20.10.2016 ►JAINA ►Newsletter

If one's vision is capable of expelling the darkness, he would not need a lamp. Likewise the soul itself being blissful, there is no need of external object for bliss.

- Mahavira (Pravachansara, 1/67)

Sumatinath Bhagwan was the fifth tirthankar of this Avsarpinikaal. Sumatinath Bhagwan was born to King Megh and Queen Sumangla at Ayodhya. His place of Nirvaan is Sammetshikhar. His symbol is Goose. The counting of Bhav (births) starts after gaining Samyak Darshan. Sumatinath Bhagwan took 3 bhavs to attain liberation.

Once upon a time a trader went to earn money with his two wives. While returning the trader died in an accident,leaving his only son has heir. The son was bought up by both the wives of the trader. As time passed the other wife who had no child started feeling insecured for her future as the son was the only heir and eventually she wouldn’t get any of her husband’s wealth. As a result of this, she started claiming that the child belonged to her and she was the real mother. This fight took them to King Meghrath. For the King and his courtiers, it was next to impossible to decide who the real mother was. After a lot of discussion the court astrologer came to a conclusion and said that Queen Sumangala was going to give birth to a Tirthhankar and would be possible for the Tirthankar to decide who the real mother was due to Avdhik Gyan. After listening to this the real mother immediately reacted and requested for a faster judgment as she wasn’t ready to keep her child with the other wife even for a moment. As soon as she said this, Queen Sumangala who was in the court, suddenly realized the importance of what the real mother was saying and also noticed that the other wife was silent. She immediately told King Megrath and justice was done to the real mother. This was only possible due to her child who had a soul of a Tirthankar and that is why he was named Sumatinath Bhagwan because Sumati means intelligence.

He had 100 Gandhar and his topic of first sermon was Ekatva Bhavna. He preaches about the importance of Ekatva Bhavna which means that each human being comes alone and goes alone and as such also each one has to pay for his own deeds alone. Even a person does any misdeed for his earnings and the benefits are enjoyed by all members of family but he has to alone suffer for this misdeed.

Thanks to all the participants for their valuable inputs on Practicing Ahimsa in our Daily Life. We received many entries and winning essay is published below.

Ahimsa is a fundamental principle of Jainism. However, it extends far beyond its literal translation - non-violence - to encompass compassion and understanding, in its application to our lives on a day-to-day basis. You should respect all other living beings as by hurting other living beings, you are inflicting harm upon your own soul. Yet Ahimsa does not only refer to the cessation and prevention of physical harm, but the damage that can be inflicted by verbal or mental means. Ascetics are able to practice Ahimsa to an extent to which Lay Jains find themselves unable to reach.

Nonetheless, there are several ways in which you can practice Ahimsa in your daily life. You can prevent physical harm to other life forms, by adopting a vegetarian or vegan diet. Make sure not to injure life forms when walking and preparing food, or in your daily work. Do not obtain possessions that have been attained through the harm of animals, such as furs and leather. By following these suggestions, you can protect the animals and the environment around you simply by being more careful.

You can also help the planet by being mindful. Hoarding and becoming attached and driven by possessions will clutter your mind. Instead, practice yoga and meditation, and undergo austerities such as fasting and prayers. These practices will assist you in the reduction of harmful thoughts about others and yourself. Ahimsa extends to entail not even having the motive to inflict harm upon others. Your desires should be pure - thus, do not steal, cheat, or lie. You should also help those around you by not encouraging or condoning their offensive or violent actions. By practicing Ahimsa in your daily life, you are crafting a better world for yourself as well as those around you.

Rachna Shah
South Barrington, IL.

Are you a leader who enjoys making a difference? Do you enjoy community organizing in meaningful ways? Interested in leaving behind a legacy?

Young Jain Professionals is accepting applications for the 2017 Executive Board! This is a fantastic opportunity to get involved with YJP and give back to the community. Be part of an amazing team to help Jain professionals’ network and inspire each other.



For more information, please contact your 2016 YJP Co-Chairs:
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