", despite taking only water during his 10 day fast during "Duslakshan", hosted at his residence a felicitation program in his honour on 11th Sept. '05. Shri Ram Gopal Jain coordinated the visit and also assisted Shri Nirmalji in looking after the Daftarys. Speaking at the programme, Mr. Daftary thanked Nirmalji for his efforts to sort out problems at Girnarji, representing to Government on Minority Issues for Jains and developing better understanding in all Jain faiths. He also suggested that the use of fresh flowers should be avoided in such programmes as it leads to hinsa. Mr. Daftary distributed a DVD "Kshamapana" to all the guests present on the occasion. Dr. (Mrs). Daftary who happens to be a medical professional, speaking on the occasion said, " the behavior of parents is very important in the development of character in a child. Better understanding and communication is required in parents and children " Mr. Sethi thanked Mr. Daftary for joining the programme especially after fasting far 8 days during Paryushan. Mr. Sethi also praised the JAINA for organizing the 13th Biannual Convention of JAINA meticulously and successfully.
Sahu Shri R. P. Jain speaking on the occasion put forward several suggestions to improve the general environment in the Jain system. He hoped that in future, a working relationship will develop between JAINA and select India based Jain Institutions. He said that with the availability of technology, it is possible to cross the barriers of location, time and space besides availability of Study Materials, Photographs, Other Illustrations for spreading knowledge about Jainism much easily. He suggested that JAINA may help setting up Computer based Distance Learning Educational ( e-Learning ) Programmes and setting up Mega Digital Libraries in India to make available to the world at large teachings of Jainism and thereby spread the message of our Teerthankars. He also mentioned that this would cost-effective rather than getting few students from abroad and spending valuable and scarce financial resources on just a few students . Money should be spent only those students, to have undergone basic/preliminary studies in Jainism abroad, to visit India and undertake further studies here. He thanked the team of "Ahimsa Foundation" for launching the web portal www.jainsamaj.org and producing for last five years the news magazine "Ahimsa Times", which has so far sent out 63 News Letters which now has circulation to over 75,000 subscribers.
AHIMSA
NATIONAL CONFERENCE HELD AT BANGALORE
A
three-day national conference on ahimsa was organised at Bangalore from 26th
to 28th August, 2005. The theme of the conference was " compassion,
vegetarianism and environment". The subjects covered during the
conference included protection, tending and nourishment of animals and
birds, use of natural fertilisers, vegetarianism, promoting the use of
cow-urine and cow-dung and environment control. About 30 institutions
connected with ahimsa, compassion and vegetarianism participated in the
proceedings. Need for imposing tight control on the killing of cows was
discussed at length. Mr. S.R. More, Minister of Urban Development and Local
bodies, Government of Karnataka, speaking on the occasion of inaugural
session, assured the participants that Karnataka Govt. will hence-forth
strictly and rigidly enforce the law, banning the killing of cows. Eminent
persons who took part in the deliberations included S.Sri Nemi Chand Chopra
from Delhi, Prakash Yogi from Patanjali Yoga Dham, Thakur Baba from
Orissa, Raju Patel Sama from South Africa, apart from S.Sri Chauth Mam
Goenka, Uttam Chand Duggar, Dev Kumar Jain and Shanti Lal gadia from Bombay.
Saints from Mukti Dham and other places were also present. A rally of
school children and other devoted people was also taken out in the town on
this occasion.
AHIMSA &
VEGETARIANISM
GOVT. OF PUNJAB ORDERES TO SHOOT BLUE BULLS IN THE NAME OF SAVING CROPS
The move
of Punjab Govt. to order Shooting of "Neel Gai" or Blue Bulls in
the name of saving crops is really shocking. Blue Bulls are numbering
3000-4000 in state. These are protected under schedule IV of Wildlife
Protection Act 1972. These are shy creatures and come out of forests
only due to lack of availability of sufficient quantity of food and water,
due to human aggression and encroachment into their habitat. It is worth
mentioning that due to massive cultivation /encroachments into forest land
the habitat has suffered. Blue bull had vanished from southern India
due to bad management of forests and wildlife.
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The shooting orders of one or another species will give a free access to other protected wildlife. The privacy and habitat of animals like Deer, Black buck, Sambhars, Cheetal and Birds etc. will be disturbed. Dr. Sandeep Jain has been informed by an animal lover of Nepal that this animal has been included into Red data Book in that country. Millets and grasses should be sown and plenty of water may be provided inside the forests, so that these creatures may not be forced to come out of their natural habitat. Better forest and wildlife management should be ensured, so that the wild animals may remain into their habitat and their habitat is not encroached upon. Punjab has lowest forest cover as well as number of wildlife. News courtesy: Dr. Sandeep K. Jain, Former Member, Animal Welfare Board of India & President, People For Animals, Ludhiana. E-Mail: jeevdaya@rediffmail.com URL: www.awbi.org
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HONOURS
& AWARDS
INDORE'S YOUNGSTERS IN THE LIMCA BOOK OF RECORDS FOR CLIMBING SAMMET SHIKHAR
-
Indore's two teenagers,
Sakshar and Sakshi Jain, who were born as twins, have got their names
registered in the Limca Book of Records, the Indian equivalent of Guinness
book of world records, for climbing the 4,500 foot Sammet shikhar Ji
mountain in Jharkhand, 43 and 27 times respectively at the age of 11
years. Now, both of them aged thirteen, are studying in ninth standard in an
Indore school. These teenagers have been climbing the mountain, which is a
27 kilometer track for one side, barefoot since 2000 when they were just
eight-year-old. Presently, the boy, Sakhshar Jain, has climbed 63 times and
his sister, Sakshi Jain, 47 times. They cover this distance within nine
hours. Earlier it used to take them eleven hours to cover the same distance.
"I started climbing the mountain since the age of eight. Now I am
thirteen-year-old and till date I have climbed sixty three times. By the age
of fifteen I'll will try to climb the mountain 108 times," says Sakshar
Jain, the boy. Their parents--Kashmira and Ajay Jain say "The way
children showed courage and climbed the mountain made us proud. I am happy
to hear that they have planned to climb the mountain 108 times," says
Mangilal Jain, the grandfather of children. Courtsy: Mr. Yashwant Malaiya,
E-Mail : ymalaiya@yahoo.com
CANADA'S
HIGHEST HONOUR TO TWO INDIAN JAINS
An Indian Jain, Prof.
Harish Jain of Hamilton, Ontario has been conferred the highest honour as "Order
of Canada" for his life-time achievement and service by the
Government of Canada. According to the bio-data released with the award,
Harish Jain had a strong national presence as advocate for the rights of
visible minorities. He was policy advisor to the Parliamentary Committee on
the participation of visible minorities in Canadian society, appointed by
the former Prime Minister, Pierre Trudeau in 1983. Jain was instrumental in
vastly improving the representation of visible minorities in Canada.
Similarly, Dr. Chandra kant Shah of Toronto, Ontario has also been declared
Member of "Order of Ontario" by the Government of
Province of Ontario for his contributions to Health field in Ontario
state. The investiture ceremony for Dr. Shah took place on the 20th
September, 2005. Courtesy: Jasvant Mehta; Regional V.P., JAINA and
Chair, History of Jains in North America, E-Mail : jvmehta2000@yahoo.com
NEW
PUBLICATIONS ON JAINISM
THE SELF-REALISATION
-
(English transliteration of Atma-siddhi by Srimad Raj Chandra) -
Srimad Raj Chandra AShram, Agas. (Gujarat) P.122; 2003;
Price Rs. 45/- , This book is an excellent attempt to put the best of Srimad
Raj Chandra's writings ito English language, so as to make it useful to
English-knowing spiritual aspirants in the wider world. The book explains
the 142 verses given in 'Atma-shuddhi', which form the fundamental
philosophical truths about the human soul and the means for its liberation.
It analysys the causes and effects of the soul's delusion and suggests the
way to dispel it and attain the state of self-realisation. The book is
thoroughly realistic and practical for all, who have the courage and
patience to follow the teachings. It is in two parts, one, gives in short
the life of Srimad Raj Chandra and the other describes verse by verse each
of the 142 verses, given in 'atma-siddhi', with explanation in English.
AHIMSA:
THE SCIENCE OF PEACE (English) By Surendra Bothra, (Revised Edition)
2004 220 x 140 mm 192 pp
Dr. John Cort, who has reviewed this book, is Associate Professor of
Religion at Denison University, Ohio, USA.
"Ahimsa is the foundation of Jain ethics. This is an obvious,
uncontroversial statement, with which all Jains would agree. But what do we
mean by ahimsa? How do we put it into practice as the basis for living in
the contemporary world in a morally responsible manner? Here we will find a
range of expressions and opinions. Surendra Bothara's book will be
essential reading for all Jains seeking ways to make ahimsa relevant to
their lives, whether in traditional Jain communities of India or in the new
global community of Jains living throughout the world. Ahimsa has
traditionally been expressed through rituals. There are the regular formal
rituals such as pratikraman, specific fasts and expressing Michchami Dukadam
to others at the time of Paryushan. Courtesy: Manish Modi; Web: www.hindibooks.8m.com
Hindi Granth Karyalaya, 9 Hirabaug C P Tank,
MUMBAI
400004 FUNDAMENTALS OF JAINISM (English), By J P Jain Sadhak, 2005
225 x 145 mm 348 pp
81 7027 243 2 Hardcover Rs.
500,This is a brilliant work explaining the overall teleological hierarchy
of Jain doctrine and how it fits into the contemporary world. The author
examines the basic principles and philosophy and Jainism, tracing its
antiquity from literary and archeological sources. It discusses Jain ethics
highlighting the role of samyak darshana, rational perception, samyak jńana,
rational knowledge and samyak caritra, rational conduct. It evaluates
anekanta, which synthesizes divergent views, syadvada, a system of relative
expression, and emphasises the importance of non-violence in all acts of
mind speech and body.
The book further examines the nature of the self (ego), the characteristics of the bahiratma, antaratma and paramatma and complex relationship between karma pudgala, insentient matter, and self. The work concludes that the Jain concept of absolute undifferentiated consciousness that transcends the "cloud of unknowing" is more realistic than the divergent viewpoints of Vedanta and Buddhism. To order books please write to E-Mail : manish.modi@mtnl.net.in.
THE STORY OF PAESI (Prakrit - English), SOUL AND BODY IN ANCIENT INDIA, A Dialogue on Materialism in Ancient India, By Prof. Willem Bollée , Pandit Nathuram Premi Research Series Volume 2 , Published by Hindi Granth Karyalay, Mumbai , 2005 245 x 160 mm 450 pp ,The Story of Paesi or Paesi Kahanayam is a lively dialogue between the monk Keshi and prince Paesi based on the Raiapasenia Agama. Interestingly, the Paesi Kahanayam is the only larger legend common to both Jain and Buddhist canonical literature. It is also found in the Dighanikaya. The monk Keshi and the prince Paesi (Sanskrit - Pradeshi) discuss the corporeality of the soul, whether it dies with the body or is distinct from the body. The prince is a materialist and argues in favour of the corporeality of the soul but the monk convinces him that the soul and body are distinct and while the body is corporeal, the soul is eternal.This dialogue is set in the 6th century BCE, the age of reflection on and discussion of the soul. While the present literary form dates some centuries later, the discussion is still as relevant today, after two millennia.
READER'S
VIEWS :
MINORITY
STATUS TO JAINS -READER'S VIEWS
Mr. Pankaz
Chandmal Hingarh
- It is for those
who feel minority status goes with something called untouchability / un
acceptability. Minority status is something like declaring some animals as
rare species & policies favouring them or benefits are given to them to prevent
their decline. It is recent alarming news that In Jaipur in dudu village 19
idols of Jain tirthankars are stolen. Police arrived almost 18 hours after
the incident & police officials feels they must be stolen for selling to
foreign smugglers. From past few months numerous Jain temples in Mumbai are
too been targeted. In Jain shwetambar temples in mumbai from tirthankars
idols forehead sticked Golden plate ( which is supposed to be of pure gold)
are being majoritily stolen. On current our sufferings at Girnar ( in
Gujarat/ in india) nobody is ready to hear us from Government of india. Some
fanatics wants to play with our heritages & sentiments & we
should tolerate because we are ahimsa lovers . Minority status would have
strictly pressurised government to stop these fanatics on attacking our 22nd
Jain tirthankars nirvan Land. Nobody is ready to listen our plea because,
we are suffering from identity crisis. What people who are opposing minority
status have to say about this. By bagging minority status we mean to protect
jain heritages , values , its identity. We are not proposing minority status
for any college admission seats or financial support , for we are
financially very sound universally. So Minority Status = survival (
protecting Jainism & respecting its own identity). And those who still
misrepresent that Hinduism is mother , its humble request please study some
history books that Jainism has its own origin & identity & its
pretty old than Hinduism too. If so many version of Ramayana are given
preference than why Jain Ramayana is not. Why we don't have any holidays on
Mahavir Jayanti . No intention to hurt anybody but to convince that
minority status is must for Jainism survival . Why one forgets today Muslim
community being labeled as minority has prospered & are actually near
majority but still termed minority. Minority is not some thing we demanding
for our luxury but its our present necessity for our survival in today's
crucial periods. Time has come to realise individual responsibilities &
only joint effort of each & every jain for minority status national wise
could help in protecting our heritages, values, identity. Pankaz
Chandmal Hingarh
Mr. K. P. Shan, E-Mail : shanbog66@yahoo.com - I am really surprised by the unwarranted opposition for minority status to Jainism, especially by the educated Jains. Apparently this is due to ignorance as to what benefits are likely to accrue to Jain community, if it is provided a minority status. Rather than applauding the efforts of people like Shri Bal Patil for moving Supreme Court, our own people are involved in leg pulling. They would rather taken offence on terms like "Jain Comics" but don't mind if Jainism is clubbed with Hinduism. The issue of minority status for Jains needs to be understood in proper perspective. I would like to build up on the issues already put up by Sh. Bal Patil, Manish Modi and Pankaz Jain.
Supreme court cannot override the constitution. The media is playing game and all Jains should know all about it, the intellectual elite who controls media want you to believe it by sensationalizing such news. But they can’t fool the nation of Jain minority. The Indian constitution cannot be changed it is wishful thinking on part of Hindu’s. But all Jains should not fall for such propaganda .The recent supreme court decision on minority is not on fundamental recognition Jains as minority religion but on newly proposed minority groups those who are not in constitution but for quota reservation. JAINS HAVE NOTHING TO FEAR. As a JAIN religion enshrine in Indian constitution in Article 25 cannot be changed unless the parliament has 2/3 majority. So it is a wake up call for all jains to unite and fight to protect what is guaranteed in constitution. The JAINS should form a political party, a vote bank a viable, JAIN UNITED FRONT [J.U.F.] and we align whoever supports our cause. Please don’t listen to any self righteous GURUS. There are too many of those to be counted the day of reckoning is here in this new age niceties don’t work unless we show our militancy. So let us struggle for sake of JAIN UNITY. If you believe in Kshatriya Dharma then we have to fight to restore our dignity.
Mr. Sanjeev Nayyar, E-Mail :exploreindia@vsnl.net - Jains not a Minority, read SC judgment: Through a August 05 judgment, the Supreme Court held that Jains are not a minority. The Judgment Highlights are:
a. According to a 11 judges bench speaking through CJ Kripal "for the State Government to decide as to whether the Jain community should be treated as a minority community in their respective states after taking into account their circumstances/conditions in that state". It is also informed that the State Governments of Chhatisgarh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Uttaranchal have already notified Jains as 'minority' in accordance with the provisions of the respective State Minority Commissions Act.
b. The expression 'minority' has been used in Articles 29 and 30 of the Constitution but it has nowhere been defined. Minority as understood from constitutional scheme signifies an identifiable group of people or community who were seen as deserving protection from likely deprivation of their religious, cultural and educational rights by other communities who happen to be in majority and likely to gain political power in a democratic form of Government based on election.
c. The National Minorities Commission does not have the power to define who is a Minority.
d. After the verdict in the eleven judges' Bench in TMA Pai Foundation case (supra), the legal position stands clarified that henceforth the unit for determining status of both linguistic and religious minorities would be 'state'.
e. The so-called minority communities like Sikhs and Jains were not treated as national minorities at the time of framing the Constitution unlike Muslims, Christians. Sikhs and Jains, in fact, have throughout been treated as part of the wider Hindu community, which has different sects, sub-sects, faiths, modes of worship and religious philosophies.
f. The word 'Hindu' conveys the image of diverse groups of communities living in India Thus, 'Hinduism' can be called a general religion and common faith of India whereas 'Jainism' is a special religion formed on the basis of quintessence of Hindu religion.
g. Commissions set up for minorities have to direct their activities to maintain integrity and unity of India by gradually eliminating the minority and majority classes.
h. In a caste-ridden Indian society, no section or distinct group of people can claim to be in majority. All are minorities amongst Hindus.
i. Our concept of secularism, to put it in a nutshell, is that 'state' will have no religion. The states will treat all religions and religious groups equally and with equal respect without in any manner interfering with their individual rights of religion, faith and worship.
Mr. BAL PATIL, E-Mail : president@globaljains.com - The press and media reports on the recent Supreme Court Judgment of the Three-Judge Bench of the Chief Justice, R.C. Lahoti, Justice D.M. Dharmadhikari and Justice P.K. Balasubramanyam are misleading. The reports were headlined stating that SC. declares Sikhs, Jains part of broader Hindu religion. Such reports appeared in leading English dailies like the Hindustan Times, The Tribune, The Times of India, and the local language newspapers.
2. Actually the observation that the Sikhs and Jains are part of the wider Hindu community occurs on P.15 of the Judgment. It is pertinent to note that from page 10 to page 22 the Judgment contains observations that are not part of the decision as the Court notes:
Before parting with this case, the Court cannot resist from making certain observations which are considered necessary in order to remind the National and state commissions for Minorities the scope and nature of their functions under the provision of the Act and the role they have to play in constitutional perspective.
3.
The other observations which are not part of the Judgment and hence not
Judicially relevant are:
i) The Hinduism can be called a general religion and common faith, whereas
Jainism is a special religion formed on the basis of quintessence of Hindu
religion.
ii)However, Gandhi, Nehru and Patel destroyed the cabinet Mission Plan (proposed by Maulana Abul Kalam Azad) and accepted partition instead. Azad did his utmost to prevent the partition of India but he failed to persuade Nehru and Gandhi not to accept partition.
4. These observations although made extra-Judicially have grave implications because the general public takes any declaration made by the Supreme Court as the law of the land. And as can be seen from the press reports and news Channels giving the wrong impression that the Supreme Court rejected the Jain demand for backward community status how damaging such extra-Judicial remarks can be.
5. It is in this perspective that the Judgment of the Supreme Court in the matter of Bal Patil & Anr. Vs. Union of India has given the wrong message to the country against the Jain Community, the National leaders of the country whom we call Founding Fathers” and the statutory functionaries Viz the National and State Commissions for Minorities who are said to be the cause of fissiparous tendencies.
6. As a matter of fact these extra-Judicial observations are quite irrelevant and uncalled for in view of the central issue of the matter, namely, a prayer to take a decision on the recommendation made by the National Commission for Minorities that Jains be declared a minority religious community on par with the other notified communities, Muslims, Christions, Sikhs, Buddhists and Zoroastrians (Parsis).On this issue the present Supreme Court decision has said that:
i) Before the Central Government takes a decision on the claims of Jains as a minority under section 2 (c) of the Act, the identification has to be done on a state basis. This power is to be exercised on the consideration of social cultural and religions conditions of the Jain community in each state.
ii) The state has to be regarded as a unit for determining religions minority for the purpose of Article 30 of the Constitution.
7. The facts of this petition are as follows:
Dakshin Bharat Jain Subha, a century old Jain organization in western India made a petition through its Convener of Jain Minority states Committee, Bal Patil in the Bombay High Court in 1997 that the Jain community as recommended by the National Commission for Minorities, The Division Bench of the Bombay High Court directed the Central Government to take on expeditious decision.
8. As the Government failed to take decision, a second petition was filed in the Bombay High Court which was disposed on the ground that the matter will be decided after the 11 Judge Bench in TMA Pai Foundation matter takes decision.
9.
Thus Bal Patil made a Special Leave Petition to the Supreme Court which was
admitted after being taken of the purview of the 11-Jndge Bench. In 2004 a
Division Bench of the Supreme Court ordered the Central Government to take a
final decision in the matter within four months, and in case of its failure
to take a decision permitted the petitioner to be heard on merit.
Page-2
10. The Government of India made an erroneous and irrelevant Affidavit in response to the above order that the minority Status is to be determined by the States concerned. Later on a 3-Judge Bench was constituted the latest SC. Decision is the outcome of this Bench.
11. In the aforementioned context the following facts regarding the Jain minority religions right need to be noted.
i) The Jain demand for minority status is almost a century old, when in British India the Viceroy and Governor General of India, Lord Minto took a decision in principle of giving representation to important minorities in the Central Legislature, Seth Manek Chand Hirachand from Mumbai, an eminent Jain leader from Mumbai and the then Acting President of the Bharatvarshiya Digamber Jain Subha made an appeal in 1909 to the Governor General for the inclusion of the Jain community for representation in the Council. Seth Manek Chand’s petition was transferred to the Government of Bombay and the Secretary to the Government of Bombay stated in his reply dated 15th oct.1909 as under.
I am directed to inform you that a number of seats have been reserved for representation of minorities by nomination and that in allotting them the claim of the important Jain Community will receive full consideration.
ii) In a Memorandum by the Representative of the Jain Community to the Constituent Assembly in March/April 1947 a strong appeal was made for the inclusion of the Jain community as a minority religious community.
iii) In his speech on 3rd Sept.1949, Jawahar Lal Nehru said: No doubt India has a vast majority of Hindus, but they cold not forget in fact there are also minorities Mustions, Christians, Parsis and Jains. If India were understood as Hindu Rashtra it meant that the minorities were not cent per cent citizens of the country:
iv) Jainism is mentioned as a religion along with Buddhism and Sikhism in explanation II of the Article 25 of the India Constitution relating to Fundamental Right to religions freedom. On this issue Jawahar Lal Nehru, the than prime Minister, in his letter dated 31.01.1950 assured a Jain Deputation that they need not have any misgivings on this clear constitutional position.
v) Our National Anthem Jana Gana Mana by Tagore clearly enunciates Jains in its second stanza: Hindu Bauddha, Sikh Jain parsik, Musalman, Christans as a distinct religion denomination.
vi) The Government of India Census counts Jains in India as a major religious community right from the first census in British India in 1873.
vii) And the clinching statistical census evidence that the Jains are in minority not only in every state of India but also in every district.
12. As view of the foregoing the Supreme Court Judgment extra-Judicial observations on the religious status of the Jain community as part of the Hindu religious are absolutely without any basis. Also the remarks against the National leaders like Nehru, Patel and the very Father of the Nation as responsible for the partition of India are obnoxious.
13. As a matter of fact the entire tenor of the SC observations on the National and State Minority Commissions as leading to fissiparous tendencies” and hence calling for their closure are highly objectionable as they question the basic tenets of the India secular constitution and hence need to be expunged.
14. In view of the forgoing observations of the Supreme Court the Jain community and the petitioner in the impugned Judgment are concerned to make a Review Petition in the matter.
-BAL PATIL, Jain Member, Maharashtra State Minorities Commission, Govt. of Maharashtra,Chairman, Jain Minority Status Committee, Dakshin Bharat Jain Sabha, E-Mail : president@globaljains.com
Mr. Rajinder Jain E-Mail : jains_raj@yahoo.com "EVERY KILOGRAM OF GHEE HAS DEATH ROUTE FOR A CALF" We all celebrate Paryushan parv which is biggest festival for jains. Many of us do Tapasya -fasting for eight days festival. On 9th day we have fast breaking ceremony which is known as Parna. On this day we can observe free flowing Ghee and Milk in menu. We all forget to realise that Ghee is coming from the cumulative death of millions of calves. A new born calf is starved to death for a single drop of milk.(Imagine a human baby without milk for few days from the moment it is born!!) Helpless cow whose milk is suppose to be for their calves goes for human consumption. Cow has to produce calves all its lifetime for the sake of human beings. Useless male calves often goes for veal (white meat) industry for which we are indirectly responsible. we all will be able to celebrate Paryushan parva in its real meaning if we can atleast limit our consumption of Ghee and milK, if we cannot totally stop. That way we can stop few million calves to go to meat industry or to die on streets and they can have their mother's milk and survive. A cow after serving human being for life time can not even die peacefully as it lands up in butcher's place when it becomes old.
I think many Jains in many part of India have special greed for ghee and dairy products which are used generously for all the religious and social events. Generous use of Ghee in temples also need to be stopped as it is part of someone's life. Let us pledge together to save few lives by limiting or stopping consumption of Ghee and milk which is produced by torture and pain. MILK THAT WE DRINK HAS IN IT THE BLOOD OF THE MOTHER AND THE TEARS OF THE CALF"
MISCELLANEOUS
2006 "JAINA YATRA" TO VISIT SOUTH INDIA
Every year
JAINA is organising visits for its members to jain teerths . The next one
will be to the Teerthdhams of South India., strating from Bombay on January
27 2006 and finishing on February 8 2006 at Sravan Belgola. The last day of
Yatra will coincide with the first day of MAHAMASTAKABHISHEK of Sravan
Belgola, which takes place once every 12 years. Participants will also
be visiting to Shri Kulpakji ( Near Hydrabad), Banglore, Moodbidri and in
Kerala. Contact for further information to Dilip V. Shah E-Mail
: dilipvshah@gmail.com
KESHLOCHAN BY JAIN SAINTS
Jain saints pluck
their hair as a mark of renunciation of worldly pleasures during their
Keshlochan ritual. Saints
perform this ritual to motivate their followers to take the path of
renunciation. According to the Jain tradition there are 28 qualities for
becoming a saint. "Keshlochan” or plucking out of the hair is one of
them and signifies renunciation of worldly things. This happens every
two months or three months or four months. The best among these are after
every two months. Jains believe that plucking hair teaches them to endure
pain. The saints, who perform the ritual, say, they want to
motivate people to renounce worldly things. It can be done in private
room, but it is done in public with the idea of motivating
the people to take the path of renunciation. The ritual is also known
as Loch. Saints pluck out their hairs themselves or get them plucked out by
others. As a rule they perform this twice a year.
ASTOUNDING FACTS
ABOUT GIRL FOETICIDE IN SOME STATES OF INDIA
The figures published by
United Nations about foeticide amongst girls in India, which is considered
to be a serious crime, indicate that the ratio of female to male in the age
range of 0-6 years is fast-depleting. the most surprising part is that the
incidence of foeticide is greater in states which are considered to be
prosperous and which have high per capita income. Some data is given below:
1.
The annual business sale and purchase of humans in India runs into ten
thousand dollars (Rs. 10 arab).
2. Number
of people sold every year: 40 lakhs
3. In Gujarat, out of 20 districts, only in 8 districts, the
ratio of female to male is over over 900 per 1000. The same is the condition
in Maharashtra and Tamilnadu. Thus, the number of women per 1000 men in the
age range of 0-6 years in some of the more prosperous states is:Punjab: 798,
Haryana: 810, Gujarat: 883, Himachal Pradesh: 896. There is a continuous
increase in the number of villages having the said ratio as 900 or less in
these states. During the last ten years, the rise has been between 25 and 40
percent. This tendency is gradually spreading to other states too. Girls are
being imported from adjoining countries, particularly Bangla Desh. It
is estimated that about 1,60,000 women are being brought from Bangla Desh
every year under the pretext of marriage or for better prospects but many of
them are forced into prostitution business.
SLAUGHTER
HOUSES IN GUJARAT CLOSED DURING PARYUSHAN PARVA
The Supreme court of
India Gave stay for All slaughter house of Gujarat State to be closed
from 1st Sep.2005 to 9 th sep 2005 due to our holy Paryusan parva. Thanks to
the efforts of Achrya Chandrayash suri ji, Panyas
Chndrashekharvijayji and others. The Jain samaj feels thankful to the
Chief minister of Gujarat, Mr. Narendra Modi for his kind support.
|
When I Asked God for Brain &
Brawn When I Asked God for Happiness When I Asked God for Wealth When I Asked God for Favors God Gave Me Nothing I Wanted |
ABATTOIR SHUTDOWN: WHY NOT DOWN EATERY SHUTTERS DURING RAMZAN
Ahmedabad,
Jains may be celebrating the decision to down slaughter houses for nine
days during the Jain festival Paryushan, but slaughter house owners
aren't willing to give up without a fight. Protesting against the Gujarat
Government's decision, Muslims have shot off a letter to Ahmedabad
Mayor Aneesa Mirza, demanding that all eateries be shut down during the
holy month of Ramzan. Saying that the Government's order smacks of
"obvious bias" towards one community, 18 voluntary
organisations have jointly written to the Mayor. Their point: "We
will obey the Government's order only when the authorities promise that
all eateries and restaurants will be ordered to down their shutters
during Ramzan."
The letter adds: "If the Jain community wants us to respect their festival, they will have to do the same when we observe fast for 30 days." Pointing out that both communities, Jains and Muslims, are considered a minority, the letter says both enjoy equal status and rights in India and ``no one should be deprived of their right to work and earn a living.''Aneesa Mirza was not available for comment. Leader of Opposition in the Assembly Arjun Modhvadhia opposed the State Government's decision, saying: ``It has no business to interfere in the anybody's religious practices.''
On July 18, the Gujarat High Court had ruled out the closure of slaughter houses during Paryushan, terming it an incorrect practice. The order was challenged by the Jain community in the Supreme Court. On Tuesday, the apex court in an oral order said the corporation is free to close slaughter houses in public interest. Unhappy with the Government's decision, Abdul Sattar, who heads the Qureshi Jamaat, an association of 39 slaughter houses and over 1,900 meat shops across the state, said: ``The Supreme Court did not direct the State Government to order closure of meat shops for nine days. It is their decision, which distinctly reflects the true spirit of the ruling party.'' The letter adds: ``Jains in their plea before the Supreme Court contend that closure of slaughter houses was permitted even during the days of Mughal empire but they forget to point out that no Hindu was permitted to drink water in public during the month of Ramzan at that time.''
``We do not want to bring history into this matter. If they have a point, we too have one and will fight till equal status is not granted,'' said Gulam Ali Sheikh, who runs a Muslim law committee in Paldi. Muslims blamed the State Government's ``interference'' for the ``differences'' between the two communities, which had ultimately led to a court battle.
``We
were willing to keep slaughter houses closed for eight days during the
time of Paryushan but they did not trust us and pressured the
Government," says Faiyaz Sheikh, owner of a meat shop in the Walled
City area. Standing Committee chairman of the Congress-ruled Ahmedabad
Municipal Corporation (AMC) had no reply when questioned on the
Muslim's demand of closing eateries. ``It is not the AMC but Mughal
badshah who decided to shut slaughter houses during the Jain
festival,''
Kishansinh Tomar said. Refusing to comment on the issue, all State Law
Minister Ashok Bhatt said was: ``The Government has only followed the
Supreme Court's order.'' News Courtsy: Mr. Mahavir
Sanglikar, E-Mail: msanglikar@yahoo.com
|
|
MUMBAI
POLICE ARREST PREETI JAIN, A BOLLYWOOD STAR
Mumbai, Sep 10: Mumbai
police today arrested Preeti Jain, an upcoming Bollywood actress, for hiring
a contract killer to murder director Madhur Bhandarkar. Preeti allegedly
paid former underworld don and present MLA Arun Gawli supari to kill
Bhandarkar. Gawli has admitted to meeting Preeti Jain but said he had told
her to go to the police.Preeti Jain came to meet me and said that somebody
had taken Rs 50,000 from her and was not even answering her phone calls. My
PA told me about this and I advised that she should contact the police.
After that I do not know what the police have done," said Arun Gawli,
leader, Akhil Bharatiya Sean.
EX
JAINA PRESIDENT MR. MAHENDRA PANDYA'S
LETTER BLOWS UNITY RESOLUTIONS OF JAIN COMMUNITY (CORRESPONDENCE
REPRODUCED)
Dr. MK Pandya,
mkpandya@hotmail.com
Dear Dharambandhu,
From my experience of working with JAINA and with various Jain Centers as well as my discussions with many concerned individuals, I strongly feel that, in order to maintain their identity and traditions, minority Jain groups in this part of the world should form an organization at both the national and international level.
The above thought is not intended to disunite the Jains of North America, for whose unity we have all worked so hard and cherish very close to our heart. It is, rather, with the aim of keeping all Jains united, with mutual care and a view to preserve their respective traditions. Unity in diversity can only be maintained when different traditions are respected and represented fully, irrespective of numerical or financial superiority in this part of the World. Unity should never be equated with or lead to uniformity, thereby overriding and eventually erasing minority rights & representation.
With this thought in mind, I put before you an idea to establish a national organization of the followers of the Digamber Tradition. This organization can be called the Digamber Jain Sangh of North America.
The main objectives of the Sangh will be to:
\ Unify and keep all Digamber Jains united.
\ Educate members about Jain Religion & the Digamber Faith.
\ Assist Digamber groups throughout North America to establish their identity and be freely able to carry on their traditional activities within their local
sangh.
\ Ensure fair representation of minority Jains in national and international organizations.
\ Provide financial resources to aid individual groups as necessary.
\ Organize gatherings of adult and young Jains at regional and national levels.
\ Help to bring and train scholars in North America and abroad.
\ Support Jain Institutions and Individuals here or in India interested in educating our younger generation regarding Jainism in modern English language.
I would sincerely appreciate any thoughts or comments you and your friends may have on this thought process. You are all welcome to E-Mail me at mkpandya@hotmail.com or call me at (718) 816-0083 or fax me at 212-319-6781 Mahendra K. Pandya, Past President JAINA and JAIN CENTER OF AMERICA (New York), September 16, 2005
Mr.
Praveen C. Shah, Email: pravincshah2k@yahoo.com
Jinendra
Dear Sadharmiks,JAINA President and Past Presidents,
I have written enough (there are 220 emails correspondence on UNITY "Declaration & Pledge at Convention 2005, "WHITE PAPER" in Jan. 2005 issued by Ahimsa Times. Girnar Issue at Niagara Falls meeting in Oct.,04, current in my email storage) about UNITY (MUST BUT NOT AN OPTION) in last 14 months since we lost Parasnath to Government.
In my latest email I have written about,
1. JAINA's 'Declaration & Pledge of Global Jain Unity' (Unity with Diversity and not with Uniformity at Convention 2005 where Hundreds of Jains signed in Silver Jubilee Celebration of JAINA. Request to JAINA to spread this this message which was confined with in the walls of Convention Center to reach to all 67 Jain Centers in N. A. and to the WORLD OVER.
Torch has been lighted at Convention. If we will not charge the light it will be dim/diminishing and will slowly extinguish and spirit generated at Convention will ultimately die down.
Coming generations will not forgive/pardon us for consequences arising from this.
2. History( Niagara Falls, Canada Pratishtha, and problems at 6.5 Million Dollar New York New Temple which may lead to division) since when we heard first time JAINA Meeting in Oct. 2000 "DIGAMBER JAIN SAMAJ" thru sitting then JAINa President.
3. I hereby personally urge Dr. Shri Mahendra Pandya, elderly like father and respected person to join hands, hearts together to our JOURNEY and common goal and destination to of being only Jain, no Shewtamer, Digamber, Stanakvasi etc. and be a Unity Head of Ambassadors rather than DIVISIVE LINES of Approach.
4.At this our critical time of ours, I request JAINA President, Shri Kirit Daftary shall come out with boldness otherwise this will be a suicidal to JAINA and to our community leading to extinction of beloved Jain religion in N.A. I also made similar request to JAINA Past presidents.
5. Informal meeting at Philadelphia after Convention @ Global Jain Unity and Global Jain Unity Conference at Delhi or at Mumbai in coming Dec., Jan. with of JAINA officilals Sadharmiks incl Shri Pratap Bhogilal.
6. Vow and Pledge in the 2604th Birth Year of Bhagwan Mahavir for everlasting/permanent peace, harmony most needed now than ever.
To commit that we will follow the Path shown by Bhagwan Mahavira and not the Panths/Paths created by all of us.To promote a spirit of UNITY and conciliation in place of conflict and confrontation. As a true Jain, I ask for your forgiveness if I am wrong any where in stating this and unknowingly hurting any body's feelings. Pravin C. Shah, New York, Ph. 516-248-8265
Mr.
Lalit Shah, Email: lalit@ebakri.org
Dear Mahendrabhai:
Jai Jinendra.
I have read your letter dated September 16, 2005. Please, accept my sincere 'MICHCHHAMI DUKKADAM' first. What I am going to say hurts me beyond words.
JAINA was, is and will remain a role model for Jain Unity across the globe.
JAINA has never forced uniformity in any center or organization
In your own center, people like Rajnibhai and Naresh have tried to appease you beyond any decent limit. Remember that you had asked that 'ONLY DIGAMBAR JAIN CAN QUALIFY FOR GHEE BOLI FOR DIGAMBAR MURTI'. Your demand reflects what is in your mind. Let me remind you that I have had the pleasure of several successful ghee boli in Digambar temples in India including the one in Palitana.
It is obvious that you want to create a split in two sects. Why? Only you can answer that.
In India there is a strong (partially successful) movement for Jain Unity under the banner of Bharat Jain Maha Mandal. They have learned from JAINA model.
I have been fortunate to have blessings from several Jain Munis including Vidyasagarji and Vidyanandji. All of them have appreciated the work being done in USA.
Please, prepare a list of 'wrong' decisions taken at your center or any other center and send it to people. We will be happy to look at any positive suggestion/s for improvement.
In the theory of ANEKANTVAAD no one can be 100% wrong. You and your idea is coming very close.
I am sorry once again but you have forced this response.
Lalit Shah,
Founding President of JAINA,
PS: I am in Seattle right now (425 558 0208). You are free to circulate this letter.
Mr. P.
L. Jain, Chief Editor, Ahimsa Times, Email: ahimsatimes@jainsamaj.org
Dear Shri
Pravin Bhai
Jai-Jinendra.
We received your e-mail of the 20th September and were anguished to read the letter of Dr. M.K. Pandya, Past President of JAINA. His letter makes a sorry reading and indicates his parochial attitude, which, if accepted, may go to damage the entire unity of Jain community in N.A. We earlier had the impression, sitting here in India, that relations amongst all the Jain sects there, were very cordial and family-like. We were thinking that Jain community in N.A. could be seen as a model of ideal relationship between various sects, castes and creeds. We thought JAINA truly represents all the sects and sections in N.A. on one platform with one voice. His letter however, does not support this view at all. His reference to 'Jain minority Group' is dis-heartening, as if, he is intends to segregate Digambar Jains in USA from the rest of the community, in order to build an individual identity of their own. Is he not aware about the present situation of Jain samaj in India? Jains here have lost their identity, image, status and reputation, only because of mutual distrust, ego-centric-ness, fractionalism and dis-unity. You will recollect that we, at Ahimsa Times, had brought out a White paper, few months ago on the subject of "Need for Jain Unity" in India. This paper was mainly meant for all individuals, Jain societies and institutions in India, emphasizing the urgent need of the hour for leaving the narrow ideas and joining together to build a strong united Jain samaj and showing to the outside world that we are Jains and only Jains, irrespective of our sect, caste, creed or region. No matter, whether we are Murti-Pujak or Sthanakvasi, Shwetambar or Digambar, Tera panthi or Bees-panthi, Gujarati or Rajasthani, we are Jains and nothing but Jains. This message, it appears has been lost sight of and it now appears that mutual dissentions amongst different groups are coming out on the surface and are getting percolated into the entire community at large. The Jain community of N.A., has therefore to come out as strongly as possible, to resist all such divisive forces and come out as a religiously, socially, technologically and also politically strong community. It has to be taken as a fight for survival, fighting out against all evil thoughts and deeds and against all destructive forces, may be, we are in India, USA, Canada, England or anywhere else on the earth.
It is nice to see that Mr. Pravin Shah has proposed that all Jains in N.A. take a pledge for 'global Jain unity'. But what is more important is that all concerned, so-called, leaders or seniors from different groups meet and thrash out all their differences and mis-understanding with a single objective to remain united at any cost. The message can then be passed on to all others to follow. They are setting an example, though on a miniature scale, for India and if they fail, what do we look for?
I hope, my views will be taken in the right perspective. Our objective is same, whether we are sitting on this side or that side of the fence.
With best wishes. Prakash Lall Jain, ahimsatimes@jainsamaj.org
DEVLOK GAMAN
Param pujya Jayanand muniji Maharaj saheb left for his heavenly abode Jaipur
on the 21st September, 2005. His funeral took place in Mohanbadi in Jaipur where around 5000 people joined to pay their homage to the departed soul. A
bhavya Shobhayatra was taken out from Multan temple, where he had his Chaturmas to mohanbadi covering a distance of about 5 Km. A shraddhanjali
Sabha was arranged on the 23rd September in which thousands of devotees participated.
A Parsvanath idol has been formed from his Asthi which will be kept for
darshan. News courtesy: Mr. Jyoti kothari.
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