Jain Center of Southern California
In This Issue
- Ongoing Programs
- Life Time Tithis
- Upcoming Events
- Dignitary Visits/Shibir
- JCYC Halloween Celebrations
- Wellness Challenge
- Diwali, New Year, Kartiki Poonam, Guru Purnima & Pat Darshan at JCSC
- JAYA Diwali Mela - 11/13
- Thanks Giving: The Jain Way - 11/24
- Gifts for Elderly - ACC
- Other News & Events
Ongoing Programs | Oct - Nov 2016
Event | Date | Start Time |
Daily Ashtprakari Puja | Daily | 7:30 AM |
Aarti-Mangal Divo | Weekdays | 8:15 PM |
Sat/Sun/holidays | 7:30 PM | |
Chundadi | Daily in the morning |
|
Chaudus Pratikraman | 10/29, 11/13, 11/28 | 6:30 PM (Weekday) |
Monthly Snatra Puja and Navkar Mantra Jaap | (First Saturday of Lunar Month) | 9:00 AM |
Monthly Bhavna Bhakti | 11/25 | 7:30 PM |
| JCYC, JSG Pathshala, Adult Swadhyay, Sutra Class | 11/6, 11/13, 11/20 JCYC Class only | 9:40 AM • |
Weekly Evening Swadhyay |
|
|
Shri Adhyatmsar Granth | Monday | By Girishbhai (8.00 PM) |
14 Gunasthanak | Tuesday | By Hasendrabhai |
Shrimad Rajchandra Vachnamrut | Wednesday | By Rameshbhai |
Shri Yogshatak Granth | Thursday | By Girishbhai (8.00 PM) |
- JCYC Pathshala Class on 11/20 will be from 8:40 am-11:30 am.
- NO JSG Pathshala, Adult Swadhyay and Sutra Class on 11/20 due to Patdarshan/GBM
Life Time Tithis
- 10/28 Modi & Shah Family - Arunaben Rajnikant Modi-Punyatithi
- 11/05 Shah Varshaben & Kunal-In memory of Tusharbhai Babubhai Shah
- 11/11 Shah Vijay & Neeta - For Babulal and Lilaben Shah
- 11/13 Shah Yogesh & Saurabh - Punyatithi of Shardaben Shah
- 11/16 Shah Nilesh & Krina - For Shah Nanalal Chimanlal
- 11/18 Dr Anila Guruji - In memory of Dinesh Guruji
Send a photograph of your loved one to Kinal Modi at . Please contact Ketan Parekh at for information, questions or any pledges.
Upcoming Events
- Dhan Teras, Kali Chaudas, Diwali - Fri - Sun, Oct 28 - 30, 2016.
- Besatu Varas - New Year - Mon, Oct 31, 2016.
- Thanks Giving The Jain Way - Thu, Nov 24, 2016
Dignitary Visits/Shibirs
- To be announced
Upcoming JCYC Halloween Celebration - Sun, Nov 6th
JCYC committee is organizing Halloween celebration for all our children on November, 6th at 12:30 PM onwards in the main cultural hall. This is a fun event for children of all ages.
Wellness Challenge - Avoid Eating any Fried Foods
For the upcoming weekly challenge, we are challenging the participants to "avoid eating any fried foods." Fried have little to no nutritional value. Friend foods are drenched in unhealthy oil most commonly used are Canola, Vegetable, or Peanut oil that are not good for your body. These oils become even more harmful for you when they are heated at such high temperatures to cook your food. Some alternatives to frying foods are steaming, baking, or toasting your food. If you are interested in learning more and participating, click here.
Diwali, New Year, Gyan Panchami, Kartiki Punam & Pat Darshan Programs at JCSC
Please look below for the upcoming programs and Diwali celebrations at Jain Center Of Southern California.
DiwaliDiwali is celebrated on the new-moon day of Kartik. On the night of that day, Mahavirswami attained Nirvan or deliverance and attained a state of absolute bliss. The Lord discarded the body and the bondage of all Karmas on that night, at Pavapuri and attained Mukti or deliverance. Chaturdasi (the fourteenth day of the bleak fortnight of Kartik), the full-moon day and the new year (the first day of the fortnight of the waxing moon in Kartik - These three days are celebrated with Paushadh, fasting, special repetition of holy hymns, and meditation. People should fast on the Chaturdasi (14th day) and the new-moon day and listen to the Uttaradhyayan Sutra which contains the final message of Lord Mahavir. The entire night of Diwali should be spent in the recitation of holy hymns and in meditation on Shraman Bhagwan Mahavir. In the early morning of the first day of the new year, Ganadhar Gautam Swami, the first disciple of Lord Mahavir attained absolute enlightenment. The Jains begin the new year with a glorification of Lord Gautam Swami; and listen with devotion to the nine Stotras holy hymns and with listening to the auspicious Rasa (epical poem) of Gautam Swami from their Guru Maharaj.
New YearLord Mahavir's chief disciple, Indrabhuti Gautam, had not been able to overcome his attachment to his master and that had prevented his achieving enlightenment. The barrier was only broken after a period of grief over his master’s Nirvän. He at last managed to achieve the highest degree of non-attachment which enabled him to attain the stage of omniscience, the full enlightenment, in the early morning of the first day of the new year. The Jains begin the new year with a glorification of Lord Gautam Swämi; and listen with devotion to the nine Stotras(Navsmaran) and the auspicious Räs (epochal poem) of Gautam Swami. Some fast for three days including the New Year day. The real wish should be that the whole coming year may be filled with realistic Dharma, intellectual serenity and equanimity.
Diwali Program At Jain Center - Saturday, 29th Oct - Monday 31st Oct, 2016Diwali is one single festival which is celebrated on exactly same day by different religions and faiths.
Jains celebrate Diwali to celebrate The Nirvan of Bhagwan Mahavir.
We will celebrate Diwali at Jain Center as per the program below:
| Date | Day | Time | Program |
| Sat 29th Oct 2016 | Aso Vad 14 Kali Chaudas | 5:30 PM | Pratikraman in Aradhna Hall |
| Sun 30th Oct 2016 | Aso Vad 15 Diwali | 7:30 - 9:30 AM | Laddu Puja followed by Abhishek and other Pujas in derasar |
| 7:30 - 9:30 PM | Bhakti Bhavna, Arti and Mangal Divo in Derasar | ||
| 10:00 PM - 12:00 AM | Mahavir Swami Nirvaan Jaap in Aradhna Hall | ||
| Mon 31st Oct 2016 | Kartik Sud 1 New Year | 4:00 AM | Gautam Swami Keval Gyan Jaap in Aradhna Hall |
| 6:30 AM | Dwar Opening, Toran Bandhan | ||
| 7:00 AM | Manglik in Cultural Hall | ||
| 8:00 AM | Asht Prakari Puja -1 Puja for each idol (Total 5) all Panchdhatu Pratimaji Puja | ||
| 9:30 AM | Snatra Puja, Arti, Mangal Divo, Shanti Kalash Gautamswami Arti | ||
| 8:00 - 10:00 AM | Sadharmik Bhakti- Navkarshi by sponsorship with Nakro of $2001 including food, $ 201 (Excluding Food) |
- Paxal Puja - $151 Nakro-Mulnayak Mahavirswami,$101 for each of other Gabhara Bhagvan.- Time 8 am,maximum four persons for each..
- Kesar Puja, Phool Puja, Mugat Puja and other Pujas out side Ghabhara -
- $ 251 Nakro for Mulnayak Mahavirswami,$ 151 for each of other Gabhara Bhagvan.-Time 8:30 am: maximum four persons for each.
- Asthprakari puja for all Panchdhatu Pratimas - Nakro $ 151.
- Snatra Puja - $251 Nakro - Time 9:30 am.
- Aarti, Mangal Divo and Shanti Kalash during Snatra Puja - Boli
- Gautamswami Aarti Mangal Divo - Boli.
- Aangi - Nakro of $ 101 - Multiple.
- Evening Aarti & Mangal Divo and 24 Tirthankars Aarti - Boli
Gyan Panchmi Program - Saturday, Nov 5th, 2016
Gyan Panchmi is celebrated 5 days after Diwali and is also known as Laabh Pancham.
It is the day of appreciating acquired/collected knowledge in every form and holy books.
A lot of people also observe fast by keeping silence (Maun).
This is an auspicious day for those who want to start Pancham with Fasting. This year Gyan Panchmi is on Saturday, Nov 5th, 2016. We will have Gyan Pujan and Gautamswami Sthapana at Derasar at 9:30 AM for anyone who wishes to perform Puja. Dev Vandan will follow after Puja.
Kartiki Punam night is considered as the brightest full moon night in the whole year as the rainy season is supposed to end and night sky is all clear. This is the day to resolve to free oneself of basic instincts.
In the rainy/monsoon season, all Acharya Bhagwants, Sadhus, Sadhvis, Munis etc stay at one place and do not travel for four months. This starts from Ashadh Sud Chaturdashi and ends on Kartik Sud Punam. After Kartik Punam, their Vihar starts again to spread the knowledge of Principles of Jainism such as Truth, Ahimsa, and Compassion.
A pilgrimage to Shatrunjay-Palitana on this day is considered to be of great importance. Thousands of Jains go on pilgrimages on this day. This day also is celebrated as the birthday of Kalikalasarvajna, Acharya Bhagavant Srivijay Hemachandrasooriji who was born on this day. (in Vikram Samvat 1134 or 1078 A.D.) Thus Kartiki Punam has a big significance for all Jains.
| Day/Date | Time | Program |
| Monday, 14th Nov, 2016 | 09:30 AM | Pat Darshan in Aradhana Hall |
| (Kartiki Punam actual day) | ||
| Sunday, 20th Nov, 2016 | 09:30 AM | Pat Darshan with Khamasna and Chaityavandan |
| (Kartiki Punam observed) | ||
| 11:30 AM | General Body Meeting, Classroom 1&2 (Upstairs in Cultural Center) | |
| followed by Swamivatsalya Lunch |
JAYA Diwali Mela - Nov 13, 2016
JAYA presents Diwali Mela on Sunday, November 13th at 1:00 PM right after Pathshala at JCSC cultural hall!! Come join us for rangoli, mehndi, crafts, sweets, snacks, cultural talent performances and lots more!!!
SAVE THE DATE as you don't want to miss this fun and exciting event that we as a Jaya group will put together. We want YOU to tell us what talent you or your child has and start signing up!!
We will be in the basement during lunch after Pathshala on October 9th, 16th and NOVEMBER 6th for Sign Ups... so do come see us and give US YOUR IDEAS!!
THIS PROGRAM is about YOUR TALENTS, so PLEASE PARTICIPATE and let's make this EVENT a success together!!
Please CLICK HERE for the flyer.
Look forward to seeing everyone!!
Celebrating Thanks Giving: The Jain Way - Nov 24, 2016
Thanksgiving is a holiday celebrated by many with the purpose to give thanks and be grateful for your family, friends and loved ones. This year we should all pledge to celebrate a non-violent Thanksgiving and strive to have a Jain Vegan meal.
In Jainism we are very careful not to harm other life forms and our rituals seem to emphasize beneficial regret and asking for forgiveness. Our Thanksgiving prayer typifies our Jain sensibility. In a complementary way, gratitude can bring a positive aspect to our care for other beings.
We sincerely pray that all the people of the world will avoid inflicting harm on animals and fellow human beings and practice nonviolence and compassion.We express our sorrow at the suffering of all the turkeys and other animals that are being slaughtered. May peace and compassion grow in ourselves and extend to all around us.
We will have recitation of the Bhaktamara Stotra on Thanksgiving day, Thursday, Nov 24, 2016 at 10:30 am in the Aradhana Hall. The Bhaktamara Stotra is a famous Jain Sanskrit prayer. It was composed by Āchārya Manatunga (c. seventh century CE) The prayer praises Lord Rishabhnath (Adinath), the first Tirthankara of Jainism.
Please all attend to celebrate Thanks Giving in a Jain Way.
GIFTS FOR ELDERLY: Cash Donations for Christmas Gifts
We are requesting donations to purchase Christmas gifts for elderly who are without any family or friends, and feel very lonely during the holiday season. These seniors are living in Homes for Long Term Care.
WE CAN MAKE THEM SMILE!!!
We invite your kind participation in providing donations for this worthy cause.
We are suggesting up to $25/- Cash or Check which will help provide them with items that they need.
You may conveniently give your valuable donations at the Jain Center on:
Thursday 27 Oct, 8 - 9:30 PM to Sushilaben
Sunday (Diwali) 30 Oct, 9 - 11 AM to Smitaben Doshi or Prafullaben Shah
Monday (New Year) 31 Oct, 9 - 11 AM to Smitaben Doshi or Prafullaben Shah
Other volunteers will also be present to help collect.
Checks may be written payable to ACC with TCCOP in the memo.
If you have any questions, please contact:
Smita Doshi: 714-847-3593
Prafulla Shah: 562-691-6623
Other News & Events
1) Mahamantra Shri Navkar Bhasya Jaap 9-24-16 Video AvailableWe all are very much impressed by the interest & faith all of you have taken in "Navkar Mantra Bhasya Jaap Anusthan"
We are all soldiers of Mahavir & it is our duty to spread Jain faith across the world & rest of the universe.
Let us All start with our home specially for our children in USA.
Preparation of this Bhasya Jaap was made possible by contribution from Hardik Doshi (Mumbai, India),
Specifically the slide Show and its content from the below Channel only and not any other websites or channels.
http://www.youtube.com/NavkarVishwaMantra
This Navakar Bhasya Jap can be enjoyed over and over again, and get great benefit every time, even sitting at home!
Smt Jayshreeben Doshi from Mumbai has presented the significance with various signs(Mudras) of Navkar Mantra Bhasya Jaap Anusthan.
Navkaar Mahamantra is truly a VISHWA MANTRA. No where does it mention the name of any Teerthankara nor any name of GOD.
It simply says: “I bow to the Arihant, the SIDDH, the ACHARYAS, the UPADHYAYAS, the SADHUS/SAINTS, of not only of this WORLD but of the whole UNIVERSE - BRAHMAND!!!
Collectively, they are called Panch Parmesthi (five supreme spiritual people). In this mantra we worship their virtues rather than worshipping any one particular person;
therefore, this Mantra is not named after Lord Mahavir, Lord Parshvanath or Adinath, etc. When we recite Navkar Mantra it, also reminds us that, we need to be like them.
This mantra is also called Namaskar or Namokar Mantra because we are bowing down.
The Navkar Mantra contains the main message of Jainism. The message is very clear. If we want to be liberated from this world then we have to take the first step of renunciation by becoming a monk or a nun.
This is the beginning. If we stay on the right path then we will proceed to a higher state, Arihant, and ultimately proceed to Siddh after nirvana (liberation from the cycle of birth and death).
The goal of every Jain is/should be to become a Siddh.
Navkar Mantra Bhashya Jaap
The Navkar Jaap can be performed in thre manners i.e. 1] Bhashaya 2] Upanshu 3] Manas all these three manners of performing jaaps are catagorically best.
The sadhak should go step by step i.e.to start with bhashya & then to manas.
Shri Jayantbhai Rahi has started this bhashya jaap with following 5 mudras & starting 5 mangals with "Aum Hrim Aum" since last 15 years with the blessings of as more as 80 Acharya Bhagvants, with the "Sangeet & Ragas" favourite of Arihant Tirthankars.
So, undoubtedly, this is a UNIVERSAL MAHAMANTRA.
Here is the YouTube link, provided by Narenbhai Maniar, to the uploaded revised video prepared by Pradipbhai.
https://youtu.be/qN_INth8QsA
જય જિનેન્દ્ર
નમસ્કાર ભાષ્ય જાપ નો મહિમા તો અચિંત્ય અને અપાર છે.
આપણે બહુ ભાગ્ય શાળી કે આપણને ભારતથી જયશ્રી બેન દોશી, અતિ પવિત્ર યંત્ર ને સાથે લાવીને આપણે વિધિપૂર્વક માર્ગ દર્શન આપીને નમસ્કાર ભાષ્ય જાપ સુલભ કરાવ્યો. જયશ્રી બેને નમસ્કાર ભાષ્ય જાપ નો મહિમા સુંદર રીતે આ પ્રસંગે જાપ વિધિ દરમ્યાન સમજાવ્યો છે. મુદ્રાના ચિત્રો નો પણ સમાવેશ કરેલો છે. તો એમને જ સંભાળીને સાથે સાથે આપ સહુને નમસ્કાર ભાષ્ય જાપ કરવા અમારી નમ્ર વિનંતી છે. અને આ વિડીઓ ની સહાયથી નમસ્કાર ભાષ્ય જાપ આપણે સહુ નિયમિત પણે કરી શકીએ એટલુ સુંદર માર્ગ દર્શન આમાં સમાયેલું છે..
Please CLICK HERE for details of the various Mudras.
2) CA Election, Jain Centers Oppose Death Penalty: Yes on Prop. 62, No on Prop. 66
This religious group held a “Prayer Service” event on Wednesday, October 19 at 6:00 PM (see the flyer at this link) in San Jose to pray for the proposition #62 passage. A Jain Prayer was recited in this meeting.
There is also a competing Proposition #66 that wants to “expedite the Death Penalty executions”. Obviously, we need to vote “No” for this initiative.
Lastly, we urge you to vote “YES” for Proposition #62 and “No” for Proposition # 66.
JAINA, JCNC & JCSC Brief Statement on Death Penalty:
[Jains and Jain Organizations (JAINA, JCNC, JCSC) strongly reject the Death Penalty to anyone in California and worldwide. Jain tenets declare “All living beings are potentially divine and should not be deprived to reach the ultimate emancipation”. Its principle of Ahimsa (nonviolence), prohibits taking a life of any living being. Jains additionally believe, “Human Life is precious and Death Penalty is not the answer to any crime. Forgiveness is soul’s innate virtue and only it can bring closure & peace.”
3) International School For Jain Studies
- ISSJS.2017-4W (June 11th - July 8th, 2017): This program is designed for undergrad. students, grad. students, degree holders, PhD candidates, professors and faculty members. CLICK HERE FOR POSTER
- ISSJS.2017-6W (June 11st - July 22nd, 2017): This program is designed for graduate students, PhD candidates, PhD scholars, full time professors and full faculty members. CLICK HERE FOR POSTER
- ISSJS.2017-Teaching for Peace (July 8th - 28th, 2017):This program is designed for teachers who wish to integrate practical nonviolence into their lives, classrooms and schools. CLICK HERE FOR POSTER
For further details you can contact the person listed below:
Sushil Jana
Admission Office
International School for Jain Studies
Website: www.isjs.in
Email:
Kinal Modi
Public Relations
Jain Center of Southern California