Jain Center of Southern California
JCSC Election - 2019
Jai Jinendra,The voting for the JCSC election will close on 11/10/19 at 5:00 PM.
Some of our members have had issues receiving the emails for various reasons. Election Committee has assisted all such members who reported an issue.
Election Committee member(s) will be available at JCSC on Sunday November 10th from 10:15 AM to 11:45 AM and from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM. If you have had difficulty getting your ID/Key due to changes with email/phone# then please come to JCSC and vote while ELC is there on Sunday. Please bring a government issued photo ID that shows Name/Address.
What to do if you have not received your voter ID and Key?
Send an email to with Name/Address/Phone #s so we can uniquely locate your record and request a re-send of the ID/Key.
What to do if you are still not receiving these emails?
First check your SPAM folder.
If nothing is found, text a message from your registered phone# to 949 436 6069 and say something similar to the following:
I ---(name here) ---- is requesting my ID/Key via a text message.
This option is available only if the message is received from a # that is recorded in our database.
What to do if your cell# has changed or was never recorded?
Please take a picture of your government issued photo id that shows your address and text that to 949 350 6069. You may blacken details like Date-of-Birth. ELC will text back your ID/Key if the address matches your record with JCSC.
What to do if you do not wish to send Election Committee your ID?
Please communicate with Secretary at and request a change of email/phone#. Secretary will contact you and may request additional details and once, Secretary is satisfied, a change will be made to your email/phone# and then you can request a re-send of ID/Key.
Please note that Election Committee or Secretary will not be able to assist you if we do not get your query by Saturday 11/9/19. Sooner is better. Do it now.
As per JCSC bylaws, all current life members that were life members as of December 31, 2017, or earlier, are able to vote in this election. All such life members were sent an email with their Voter ID and Voter Key at/around 10:00 AM on 10/20/2019. Each life member (self and spouse) would have received a separate email with their own unique Voter ID/Key. If you believe that you are an eligible life member and you have not received this email then please first check your SPAM folder and if no email is found then please send an email to with your full details (Name / Address / Phone #) and ELC will try to research the issue.
This year, we are running this election via ElectionRunner.com and this will provide a better user experience during the voting and it may provide us with additional auditing and fraud detection capabilities. The landing page for this election is JCSC.electionrunner.com
Information regarding all candidates and their views/statements is published on our website at the following link:
http://jaincenter.org/election-2019.php
We are also periodically publishing Candidate Information on Facebook and Twitter. Please visit facebook.com/JCSCUSA and twitter.com/JainCenter and follow us there.
ELC has prepared a document to show various aspects/features of the Ballot and Voting Process. ELC hopes that this document will be helpful for you to understand the process.
Please send an email to if you have any Question/Comment/Issue/Concern that relates to this election. Please include your Name, Address and Phone# to any email. ELC will make an attempt to respond in a timely manner (typically under 24 hours). Election Committee may not be able to handle and resolve requests that come at the last minute on November 10th so please do not wait.
Please exercise your voting right and vote and please also let us know as to what was good this year and how we could have made this experience even better.
Regards
JCSC Election Committee
Salil Dangi, Dr. Nitin Shah & Vaishali Mehta
Click Here for Step by Step Voting Guide
JTLA Update & Presentation
With the blessings of Shri Shankheshwar Parswanath Bhagvan and respected Acharyas, we are extremely happy to inform you that the construction of our Derasar/Community Center in Tujunga, California has started with an expected completion in the next 15 to 18 months. Your active support and cooperation along with the participation in the Sankli Ayambil has been very helpful.The original plan was to build a single storey Center. However, with the request from the community to add Aaradhna Hall and multi use Class rooms for Kids, Religious education etc, the plans were revised accordingly. These revised plans have been approved by the City and construction work is progressing very well. The revised plans have increased the construction cost substantially. The JTLA committee seek your additional support, cooperation and further participation in the fund raising process to build this magnificent temple.
JCSC & JTLA have both worked hand in hand in the past and will continue to do so in the future. JTLA has always looked upon JCSC as a big brother organisation and we are counting on each one of you to join hands in this noble cause. JCSC EC has approved to do a presentation and show the progress of the upcoming temple during our General Body Meeting on November 17th at JCSC. We therefore appeal to all of you to support us in making this dream a reality.
Winter Camp Online Registration Form - 2019
Jain Center of Southern California is pleased to announce that winter camp registration has started.
Registration is online, please click on link below for the Winter Camp registration for participants only.
Jain Center Southern California Winter Camp Registration
We will have registration desk at Jain center (near wooden temple) on the following days for in-person registration to help with online registration.
November 17th (Pat Darshana / General Body Meeting)
November 24th (Pathashala Day)
For Volunteers and pathshala alumni members we will have paper form registration and will be available at the registration desk.
As Jain center pays up to 3% of the donations as commission, please consider donating that much extra so that we receive the full amount of your donation. e.g. $6 extra for $200 = $206, $7 extra for $225 = $232
If you have any questions regarding the registration, please contact
Dr. Dipti Doshi, or (562) 229 4360
Suketu Kothari, or (626) 374-5090
Please take a note of the following important dates and information about winter camp.
The Winter Camp will be a 4 days and 3 nights camp held from Fri, December 20, 2019, to Mon Dec 23, 2019. The camp is open to only pathshala students and alumni members registered for this year.
| Important information regarding the camp: | |
| Total spots available | 150 (First Come First Served) |
| Last day to register | November 26, 2019 |
| Early Bird Registration Ends | November 19, 2019 |
| Minimum Age | 9 Years as on December 31, 2019 |
| Registration Fee | $200 up to November 19, 2019, $225 after that. |
| Mandatory Parent Meeting | December 8, 2019, at 1:00 PM in Room N1 |
| Volunteer Meeting | December 15, 2019, at 11.00 AM |
Chaumasi Chaudas - Nov 11, 2019
Jain people celebrate this festival three times a year, on the fourteenth day of Kartik, Falgun and Ashadh months. They also give some charity and donation on that day for earning the good "Karma"Chaumasi Chaudas Dev Vandan will start at 2:30 pm followed by Pratikraman, on Nov 11, 2019
The significance of Chaumasi Chaudas:
The Chaturmas or Chaumas implies the period of four months that starts from Ashadi Purnima (June-July) and ends on the Karthika Purnima (October - November). This four-month period in India is marked by monsoon and hence known as Varsha Vaas. The rains bring vegetation, making the earth green. In ancient times, there was minimal road connectivity. Hence, the environment was filled with rich fauna in the rainy season. Jainism views plants as lives with senses and feelings. Non-violence is strictly emphasized in Jainism. To save vegetation from the human movements during Chaturmas, Jain Sadhus used to avoid traveling during these four months. Sadhus commit themselves to prayers and meditation during Chaturmas seeking the welfare for all. This concept of non-violence marks the spirit behind the Chaumasi Chaudas. To awake the internal power, they practice spirituality. Hence, Chaturmas is the period to up rise spirituality within oneself. In modern times, however, the auspiciousness of Chaturmas is still the same. It is the time to perform penance by becoming spiritual.
Bhakti On Shrimad Rajchandra Janm Diwas - Nov 12, 2019
On the occasion of Param Krupalu Dev Shrimad Rajchandra Janma Din (Kartik Purnima), we will have Bhakti in the JCSC Aradhana Hall on Tuesday, November 12, 2019 from 8.30 PM to 10.00 PM
The agenda is:
1. Navkaar Mantra
2. Mangalacharan
3. Bhakti pads by Mumukshus
4. Kshamapana
5. Aarti
6. Mangal Divo
7. Aho Aho Shri Sadguru
8. He Param Krupalu Dev
If you would like to sing a bhakti pad, please let anyone from the following know by Saturday, November 9, 2019 in order to plan the program appropriately.
Please contact the following:
- Dilip Parekh @ 310 721 5947 or [email protected]
- Mahesh Wadher @ 9093764027 or [email protected]
- Ashok Savla @626 372 4246 or [email protected]
Please come in time as the Bhakti program will start promptly at 8:30 PM.
Kartiki Poonam & Pat Darshan Program - Nov 12, 2019 (Actual) & Nov 17, 2019 (Observed)
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 Bhagvants, 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 etc. Thus, Kartiki Punam has a big significance for all Jains.
We will have Kartiki Punam Celebration on two days as below:
Day/Date Time Program
- Tue, 12 Nov, 2019 (Kartiki Punam actual day) 9:30 AM Pat Darshan in Derasar
- Sun, 17 Nov, 2019 (Kartiki Punam observed) 9:30 AM 11:00 AM Pat Darshan with Khamasna
- Sun, 17 Nov, 2019 - 11:00 AM-General Body Meeting - Cultural hall, followed by Swamivatsalya Lunch
Art Exhibition 2019 By Kala Circle at JCSC -
Saturday, Nov 16, 2019 - Free Entrance
Kala Circle is organizing an Art Exhibition 2019 at the Jain Center on Saturday Nov 16, 201910:00 AM to 4:00 PM
10:00 AM Opening Ceremony
Chance to win Raffle prizes of 15+ Artists' creations.
Live demonstrations in Acrylic, Marker, Rangoli, Watercolor Painting, Digital interactive arts, and much more
Please click here for flyer
Please click following link for Art Exhibition Lunch RSVP
http://jaincenter.org/event-details.php?event_id=317
General Body Meeting At JCSC - Sunday, Nov 17, 2019
Following is the agenda for the General Body Meeting at 11:00 AM at JCSC on Sunday,Nov 17, 2019:
- President's Report
- Election Committee Report for BOD and EC positions.
- Introduction of incoming EC/BOD members
- Thanking outgoing EC & /BOD members
- Sunday Pathshala Day Lunch & Bhojanshala Fund Raising
- Religious Committee Report
- JCLA Presentation
- Members Q & A
Please mark your calendars and make sure to attend this important meeting
Prayer on Thanksgiving Day - Nov 28, 2019
JCSC will observe Thanksgiving Day with Bhaktamara Stotra Paath. Bhaktamara Stotra is the most famous of the Jain prayers. It was composed by Acharya Manatunga. Bhaktamara stotra is a gem of devotional Jain literature.We 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 have died. May peace and compassion grow in ourselves and extend to all around us.
Shri Girishbhai will lead the Prayer - "Bhaktamara Stotra Paath".
Date & Time: Thursday, Nov 28th, 2019, 10:00 AM
Venue: Aradhna Hall
Follow JCSC on Facebook & Twitter
1) Follow JCSC on Facebook
You may not be aware that JCSC has a new page on facebook. Our official page is https://www.facebook.com/JCSCUSA/. You may be following another page on facebook but that is not the official JCSC page. We do regularly update this new page with recent pictures and events. We currently have just 170 individuals that follow this page. Please consider visiting this page and start following us. Please also let your friends know about our official page on facebook.If you capture photo/video at Derasar and would like that to be considered for posting on this page then please email and someone will reach out to you.
2) Follow JCSC on Twitter
Our official Twitter link is https://twitter.com/jaincenter. Please visit and follow us as we do provide important updates via this social media.
TCCOP & ACC Update
Tender Care Community Outreach Program (TCCOP) October 2019 Update and ACC (Anekant Community Center)
Our efforts of serving the community is continuing with your gracious support. We added few more projects this year and had very good support from the community.
We are continuing our routine of serving weekly breakfasts and monthly dinners, providing groceries, and visiting lonely patients. Making sandwiches for homeless in down town LA and Santa Ana.
We want to thank our sponsors for last month:
1. Nitu abd Harshad Kothari
2. Jayu and Jagdish Shah
3. Mahesh and Meeta Shah
4.Tarla and Pravin Kapadia
5. Shobha and Harshid Badani for Dinner at Long Beach Church.
6. Ilaben Doshi and Special Friends are donors for the sandwiches to LA Downtown Mission for
homeless.
We can help you celebrate yours or other family member's birthdays, anniversaries, and special occasions meaningfully, by sponsoring an event in their honor! Also, if you want to help us in any of our projects please contact us.
Thank you in advance for your contributions.
Please call 714-856-4256 or contact any of us at the following:
Smita Doshi: <mailto:>
Sachi Jain:sachijain311@gmail.com<mailto:>
Darshna Shah: <mailto:>
Jayana Shah:
Prafulla Shah: :prafullashah@hotmail.com
Wellness Challenge - "Reduce Your Need For Sweet"
In this week's challenge you must “Reduce Your Need for Sweet”. Excessive consumption of sugars has been linked to obesity, diabetes, and other health problems. A single can of cola has 10 teaspoons of sugar, yogurt has 3 teaspoons of added sugar and so do most cereals. Two teaspoons times 3 cups of coffee a day, and the numbers add up. In a year, the average American consumes 141 lbs. of sugar and other sweeteners like high fructose corn syrup! Every once in a while, science comes to the "rescue" with the introduction of a new zero-calorie sweetener intended to replace sugar and its needless calories. Many are artificial sweeteners, created in labs. Unfortunately, some of these sweeteners pose even greater health risks than sugar-induced weight gain. Cancer anyone? Some of the newer 0-calorie sweeteners have not been sufficiently tested to assess their long term impact on human health. Many of the studies that concluded artificial sweeteners are safe were funded, if not conducted, by the companies who introduced them into market. Research has shown that studies funded by industry tend to reach the conclusion... desired by industry. Another problem with zero-calorie sweeteners is that instead of trying to reduce our collective sweet tooth, we rely on artificial sweeteners as crutches. They increase our palate's preference for highly sweet food and drink. Ultimately we consume more sweetened foods. If you are interested in learning more and participating, click here.
Ongoing Programs - Nov, 2019
| 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 | |
| Chaudas Pratikraman | 11/11(Chaumasi Chaudas-Dev Vandan 2:30 pm followed by Pratikraman),11/25 | 6:30 PM |
| Sthanakvasi Pakhi Pratikraman | 11/12, 11/26 | 6:15 PM |
| Monthly Snatra Puja and Navkar Mantra Jaap | 11/30 | 9:30 AM |
| Monthly Bhavna Bhakti | 11/29 | 7:30 PM |
| JCYC & JSG Pathshala / Adult Swadhyay / Sutra Class | 11/24 | 9:40 AM |
Adult Swadhyay-Tattvarth Sutra Evening Swadhyay: Adhyatmasar Swadhyay (Shri Girishbhai) Yog Drashti Samuchay (Shri Hasendrabhai) Vachanamrutji (Shri Rameshbhai) Yogsatak Swadhyay (Shri Girishbhai) | Every Monday Every Tuesday Every Wednesday Every Thursday | 10:00 AM 8:00 PM to 9:30 PM 8:30 PM to 10:00 PM 8:30 PM to 10:00 PM 8:00 PM to 9:30 PM |
| LA Study Group (LASG) | 10:00 AM | |
| Bhaktamar Stotra Pravachans | 11/24 | 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM |
| Adult Swadhyay (Non Pathshala Days) | 11/10 | 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon |
- Evening Swadhyays (Mon/Thurs) by Shri Girishbhai will resume from Nov 14
- "Yoga Vinshika" follow up with"Yoga Drashti Samuchay" Swadhyay by Shri Hasendrabhai will commence later as Shri Hasendra bhai is out of town on 11/12 and 11/15.
- Shri Rameshbhai is out of country. His Swadhyay is temporarily postponed.
Lifetime Tithis
- 11/11 - Shah, Vijay and Neeta - For Babulal and Lilaben Shah
- 11/13 - Shah, Yogesh and Saurabh - Punyatithi of Shardaben Shah
- 11/16 - Shah, Nilesh and Krina - For Shah, Nanalal Chimanlal
- 11/18 - Dr. Anila Guruji - For 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
- Mon, Nov 11 - Chaumasi Chaudas
- Tue, Nov 12 - Bhakti on Param Krupalu Dev’s Birth Anniversary at JCSC
- Tue, Nov 12 - Kartiki Poonam & Pat Darshan (Actual)
- Sun, Nov 17- Pat Darshan (Observed) & GB Meeting
- Thu, Nov 28 - Thanksgiving Day, Bhaktamar Recital
Dignitary Visits & Shibirs
To Be Announced
Other News
1) Bhagwan Mallinath Assistant Professor of Jainism's Visiting JCSC and Thanking Report
It was my sincere pleasure to meet Dr. Modi in person today. Thank you for taking the time to come speak to the students, who very much enjoyed their trip to the temple. The entire community was extremely welcoming and generous. What a wonderful gift to have you all here in Southern California.
I would also like to thank you for the delicious vegan lunch. We are a vegan family and we owe much of that to the Jain philosophy and way of life. How wonderful that the temple serves such delicious vegan food!
That being said, if you have a few minutes to spare, I would appreciate to be able to speak with you on the phone about some research I am doing regarding contemporary Jain diet. I hope to present something at an academic conference in the near future and would love to include your insights especially about the vegan diet at the temple. It seems to me that veganism is a big and important step in the practice of non-violence to self, animals, and the environment.
Christopher Patrick Miller, PhD
Bhagwan Mallinath Assistant Professor of Jainism
Loyola Marymount University
2) Inauguration of SMJV Boy's Hostel - Ahmedabad
Shri Mahavira Jain Vidyalaya is happy to announce the inauguration of a Boy's hostel in Ahmedabad, India on 05/01/2020.
Please click here for more details
3) Free* and Unique Opportunity to Study Jainism in the Winter Holidays
We are happy to announce that the International School Of Jainism is organizing the 2nd Winter Program on Jain Studies.
Below is the brief details of the Program:
- Target Participants: Undergraduate students, Graduate students, PhD candidates, Professors and Faculty members of Universities abroad and India, High school teachers, and Jain Professionals who wish to have experiential immersion in Jain Philosophy and way of life. University affiliation is not essential.
- Place: Ahmedabad (Gujarat), India. Home of Gandhi, Jainism and finest academic institutions in India.
- Duration: December 28th, 2019 - January 7th, 2020. The program includes two days of visits to famous Jain temples, monks, and institutions around Ahmedabad.
* Refundable security deposit: US$ 100 or it's equivalents in Indian Rupees by cheque in favor of International School for Jain Studies.
NOTE:
-
The Program Includes Inland travel from Ahmedabad and places to visit, full board and lodge (Jain vegetarian meals and twin bed shared room).
-
Airfare to and from India, Tourist Visa, and Insurance costs are the responsibility of the participant.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: NOVEMBER 30th, 2019
- Click Here to View the Flyer
- Click Here to Apply
- Click Here for More Details
- Click Here to View Last Year's Video
4) Shree Shatrunjay Mahatirth 99 Yatra 2020
With SHREE Adinath's and Acharya Bhagwant's blessings, approximately 78 people in the year 2016 completed an auspicious event that they still remember date.
After the unforgettable 99 Yatra In 2011 and 2016 many Jains felt they missed out on a
wonderful opportunity, but with the support of JAINA, approval was granted to perform this 99 Yatra event again at SHREE SHATRUNJAY MAHATIRTH - 2020/2021.
We are planning to do the following:
- 99 YATRA AT SHREE SHATRUNJAY MAHATIRTH
- 12 GAU CHHARI PALIT YATRA
- SHREE SAMMET SHRIKARJI TIRTH