30.09.2017 ►JAINA ►Newsletter

Jainism has 3 main principles namely Ahimsa, Anekant and Aparigraha. Out of these 3 principles, Ahimsa is one of the most important one. To understand Ahimsa, we need to first understand Hinsa (Violence). There are two types of violence 1) Dravya Hinsa and 2) Bhav Hinsa. If any living being is murdered or killed or physically assaulted it is called Dravya Hinsa. On the other hand if any act of violence that is not performed physically but is imagined in the mind it is called Bhava Hinsa

Jainism has taught the world that violence is not only a physical phenomena but a mental one as well. Mahavir gave principle of Ahimsa at a time when there were sacrifices offered in yagnas. In addition to this there was violence committed even in domestic acts like cooking, sweeping, grinding etc. Mahavir was a visionary Tirthankar. He realized that to maintain equilibrium in the universe non-violence must be sought by all possible means. He taught the people about eternal truth, “Ahimsa Parmo Dharma.” All the living beings share collective existence in the universe. Violence disturbs the divine design resulting into many problems. People use cosmetics which pass through violence on many innocent living creatures. Even silk clothes are manufactured after killing many silk worms. Even during home decoration and construction, lot of micro insects are killed. It is not possible to escape unintentional violence totally but care should be taken from our side to avoid Hinsa. Lord Mahavir was also against the Hinsa of Ekendriya Jivas.

Prevention of Bhav Hinsa is equally important. If one is offended or hurt, it leads to permanent bitterness. One must remember that our character is not determined by what goes in our mouth but what comes out of our mouth. Each sentence must be spoken judiciously. Every deed must be weighed in terms of future consequences because the seeds of enmity are sown with Bhav Hinsa. If one is hurt by us then we should instantly apologize by saying Michhami Dukkadam.

Mr. Prakash Mody (Canada) is very active member of Jainism Philately Group and one of the shining gems of Jain Samaj Canada. He was actively instrumental and master mind in getting Canada Post to release stamps on Diwali. He has achieved this new miracle in a non-Jain, non-Hindu Country.

You will be happy to know that his Philatelic and Numismatics collections, including literature, books, correspondences, etc. and Special Jain Philatelic materials (Niagara Falls Special Covers with Special Picture Postage Stamps of Jain idols) hava been donated to the Royal Ontario Museum.

Take a moment to look at this shrine. Do you see anything different?

Both footprints point in the opposite directions and both have their own doors. Nami and Vinami were Adinath’s grandsons. When Adinath distributed his kingdom, the grandsons were absent and never got their share.

They came looking for Adinath to ask him for their share but Adinath was in deep meditation and would not respond. With open swords, they stood by his side but this did not disturb Adinath. In fact, they became his devotees. For their devotion, they were given kingdoms by a demi god called Darnendra. Nami got a kingdom to the North and Vinami a kingdom to the south.

Maybe that’s why these footprints face opposite directions! Our next stop is a rest area at step 3076.

Click to read the story & listen to an amazing audio clip in or .

Shri Amitabh Bachchan and Shri Jitendra Kapoor extended their warm support to the ‘Spit Free Bharat’ Campaign - An initiative by Shri Namramuni Maharaj Saheb. Watch their messages here: Support from prominent Jains to India's PM Narendra Mody's "Swatch Bharat" is noticed by large number of people. Watch these messages by well known people:

Jain Study Center of North Carolina Paryushan Puja on the first and last days, Bhavana and finally Samvatsari. They had great Puja and Bhavna with singers and musicians. Here are some photos.



JSCNC also organized a volunteering event at the Durham Food Bank last month. Below are some photos from the event.

YOU are “Part of a Whole”

This retreat is intended on supporting you in discovering your leadership and, together, exploring the impact you are able to make in your larger communities and the world at large. There will be speakers and leaders from across multiple industries and disciplines to re-enforce the notion; that you are part of a larger Jain Professional community! When we come together and collaborate, we can make profound impacts in the world at large.

To meet the above objective, attendees will collaborate through:

1. Personal Inquiry - Exploring the impact of Jainism in our personal lives and what it means to be a Conscious Jain

2. Authentic Connection - Breaking down walls of insecurity and separation to create space for connection and collaboration

3. Community - Gain a deeper understanding of the resources already available within the Jain Professional community and gaining direct access in how you can make a difference.

4. Direction - To nurture a Jain Way of Life that is socially responsible.