Ahimsa Times

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MAHAVIR JAYANTI MESSAGE FROM PONTIFICAL COUNCIL, VATICAN CITY - SENT TO AHIMSA FOUNDATION

Dear Jain Friends,

1. The Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue most happily extends its greetings to you on the Birth Anniversary of Tirthankar (Path-Finder) Vardhaman Mahavir celebrated worldwide on 2 April this year. May the celebrations marking the feast reinforce and rejuvenate friendship and fellowship among individuals and families, as well as, strengthen your commitment to promote the care of all beings, especially the elderly in the families and communities, for enhanced peace, harmony and happiness in the world.

2. Carrying forward our cherished tradition, this year we reflect on how we, both Christians and Jains, can together promote the care of the elderly. In many societies across the world people tend to reject the elderly. Also worrisome and deplorable is the fact that many elderly people, especially the sick and lonely, are abandoned by their families and relatives because they feel these are a bother, burden and waste, or these are treated as the neo-outcaste of the contemporary world served with a modicum of contact and care. This trend is growing and causing concern for our society. Pope Francis rightly points out that every society “where the elderly are discarded carries within it the virus of death”(To Participants in the Plenary of the Pontifical Academy for Life, 5 March 2015) and a people “who don’t protect their elderly…is a people without a future, a people without hope”(Address to the Sant’Egidio Community, 15 June 2014). The task of guaranteeing the care due to the elderly, therefore, becomes a noble priority for all, as well as, an ethical imperative binding on all governments and political communities.

3. The elderly are the primary pillars of our multi-generational families. They live with us as our treasure and blessing because they transmit to us not only their rich life and faith experiences but also the history of our families and communities. These ‘treasures’ are to be fondly protected and gratefully cared for so that they continue to inspire and guide people with their wisdom of a lifetime. There is no denying the fact that there is still a large number of families around the world that, true to their traditions, values and convictions, gives exemplary care to their aged: Children in these families and even their relatives and friends often make great sacrifices and go an extra mile to serve the elderly. This is praiseworthy because they are doing what is right and just in respect of their parents, grandparents and relatives who are old and in need of care, attention and assistance. While looking after the elderly is a sacred and moral duty binding on individuals and society, the professional and medical assistances offered by competent and charitable healthcare workers are best seen as steps the society takes towards ensuring care for the elderly.

4. All religions expound the moral obligations the children have towards their parents and elders, especially caring for them, with respect and love, till the end of their earthly life. The Holy Bible says, “Honour your father and mother, so that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you” (Exodus 20:12). But it also says, “If anyone does not provide for his relatives and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever” (1 Timothy 5:8). Jainism lays so much emphasis on respect for life; in regard to humans this respect means upholding the dignity of every person and all that it entails.

5. The growing neglect of the elderly by the young and the tendency to abdicate filial responsibility towards the parents and grandparents, therefore, invite us all, believers and others, to re-awaken in us, both at a personal and collective level, a sense of gratitude, affection and responsibility towards our parents, grandparents and other elderly people. Making them feel that they are a living part of our families, communities and society and that we are ever indebted to them is a sure way of challenging the ‘throw- away’ culture. This is possible only “with the superabundant joy of a new embrace between the young and the elderly” (Pope Francis, General Audience, 11 March 2015). May we Christians and Jains, as persons grounded in our own respective religious traditions and conscious of our shared responsibility towards the society, joining hands with others, promote a culture where the elderly are loved, respected and cared for.
Wish you all A Happy Mahavir Jayanti!, Jean-Louis Cardinal Tauran, President, Father Miguel Ángel Ayuso Guixot, MCCJ, Secretary
Received by Ahimsa Times from: P.C. Dialogo Inter-Religioso: Ufficio Generale, E-Mail:

AN ARTICLE BY SHRI CHANCHAL MAL CHORDIA ON THE OCCASION OF MAHAVEER JAYANTI

महावीर का वीतराग दर्शन पूर्णतः वैज्ञानिक

इस संसार में समय-समय पर अनेक महापुरुष हो चुके है जिन्होंने पीडित मानव को सन्मार्ग पर लगाने का प्रयास किया। प्रायः सभी धर्म-प्रर्वतक अपनी-अपनी विशिष्टताओं से अलंकृत रहे। उन्होंने देश, काल एवं परिस्थितियों के अनुरूप अपनी-अपनी प्रज्ञा के अनुसार तत्कालीन समस्याओं के समाधान में सहयोग दिया। मानव को उसके परम लक्ष्य एवं कर्तव्यों का बोध कराया। नर से नारायण और आत्मा से परमात्मा बनने की कला सिखलाई। उनमें आस्था रखने वाले विभिन्न धर्मावलम्बी अनुयायी आज भी उसका आचरण करने का प्रयास करते हैं। प्रायः सभी व्यक्ति अपने-अपने धर्म अथवा आचरण को सर्वश्रेष्ठ मानते हैं। परन्तु धर्म क्या है? उसका आचरण क्यों और कैसे किया जाना चाहिये? धर्म तो सदैव कल्याणकारी होता है। अपरिवर्तनीय होता है। उसमें वैमनस्य, विरोध ओर विभेद को कोई स्थान नहीं। धर्म अलग है ओर साम्प्रदायिकता अलग है। धर्म तो प्राणी मात्र को जन्म जरा एवं मृत्यु रूपी चक्रव्यूह से मुक्त करता है। धर्म की प्रामाणिकता उसके मानने वाले अनुयायियों की संख्या के आधार पर नहीं, अपितु उसके सिद्धान्तों की सूक्ष्मता पर निर्भर करती है। इस दृष्टि से जितना स्पष्ट, तर्क संगत, वैज्ञानिक एवं सूक्ष्म विष्लेशण भगवान महावीर ने किया, अन्यत्र दुर्लभ है।

महावीर जैन धर्म के प्रवर्तक नहीं - जैन परम्परा में तीर्थंकरों का स्थान सर्वोपरि है। वे साक्षात् ज्ञाता, दृष्टा, वीतरागी होते हैं। भगवान महावीर से पूर्व भी इस अवसर्पिणी काल में तेईस तीर्थंकर हो चुके हैं, जिन्होंने धर्म के शास्वत स्वरूप का बोध कराया। महावीर ने किसी नये धर्म का प्रतिपादन नहीं किया, परन्तु उसी सनातन सत्य का साक्षात्कार कर प्राणिमात्र के कल्याण हेतु उपदेश दिया। सभी सर्वज्ञों के उपदेश सिद्धान्त समान होते हैं, क्योंकि सत्य सनातन होता है। आवष्यकता है उसके सही स्वरूप को समझने एवं अपनाने की। धर्म आचरण की वस्तु है, थोपने की नहीं। इसी कारण जैनियों के महामंत्र नमस्कार, मंगलपाठ एवं अनुष्ठानों की साधना में गुणों को ही महत्व दिया गया। किसी महापुरुष की नाम से पूजा अथवा गुणगान नहीं किया गया है। अतः यह मानना गलत होगा कि वर्तमान में जैन धर्म के नाम से प्रचलित धर्म के प्रवर्तक भगवान महावीर थे।

महावीर मात्र नाम नहीं - महावीर मात्र नाम नहीं है, उसका सम्बन्ध कर्म से है, कथन मात्र से नहीं। जो वे करना चाहते थे उसका पहले स्वयं उन्होंने अनुभव किया। शारीरिक बल से मानसिक बल ज्यादा शक्तिशाली होता है और आत्मबल के सामने सारे बल तुच्छ हैं। युद्ध में हजारों योद्धाओं को जीतने की अपेक्षा अपने आपको जीतना, स्वयं को संयमित, नियमित, नियन्त्रित, अनुशासित रखना ज्यादा दुष्कर है। आत्मा पर आये कर्मो का आवरण हटते ही व्यक्ति सर्वज्ञ, सर्वदर्शी, सर्व शक्तिमान एवं त्रिकाल ज्ञाता-दृष्टा बन जाता है। सम्पूर्ण आत्मानुभूति की अवस्था में विज्ञान की भौतिक जानकारी तो होती ही है, परन्तु उससे भी कहीं अधिक ब्रह्माण्ड के वर्तमान, भूत एवं भविष्य की सूक्ष्मतर एवं सम्पूर्ण जानकारी हो जाती है। वास्तव में वे जीवन के सर्वोच्च कलाकार, पथ प्रदर्शक एवं सर्वोच्च वैज्ञानिक होते हैं। उनका उपदेश भौतिक उपलब्धियों की प्राप्ति के लिये न होकर जीवन के अंतिम लक्ष्य मोक्ष-प्राप्ति हेतु होता है।

महावीर को समझने के लिये हमें पहले अपने सभी पूर्वाग्रहों को छोड़ना होगा। उनका प्रत्येक आचरण एवं उपदेश सनातन सत्य पर आधारित है, जिसको समझने के लिये आवष्यक है व्यापक दृष्टिकोण। उनके उपदेश विषम परिस्थितियों एवं काल के थपेड़ों के बावजूद आज भी अक्षुण्ण बने हुए हैं। आध्यात्मिक साधना में उनका दृष्टिकोण सम्पूर्णता की खोज पर आधारित था। अनुशासनहीनता के बीच उनका जोर आत्मानुशासन पर था। उन्होंने आत्म-विकास के लिये ज्ञान एवं क्रिया के समन्वित प्रयास को आवष्यक बतलाया। वे उस ढ़ोंगवाद को नहीं मानते, जो भोगी होते हुए भी अपने आपको परम योगी मानते हैं। भोगी निर्विकारी कैसे हो सकता है? जो मन में होगा वही तो आचरण में प्रदर्शित होगा। उन्होंने भाव क्रिया के महत्त्व को भी उजागर किया। मात्र जड़ क्रिया-काण्डों से व्यक्ति का उत्थान नहीं हो सकता। उन्होंने यतना अर्थात् विवेक में ही धर्म माना। यदि हमारा प्रत्येक कार्य विवेक एवं प्रज्ञानुसार हो तो नवीन कर्मो के बन्ध की सम्भावनाएं कम हो जाती है। उनके अनुसार प्रमाद विकास में सर्वाधिक बाधक है। प्रमाद अर्थात् सुषुप्त अथवा असावधान। अज्ञानी ही प्रमादी होता है। जो स्वयं असजग है, अपने प्रति ईमानदार नहीं, वह दूसरों को कैसे जगा देगा। अतः भगवान महावीर ने स्वयं साढ़े बारह वर्ष तक उग्र साधना कर पूर्णता प्राप्त की। जब तक सर्वज्ञ न बने पूर्ण मौन रहे। परन्तु जागृत होने के पष्चात् संसार को सही मार्ग का उपदेश देने में कंजूसी नहीं की। जीवन में प्रवृत्ति और निवृत्ति की जितनी सूक्ष्मतम, तर्क संगत व्याख्या और विवेचन महावीर ने श्रमणाचार की नियमावली में किया उसकी अन्यत्र कल्पना भी नहीं की जा सकती। आज भी बढ़ती मायावृत्ति एवं शिथिलाचार के बावजूद महावीर की परम्परा के श्रमण और श्रमणी वर्ग, जिस सूक्ष्म अहिंसा का पालनकर अपनी जीवनचर्या चलाते हैं, वैसी कठोर आचार संहिता अन्यत्र ढूँढ़ना कठिन है। वास्तव में महावीर का उपदेश प्राणिमात्र के लिये उपयोगी हैं। वहां भेदभाव और आशंकाओं की कोई गुंजाइश नहीं। न तो किसी के साथ भेदभाव, न अपने भक्तों के लिये विशेष रियायत। उनके विराट् व्यक्तित्व को चन्द प्रसंगों के आधार पर परखा जा सकता है।

प्रतिकूलता आत्मबल की कसौटीः- महावीर ने साधना हेतु राजपाट छोड़ा। पद, पैसे और परिवार का त्याग किया। अगर वे चाहते तो अपने राज्य में भी एकान्त साधना कर सकते थे। परन्तु उन्होंने साधना के लिये प्रतिकूल क्षेत्र चुना जहाँ उनका कोई परिचित नहीं था। वे जानते थे कि आत्मबल की परीक्षा प्रतिकूलता में ही हो सकती है। परन्तु आज हम प्रतिकूलताओं को पसन्द नहीं करते। उन्होंने पद, पैसा और परिवार का मोह त्यागा। परन्तु आज प्रायः हम पद, पैसे और परिवार के पीछे दिवाने बन अपने आपको उनके अनुयायी समझने का अहम् करें, कितना अप्रासंगिक है। इस पर सारे पूर्वाग्रह छोड़ षुद्ध चिन्तन अपेक्षित है।

स्वालम्बन के उद्घोशकः- महावीर आत्म-साधना में स्वावलम्बन के पक्षधर थे। मनुष्य को अपने कर्मो का क्षय अपने ही पुरुषार्थ से करना होता है। अतः वे साधना पथ पर अकेले ही आगे बढ़े। जब देवों के सम्राट् शक्रेन्द्र उनकी सेवा में उपस्थित हो प्रार्थना करने लगे ‘‘भगवन् आपको साधना काल में भयंकर उपसर्ग (कष्ट) आने की संभावना है, अतः मैं आपकी सेवा में रहकर उससे रक्षा करना चाहता हूँ।’’ उसके प्रत्युतर में भगवान महावीर ने कहा- ‘‘आज तक कोई भी प्राणी दूसरों की सहायता से अपने समस्त कर्मो से मुक्त नहीं हुआ। किये हुए कर्मो का भुगतान तो स्वयं को ही करना पड़ता है।’’ इस प्रकार उन्होंने प्राणी मात्र में स्वावलम्बी बन अपनी सुषुप्त चेतना को जाग्रत करने का आत्मविष्वास जागृत किया। स्वावलम्बन की पहली शर्त है स्वाधीनता। पराधीनता दुःख का कारण है, जो दासता में जकड़ती है। स्वाधीनता में ही सुख है। वही अपनी शक्तियों के विकास का केन्द्र बिन्दु है। स्वाधीनता से ही अपनी अनन्त शक्तियों का द्वार खुलता है। जिससे सम्यक् ज्ञान, सम्यक् दर्शन और सम्यक् चारित्र प्रकट होता है। महावीर कठोर, परन्तु हृदयग्राही, आत्मानुशासन के प्रवर्तक थे। साधक यदि कठोर मार्ग पर न चले तो उसके फिसलने की संभावना सदैव बनी रहती है। अतः वे स्वयं कठोर चर्या में रहे तथा अपने शिष्य समुदाय के लिये भी उन्होंने कठोर श्रमणाचार का निर्देशन किया। उन्होंने भक्त और भगवान के बीच की खाई को समाप्त करने का उपदेश दिया। वे भक्त को सदैव भक्त ही रखने के पक्षधर नहीं थे। अवतारवाद की मान्यता उन्हें स्वीकार नहीं थी। उन्होंने प्राणी मात्र के अन्दर उस परम परमात्म पद को पहिचाना। इसी कारण उनके सम्पर्क में आकर सम्यक् साधना में पुरुषार्थ करने वाले अनेक साधक उनके समकक्ष सर्वज्ञ बन गये।

अनन्त करुणामय व्यक्तित्वः- दुनियां में मातृत्व में ही इतनी शक्ति है कि अपने बच्चे के प्रति अपार अनुराग होने से माता के स्तनों में दूध आने लगता है। महावीर के जीवन के अलावा संसार में आज तक ऐसा दृष्टान्त उपलब्ध नहीं कि चण्डकौशिक जैसा भयंकर दृष्टि विशधारी सर्प काटे और रक्त के स्थान पर दूध की धारा बहे। प्राणिमात्र के प्रति कितनी दया, करूणा, अनुकम्पा और कल्याण की भावना होगी ऐसे महापुरुष में, जिसकी सहज कल्पना भी नहीं की जा सकती।

नारी उत्थानः- भगवान महावीर के युग में भारतीय नारी की बहुत दुर्दषा थी। नारी उत्पीड़न की तरफ जनसाधारण का ध्यान आकर्शित करने हेतु अपने साधना-काल में उन्होंने तेरह बोलों का कठोर अभिग्रह (संकल्प) लिया। जिसके अनुसार उन्होंने तब तक भिक्षा ग्रहण न करने का निष्चय किया जब तक कोई तीन दिन की भूखी, रोती हुई, भूतकाल की राजकुमारी, हाथों में हथकड़ी और पैरों में बेडि़या पहिने, सिर से मुण्डित, अबला उन्हें भिक्षा नहीं देगी। कैसी उपेक्षित थी नारी उस युग में? सहज ही कल्पना की जा सकती है। ऐसे समय में नारी को अपने धर्म-संघ में दीक्षित कर श्रमणी बनाना तथा अपने धर्म तीर्थ में साधु और श्रावक के समकक्ष क्रमषः साध्वी तथा श्राविका को स्थान देना उस युग का कितना क्रान्तिकारी कदम होगा।

जातिवाद का प्रतिकारः- भगवान महावीर की स्पष्ट घोशणा थी कि मनुष्य जन्म से नहीं कर्म से महान् बनता है। हरिकेषबल जैसे नीच कुल में जन्में क्षुद्र को अपने धर्म संघ में दीक्षित कर, धर्म के नाम पर जातिवाद का उन्होंने प्रतीकार किया। जातिवाद के नाम पर राष्ट्र में विघटन करने वालों एवम् अपने स्वार्थो से प्रेरित अनुसूचित एवं नीच जातियों के उत्थान का दावा करने वालों को महावीर के जीवन प्रसंगों का अध्ययन कर अहम् छोड़ देना चाहिए।

पाप से घृणा करो पापी से नहीं- भगवान महावीर ने अर्जुनमाली जैसे 1141 व्यक्तियों की हत्या करने वाले को अपने धर्म संघ में दीक्षित कर साधना के क्षेत्र में इतना गतिमान किया कि छः मास के अन्दर ही उसने अपने लक्ष्य को प्राप्त कर लिया। भगवान महावीर ने इस घटना के माध्यम से जनसाधारण को प्रतिबोधित किया कि पाप से घृणा करो पापी से नहीं। क्योंकि पापी कभी भी पाप छोड़ धर्मी बन सकता है, परन्तु पाप कभी धर्म नहीं हो सकता।

रागद्वेश त्यागे बिना मोक्ष नहीं- सम्पूर्ण सत्य की व्याख्या और सूक्ष्मतम विष्लेशण वही कर सकता है जो स्वयं वीतरागी है। उसका न तो किसी के प्रति राग होता है और न किसी के प्रति द्वेश। जब तक राग और द्वेश रहेगा अपने भक्तों के प्रति ममत्व और अन्य की उपेक्षा होना संभव है। विश्व के इतिहास में शायद ही कहीं ऐसा दृष्टान्त मिलता है कि भक्त अपने परम लक्ष्य मोक्ष को तब तक प्राप्त न कर सका जब तक उसको अपने आराध्य के प्रति राग था। भगवान महावीर के प्रमुख शिष्य गणधर गौतम को भी तब तक केवल ज्ञान की प्राप्ति नहीं हुई जब तक कि उनका भगवान के प्रति राग समाप्त नहीं हुआ। आज जो साम्प्रदायिक कट्टरता से धर्म बदनाम हो रहा है, उसका रूप विकृत हो रहा है, अपने को ही अच्छा और अन्य को बुरा बतला कर घृणा का वातावरण बनाया जा रहा है उन सभी धर्म के ठेकेदारों को चिन्तन करना होगा कि कहीं उनका आचरण उनके आत्म-विकास में बाधक तो नहीं है।

सम्यक्त्व ही साधना का केन्द्रः- भगवान महावीर ने मिथ्यात्व अथवा गलत धारणा, मान्यता, श्रद्धा को मोक्ष की साधना में सबसे अधिक बाधक माना। सम्यक्त्व (सही दृष्टि) के बिना सच्चा ज्ञान और आचरण सम्यक् नहीं हो सकता। उनकी साधना का लक्ष्य था समभाव से वीतरागता की प्राप्ति। समता ही धर्म का लक्षण है। वह विवादों से परे होता है। उतार-चढ़ाव, मान-अपमान, अनुकूल-प्रतिकूल परिस्थितियों में अपने आपको विचलित न होने देने का मूल मंत्र है। दूसरी बात यह है कि जब तक जीव-अजीव का सूक्ष्मतम भेद समझ में नहीं आवेगा अहिंसा का पालन पूर्ण रूप से नहीं हो सकता। पृथ्वी, अग्नि, वायु और जल में चेतना को सर्वज्ञ ही जान सकते हैं। वर्तमान विज्ञान की पहुँच से भी वह बहुत परे है। इसी कारण अन्य धर्मो में सूक्ष्म हिंसा से बचने का प्रावधान एवं सोच नहीं है, जितनी बारीकी से जैन श्रमणाचार की नियमावली में प्रतिपादित किया गया है।

महावीर का दर्शन सभी के लिये जीवन्त दर्शन है, अलौकिक दर्शन है। उसके अभाव में ज्ञानी का ज्ञान, पंडित का पांडित्य, विद्वान् की विद्वत्ता, धार्मिक का धर्माचरण, भक्तों की भक्ति, अहिंसकों की अहिंसा, न्यायाधीष का न्याय, राजनेताओं की राजनीति, वैज्ञानिकों की वैज्ञानिक षोध, चिकित्सकों की चिकित्सा, चिन्तकों का चिन्तन, लेखकों का लेखन, कवि का काव्य अधूरा है जो सार्वकालिक सत्य नहीं भी हो सकता है। कहने का सारांष यही है कि महावीर के सिद्धान्तों से मतभेद रखना, उन्हें अस्वीकारना, चिन्तनशील, प्रज्ञावान, विवेकवान व्यक्ति के लिये संभव नहीं। फिर वह जीवन का कोई भी क्षेत्र क्यों न हो? उनके दर्शन में अहिंसा, अनेकान्त अपरिग्रह का समग्र दर्शन है जो शास्वत सत्य की आधारशिला पर प्ररूपित किया गया है।

लेखक: चंचल मल चोरडिया, चोरडिया भवन, जालोरी गेट के बाहर, जोधपुर-342003 (राज.), फोन: 0291-2621454, 94141 34606 (मोबाइल), website: www.chordiahealthzone.in, www.chordiahealthzone.com

MUMBAI JAINS CELEBRATED MAHAVIR 2614 BIRTH ANNIVERSARY AT AZAD MAIDAN

On the auspicious occasion of Bhagwan Mahavir 2614 Birth Anniversary celebration program was organized at historical Azad Maidan in Mumbai. Eminent Jainacharya and founder of Ahimsa Vishwa Bharti Acharya Dr. Lokesh Muni addressing the devotees said that, Bhagwan Mahavir was the pioneer of spiritual and social revolution. Raising his voice against racial obsession and communal fanaticism, he gave importance to human unity.

Greatness in human being comes because of their deeds virtues and not by birth. Acharya Lokesh Muni said that Bhagwan Mahavir’s principle of Unity in Diversity is the base for global unity. According to Bhagwan Mahavir philosophy both non-availability and excess availability are dangerous. The concentration of wealth in the hands of a few is one of the causes for growing intolerance today. He said that presently the whole world is affected by the problem of violence and terrorism but violence and terrorism is not the solution to any problem. Violence gives rise to counter-violence. Bhagwan Mahavir Philosophy of Ahimsa (non-violence) and Aprigraha (limiting possessions) is sustainable solution for violence and terrorism.

Goswami Sushil Ji Maharaj, President of Bhrigu foundation said that Mahavir philosophy and teachings are more relevant today. The three A’s of Ahimsa, Anekanta and Aparigraha of Bhagwan Mahavira’s principles can provide answers to many modern day problems. Addressing the gathering, President of Bangla Sahib Gurudwara Shri Paramjit Singh Chandok said that Bhagwan Mahavir talked about the welfare of whole humanity. Following the path shown by him solutions to global problems like violence and terrorism can be found. Shri Raj K. Purohit from Maharastra assembly on the occasion said that Acharya Lokesh Muni has played important role in implementation of law to prohibit Cow Slathering in Maharashtra; spiritual world can never forget his contribution. President of Bhagwan Mahavir Janam Jayanti Celebration committee Shri Dilip K. Parmar gave the welcome speech. The singers of Spiritual Bhajan Sandhya organized on the occasion made the occasion memorable. Source: Ahimsa Vishwa Bharti, E-Mail:

JAIN TEMPLES

STONE INSCRIPTIONS AND JAIN SCULPTURES FOUND IN KONANUR

April 7th, 2015. Konanur. Stone inscriptions and sculptures related to Jainism, more than 500 years old, were discovered in Sulugodu village, under Handrangi Gram Panchayat, in Konanur hobli, Hassan district. A farmer, who was using an excavator to dig his field, discovered these sculptures and inscriptions. A few sculptures of Jain Thrithankara Mahaveer were unearthed recently in the same village. The sculptures have been kept at the Basaveshwara temple nearby. With some more statues and inscriptions discovered on Monday, locals opine that the lands surrounding the Basaveshwara temple should be excavated and hoped to find more such statues. The village was known as Sulugodu about 450 to 500 years ago and was under the control of Palegar Somaraja. After his name, it was called Sulugodu Somapura since 50 years. According to Shivappa, a senior citizen, princess Chandanadevi meditated in a Jain Basadi during the rule of Hoysala King Vishnuvardhana. Palegar Somaraja had removed the Mahaveer’s statue from the Jain temple and had installed Nandi statue, he added. A Jain basadi is found at a distance of five kilometres in Kodagu district and is being conserved by the department of Archaeology and Museums. This is proof to show that jains lived in the region, said the villagers.

JAIN  TEMPLES OUT SIDE INDIA

1. Japan - Kobe, Bhagwan Mahavir Swami Jain Temple, Kitano - Cho, 3 Chome, Chuo - Ku Kobe, Tel. Nos. (81)78241-5995.

2. Japan - Tokyo, Tokyo Derasar, 1-10 - 12 Higashi Ueno,Taito Ku Tokyo 110 - 0015.

3. China - Shenzhen, Shenzhen Temple, Xingkan Hong, Building No. 7, Flat No 101, Cuizhu Road, Shenzhen, Temple Tel. No.+86-755-25782814, Contact Person: Pratickbhai Shah, Mobile No.+86- 13113811976.

4. Taiwan - Taipei, Taipei Temple, Lane - 63, Tun Hwa South Road, Sector - 2, No:- 7, 20th Floor, Taipei, Contact Person: Rakesh Shah, Mobile No.+886-932026425, Manoj Jhaveri, Mobile No.+886 - 932181286.

5. Hong Kong - Shree Hongkong Jain Sangh Ltd., Flat No. 50, 7 th Floor, Grand Building 50 - 52, Granville Road Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Temple Tel. No.+ 852 -2739 9955 Contact Person Bharat Mehta, Mobile No.+ 852-9455 5935.

6. Malaysia - Shantiniketan Foundation Malaysia, Paras Villa, 15, Persiaran Bekor 4, First Girden, 30100 Ipoh, Perak, Tel. No. 605-5267801, Fax No. 5279848, E-Mail:

7. Bangkok - Thailand, I. Shree Sambavnath Jain Derasar, 191/24, Milindsuta Building, Soi Putto-Osot, Behind Suriwong Road, Bangrak, Thailand-10500. II. Shree Sheetalnath Jain Ghru Jinalay, 315/440, 8th Floor, Fortune Condo Building 4, Sathu Pradit Soi 24 (Soi Wat Pho Men), Yannawa, Thailand-10120, Contact Person: Devang Sanghavi, Mobile No.+662-6741402, 6681-9389384.

8. United Kingdom - Leicester, 32, Oxford Street, Leicester Le1 5xu

9. United Kingdom - London, Shree Mahavir Swami, Oshwal Centre, Potters Bar, London.

10. United Kingdom - Middlesex, Mahavir Swami Jain Temple, 1, The Broadway Wealdstone, Harrow, Middlesex, UK, Contact Mr. Vijen Shah, Mobile No. 020-85667100, E-Mail:

11. United States - Allentown, Allentown Jain Temple, Mulnayak, Shree Abhinandan Swami, 4200, Airport Road, Allentown, PA 18103, Temple / Pujari, Tel Nos. (215)264-2810, From US-22, take Exit for Airport Road (Rt. 987N) toward Airport. Pass three traffic lights. Within half a mile, the temple (with Ohm sign) will be on your right.

12. United States - Boston, Jain Temple of Greater Boston, Mulnayak Shree Abhinandan Swami, 15 Cedar Street, Norwood MA-02062.

13. United States - California, Houston Jain Temple, Mulnayak Shree Abhinandan Swami, California.

14. United States - California, Jain Center of Northern California, Mulnayak Shree Adeshvar From 880 (San Jose): Take 880 North to Great Mall Exit East, Turn Left at Main St. Jain Bhavan will be on your right side at Number 722.

15. United States - California, Jain Temple of California, Mulnayak Shree Abhinandan Swami, 722, South Main Street Milpitas, CA-95035.

16. United States - Chicago, Jain Temple of Metropolitan Chicago, Mulnayak Shree Abhinandan Swami, Jain Temple of Metropolitan, Chicago, USA.

17. United States - Detroit, Jain Temple Of Greater Detroit, Mulnayak Shree Abhinandan Swami, Jain Society of Greater Detroit 29278 W, 12 Mile Road., Farmington Hills, MI-48334-4108

18. United States - New Jersey (North) Jain Temple, Mulnayak Shree Rishbhdev, 233 Runnymede Road, Essex Fells, NJ- 07006, Tel.No.(609)662-1076/(609) 722-1919-424-4897.

19. United States - New Jersey, Siddhachalam, Mulnayak Shree Simandar Swami, 65, Mud Pond Road, Blairstown, New Jersey-07825-(908)362-9793.

20. United States - New Jersey, The Jain Sangh, Mulnayak Shree Mahavir Swami, 3401 Cooper Ave-Pennsauken, NJ-08109.

21. United States - New York, Kailash Parvat Jain Temple, Shree Abhinandan Swami, 7020, Polk Street, 16, Guttengerg,, N. J-07093, U.S.A., (This Temple Is Managed By Shri Kumar Shah).

22. United States - New York, Ithaca Street Jain Temple, 43-11 Ithaca Street, Elmhurst, NY-11373, Phone: (718)391-9170

23. United States - Philadelphia, Philadelhpia Jain Temple, Mulnayak Shree Abhinandan Swami, 6515, Bustleton Avenue, Philadelphia, PA, Phone: (215) 537-9537/(215)561-0581.

24. Kenya - Nairobi, Jain Temple, Mulnayak Shree Adeshvar Digambar Jain Chityalaya, Nairobi, P. B.-41217, Nairobi, Africa.

25. Canada - Edmonton, Edmonton, Mulnayak Shree Mahavir Swami, 14225-133, Avenue, Edmonton.

26. Canada - Ontario, Jain Society Of Toronto, Mulnayak Shree Mahavir Swami, 48 Rosemeade Avenue, Etobicoke, Ontario.

27. Canada - Toronto, Toronto, Canada, Mulnayak Shree Mahavir Swami, Jain Society Of Toronto, 247 Parklawn Road, Toronto Ontario, Canada, Phone: (416)273-9387, Temple (416)251-8112.

28. Pakistan - Sindh Pradesh, Tharparkar District, Nagarparkar.

29. Combodia - Jangkorvat City, Combodia, 30 Abhishek, Baid, (Truncated by Whats App)

NEWS ABOUT SAINTS

21ST DEATH ANNIVERSARY OF ACHARAY SHRI SUSHIL MUNI CELEBREATED AS AHIMSA, ENVIORNMENT AND ALL RELIGION GOODWILL DAY BY VISHWA AHIMSA SANGH AT NEW DELHI

It is now 21 years, the Jain Samaj lost its highly acclaimed and one of the most respected Jain Saint Acharya Sushil Muniji Maharaj. His contributions to the community and also to nations as a whole are often quoted. He provided a new direction to traditional ritualistic policies and procedures pursued by the religious order. In spite of strong resistance from fellow saints, he adopted all together a new approach and did everything possible to send Jainism outside the India’s geography borders. He had great vision and felt that century old traditions are not in the interest of Jain Religion. He believed in establishing multilateral relationship with other religions. He thought, he also has responsibility towards his nation. He went out of the traditional web to create a new line of followership which included Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Dr. Rajendra Prasad and many others. The list is endless. He really had a charismatic personality to connect. He had incredible organizational skill.

To remember the amazing contributions of Acharya Sushil Muni, Vishwa Ahimsa Sangh, an organisation promoted by Acharya Sushil Muni himself organized a conclave under the auspicious blessings of Acharya Shri Amrender Muni, Shri Vivek Muniji M.S., Acharya Shri Lokesh Muni and other Jain Saints on 19th April 2015 at Ahimsa Bhawan, New Delhi. The subject of the conclave was “Ahimsa, Environment and Brotherhood”. In fact this was the most favorite subject of Sushil Muni.

The conclave was also attended by a number of holy men and priests from all other religions. To name, Goswami Sushil Muni of Brighu Foundation Mumbai, Vijay Muni from Yog Sadhna Kendra Alwar, Imam Umer Ahemad Ilyasi, Shri AK Merchant, Bahai Faith, Father Domanic, Christianity, Shri Isak Malekar, Judaism and so on. Each one of these distinguished religious leaders remembered their close association with Acharya Sushi Muni in their bygone years.

Shri Vivek Muniji provided a detailed scrutiny of Acharya Sushil Muni as he knew him best amongst all present at the venue. It is noteworthy that Shri Vivek Muni was offered Diksha by Acharya Sushil Muni himself. Every speaker emphasised on the need to carry forward the mission of Acharya Sushil Muni. There was a common consensus that religious leaders have bigger responsibility then political leadership in bringing peace and brotherhood around the world.

The Chief Guest of the programm was Shri Satendra Jain, the Health Minister Delhi State. He also recollected his old time experiences and impressions of Sushil Muniji. Other important dignitiories who attended the conclave were Shri Vijendra Garg, Shri Rajesh Bhatia, Shri Swdesh Bhushan Jain and many more. Chairman of Vishwa Ahimsa Sangh, Shri Mulkraj Jain, probably the oldest associate of Acharya Sushil Muni extended heart warming welcome to all the guest and invited dignitaries. Shri Mulk Raj Jain has been managing the affairs of Vishwa Ahimsa Sangh, the legacy of Acharya Sushil Muni for last 21 years. It is commendable performance on his part. His dedication and selfless service to Vishwa Ahimsa Sangh is really appreciable.

POLITICAL COMMENTS ON DIGAMBER MONK HURT JAIN COMMUNITY

April 9th, 2015. Margao. The Jain community in Goa has expressed its deep sense of hurt and anguish over the statements made by PWD minister Ramkrishna 'Sudin' Dhavalikar and former PWD minister Churchill Alemao against a Jain Digambar monk for having moved around in Margao without wearing any clothes recently. According to, Anil Jolapure, a leader of the Goa Jain Association it was "unbecoming" of a person of the stature of Dhavalikar to speak in derogatory terms against any faith. Jolapure said that the comments by Dhavalikar and Alemao betray a sense of ignorance about the ancient religious tradition of Jainism and its basic tenets. Even the Supreme Court has acknowledged this right to religious freedom. Let it be borne in mind that the Jain munis not only preach the teachings of Jainism, but also strive for equality of all religions and religion of mankind. Their teachings are based on the principles of truth and non-violence. He urged them to learn about one of the world's oldest religions from any person practicing the Jain faith before passing any adverse comments against the faith or its monks.

POSTAL COVER ISSUED ON JAIN SAINT SHRI HENCHANDRACHARYAJI MAHARAJ AT AHMEDABAD

To commemorate the 10th Centenary of Jain Acharya Kalikal Sarvagya Shri Henchandracharya JI Maharaj, a special cover was issued on 23rd March 2015 at Ahmedabad in the holy presence of Acharya Shri Vijayshilchandrasuriji Maharaj.

The cover was released at Shasansamrat Bhavan, Sheth Hathisingh Wadi, Ahmedabad. Source: Sudhir Jain, E-Mail:

CONFERENCES, SEMINARS AND OTHER EVENTS

JDYCON 2015 CONFERENCE HELD AT MUMBAI

Jain Medical students, Jain Doctors’ Federation, Mumbai, organized JDYCON 2015 on 1st March 2015 at the Patkar Hall, New Marine Lines, Mumbai. The theme of the conference was "COME… AWAKE… ARISE… More than 450 students from 10 states and 25 cities attended this one-day conference. The mission of this unique meeting was to inspire young Jain medical students and doctors to empower and create opportunities for them. Pujyashri Naypadmasagarji Maharaj Saheb blessed the occasion with a video-recorded message.

Jain MLA from South Mumbai, Shri Mangalprabhatji Lodha was the chief guest of the conference. Chairman of the conference, Dr. Shreepal Jain welcomed the gathering and gave details about the lectures and its contents that was going to follow during the day. Dr. Bharat Parmar, MD (Paediatrics), Dr. Sujal Shah, DNB (Ophthalmology), Dr. Suresh Shah, MD (Paediatrics) and Dr. Manoj Gandhi DNB (Surgery) talked about the nitty-gritties of setting-up private & group practice and administrative requirements for starting of small nursing home or hospital. Dr. Gopinath Shenoy & Dr. Rajendra Khatavkar spoke about the legal angle of Medical practice and warned the young students about what should be done and specifically what should not be done.

Reported by Dr. Hasmukhkumar Jain, Member, Organizing Committee and the inaugural function, eminent speakers in their respective field of medicine enlightened the students on career guidance and how to be successful professionals. Renowned Gastro-enterologist, Dr. Chetan Bhatt, spoke in-detail about the communication skills and highlighted the importance of better communication skills with patients, relatives and staff and stressed that a doctor has first to be a good listener. Dr. Bipin Doshi described in detail about the scientific basis of Jain religion and said that all the Noble Prize recipients have worked in their field on the basis of Jain principle described in our literature many years ago. Dr. Farokh Udwadia spoke in detail about the "Ethics in Medicine" and emphasized that the principles of Jainism run parallel to the ethics in medicine and that it is the duty of every doctor to work for the welfare of mankind with minimum possible violence. He requested all the doctors to abide by the truth and be just to his/her patient. Panel discussions were held on career counseling and key to success in professional practice. Meritorious students were given awards for outstanding achievements in academic and extra-curricular activities. Source: Hasmukh Jain, E-Mail:

STHANAKWASI JAIN SHRAMAN SANGH CONFERENCE OF SAINTS END IN PANDEMONIUM

With the blessings and endorsement from the head of Sthanakwasi Jain Community, Acharya Dr. Shivmuni, all Shraman Sangh Saint conclave held at Indore in the last week of march 2015 (From 20th to 29th March 2015). The need for the mega conclave was being felt and discussed for last many years. In fact last such conclave was organised almost forty years back under the leadership of Acharya Shri Anand Rishiji Maharaj Saheb at Pune.

Since then, many new issues governing religious and ritualistic practices of Jain Saints had crept in which needed clarity and amendments in code of conduct of saints. In the absence of any formal pronouncement, different groups adopted new means and practices suiting to their needs and environment. Some of these changes in life style of Saints and application of new technology attracted regular disapproval from traditional members.

With discussions certain guidelines were issued by the core committee regarding general practices of Saints. Acharya Shri Dr. Shivmuni also announced the name of Maharaj Saheb Shri Mahendra Muniji as new "Yuvacharya" or his successor in times to come. This announcements was a bit of surprise for good number of devotees. The high profile event concluded with the visit of Home Minister of India Shri Rajnath Singh, Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh Shri Shivraj Singh, Shri Ashok Singhal of Vishwa Hindu Parishad and many other celebrity dignitaries. The event was attended by over four hundred saints and sadhvis who all walked from different parts of the country. Over 60,000 Jain dedicated followers and office bearers of organising institutions attended the congregate. A special train of followers reached Indore to be witness of this historical event. Elaborate arrangements of lodging and boarding were made for the saints and their subjects. It is estimated that a good amount spent by the community leadership for this convention.

NEW BOOKS

THE BASIC THOUGHT OF BHAGAVAN MAHAVIR BY DR JAYKUMAR JALAJ, ENGLISH TRANSLATION BY MANISH MODI, FIRST ENGLISH EDITION PUBLISHED IN 2003

13th English edition, 2015, Published by Hindi Granth Karyalay, Mumbai. This work was originally written in Hindi in 2002 upon the request of the Government of Madhya Pradesh, on the occasion of the 2600th birth anniversary of Lord Mahavira. The author, in simple, contemporary, yet powerful language reveals to us the teachings of Mahavira. This book is extremely popular because it is a non-sectarian book written in simple language. Complex concepts of the Jain doctrine are explained in a reader-friendly manner, without resorting to jargon. Readers have said that reading this book is akin to entering a palace, with each door opening on its own and inviting you further inside. Hindi Granth Karyalay, E-Mail:

AWARDS AND HONOURS

NOMINATION REQUESTED FOR JAINS AWARDS 2015

In the forthcoming JAINA 2015 conventions being organised at Atlanta, the organsing committee has once again announced to honour individuals living in North America, who have contributed significantly to the promotion of Jainism and its principles. The types of awards and the maximum number of awards for each category are as follows:

JAINA Ratna Award 1
JAINA Recognition Awards for Adults 10
JAINA Recognition Awards for Youth 5

The Awards Committee consists of Dr. Nitin Shah - Chair, Dr. Mamta Shaha, Mr. Raju Shah, Mr. Shan Jain and Mr. Hemant Shah. A separate subcommittee for Youth who will send their recommendations for Youth Awards to the Awards Committee. The members are Dr. Nitin Shah - Chair, Ms. Mili Shah, Mr. Chintav Shah, Ms. Krutika Jain and Mr. Akash Shah. Selection will be made based on accomplishment details provided on the attached Nomination Forms. The age requirement for Youth Recognition Awards is over 14 years and less than 30 years on July 4, 2015. Minimum age requirement for Adult Recognition Awards is 30 years on July 4, 2015. To fill out the online form, go here: www.jaina.site-ym.com/?page=JAINA_YOUTH_AWARD

SPECIAL COVER ISSUED AT BIKANER ON 19TH MARCH 2015

A special cover and special cancellation has been issued on 19th March 2015 at Bikaner on famous Jain Writer, Scholar and Archiologist Late Amar Chand Nahata on his 105th Anniversary. He had preserved thousands of books and manuscripts in Abhay Jain Granthalay Bikaner which are very useful to the research students. Mr. Narayan Chopra, Mayor of Bikaner released this special cover in a grand function organized at Bikaner. Mr. S. K. Sharma Superintendent BIkaner Postal Circle, Mr. S. R. Chaliya, Dy. G. M. Telecom Circle and large number of citizens were present in the function. Senior member of Jainism Philately Group and. Lalit Kumar Nahata was the coordinator of the function. Source: Sudhir Jain, E-Mail:

THIS YEAR RECORD SEVEN PADMA AWARDS GO TO JAINS

Apr 9, 2015, New Delhi: Stealing the show quietly in this year's Padma list were seven members of the Jain community. Barely 0.4% of the country's population, Jains have always punched well above their weight. In this year's Padma list, the community accounted for about 7% of the 104 awardees.

The community has scooped one Padma Vibhushan and six Padma Shris, covering a variety of fields including philanthropy, traditional and performing arts and administration. The Jain Community has always nurtured exceptional talent whether it is eminent scientist Vikram Sarabhai, who is considered the father of the country's space programme, or poet, thinker and spiritual leader Banarsidas who composed the magnum opus Ardhakathanaka, the first ever autobiography in Hindi literature. So, it is no surprise that this year's Padma list includes Dr. D. Veerandra Heggade who has been awarded Padma Vibhushan while Rahul Jain, Ravindra Jain, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Veerendra Raj Mehta, Tarak Mehta and Mitha Lal Mehta (posthumously) have been awarded Padma Shri. Dr. Heggade is a philanthropist and head of the Dharamsthala temple, assuming the mantle at the age of 20 years. He has institutionalized his charitable work, managing 40 educational institutions including colleges for ayurveda, naturopathy, dental, engineering, medical, law and business management. Dr. Heggade has also worked for rural employment and skill development in partnership with public and private companies. His organization has worked in diverse fields ranging from sustainable energy, alcohol abuse and rehabilitation to preservation of the country's temples.

Former bureaucrats on the honour roll this year include the late Mitha Lal Mehta and Veerendra Raj Mehta. Director Sanjay Leela Bhansali, who has regaled audiences with films like 'Khamoshi', 'Devdas' and 'Black', is joined by music composer Ravindra Jain, known for his soulful compositions and bhajans. The blind artiste has been responsible for numerous commercially successful songs in films as well. Contrasting with Bhansali's opulence is humourist Tarak Mehta's earthy wit. The eminent Gujarati humourist has written, acted in and directed many plays. The seventh recipient is Rahul Jain, a leading expert of the traditional textile arts of India. Currently working as an advisor with the Calico Museum of Textiles, Rahul Jain is India's most acclaimed design practitioner in the field of traditional brocade-weaving.

A JOURNEY WITH JAIN TIRTHANKARAS IN VERSE WINS TAMIL NADU'S RECOGNITION

April 16th, 2015. Chennai. When many ancient sculptures of Jain Tirtankaras face serious threat from vandals across Tamil Nadu, here's a man who tries to preserve them in verse. It was in 2005 that D Jambukumaran, a teacher, first started writing poems about the Jain saints. Today, he has completed the life history of all the 24 Tirthankaras in verse with detailed commentaries. Written in classical Tamil, each one narrates the life and role of the Tirthankaras. The last one on Mahavira (the 24th and last Tirthankara of Jainism), titled "Mahaveer Kavyam" recently won the best classical Tamil Kavya Award instituted by the state department of Tamil development. According to D J he got attracted to the simple philosophy of Jain ascetics. It was a journey with the Tirthankaras in a way. The idea of penning down poems based on the life history of Jain Tirthankaras blossomed in his mind after he heard Thevaram hymns praising lord Shiva. He started reading the main Jain works. Epics like "Sripuranam" opened a new way to him and he started writing about Rishabha, the first Jain Tirthankara. Jambukumaran has so far published at least 60 books on various topics in Jainism. Apparently, he is the only person who has written poems on all the 24 Tirthankaras. D J is also the editor of "Arugan Thathuvam," a Jain monthly.

KSHULLIKA PAWANIJI HONOURED WITH KARAMVEER TITLE AT SRI LANKA

April 7th, 2015. Colambo, Sri Lanka. The fifteenth Joint Conference of Asian Astrologers Congress, India, South Asian Astro Federation Nepal and Vidhyalok Jyoti Vidhyapeeth, Srilanka was recently organised at Colambo. According to Dr. Satyabhushan the Chairman of the event, hundred and fifty renowned Astrologers and Vastu experts from India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Neighbouring countries participated in this high profile event. Over 30 lectures were delivered and many new inspirational and thought provoking subjects came for discussion. Kshullika Pawaniji was also one of the leading speaker in the event. She in her lecture explained the deep relation between spritualiting, astrology and science of vastu. She explained spiritualistic practices can remove vastu flaws. She also spoke about breath meditation and other related subjects in detail. She explained how prayers can help in converting negative energy into positive one. Her in-depth knowledge was appreciated and she was honoured with the tile of Astrology / Vastu Vachaspati and Karamveer title. Kshullika Pawaniji is disciple of Charam Mangal group promoted by Virat Guruji and Shraman Sangh Sadhvi Shri Vaibhav Shriji "Aatama". Source: Dr. Pratibha Koacher "Praagbha", Tel. +919799985703, E-Mail:

MANISH JAIN IS THE NEW CHAIRMAN OF GEMS & JEWELLERY FEDERATION

April 13th, 2015. Mumbai Manish Jain, a veteran of gems & jewellery industry, was unanimously appointed as the Chairman of the All India Gems & Jewellery Trade Federation for the year 2015-17. Manish Jain is the founding member of GJF, the national trade federation for the promotion and growth of trade in Gems and Jewellery sector across India.

He is the son of a freedom fighter Mr. Ishwarlal Shankarlal Jain, the owner of Rajmal Lakhichand Group, a 161-year gold jewellery firm, which has been established since 1854 in Jalgaon, Maharashtra. He is also a philanthropist & social worker.

Welcoming Mr. Jain’s appointment as Chairman, GJF’s outgoing Chairman Mr. Haresh Soni said, “It is my honour and privilege to welcome Mr. Manish Jain to head our prestigious institution, GJF, which has a legacy of promoting the interest of the gems & jewellery trade. Considering the challenges faced by the sector, I strongly believe that Mr. Jain’s leadership will immensely benefit the institution and help us gear up for the numerous tasks ahead while we work for the betterment of the trade & for welfare of the lakhs of people employed in the gems & jewellery sector.”

The All India Gems and Jewellery Trade Federation (GJF) represents over 6,00,000 players comprising manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, distributors, laboratories, gemologists, designers and allied services to the domestic Gems & Jewellery industry. The Gems & Jewellery industry is a hand crafted and labour intensive with over 1 crore strong labour force engaged in the manufacturing of jewellery industry in the domestic sector. The Federation’s mission is to support and promote the progress and prosperity of all the members in the gems and jewellery industry across India. It also provides regular news updated on notifications, rules and regulations declared by the Government. It promotes the trade, by participating in promotional events on a national level. It encourages the trade through the organization of consumer exhibits in India.

SUJATA JAIN JOINS EYEWITNESS NEWS 3 CHANNEL

April 8th, 2015. Sujata Jain joined the Eyewitness News 3 team in April of 2015 as a assignment reporter. Sujata comes from beautiful Charleston, South Carolina where she spent two years as a reporter and fill-in anchor. She is also a former high school teacher. In Charleston, Sujata was the lead night reporter, breaking several stories and earning multiple exclusive interviews. She is passionate about news and keeping people informed about the events that shape our daily lives. Sujata holds Masters degrees in broadcast journalism and education. She was raised in Asheville, North Carolina. You can E-Mail:

BHAVYANGANA KANTHED (JAIN) HONORED BY SPACE FOUNDATION, U.S.A.

The Space Foundation has narrowed down 3,686 entries from 53 countries, 48 U.S. states and one U.S. territory down to 28 winners for the 2015 International Student Art Contest. Students from around the world, ages 3 through 18, were invited to submit original artwork for this year's theme, "The View From My Spaceship." The contest was free to enter for all public, private and home school children from nations around the globe.

The contest featured eight age categories: 3-4; 5-6; 7-8; 9-10; 11-12; 13-14; 15-16 and 17-18, and students could enter artwork in the following media formats: drawing, painting, mixed media and digital. A total of 28 awards will be presented, including first, second and third place honors for each of the eight age categories, plus one Space Foundation Achievement Award. The Space Foundation presents 1st-, 2nd- and 3rd-place awards for each of eight age categories. In addition, a Space Foundation Achievement Award is given, which is selected by the Space Foundation graphic arts team.

In this year's contests bhavyangana kanthed has grabbed 2nd position in the age group 11 to 12 years. Further she is the only Indian selected in the age group 9 to 18 yrs.  A couple of months back she was also awarded world record holder artist under Golden Book of world records along with her 2 sisters.  Source: Priyamvada Kanthed (+919713101122), Sandeep Kanthed, +919425901122 and Dr. Sulekh Jain, E-Mail:

DIKSHA CEREMONY

Bhagwati Diksha being given to Shri Avinash Salecha on 25th April, 2015 at Akshaydeep, Pavta 'B' road, Jodhpur under the blessings of Upadhyay pandit Ratna Shri Man Chandra Ji maharaj. Avinash belongs to Shwetambar Jain Sthanakwasi sect, Shri Jain Ratna Hiteshi Shrawak Sangh, Jodhpur. He is son of Shri Ugam Chand ji. Family lives in Hubli Karnataka.

GUNRATNA SURISHWARJI MAHARAJ TO OFFER BHAGWATI DIKSHA TO BHANWARLAL RAGHUNATH DOSHI

It is rare that a person who has worked hard to make his millions throws it in favour of the path of God and salvation. But Bhanwarlal Raghunath Doshi (58), son of a small time textile trader from Shivranj in Rajasthan who rose to become the king of plastic raw material trade in Delhi, was never cut out to be ordinary. On May 31, the chairman of DR International Pvt Ltd and head of several organisations will renounce his worldly possessions to take diksha. In one of the biggest events of its kind in the city, the diksha will be given in the presence of 61 Jain Acharyas and 1,000 Jain Sadhus and sadhvis besides industrialists and NRIs at Ahmedabad Education Society ground on Drive-In Road on May 31. Doshi is the Chairman of a Rs 350-crore company. It is after a very long time that someone of his stature is taking diksha. This is very special as  Bhanwarlal Doshi has money and family. He is the President of 18 organistions.

Gunratna Surishwarji Maharaj, will be giving the Diksha and accepting him as his disciple. Lakhs or people are expected to attend the diksha ceremony. Surishwarji Maharaj has already given diskha to 352 people. Doshi's diksha will be three-day affair with a Siddhchakra Mahapujan and a religious song programme with famous music director Sanjay Vidyarthi and others. As many as 72 international artists will present the same followed by a symphony on May 29. On May 30, the day-long programme includes Varshidan shobha yatra (varghodo), from Bhuwanbhanusmruti Mandir to AES ground via Pankaj Society, Mahalakshmi crossroads, followed by a bhavabhivyakti (speech) by Doshi. Diksha ceremony is scheduled for May 31 at 6 am. Doshi said the venue will be set up on the theme of a ship by artistes called in specially from Bangalore. It will cover 3,00,000 sq feet. A special stage will also be built for 1,000 sadhus and sadhvis. The ship will be made of plywood, cloth, fibre and canvas. More than a lakh people who are expected to attend the programme will be provided with lunch with special passes given to all the sanghs and Jain organisations from across Gujarat.

About Bhanwarlal Raghunath Doshi: After completing B.Com from Sirohi in 1978, Doshi took up employment at various places, including Chennai, Mumbai, Bangalore and Delhi, the last being with his wife's maternal uncle. After working with him for seven to eight months Doshi decided to venture out on his own.

He rejected his father's offer to handle the textile trading business back in Rajasthan and instead with a capital of Rs 30,000 borrowed from his father started his own plastic trading business in Delhi. But he has always been a resolute man and a visionary. When he delved into the plastic trade he had decided to be at the top of the industry. 'Salvation, the real path' Doshi wanted to become a Chartered Accountant but could not study further as the responsibility of earning for his family fell on him. His two sons, Mayur (35) and Rohit have MBAs from the UK. Daughter Tina (36), too, is a postgraduate. But he believes our study is of no use and the only real path is the path of moksha (salvation). Doshi was always religiously inclined and used to visit Jain temples across the country. Most of his charity was for the religion. At some point, he wanted to renounce the worldly pleasures and seek diksha. According to his family, he would have taken diksha three years ago but the family stopped him then. It is always tough when the head of the family wants to seek diksha. Source:  Mr. Yashwant Malaiya, E-mail:

MISCELLANEOUS

JAINS REITERATE DEMAND TO DECLARE PAWAPURI A HOLYCITY

April 7th, 2015. Patna. Jain community members have reiterated their demand that Pawapuri, the place of nirvana of Lord Mahavira, be declared a holy city and the sale and consumption of tobacco products, liquor and meat be banned in the vicinity of the temple on the pattern of Haridwar and other such sacred places. Jain Sangh secretary Pradip Jain recalled Chief Minister Nitish Kumar during one of his 'Seva Yatra' had promised that Pawapuri would be declared a holy city and the sale and consumption of meat, tobacco and liquor will be banned in the temple area. But the promise remains unfulfilled.

IMBIBING THE VALUES OF JAINISM CAN BRING A PERMANENT SOLUTION TO TERRORISM- RAJNATH SINGH

April 3rd, 2015. Bengaluru. Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, at a programme held on the occasion of Mahaveer Jayanti said, “Jainism is a gem of India’s hallowed culture. Though there are several religions in the country, Jainism is the only one with ideals of ahimsa.” He said the world today is facing the issue of terrorism, and it is common in every country. While one can fend off terrorism temporarily with the use of the armed forces, for a more permanent solution, the mindset of people should change. This can happen by inculcating the values of Jainism, he added. Later, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said, Jainism is a true religion. Bhagwan Mahaveer spread this message over 2,000 years ago. The Congress government in the state has made efforts to ensure that there is equality and communal harmony.

JAIN SADHVI DIES AFTER JUMPING INTO RIVER

March 19th, 2015. A 30-year-old Jain sadhvi reportedly committed suicide after she jumped off a bridge into the Mahisagar river. The incident took place near Bamangam village of Padra Taluka in which the Jain nun, identified as Sadhvi Ridhita Sriji Maharaj, died. The victim, who was part of a group of nuns which was on its way to Padra was left behind due to fatigue and while crossing the bridge she jumped into the river. She had recently undergone a surgery for kidney stone and was not keeping well. The dead body was recovered and handed over to the members of the Jain community at their request without postmortem.

SANGAM CITY SAFEGUARDS RARE 'AGAMAS' OF JAINISM

April 3rd, 2015. Allahabad better known as Sangam City is a proud custodian of rare manuscript of a scripture related to 'Agamas' or 'Shastra' of Jainism based on Lord Mahavir's teachings. A few of its verses are even coated with gold.

The script of this rare invaluable manuscript is yet to be deciphered. Experts believe that the text could be in the oldest spoken language of 'Prakrit'. However, few others believe that the script could also either be Sanskrit, Oriya or Bengali.

The manuscript, currently in the possession of state's only Government Manuscript Library, has remained out of public eyes owing to paucity of fund. For record sake, the library has been safeguarding the manuscript for the last 55 years. Due to lack of proper conservation and preservation technique, several lines of 'verses in gold' faded away in 1987. Later, the then officials re-wrote the missing part with yellow ink. According to Regional Archive office, the manuscript kept at library are in Prakrit language prevalent among common masses around 2,000 years ago. Its composition in writing started around 10th Century AD. The minute gold work started in later period so its date could range from 1500 to 1600 AD. It is estimated that, over 500 years after the Nirvana of Lord Mahavir, some disciples led by seer Pushpdant started compiling Lord's teachings in taadpatra (palm leaves) at a place, around 35-kms from Mangalore in Karnataka."

APOLLO, JITO LAUNCH HEALTH CARDS FOR JAIN COMMUNITY

April 16th, 2015. Chennai. In a major boost for members of the Jain community, Apollo Hospitals signed a MoU with Jain International Trade Organisation (JITO), and released two co-branded health cards and a privilege card. These will provide quality healthcare services of international standards at subsidised cost to Jain Sadhus and Sadhvis, and to the members of the JITO.

Additionally, Apollo Hospitals will provide free surgeries to economically weaker persons recommended by JITO Chennai. The co-branded cards were released by Preetha Reddy, executive vice chairperson, in the presence of Dr Prathap C Reddy, chairman, Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Limited, and Jaswant Munoth, chairman of JITO.

The card will be issued to all JITO members, currently around 3,500 members, giving them access to privileged platinum services and discounts on health checks and other regular benefits across Apollo facilities. As per the MoU, JITO members will have a dedicated single point of contact in Apollo Hospitals for facilitating treatment, priority access in admissions, 20 per cent discount on preventive health check packages, 10 per cent discount on IP investigations, OP investigations, room rent for IP services, 15 per cent discount on Apollo Private Label Products through Apollo Pharmacy, 10 per cent discount on medicines through Apollo Pharmacy and 5 per cent discount of FMCG products through Apollo Pharmacy. As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility initiative, Apollo is engaged in various projects that extend free and subsidised treatment to persons of lower income groups and socially backward communities.

JAIN GROUP IN NASHIK MAKES WORLD'S LONGEST RELIGIOUS FLAG

April 2nd, 2015. The Jain Social Group in Nashik has achieved a unique world record by inaugurating the world's longest religious flag. The flag made under the guidance of Paras Lohade measures 1,300 metres in length and 5 feet in height and was displayed in the city on the occasion of Mahavir Jayanti. Lohade has thus broken his own previous record of making a 1,000-metre long flag. The display of the 1,300-metre flag was held at Jyoti circle in Nashik. It is made with 850 metres of cloth and 200 bamboos. It took five days and 11 people to prepare this unique flag. I am proud to announce that this is the longest religious flag in the world. And we have made this with the help of our group members. This is a proud moment for the city too.

AFTER APPEALS COURT RULING, HINDUS URGE ALL CALIFORNIA SCHOOLS TO LAUNCH YOGA

After a California appeals court ruled on April three regarding yoga classes in a school district, Hindus are urging all the California schools, public as well as private, to launch yoga for students. Calling introducing yoga a “step in the positive direction”, Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada, suggested all California schools to incorporate yoga in the lives of the students.

Yoga, referred as “a living fossil”, was a mental and physical discipline, for everybody to share and benefit from, whose traces went back to around 2,000 BCE to Indus Valley civilization, Zed pointed out. Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, further said that yoga, although introduced and nourished by Hinduism, was a world heritage and liberation powerhouse to be utilized by all. According to Patanjali who codified it in Yoga Sutra, yoga was a methodical effort to attain perfection, through the control of the different elements of human nature, physical and psychical. If Encinitas Union School District could successfully teach yoga, why not other California school districts could do it similarly, Rajan Zed asked. According to National Institutes of Health, yoga may help one to feel more relaxed, be more flexible, improve posture, breathe deeply, and get rid of stress. According to an estimate, about 21 million Americans, including many celebrities, now practice yoga. Yoga was the repository of something basic in the human soul and psyche, Zed added.

AHIMSA AND COMPASSION

CONSENSUS MUST FOR ANTI-COW SLAUGHTER BILL, SAYS HOME MINISTER

Mar 30, 2015 Indore: Speaking at Sadhu Sammelan of Sthnakwasi Saints, Union home minister Rajnath Singh said that a stringent legislation against cow slaughter in the country can be a possibility. The announcement came after a Jain community gathering at Dussera Maidan stressed on banning cow slaughter in the country.

The home Minister spoke on the issue and assured the community that a stringent law in this regard would soon be formulated. He said, “l will speak to all the political parties and try to bring about a consensus among everyone towards banning cow slaughter.”Singh said, “Our government is committed towards imposing ban on cow slaughter and recently the Maharashtra Animal Preservation bill (which was pending for more than 12 years) also got the presidential assent.”

However, he admitted that it won’t be easy to pass the bill as BJP lacks majority in the upper house of the parliament. Singh said, “In 2003, as the agricultural minister, I had introduced a bill in the parliament to ban cow slaughter but the legislation was defeated by members of the opposition parties.” Speaking on the occasion, chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said, “We have tough laws against cow slaughter in state. Transportation, storage and sale of cow have been a punishable offence in the state.” The ban on cow slaughter was first introduced in 2004 in the state and later in 2010 the act was amended it was made a punishable offence. The Jain community also pressed the home minister to slash subsidies given by the government to the slaughter houses and on export of beef from country. Describing Jainism as the “gem” of Indian culture, Rajnath Singh said, “The entire world is affected by the scourge of terrorism, origin of which lies in the mentality of violence. And this mentality can be fought with the teachings of Jainism.”

JAIN CALENDAR FOR THE APRIL OF APRIL 2015

VIR SAMVAT 2541 JAIN CALENDAR VIKRAM SAMVAT 2071

Aatham| Chaudas | Pancham | Bij | Agiyaras

Jain Festival

Auspicious Day

CHAITRA - APRIL 2015 - VAISHAKH
Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat	Sun
		1 Sud Baras	2 Sud Teras	3 Sud Chaudas	4 Sud Poonam Amas	5 Vad Ekam
6 Vad Bij	7 Vad Trij	8 Vad Choth	9 Vad Pancham	10 Vad Chhath	11 Vad Satam	12 Vad Aaatham
13 Vad Nom	14 Vad Dasam	15 Vad Agiyaras	16 Vad Baras	17 Vad Teras/ Chaudas	18 Vad Amas	19 Sud Ekam
20 Sud Bij	21 Sud Trij	22 Sud Choth	23 Sud Pancham	24 Sud Chhath	25 Sud Satam	26 Sud Aaatham
27 Sud Nom	28 Sud Dasam	29 Sud Agiyaras	30 Sud Baras		CHAITRA: 1 TO 18 APRIL VAISHAKH: 19 TO 30 APRIL

AVOID GREEN & ROOT VEGETABLES
Date: 1 - 4 | 6 | 9 | 12| 15 | 17 | 20 | 23 | 26 | 29
VOID ROOT VEGETABLES
Date: 5 | 10 | 14 | 21 | 22 | 25 | 27 | 28 | 30
JAIN FESTIVAL
Date: 27 March - 04 - Ayambil Oli
Date: 02 - Mahavirswami Janma Kalyanak Celebrations
Date: 03 and 17 - Pakhi Pratikraman
Date: 04 - Chaitra Poonam (Bhav Siddhachal Yatra)
Date: 05 - Ayambil Oli Parna | 21 - Varshitap Parna
Date: 29 - Jain Sansan Sthapana
AUSPICIOUS DAY
Date: 02 - Mahavirswami Janma Kalyanak
Date: 02 - 20 Viharmans Bhagwans Kevalgnan Kalyanak
Date: 04 - Padmaprabhu Kevalgnan Kalyanak
Date: 05 - Kunthunath Nirvan Kalyanak
Date: 06 - Shitalnath Nirvan Kalyanak
Date: 09 - Kunthunath Diksha Kalyanak
Date: 10 - Shitalnath Chavan Kalyanak
Date: 14 - Naminath Nirvan Kalyanak
Date: 14 - 20 Viharmans Bhagwans Janma Kalyanak
Date: 17 - Anantanath Janma Kalyanak (Teras)
Date: 17 - Anantanath Diksha & Kevalgnan Kalyanak (C)
Date: 17 - Kunthunath Janma Kalyanak (Chaudas)
Date: 22 - Abhinandan Chavan Kalyanak
Date: 25 - Dharmanath Chavan Kalyanak
Date: 26 - Abhinandan Nirvan Kalyanak
Date: 26 - Sumatinath Janma Kalyanak
Date: 27 - Sumatinath Diksha kalyanak
Date: 28 - Mahavirswami Kevalgnan Kalyanak
Date: 30 - Vimalnath Chavan Kalyanak