Canada : Toronto - Jain Centre
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Jain Center Toronto, Canada
Location : 48 Rosemeade Ave., Etobicoke, Ontario, Canada The Jain Society of Toronto (JSOT), rich in history of promoting the principle of Ahimsa, continues to place a strong focus on heightening spiritual awareness and promoting Jain ethics within its network. Founded by a visionary group of individuals in 1974, including the current president Arhant Jain, the society has come to encompass a large number of spiritual and community activities. Having started from only a few local families, the society has now grown to over 500 life and annual Jain members and over 600 families on the mailing list. The hard work and involvement of all our members is reflected in our contributions to the community. From providing a forum for young Jains to learn and discourse about Jainism to playing an instrumental role in affecting and influencing numerous Canadian and international policies, JSOT actively engages in promoting Ahimsa. With members sitting on various councils at the provincial and federal level, JSOT is able to raise awareness and influence Canadian policy and decision-makers to include Ahimsa and the ecological tenets of Jainism in their charters. JSOT is also helping with the reconstruction of the province of Kutch, India by sponsoring the building of a primary school near Bhujodi, Kutch. To raise awareness of Jainism in our local community and celebrate 2600th Janma kalyanak of Bhagwan Mahavir, we showcased various pieces of Jain Art on the life of Bhagwan Mahavir created by our members at Toronto's waterfront. Over 15,000 visitors attended this event. Members are involved in providing support to underprivileged children around the world through Child Haven and other organizations. We participate in and host as many events as possible with the support of our members, including those organized with JAINA and other international Jain organizations, to continue to spread the message of non-violence. Our Jain Centre consists of over 10,000 sq. ft, which includes a large prayer hall, library, 2 stages for cultural/religious activities, convening area for pathshala, and meetings as well as kitchen and dining facilities, and a large Gabhara. The Gabhara includes 9 Tirthankar idols, and a Padmavati Mata idol, representing all Jain sects. JSOT celebrates all Jain religious days/periods including Mahavir Jayanti, Paryushan Parva, Swapan Darshan, Dashlakshan Parva, Dadavadi Tirth Yatra, Deepawali, Ayambil and invites Jain scholars, sadhus, Munijis from around the world to help us celebrate, educate and provide spiritual guidance during these times. Various members help other Jain Centres, locally and across North America, with conducting Mahavir /Snatra Pooja, and Swapan Darshan during these religious days. JSOT organizes annual social events for members to attend including picnics, meditation weekends, cultural dances, ski camps, and much more. Regular seniors events and activities are enthusiastically held, and our Jain community services group looks after welcoming new members into the sangh, holding Shanti Path during times of condolence, and celebrating/recognizing the achievements and accomplishments of our members. The temple is open every Sunday from 10:30 to 2:00 pm for Mahavir Pooja every 1st Sunday, Bhakti Group every 2nd Sunday, Snatra Pooja every 3rd Sunday and Samayika every 4th Sunday. For visits to the temple during other times, please contact JSOT president. JSOT President : Arhant Jain, P. Eng., Chairman, Professional Engineers of Ontario, Oakville Chapter Tele : 905-827-7494, Fax : 905-827-9547, E-Mail : arhant.jain@cogeco.ca Directions : 1 block north of Queensway & 1 block east of Royal York; 20 minutes drive from Toronto Pearson International Airport; take Parklawn Road exit at Gardiner Express Way, go north on Parklawn Road to Queensway, go 1/2 mile on Queensway to Rosemeade Ave. and 1 block north to Tnnby Road; Jain Centre is located at north west corner of Rosemeade Ave. and Tanby Road.
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