“If slaughterhouses had glass walls, everyone would be a vegetarian”
-Paul McCartney, Musician-
UNEXPECTED RAINFALL AND FLOOD RAVAGE UTTARAKHAND AND ITS PEOPLE
Excessive and unexpected rainfall resulting in furious floods has battered beyond measure, the Himalayan hill state of Uttarakhand. Whole villages, stretches of roads and communication links have been affected.
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More than 10000 persons met with tragic death. Thousands, including those from other parts of the country who were undertaking pilgrimages to religiously significant temples in the region, remain stranded. Hundreds of houses and buildings along the banks of Alakananda and the Bhagirathi has been swept away in Rudraprayag district alone. Thousands have become homeless.
It is needless to say that all of us have an urgent and important role to play in helping the flood victims. We shall have to rise upto the occasion, as in the past when such national calamities occurred. Several private organisations have setup support and help centres for the people of Uttarakhand. The Jain community wherever located in the World should also be a strong partner in the re-development process of this unfortunate state. We can also join other organisations and send our contributions through reputed organisations working on this platform.
SAINTS
JOINT CHATURMAS OF SWETAMBAR AND DIGAMBAR JAIN SAINTS AT JAIPUR
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June 26, 2013, Digambar Jain Muni Sri Tarunsagarji Maharaj, Shwetambar Jain Muni Mahopadhyay Sri Lalitprabh Sagar Ji Maharaj and Sri Chandraprabh Sagar ji Maharaj will address spectators from a common platform at SMS investment ground, Jaipur. Sri Jain Shwetambar Khartar Gachh sangh is organizing Chaturmas 2013 of Muni Mahopadhyay Sri Lalitprabh Sagar Ji Maharaj and Sri Chandraprabh Sagar ji Maharaj. All of these three Jain saints are great orators and attract crowd of thousands. Members of both Jain and Non-Jain communities used to come to listen them. They are powerful speakers and attract huge crowd even individually. While together they can create an awesome environment. Both Digambar and Shwetambar communities joined hands to celebrate occasion of Chaturmas 2013 in Jaipur. Jain community in Jaipur is excited and enthusiastic on this Chaturmas. Jain monks and nuns stay at one place during Chaturmas that falls during four months of monsoon season every year. Sri Jain Shwetambar Khartar Gachchh Sangh have decided to involve members from all other communities in organizing Chaturmas. Digambar Jain saint Muni Tarunsagar is also expected to join.
CHATURMAS AS EXPLAINED BY TERAPANTH ACHARYA SHREE MAHASHRAMAN JI
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Chaturmas is a period where in the munis and their followers follow the principle of non violence strictly by staying in a single place for a period of four months. The travel from place to place is forbidden in view of the generation and propagation of the religion. The animate elements like the plants and the creatures emanate in excess during this period. The nature unravels its inherent beauty and which shrines in a state of tranquility. The plants and flowers blossom with full blown picture. A pellucid environment will be created. It is a unique time suggesting the conduction of religious assemblies for the followers and study the religion in its depth. It spreads from ashad to karthik months. It creates religious awareness among the people. The rituals are observed in serenity. This period is studded with multitude of festive occasions. During this period holy Friday, attainment of salvation by Bhagawan Parshwanath (Mukuta Saptami), consecration of Bhagawan Neminatha and Bhagawan Suparshwanatha and also thread ceremony are celebrated. It is an auspicious and holy period to attain salvation. Further more Shodashakarana rituals and Dashalakshana parva are conducted. Acharya Shanthisagarji Maharaj attained salvation during this period.
CHATURMAS PROGRAM OF DIGAMBAR JAIN SAINTS
Bihar
Muni Pungav Shri Sudha Sagar Ji Sasangh, Kundalpur (Sambhavit),Muni Praman Sagar Ji, Pavapuri
Chattisgarh
Acharya Vidhya Sagar Ji Sasangh, Chandra Giri (Chattisgarh) Sambhavit
Delhi
Acharya Vidhya Nandi Ji Sasangh, Green Park Delhi, Acharya Aanand Sagar Ji, Mounpriye - Dhyan Tirth Vasant Kunj, Acharya Dharam Sen Ji Sasangh, Laal Mandir Chandni Chowk, Aelacharya Ativeer Ji Sasangh, Dehli, Kshullak Vibhanjan Sagar Ji, Green Park Delhi, Muni Punya Sagar Ji Sasangh, Shakti Nagar, Dehli, Muni Shri Viharsh Sagar Ji Sasangh, Jain Mandir, Gali No.2, Kailash Nagar, Delhi, Upadhyay Pragy Sagar Ji, Green Park Delhi, Upadhay Shri Nayan Sagar Ji, Rishabh Vihar Dehli, Muni Vairagya Sagar Ji, Rishabh Vihar, Dehli, Upadhay Shri Gupti Sagar Ji, Preet Vihar, Dehli, Muni Sakal Kirti Ji, Chota Bazar Shahdara, Dehli, Muni Prabhavna Bhusan Ji, Gandhinagar, Dehli, Muni Sankalp Bhusan Ji, Gandhinagar, Dehli, Muni Vigyey Sagar Ji, Dehli, Aryika Nang Mati Mata Ji, Pahadi Dhiraj, Dehli, Aryika Shrut Devi & Sugyani Mata Ji, Surajmal Vihar, Dehli, Aryika Sunay Mati Mata Ji, Kabul Nagar Shahdara, Dehli, Aryika Vidhya Shri & Vidha Shri Mata Ji, Shakarpur Lakshmi Nagar, Dehli, Aryika. Pragy Mati Mata Ji, Vasant Kunj, Dehli, Kshulika Bhakti Bhushan & Puja Bhushan Mata Ji, Jyoti Nagar Shahdara, Dehli, Kshullak Viranjan Sagar Ji, Shastri Nagar, Dehli.
Gujarat
Acharya Nirmal Sagar Ji Sasangh, Nirmal Dhyan Kendra,Girnarji, Junagad, Aryika Purn Mati Ji, Dahod, Aryika Sangam Mati Ji Sasangh, Vijay Nagar, Gujarat Keshri Ach. Bharat Sagar Ji Sasangh, Parvat Patiya, Surat, Kshullak Dhyan Sagar Ji, Surat, Muni Paavan Sagar Ji Sasangh, Ahemdabad (Sambhavit), Upadhyay Gyan Sagar Ji Sasangh, Surat, Muni Paawan Sagar Ji, Pavagadh.
Haryana
Aellacharya Vasunandi Ji Maharaj Sasangh, Hastinapur.
Jharkhand
Acharya Vardhman Sagar Ji Sasangh, Sammed Shikhar Ji, Madhuvan, Acharya Om Sagar Ji Sasangh, Samed Shikher Ji Madhuvan, Acharya Sambhav Sagar Ji Sasangh, Samed Shikher Ji, Madhuvan, Aryika Vibha Sri Ji Sasangh, Ranchi, Aryika Vishakha Sri Ji Sasangh, Samed Shikher Ji, Muni Vinischay Sagar Ji Sasangh, Samed Shikher Ji Madhuvan, Muni Samyak Sagar Ji Sasangh, Samed Shikher Ji Madhuvan, Muni Samay Sagar Ji Sasangh, Samed Shikher Ji Madhuvan.
Karnataka
Muni Punya Sagar Ji, Hugli, Karnataka.
Madhya Pradesh
Acharya Shri Kumud Nandi Ji, Colony Nagar, Indore, Acharya Shri Pushpdant Sagar Ji, Pushpgiri, Dewas, Acharya Shri Dev Nandi Ji Maharaj Sasangh Baramati, Acharya Vibhav Sagar Ji Sasangh, Gavakota, Acharya Vimad Sagar Ji Sasangh, Jabalpur, Acharya Vimarsh Sagar Ji Sasangh, Ashoknagar, Acharya Vishuddh Sagar Ji Sasangh, Sagar, Acharya Soubhagya Sagar Ji, Nemi Sagar, Indore, Aryika Akampmati Ji, Lalitpur, Aryika Drad Mati Ji Sasangh, Narsinghpur, Aryika Guru Mati Ji, Chattarpur, Aryika Shri Sohard Mati Ji Sasangh, Sonagir Sambhavit, Aryika Tapomati Ji, Silwani, (Raisen), Aryika. Rijumati Mata Ji Sasangh, Shivpuri, Aryika Adhyatam Mati Mata Ji, Kumbhraj, Aryika Prashant Mati Ji Sasangh, Kubhraj Near Guna, Aryika. Apurv Mati Mata Ji, Maharajpur Near Bina Barah, Aryika. Anant Mati Mata Ji, Banda Distt. Sagar, Aryika. Aadarsh Mati Mata Ji, Damoh, Aryika. Chintan Mati Mata Ji, Chatarpur, Aryika. Guru Mati Mata Ji, Singh, Rampur, Aryika. Kushal Mati Mata Ji, Patan Mp Sambhavit, Aryika. Prashant Mati Mata Ji Sasangh, Aron Near Ashoknagar Mp, Aryika. Prabhavna Mati Mata Ji, Khargapur Distt. Tikamgarh Mp, Aryika. Tapo Mati Mata Ji, Javera Distt. Damoh, Aryika. Uksant Mati Mata Ji, Silvani Distt. Raisen, Muni Ajit Sagar Ji, Khurai, Muni Kshma Sagar Ji, Shahpur, Muni Pragya Sagar Ji Sasangh, Tapovan Bhumi, Ujjain, Muni Prashann Rishi Ji Maharaj, Indore, Muni Shri Abhay Sagar Ji Sasangh, Tikamgarh, Muni shri Sudhasagarji,Jabalpur, Muni shri Ajitsagarji, Khurai,Muni VishokSagar Ji, Dhampur, Distt..Bijnor, Muni Amit Sagar Ji,Bhind, Sambhavit,Muni Sawbhav Sagar Ji, Chapra Sivni, Muni Pavitra Sagar Ji,Chapra, Sivni, Muni Prayag Sagar Ji, Chapra, Sivni, Elak Shri Vivekanadasagarji, Khurai,Elak Shri Nishank sagarji,Ganjbasoda, Elak Shri Dayasagarji,Ganjbasoda, Muni VishvRatn Sagar Ji, Vajna, Muni Vishvyash Sagar Ji,Bhind, Muni Vinischal Sagar Ji, Saleha Distt., Panna, Muni Pranaam Sagar Ji, Kagdipura, Dhar, Muni Vimal Sagar Ji, Raheli, PatnaGunj, Muni Shreyansh Sagar Ji, Mandibamora, Muni Atul Sagar Ji, Mandibamora, Muni Shri Anubhav Sagar Ji, Aron, Muni Shri Puspdant Sagar Ji, Aron, Muni Shri Mardav Sagar Ji, Bhopal, Muni Shri Shubham Sagar Ji, Indore, Elak Sidhant Sagar Ji, Lateri Vidisha.
Maharashtra
Acharya Kusagra Nandi Ji Sasangh, Bhandup, Mumbai, Gandharacharya Kunthu Sagar Ji Sasangh, Kunthugiri, Pattacharya Sunil Sagar Ji Sasangh, Borivali (W), Mumbai, Muni Prashant Sagar Ji, Kopar Gaon, Muni Puran Sagar Ji, Akola, Muni Samta Sagar Ji, Akola, Muni Niyam Sagar Ji, Kolhapur, Muni Akshay Sagar Ji, Pune, Muni Vineet Sagar Ji, Falatan, Muni Suveer Sagar Ji, Bajaj Nagar Aurangabad, Muni Shri Pratik Sagar Ji, Parbhani, Muni Punya Sagar Ji (Shishy-Ach. Ajit Sagar Ji), Airoli, Mumbai, Aryika. Sudusti Mati Mata Ji, Atishay Kshetra Kachner, Dist. Aurangabad, Aryika. Shail Mati Mata Ji, Atishay Kshetra Kachner, Dist. Aurangabad.
Tamil Nadu
Up.Nizanand Sagar Ji Sasangh, Chennai 79, Muni Vishvesh Sagar Ji, Kolinur, Tamilnadu.
Rajasthan
Rastra Sant Muni Pulak Sagar Ji, Bhattarak G Ki Nasiya, Jaipur, Acharya Shri Abhi Nandan Sagar Ji, Mugana, near Parsola, Acharya Padam Nandi Ji Sasangh, Ayad, Udaipur, Acharya Sukumal Nandi Ji Sasangh, Salumber Udaipur, Acharya Vinamra Sagar Ji Sasangh, Banswara, Acharya Vipul Sagar Ji Sasangh, Udaipur, Acharya Vishad Sagar Ji Sasangh, Rewari Near Tijara, Alwar, Aryika Shri Subhushan Mata Ji Sasangh, Varun Path Mansarovar, Jaipur, Aryika Suprakash Mati Ji Sasangh, Sheshpur (Udaipur), Aryika Shri Garima Mati Mata Ji, Faagi, Aryika Vigyan Mati Ji, Kishangarh, Aryika Satya Mati Mata Ji Sasangh, Luhariya Distt. Baanswada, Aryika Akshay Mati Mata Ji, Luhariya Distt. Baanswada, Aryika Bharateshwari Mata Ji, Kanpur Distt., Udaipur, Aryika Akshay Mati Mata Ji, Luhariya Distt. Baanswada, Aryika. Bharateshwari Mata Ji, Kanpur Distt., Udaipur, Aryika Gurunandni Mata Ji, Jaipur, Ganni Aryika. Suparshavmati Mata Ji Sasangh, Bad ke Balaji, Jaipur, Aryika. Vidushi Sri Mata Ji, Kuchamancity, Aryika. Vindhay Sri Mata Ji, Jobner,(Jaipur), Aryika. VishistSri Mata Ji, Byawar, Kshulika Sidant Mati Mata Ji, Kanpur Distt. Udaipur Raj., Ganacharya Virag Sagar Ji Sasangh, Ajmer, Ganni Aryika shri Vishuddhmati Mata Ji, Bhindar, Dist.udaipur, Aryika Swasti Bhushan Mata Ji, Jhalrapatan, Muni Shri Anekant Sagar Ji Maharaj Sasangh, Varun Path Mansarovar, Jaipur, Muni Prasang Sagar Ji, Bhattarak G Ki Nasiya Jaipur, Muni Shri Niranjan Sagar Ji, At.kshetra Sipur, Near Salumber Distt.Udaipur, Muni Vishrut Sagar Ji Sasangh, Udaipur, Muni Vishesh Sagar Ji, Devli Distt. Tonk, Muni Aarjav Sagar Ji, TodaRaising Dist. Tonk, Muni Dhairya Sagar Ji, Kanpur Distt. Udaipur, Vaigyanik Ach. Kanaknandi Ji Sasangh, Semari Udaipur, Upadhay Shri Samta Sagar Ji Sasangh, Kshetra Sipur, Near Salumber Distt. Udaipur.
Uttar Pradesh
Acharya Shri Samman Sagar Ji Maharaj, Firozabad (Sambhavit), Aryika Prabhavna Mati Ji, Mahroni, Aryika Shri Somaya Nandni Mata Ji, Aligarh, Aryika Visha Sri Ji Sasangh, Banpur, Attarmana Muni Shri Prashann Sagar Ji, Kanpur, Elacharya Shri Gulab Bhushan Ji Maharaj, Shri Parasnath Digamber Jain Mandir Gali Lohiyan Firozabad, Ganni Aryika Gyanmati Mata Ji, Jambudeep Hastinapur, Merath, Jainaacharya Shri Guptinandi Ji, Badout, Merath, Muni Shri Avichal Sagar Ji Maharaj, Pava G Talbehat (U.P.) Sambhavit, Muni Shri Sourabh Sagar Ji, Lucknow, Muni Virag Rishi Ji Maharaj, Badot, Muni Pramukh Sagar Ji, Itawa, Upadhay Shri Nirbhay Sagar Ji Maharaj Sasangh, Firozabad (Sambhavit), Vidhya bhushan Sanmati Sagar Ji TrilokTrith, Badagav, Bagpat, Muni Shri Uttam Sagar Ji, Allahabad.
West Bengal
Acharya Rayan Sagar Ji Sasangh, Kolkata, Muni Uttam Sagar Ji, Kolkata Sambhavit, Aryika. Vigya Shri Mata Ji, Lalgola, Distt. Museerabad.
2013 CHATURMASA PROGRAMME - SWETAMBER STHANAKWASI SAINTS
| Name | Place & Contact No. |
| Acharya Shree Dr. ShivMuni | Ashok Vihar, Delhi, Phone- 09873302225 |
| Upadhyay Shree Manohar Muni | Karnal, Haryana, Phone- 09416055567 |
| Upadhyay Shree Vishal Muni | Panipat, Haryana, Phone- 09255937382 |
| UpadhyayShree Moolchandji | Pali,Rajasthan, Phone - 09414122991 |
UpadhyayShree Ramesh Muni | Surat, Gujarat, Phone- 09825472811 |
| Upadhyay Shree Jitendra Muni | Ropad,Punjab,Phone - 09872211470 |
| Upadhyay Shree Praveen Maharaj | Maharashtra, Phone -09326173151 |
| Upadhyay Shree Ravindra Muni | Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan, Phone- 09413816111 |
| Pravartak Muni Shree Roopchand Ji, "Rajat" | Bheelwada,Rajasthan, Phone no.- 09414113056 |
| Pravartak Shree Ramesh Muni | Maharashtra, Pune, Phone no.- 09823029252 |
| Pravartak Shree Kundan Rishi | Ahmednagar, Maharashtra,Phone no.- 09881123616 |
| Pravartak Shree Suman Muni | Ludhiana, Punjab, Phone - 09814387807 |
| Pravartak Shree Ratan Muni | Beeja,Chattisgarh, Phone- 09406116644 |
Pravartak Shree Ganesh Muni | Udaipur,Rajasthan,Phone- (0294) 2583741 |
| Pravartak Shree Madan Muni | Gahsa Mewar,Rajasthan, Phone - 09929427603 |
| Pravartak Shree Prakash Muni "Nirbhaya" | Ratlaam,Madhyapradesh, Phone no.- 09425103173 |
| Maha Mantri Shree Saubhagyamuni "Kumud" | Mumbai,Mahrashtra, Phone- 08888216820 |
| Mantri Shree Shirish Muni (With Dr. Acharya Shreemuni) | Ashok Vihar, Delhi, Phone- 09873302225 |
| Mantri Shree Mahendra Rishi | Indore, Madhyapradesh,Phone- 09303232777 |
| Mantri Shree Ashish Muni | T. Nagar, Chennai, Phone - 09381023010 |
Mantri Shree Kamal Muni | Chittorgarh, Rajasthan, Phone - 09414497659 |
| Advisor Shree Sumati Muni | Panipat, Haryana, Phone- 09255937382 |
Advisor Shree Sahaj Muni | Tohana, Haryana, Phone - 09416309476 |
| Advisor Shree Sukan Muni | Bheelwara, Rajasthan, Phone - 09414113056 |
| Advisor Shree Suresh Muni "Shastri" | Pune, Maharashtra, Phone - 09823029252 |
| Advisor Shree Tarak Rishi | Rishabh Vihar, Delhi, Phone - 09310989999 |
| Advisor Shree Ramneek Muni | Shastri Nagar, Delhi, Phone - 09999503105 |
| Advisor Shree Dinesh Muni | Khar, Mumbai, Maharashtra, Phone - 09820083919 |
Advisor Shree Vinay Muni "Bheem" | Jodhpur,Rajasthan, Phone - 09413461105 |
| Advisor Shree Ram Muni "Nirbhaya" | Shakti Nagar, Delhi, Phone - 09810025742 |
| Pravartni Sadhvi Shree Yash Kanwar Ji | Bigod,Rajasthan, Phone - 09413636116 |
| Pravartni Sadhvi Shree Prabha Kanwar Ji | Lonar, Maharashtra, Phone - 09422949591 |
| Pravartni Sadhvi Shree Chandna Ji | Yamuna Vihar, Delhi, Phone - 09810838825 |
For Further information about Jain Sthanak Wasi Sect and Chaturmas Program of other Saints Visit: Website:www.jainacharya.org &www.shivacharyaji.org, E-Mail: & Twitter:www.twitter.com/jainacharya Join Shivmuniji SMS to 567678. Our Contact No-9350111542
DHANJIBHAI SHAH FAMILY CELEBRATES 50th DIKSHA JAYANTI, AHEMEDABAD
Jun 9, 2013, A Jain family has completed 50 years of taking diksha or adopting the life of a saint, a tradition followed by many members of the community. And, to mark the achievement, a huge celebration will be held in the city beginning June 16. The grand celebration, spread over eight days and organised by Jains in the city, will consist of Snaatra Mahotsav, Kumbh sthapana and a grand rath yatra.
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Settled in Kolkata, Dhanjibhai Shah had everything in life that one could safely describe as being successful. He had an established business, wife and three children. But, he renounced all these to become a Jain Maharaj. Recalling how the entire family took diksha, the elder son of Dhanjibhai, Gulabchand Shah, now known as Gunshil Surishwarji Maharaj, said: “In 1953, when Vijay Ramchandra Surishwarji Maharaj had come to Kolkata for a religious discourse, my father attended it and was inspired by that to go deep into Jain philosophy.” For 10 years, the family which was inspired by Jain ideology kept attending religious discourses to come close to leading a simple life. However, it was only in 1963, that the businessman decided to take diksha and the entire family followed.
“I was a 14-year-old when I started taking training to become Jain Maharaj and finally I became one after five years,” reminisced Gunshil Surishwarji Maharaj. The younger son, Kulshil Surishwarji Maharaj (earlier Kishorchand Shah), recalled how they were given diksha at Hutheesing ni Waadi on June 1, 1963. “We were the first family of Ahmedabad that took diksha those days, while many have opted for that path today. I was just 12 when I took diksha,” he stated.
So, was it difficult to leave behind his life of a teenager and materialism? “Not at all. At a young age, developing and imbibing culture is quite easy. In an era, when there was no television and not much of entertainment, I really did not miss out much when I took diksha,” asserted Kulshil Surishwarji Maharaj. Echoing the same, youngest sister (Indiraben), who is now sadhvi Indurekha Shriji, smiled and said: “I was just nine when I took diksha and I feel that there are more hardships in materialistic life like managing one’s ambition, goals, career, anger, frustration, relations, etc. Against this, we live a simple life reading Jain philosophy, which is a step towards relieving our karma.”
Talking about following the path laid down by husband Dhanjibhai Shah, Navalben, now known as sadhvi Nirmama Shriji, said: “I followed every step my husband took. When my husband announced to renounce the world, what would have I done without him in this materialistic life? I have a daughter who stays and takes care of me and travels with me to different cities.” To mark the golden jubilee of taking diksha, the Amdavadi Jains have organised an eight-day-grand celebration with Snaatra mahotsav, Kumbh sthapana and grand rath yatra that would culminate on June 23.
TEMPLES
MAHAVEER SWAMI IDOL INSTALLED BY MOODBIDRI BATTARAKA SWAMIJI AT NEW JERSEY
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June 29th, 247 Ramapo Avenue, West Mahwah Hindu Samaj Mandir a two and a half feet idol of 24th Jain Thintankar Lord Mahaveer Swami was installed at Mahwah, New Jersey in a ceremony performed in the holy and gracious presence and spiritual guidance. H. H. Charukeerti Battaraka Swamiji, Moodbidri, India. This is the 78th Jain center in USA. The temple is situated by very beautiful environmental mountains and thick forest with a glorious sceneries. Puja performance began on June 28th. 2013. Swamiji performed rituatals of mantra and Yagmandal Vidhan. After the Digambar Pratistha, Swetambar Bhagwan Adinath Swami idol installation was performed by Mr. Nareshbhai Shah.
ADINATH DIGAMBER JINMANDIR VEDI SHILANAYAS CEREMONY BRAMPTON, CANADA
A first ever Shikharbandi Jain temple in Canada, has raised with the blessings of Pujya Gurudev Shri Kanji Swami and with a distinct support of Teerthdham Mangalayatan Aligarh. Shri Gyanchand Jain and his family are pioneer builder of this great Digamber Jain Temple in Brampton, Ontario, Canada.
This temple when finally completed would have Manekstambh. The Temple is being built on five acres of land and will consist of Jain Library, Museum, Community Hall and Senior Citizen Home wherein the elders of Jain community may stay, live, practice religion. All Jains will be able to worship and practice the principles of Jainism.
An auspicious Vedi Shilanyas Ceremony is scheduled to be performed on July 12th –14th 2013. Scholars from Mangalayatan, India are participating in this full three days celebration which includes Jinendra Shobha Yatra, Ratnatray, Mandal Vidhan, Lectures, Bhakti (Bhajans) & Cultural Programs incuding Indrasabhai, Plays, Dance and Games.
18000 JINAGNYA YUVA GROUP (AHMEDABAD) MEMBERS TO JOIN TEMPLE CLEANING PROJECT
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Ahmedabad, June 3, 2013: Around 18,000 volunteers in Gujarat have taken up the unique task of washing and cleaning 504 Jain Temples on June 9th. The project is organised by the Jinagnya Yuva group. This exercise is undertaken to spread awareness in the city about the existence of old and neglected derasars. In Ahemedabad & around, there are around 350 huge derasars, out of which 120-odd are more than 100 years old while the rest are 50-60 years old. There are another 150 small derasars in residential complexes or individual homes. Many of the derasars have been lying neglected due to which the volunteers have taken up this huge task of bringing them back into limelight. Not only the derasars, but the Jain idols, too, will be cleaned with special powder and through proper rituals. The project is the brainchild of Sadhvi Maitri Ratna Shriji, who has inspired the youth to come together for the task. The Jain youths were preached how jain scriptures mention that the cleaning of derasars is an important task for the devotees. This would also help one to purify one’s soul.As many as 111 derasars with 12,000 Jain idols were cleaned last year by 10,000 Jain devotees. The Yuva volunteers will also visit the nearby villages of Ahmedabad to clean derasars. Recently, the group also cleaned 17 derasars in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan.
13TH CENTURY CHATURMUKHA JAIN IDOL FOUND IN KARNATAKA
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Halingali (Jamakhandi Taluk, Bagalkot District, Karnataka), June 4, 2013, An ancient Chaturmukha Tirthankara Jain idol has found in a cave on a hillock at Halingali. The idol was recovered at around 2.25 am when renovation work was in progress at one of the caves. Features of the idol: It is a chaturmukha idol made of marble with Tirthankaras in padmasana on all the four sides. The idols are 16 inches high and 8 inches in width with a Srivasta symbol on their chest and are seated on a Kamala peetha inside a mantapa. The ears of the idol are seen touching the shoulders. Further, the mantapa enclosing the idols are covered by a dome shaped pinnacle. Usually such chaturmukha idols with in a mantapa are installed on the manastambha. There isn't any symbol on the idols, so it is unclear as to which Tirthankaras they are. Muni Sri Kularatnabhushana has opined that the idol belongs to 13th century. The Chaturmukha idol is the third in the series of idols recovered around this area. Earlier, Jain idols were found on September 5, 2012 (Parshwanath Tirthankara idol) and November 1, 2012 (Padmaprabha Tirthankara idol). It can be recalled here that there are around 772 caves in and around Halingali, Hanagandi & Teradala and are related to Jainism. Jain scholars are of the opinion that these caves had been carved out of the rocky mountains for the Jain munis while they were around this region. Further, inscriptional references mention about the existence of Jainism on the banks of river Krishna. The series of caves & the Jain idols found around this area prove this fact. -Courtesy: Jain Heritage Centres News Service.
ITEMS WORTH RS 4.7 LAKH STOLEN FROM JAIN TEMPLE
Vadodara (Gujarat), June 1, 2013: Items worth Rs 4.7 lakh was stolen from a Jain temple at Halol town in Panchmahals district. According to an FIR filed by Hitesh Shah at the Halol police station, thieves broke into the temple and stole the idol's jewellery and other items kept inside that together cost Rs 4.7 lakh. The temple is situated in city's Jawaharnagar area.
BURGLARS LOOT JAIN TEMPLE
Chennai: A few miscreants broke into a Jain temple in Sriperumbudur and stole cash from the temple's safe. Police said the burglars broke into the temple at TK Naidu Nagar after midnight. On Thursday night, the priest locked the temple and returned on Friday morning for a special pooja, but was shocked to find the lock broken. He called the police, who found the safe 300 meters away from the temple, with all the cash stolen. Police said temple thefts in and around Kancheepuram has gone up. They said that most of the robbers observe the temple a few days before striking. Sriperumbudur police are looking into records of earlier temple thieves who are out on bail. A few months ago, police got a report of a theft from Sekkadu, Avadi. Burglars entered Sridevi Chinnammal temple in the night and fled with six kalasams, silver or copper vessels used for worship. In another case, burglars targeted a temple in Brindavan Avenue, Ayapakkam. "A crown, trays and silver utensils used for worship worth 2.5 lakh were stolen.
CARDINAL JEAN-LOUIS TAURAN VISIT LONDON OSHWAL CENTRE
14 June, 2013, London, UK - Jains and Catholics discussed Ahimsa (non-violence) and its practice as a contribution for peace, during a visit by a senior members of the Catholic Church, to London Oshwal Centre.
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The delegation from Rome was led by the French Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran, President of the Pontifical Council for Inter religious Dialogue. The Cardinal is best known as the person who declared ‘Habemus Papam’, when he introduced Pope Francis to the world from the Vatican balcony, in March this year.
During the visit, Cardinal Tauran and seven other members of the party from The Holy See and the Catholic Church in England and Wales, were taken on a tour of the exquisite Jain Derasar at Oshwal Centre where they witnessed an ‘aarti’ ceremony. Rex H. Shah, President of the Oshwal Association of the UK and Dr. Harshad Sanghrajka, Deputy Chairman of the Institute of Jainology were among those hosting the Cardinal.
Later, speaking on the theme of non violence as a contribution for peace, Cardinal Tauran said "The rise of religious fundamentalism and the increase in the instances of inter-religious tensions in different parts of the contemporary world seem to make the skeptics of religions blame religion for all the ills affecting society. Let there be no doubt that religions are the cause of love, unity and peace and if any religion teaches the contrary, is no religion at all.'
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Nalini Balbir, Professor of Indology at the Sorbonne in Paris, spoke from the Jain perspective, stressing both the positive nature of Ahimsa in Jainism and its doctrine of aekantavada (pluralism), which promotes co-existence and reconciliation She concluded that while the practice of Ahimsa by the individual can contribute to significant progress towards achieving world peace, it cannot provide a total solution because of factors of war such as expansionism by states and imposition of political systems or beliefs on others.
Professor Michael Barnes, Reader and Senior Tutor in Interreligious Relations at Heythrop College, University of London, acknowledged the centrality of Ahimsa to the Jain way of life. He also stressed each individual’s personal responsibility both to one another and the world. ‘In Christian terms whatever we have in this world comes from God as gift and is to be treated with reverence as a sign of God’s love for humankind. And perhaps the most important of gifts is peace - the source of Christian motivation to act responsibly’. Those themes were discussed in more detail by six panellists; Prof. Nalini Balbir, Mr. Dinesh Dodhia, and Mrs Shruti Malde spoke on behalf of Jainism and Archbishop Kevin McDonald, Father Michael Barnes and Father Santiago Michael represented the Catholic point of view. Source: Jaysukh Mehta, UK, E-Mail:
PARSHVANATH WORSHIPPED AS BETAL AT RAMNAGAR
Keri, Karnataka: In Ramnagar village on the Goa-Belgaum highway, Hindus worship the broken idol of Jain Tirthankar Parshvanath as the folk deity Betal. Recently, a new temple was constructed with the name of folk deity Betal. People in Ramnagar's Sitawada and Aadali areas culturally and religiously worship the artistically well carved idol of Parshvanath as Betal. Residents of the village say, "Through generations they are worshipping this idol as Betal in the ruined temple. We have our deity Kalmeshwar. The archaeological survey of India's Dharwad circle has listed 299 monuments from its vicinity but there is no mention of Parshvanath temple and sculpture from Sitawada as no much information about the temple and sculpture is available and is worshipped by the local Hindus as Betal.
AWARDS AND HONOURS
GURUDEV CHITRABHANUJI & MRS. PRAMODABEN CHITRABHANU TO RECEIVE CLAREMONT LINCOLN AHIMSA AWARD
CLAREMONT, CA—Claremont Lincoln University announced that, its first annual Ahimsa Award will go to Gurudev Shri Chitrabhanuji and Mrs. Pramodaben Chitrabhanu. The couple will receive the award at a gala celebration on Oct. 2, 2013, International Ahimsa Day. Claremont Lincoln University has instituted an annual Ahimsa Award, to be given to the persons who who have embodied the principle of Ahimsa in their life. “All of us in the Claremont Lincoln community take great joy at the selection of these two saintly individuals,” said Dr. Philip Clayton, Claremont Lincoln University Provost and Executive Vice President.
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Gurudev Shri Chitrabhanuji is a Jain pioneer, global leader, and author of more than 26 books, which reflect his philosophy of world peace and nonviolence, emphasizing the need to appreciate the sanctity of all life and to build solidarity in the larger family of humankind. According to Forbes magazine, “Shri Chitrabhanuji represents a … brilliant message of non-violence, tolerance, compassion, and the embrace of … the ecological interdependency of all living beings. After millennia, this potent ethical ideal has become key to the biological sciences, as well as inspiring such people as … Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Jr. ”Formerly a Jain monk, Shri Chitrabhanuji’s western Ahimsa Pilgrimage began with an invitation to speak at Harvard Divinity School in 1971. Now, fittingly, his life mission has brought him to Claremont Lincoln University on the other side of America in 2013.He gave up his vow of monkhood because of the call to bring Ahimsa principles to the West. He married Pramodaben and together they embarked on a mission to bring the message and teaching of Bhagwan Mahaveer - Ahimsa to the west. Thanks in a great part to the couple’s influence since then, there has been significant growth of Jain principles in the western world, to the point where some American schools are even experimenting with vegetarian meals for student lunches.
Mrs. Pramodaben Chitrabhanu, spiritual companion of Gurudev Chitrabhanu, is Director of the Jain Meditation International Center in New York, Director of PETA India, and advisor to the Jivadaya (Reverence for Life) Committee of JAINA. A global leader, Pramodaji’s mission takes her to many parts of the world. She connects particularly well with the youth because her approach is genuinely secular and multi-cultural. This is one of the reasons why she has admirers all over the world, whose lives have been transformed by her gentle, rational, and persuasive guidance. She also works for the Vegetarian Society of Mumbai by promoting vegetarianism and veganism and is the author of numerousbooks including a vegetarian cookbook. Source: Sulekh Jain, E-Mail:
MAHAVEER AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE PRESENTED BY VICE PRESIDENT
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New Delhi: The Vice President of India M. Hamid Ansari presented 16th Mahaveer Awards for Excellence in Human Endeavour”on 3rd June at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.This award is instituted by Bhagwan Mahaveer Foundation, Chennai.
These awards were presented to four distinguished awardees who have made remarkable contribution to society in their respective fields.
(i) Mohd. Shafique Khan, of Sagar, Madhya Pradesh for Excellence in the sphere of Non-violence & Vegetarianism.
(ii) Gandhi Vidya Mandir of Churu, Rajasthan for Excellence in the sphere of Education.
(iii) Dr. R. Ravi Kannan of Silchar of Assam for Excellence in the sphere of Medicine.
(iv) Smt. Sushila Bohra of Jodhpur, Rajasthan for Excellence in the sphere of Community & Social service.
These awards carry a cash of Rs. 10 Lakhs, a Citation and a Memento. Addressing on the occasion, the Vice President said that it is our solemn duty to give back, according to our capabilities, our bit to the society in which we live. If we adopt this philosophy individually and collectively, we will become better human beings and make the world a better place. Mahatma Gandhi had rightly said “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” By helping others, therefore, we end up helping ourselves. Shri Ansari said that our national objectives and international commitments compel us to consider human resources development, including health and education, as fundamental to poverty eradication and critical to the process of sustainable development, thereby contributing to sustained economic growth, social development and environmental protection. Similarly, social peace and security are essential for achieving the goal of inclusive growth. Non-violence thus becomes a critical tool for creating a peaceful environment for development. The Vice President said that another matter in dire need of correctives pertains to integrity in public, not so public and private lives particularly because there is a propensity to overstate our professed virtues and down play our actual vices.
LONDON: UNESCO DECLARES JAIN MANUSCRIPTS "SHANTINATHA CHARITHRA" GLOBAL TREASURE
Shantinatha Charitra - a text written in Sanskrit, that describes the life and times of Shantinatha, the 16th Jain Tirthankara has been included in the most prestigious list of the world's greatest documents.
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Unesco's world heritage body included the Indian entry in the Memory of the World Register 2013 and said "the story is of lasting value to humankind". The manuscript talks about peace, nonviolence and brotherhood and was composed and written in the late 14th century. It contains 10 images of scenes from the life of Shantinatha in the style of Jain paintings from Gujarat. Unesco said the document is an universal message of friendship, global peace and unity with integrity. "It also describes historical facts and professes high moral and cultural values. The Illustrations found in this manuscript are oldest specimens of miniature painting. These illustrations are beautifully drawn in multi-colour and are examples of a highly evolved style of painting. As these illustrations are rarest of rare, their preservation and protection is necessary for humanity. These are the best and oldest examples of miniature paintings while the story itself is of lasting value to humankind," Unesco added.
India in its application to Unesco said the rare document is an example of the finest expression in the art of miniature paintings in manuscripts. The ink used in the manuscript is gum lampblack and white paint made from mineral silver. The manuscripts are owned by Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Institute of Indology. It was donated by late Muni Punyavijayji who had inherited it through family. The application said, "Such hereditary manuscripts are genuine especially if they belong to Jain monks...Muni Shri Punyavijayji was a Jain monk highly revered in his community and thus the authenticity of the manuscript is beyond doubt. The paper and ink of the document are a proof of its authenticity". "This is the oldest (1397 CE) example of Jain miniature painting available in a text," the application added.
The Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Institute of Indology has a rich collection of nearly 75,000 rare manuscripts including a substantial number received as gifts for preservation and custody. Many of these manuscripts are written on palm leaf, birch-bark (bhojapatra) and handmade paper. Some of the manuscripts are written in gold and silver inks and are full of multi-colour miniatures while some others are in black and white. Courtesy: Neeren Jain and Deepesh Salgia, Source: Manish Modi, E-Mail:
DR. NEELAM JAIN NOMINATED VISITING SCHOLAR TO STATE UNIVERSITY OF USA
Acknowledged Jain Scholar Dr. Neelam Jain has been nominated as an honourable visiting scholar to the State University of USA. She has also been assigned the responsibility of the Project - Contribution of Jainism to the World. It is certainly a great pride for all Jain Community allover the world. Source: Dr. Neelam Jain, E-Mail:
CONFERENCE, SEMINARS AND EVENTS
FERVOUR MARKS SHRUT PANCHAMI MAHOTSAV CELEBRATIONS IN ALLAHABAD
June 14, 2013, Allahabad: Shrut Panchami Mahotsav was celebrated by the Jain community under the aegis of Padmaprabhu Digambar Jain Prabhashgiri Teerth Kshetra, Kaushambi in the presence of Jain Acharya Panchkalyanak Sagar and Aarjav Sagar Muni with gaiety and fervor in the city. The program commenced with Saraswati Pujan, Shruta Skand Vidhan and Palki Yatra of Jinvani Ma followed by aarti and bhajan. While addressing the gathering on the occasion Aarjav Sagar Muni said the Jain Aagam tradition was being followed by the people since ages after the nirvana of Lord Mahavira. In the first century BC Acharya Dharatsen exhorted two learned Jain sages, Pushpdant and Bhootbali to compile and document Shrut Gyan to save it from extinction. The two sages completed the above task on Kshatkhandagam of Jyestha Panchami and the day is remembered as Shrut Panchami. The Kshatkhandagam holds importance for members of the Jain community as Gita for Hindus, Quran for Muslims, Guru Granth Sahib for Sikhs and Bible for Christians. He added that holy texts are referred to as 'Agam' in Jain philosophy and it means that what has been said by you, compiled by stalwarts and written by Jain Munis is Agam.
2013 JAINA CONVENTION-DETROIT
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2013 JAINA Convention is being hosted by Detroit Jain Diaspora. This will be the 17th Biennial JAINA Convention. The dates are July 4-7th 2013. The theme of the convention will be "Jainism: The Global Impact". It is expected that, the convention will attract estimated 3,500 attendees from North America and and a few representatives from India and other countries. A twelve member team of experienced leaders and volunteers from JAINA and Jain Society of Greater Detroit will look after the arrangements and other aspects of the convention. Mr. Prem Jain will be the Chairman of the board and convener for the 2013 convention. For further information click:www.jaina.org
SUMMER CONFERENCE ON "WOMEN'S PERSPECTIVE IN THE DHARMA TRADITIONS"
With the support from the Jain community, Claremont Lincoln’s Center for Jain Studies, will host a major international conference this summer on the August 23-24.The conference will focus on women’s perspectives in the Dharma traditions. Women’s voices are difficult to hear among traditional and contemporary Dharma texts. Yet, women are active and vibrant members of these communities. They are leaders, teachers, artists, philosophers, mothers, wives, professionals, politicians, monastic. This conference seeks to provide a forum to engage the evolving identity of all women through engagement with Dharmic texts, traditions, principles, roles, and communities. Organisers request for submissions of papers from all traditions and gender identities. For further information contact: Dr. Sulekh Jain.
JAIN MINORITY ISSUE
TAMIL NADU GOVERNMENT SHOULD GRANT MINORITY STATUS TO JAINS
I am very glad to share good news that, my esteemed colleagues on the board of State Minorities Commission, Government of Tamilnadu, have unanimously accepted my proposal to formally request Government for grant of Minority status to Jain community of Tamilnadu.
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The resolve was communicated by Member Secretary of Commission to Government Secretary as per norms and the same will receive active consideration of Government. With your blessings and good wishes, I am hopeful that a new chapter will open in the history of Jain community of Tamilnadu. I shall pursue the matter with Government with the full support of my esteemed colleagues.
I also request every JAIN Association to formally send letter of support to Principal Secretary, Backward Classes, Most Backward Classes and Minorities Welfare Department Secretariat, Chennai 600009, PBX No. 044-25665566, E-Mail: duly signed in original and posted by you directly. Please also mark a copy to me. This support and show of unity shall be vital. I hope to get letter copy of your support for declaring Jains as Minority in Tamilnadu addressed to Secretary. We have hundreds of associations and it is desirable that all associations send a letter. Also help in spread of word to associations closer to you. I have been getting immense support to all my efforts and I hope to get continuous support for above and future. U. Sudhir Lodha, Member, State Minorities Commission, Government of Tamil Nadu, E-Mail:
READER'S VIEWS
राईट टू मिल्क: खाद्य सुरक्षा विधेयक 2013 में सम्मलित किया जाना चाहिए, तभी खाद्य सुरक्षा बिल कि सार्थकता स्पष्ट हो पायेगी
खाद्य सुरक्षा विधेयक लाकर भारत सरकार देश की ६७ प्रतिशत आबादी को लाभ पहुचाना चाहती है. रियायती दर पर पौष्टिक खाद्यान उपलब्ध होना प्रस्ताबित है. इस बिल में बच्चों, गर्भवती महिलाओं को विशेष पौष्टिक आहार भी दिया जाना है. मगर आश्चर्य की बात यह है कि इस पूरे बिल में प्राकृतिक और पौष्टिक आहार, दूध का कहीं भी उल्लेख नहीं है. सरकारी आंकड़े बताते हैं कि देश में दूध का सर्वादिक उत्पादन होता है. सभी विटामिन, मिनरल, प्रोटीन से युक्त दूध की उपलब्धता खाद्य सुरक्षा बिल में भारत सरकार को प्रति व्यक्ति २५० मिलि लीटर प्रतिदिन, जो न्यूनतम मात्र आहार मानकों के अनुसार है, सुनिश्चित करना चाहिए, और उसका वितरण भी गरीब व्यक्तियों को रियायती दर पर किया जाना चाहिए. यह भी आवश्यक है कि दूध न तो मिलावटी या नकली हो और न आयात किया जाये. निर्धन वर्ग में जन्म दर सर्वाधिक है और पोषक आहार की अनुपलब्धता के कारण शिशु म्रत्यु दर भी अधिक है. प्राकृतिक पौषक आहार दूध जब मांओं को मिलेगा तो जन्म और म्रत्यु दर में कमी आवेगी. उपरोक्त सुझाव देश हित में हैं, कृपया इन्हें विधेयक में समाविष्ठ अवश्य करवाएं. - जीवन प्रकाश मडवैया, मोबा: 9425600922 Courtesy: Kapil Malaiya, E-Mail:
AHIMSA AND VEGETARIAN
AHINSA IN ACTION BY GURUDEV CHITRABHANU
Nature’s bounties, beauty and wonders are limitless. She has blessed mankind in abundance; but with certain inherent control mechanisms. She has her own rules and regulations, which man needs to follow, for his own well-being and spiritual growth. She has also been kind enough to give intelligence and discretionary powers to man. But, man in his greed, many a time, does not understand nature’s checks and balances. Nature then is forced to checkmate him, for his own good. For example, if man succumbs to his palate and becomes its slave, he loses control over his thoughts, speech and actions, and also suffers ill-health.
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Many of us are vegetarian. We eat plant-based food. We believe in ‘Ahinsa’ which is non-violence or having reverence for all forms of life. We not only believe in ‘Ahinsa’, but we are practitioners of ‘Ahinsa’. We have minimised our needs by becoming or remaining vegetarian. Though being vegetarian is excellent for man’s physical as well as spiritual health, it is not enough. We have realized, over the years, that being ‘vegan’ is far superior and a much more complete practice of ‘Ahinsa’. Veganism does not allow the intake of milk or dairy products for human consumption or use.
Milk does not grow on plants. Milk is one of nature’s most beautiful wonders. We can say MILK stands for Mother’s Infinite Love and Kindness. Milk is produced in a human or an animal Mother. Only when a female, either of a human being or an animal, becomes pregnant and is to give life and birth to another being, her blood gets transformed into milk. This is simply because she takes upon her the work of the Creator. She nurtures, protects, takes care, loves the new being in her own self, forgetting her own discomfort and pain and gives shape to and creates and gives life to the new creation. Her love, compassion and kindness flow into the new creation and that naturally transforms the required quantity of red blood into white milk when her creation comes into the world.
Milk is only for the new creation of the mother and that too for a limited period of time, for the nourishment and early growth of the new-born. Milk is a gift of nature for the helpless baby. The red blood turning into white milk for the baby is a miracle of nature. As long as the child does not get teeth, the mother gets milk, and the child grows in strength by consuming mother’s milk. When the child grows to the stage when he gets teeth, the milk takes its original form and colour, i.e. it gets transformed back into red blood. At that time, even if the child wants mother’s milk, it cannot get it as it no longer needs it.
It is made so clear by this law of nature that milk belongs only to the baby. None of the species, other than human beings, consumes milk when it grows beyond a stage, when it is too young. Human beings, unfortunately in their ignorance, start having milk of other species once they grow beyond this stage, little realizing that it is a calf or an off-spring of some other species who is deprived of its dues. It is in fact inhuman and against the principles of non-violence and non-stealing when humans have milk of cows or other species, belonging to their offspring. Where will the helpless calf go for its nourishment? The animal baby starves and remains under-nourished. As though this sin is not enough, a bigger crime follows. If the offspring is a male, it is sent away to the veal industry in Western countries and to the slaughter house (surreptitiously in the early hours of the day) in India.
Now-a-days, everywhere, since the bull is not required by humans, either for farming or carting, they indulge in these inhuman activities to suit their selfish ends. Thousands of bulls go to butchers for slaughter. This unfortunate slaughter and the use in veal industry take place on account of the consumption of cow milk by humans. In addition to these atrocities caused, as the babies are taken away from their mothers, the mother has to undergo the pain of separation which she suffers in silence, without any revolt, as she practices non-violence. The cow cries silently, as the new-born is taken away, since for nine months she had nourished the child and when it is born, it is separated from her. The silent agony of the cow creates certain vibrations.
These selfish acts perpetrated by human beings, due to their greed, result in the following three consequences:
1. When we take the milk which belongs to the off-spring of the cow, the suffering vibrations of the cow and the calf would boomerang on us and might create some separation in our lives. As we plant the pain in others, the vibrations received would result, as a ‘karmic’ consequence, into separation from our dear ones.
2. The cow’s normal life span is twenty-five years. Humans reduce this longevity by slaughter or use in veal industry. The ‘karma’ of taking away the longevity of a living being influences our life span and results in reduction of our own life span or of our dear ones. Also the end of the life may not be natural and it may be by accident or some permanent disability may take place.
3. We snatch away or steal the off-spring from the cow, as well as its milk for the calf. The milk and the child are taken away ruthlessly by us without the permission of the cow. This is ‘adattā dān’. This is a charity not done by the donor. It is acquisition of someone’s belongings without consent. One should therefore be ready to face consequences of losing one’s own property, wealth or dear ones.
The cow has milk, but it does not give it. It stops eating, being separated from her offspring. Machines are used to milk and for artificial insemination. A lot of suffering is inflicted on these peace-loving creatures by the humans for their greed. In about seven years, due to their exploitation, the cows become useless for humans and they are sent for slaughter. Our glass of milk results in the cow being eventually slaughtered. The cow undergoes physical torture and the agonizing feeling of separation, for human well-being.
It would be clear to any intelligent, caring and compassionate person that it is not logically, medically, morally and spiritually right to drink milk of other species, once the natural period of having our own mother’s milk is over. To satisfy ourselves and for our nourishment and well-being, we may have milk from several alternative sources like plants or nuts such as soya, rice, almond, coconut etc.
As Bhagwan Mahavir had said, “Non-violence and kindness to living beings is kindness to oneself. For thereby one’s own self is saved from various kinds of sins and resultant sufferings and is able to secure his own welfare.”
INCREASING LEATHER EXPORTS TARGETS OF GOVERNMENT ALARMING
Recently, Economic Times carried an article, “Leather Goods Makers plan cattle farming to beat shortage”.
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Another news item in the same paper says, "Council for Leather Exports (CLE) wants to increase leather export from USD 5 Bn. To USD 14 Bn. by end of year-2017." Now, to achieve the leather exports targets, they will breed more animals and kill more of them for leather. This is very serious. CLE is putting employment of 5 mn. people as one of the argument but they never mentioned health problems of workers in tanneries, huge amount of water usage in leather industry and pollution created by leather industry. Export hungry Indian Government will do any thing. When people greed goes to any extent it loose any sanctity.
What can we do to stop this……..
1. Pl. stop wearing leather shoes and stop using all leather products-ladies bag, wallet, jacket, etc.
2. Let’s write to leather council and all local/national political leader that we will not use leather and you will not face any shortage. So, please don’t go to extreme steps of animal breeding for leather.
3. Let’s create awareness.
Changing scenario-
1. In good old days, leather was derived from animal dying natural death.
2. In second stage, Slaughter houses kills animals for meat and than leather is sold as by product
3. Now, Indian leather industry wants to breed animals and kill them for leather and sale meat to slaughter houses. They also sells bones, fat, etc.. except for animal soul. regards.
MISCELLANEOUS
KARNATAKA JAIN MINISTER REFUSES FISHERIES PORTFOLIO
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May 27, 2013, Bangalore: With little more than a week after he was inducted as a minister, sports and fisheries minister Abhay Chandra Jain has tried to seek a change in the ministerial responsibility. Jain on told chief minister Siddaramaiah that he belongs to the Jain religion and hence the fisheries portfolio should be taken back from him or changed. According to him his religion follows "path of ahimsa (non-violence)" so he may not perform well in the fisheries portfolio.
Speaking to media at Moodbidri, Jain explained that his community leaders have raised objections for accepting the fisheries portfolio. In deference to his community people's sentiments, the minister said to have decided to relinquish fisheries responsibility. However, the CM Siddaramaiah out rightly rejected the proposal for change and asked Jain to continue in the existing set up. Sources close to CM said that Jain was told that portfolios were allocated based on merits not on religious lines. Later Jain said he would continue in the portfolios as CM had rejected his request. "The CM told me that portfolio was allocated as I come from the coastal belt and expressed confidence in my ability to do well in the responsibilities given."
THE RELEVANCE AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ARTICLE 51 A (G) IN SCHOOL CURRICULUM
Text of the Speech by Dr. C. L. Bagra at Karuna Internationl Program at Chennai
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Let me start with the words of justice B. L. Jeevan Reddy, what he said in the nine judge bench headed by Chief Justice M. N. Venkatachallaiya in AIR 1993 SC 477 (Indra Sawhney VS Union of India & ors) –43 years ago was founded this Republic with the fourfold objective of securing its citizens- JUSTICE, LIBERTY, EQUALITY N FRATERNITY. Statesmen of the highest order, the like of which this country has not seen since, belonging to the fields of LAW, POLITICS & PUBLIC LIFE came together to fashion the instrument of change - that is the Constitution of India.
• They did not rest content with evolving the framework of the state, they also pointed out the goal and the methodology for reaching that goal.
• In the preamble, they spelt out the goal and in part III and IV, they elaborated the methodology to be followed for reaching that goal.
• Part III of the Constitution of India Deals with the rights of its citizen, while part IV Covers Directive Principles of state policy and Part IV A With Fundamental Duties of the Citizens.
• This article 51 A(g) is covered under part IV A, Reading as under:-It shall be the fundamental duty of every citizen of India to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wildlife and to have compassion for living creatures.
IT HAS TWO PARTS:
1. To protect natural environment, and
2.To have compassion for living creatures
Friends, while the constitution under this article put these two very vital responsibilities of protection of natural Environment and peaceful co- habitation with all living beings upon the shoulders of Indian citizen, by putting article 48 and 48A Under Part IV, Constitution also made states responsible by giving them directives to formulate such laws as to safeguard the nature as well as its all living beings.
ARTICLE 48 says - Organisation of the state shall endeavor to organise agriculture and animal husbandry on modern and scientific lines and shall, in particular, take steps for preserving and improving the breeds and prohibiting the slaughter of cows and calves and other milch and draught cattle.
Article 48 states Protection and Improvement of Environment and safeguarding of Forests and Wildlife-
The state shall endeavor to protect and improve the Environment and to safeguard the forests and Wildlife of the country. So both these very vital duties are also made responsibilities of the states too. The world over, the most engaging concern of intellectuals had been for a healthy and sustainable life of this planet. Man has inherited nature's plentiful bounties, and through tireless efforts and scientific pursuits, he has worked hard to make this life peaceful, comfortable and healthy. But the over increasing threat to environment by global warming, ozone layers depletion, melting of polar caps, rising ocean water levels, fossil fuel depletion and growing immunity of various disease organisms owing to increased use of dioxins and pesticides, intellectual community faces an uncontrollable physical challenge. We find more and more of good successful people being less at peace with themselves and their jobs, their families and what not.
Our nation is a welfare state and our economy is agriculture based and economy. We are world's largest democracy. But We have more than 16% of world population whereas our surface area is only 2.4 %.Father of our nation, Mahatma Gandhi had categorically said that the greatness of a nation and its moral progress can only be measured by the way, its animals are treated. As per census records, approx 35% of Indian population is in the 5-19 age group, who are going to be our country's future. Again approx 35 % is in the the bracket of 19-35 age group. So we have world's youngest population and here lies our countries strength too. Friends, here your role increases manifold. Karuna International is doing very good and noble work by having humane education programs in various schools and colleges across many states and you are the carriers of that mission. I salute all of you.
One scientific study says that by switching to vegetarian diet, you can shrink your carbon foot print by upto 1.4 M. Ton of carbon-dioxide per year. Famous environmental scientist Dr. R. K. Pachori has said in the UNO. That to save the world from global warning, at least one meal a week should be without meat. At Present animal protein in diet is about 20%, but owing to the increase in world population and increased shortage of water availability, by the year 2050, animal protien in diet will reduce to just 5% and the world will have to shift to vegetarian diet.
Friends, now let me tell you some other vital information about milk which I think, most of you might not be aware about. As you know, today our country is worlds no. one in milk production. Our per capita consumption is almost at per with the required quantity of 240 Gms., But how many of you know that in the name of milk, we are consuming some white fluid, which is very much harmful for our health. And Smt. Menka Gandhi in India also, advocates against consumption Milk, which again is totally against our thousands of year old Indian culture and ethos. Friends, you will be surprised to know that most of the presently available dairy milk contains BCM 7, which is a compound of narcotic family and very harmful and cause of most of the Diseases. Recently many scientific studies were undertaken in Brazil and New zealand and we should be very very happy and proud to know that milk of Indian Breeds of Cows and mostly Grazing in Natural Surroundings, are to be free from BCM 7 and Instead, are rich in omega 3 and omega 6, which enriches our body's immune system. Now, they have termed this milk as milk of A2 variety and it is sold separately, duly branded, at a very high premium price in New zealand, Brazil and USA and catching of the Market very fast, rest of the milk is termed as a one quality milk.
Government of India's institute at Kamal, National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources have also done these tests at their place and found these findings correct. Now a big movement in milk is underway. You can view more details on their website. This is what our constitution maker wanted us to do. Another very disturbing news is that where as under article 48 and 48A animal husbandry's role should have been to preserve and protect our own breeds, they are working hand in glove with vested interest group and in the name of animal welfare, promoting their slaughter business, local as well for exports, which is a matter of great concern for all of us.
Recently in one of our legal suit going on in the supreme court, Govt. of India has officially admitted and have given factual facts about some of the states - In Maharastra, Government runs 142 slaughter houses, out of which only 51 have got NOC from pollution control board and rest 92 are running illegally and that too by the local govt. municipalities.
| Similarly in Madhya Pradesh | Total:25 | Approved NIL | Illegal 25 |
| Andhra Pradesh | Total:148 | Approved NIL | Illegal 142 |
| Uttar Pradesh | Total:84 | Approved 4 | Illegal 80 |
| Rajasthan | Total:8 | Approved X | Illegal 8 |
So, you can see yourself how even government is indulging itself in illegal acts, So, what can we expect...?
There are many more matters to share with you dear friends. I was a member in the 7 member sub- committee on meat in the 10th five year plan. There was a proposal for establishing 56,000 new rural slaughter houses and I was the only one to protest. I put my written protests in 136 page note and fortunately with the Mass support from other ahimsa loving organisation, total proposals were got rejected. As a result meat export from the country remain between the range of 4.5 to 5.00 lac ton during the years 2004-05 to 2009-1 O. Just see the figures-But in 2010-11 it Rose to 7.09 In 2011-12 to 14.11 and According to USDA, it is likely to exceed 15 lac matric ton by the end of 2012 to replace the present three Icon nations - Brazil, Australia and USA.
Now you have to choose your own role. Constitution has cast our duties to protect the nature and all the living beings. Ball is now in your court. Play your role. Your have the capacity to change to change the world. Thank You, Jai Hind, Jai Ahimsa.
JAIN COMMUNITY PROTESTS AGAINST CBI FOR INVOLVING GULABCHAND KATARIA IN SOHRABUDDIN CASE
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Jun 4, 2013, Mumbai, According to the charge sheet filed on May 14 by CBI against Kataria and three others, Sheikh demanded Rs 24 crore from Patni as protection money and this was the prime reason why he was eliminated. Gulabchand Kataria on appeared before the court in response to the summons issued by it after the CBI filed a supplementary charge sheet against him in the Soharabuddin Sheikh fake encounter case. Besides Kataria, R. K. marble director Vimal Patni also appeared in the court, while Andhra Pradesh-based IPS officer N Balasubraminiam and inspector Shrinivas Rao filed an exemption application. The special CBI court had granted interim protection from arrest to Kataria, Patni, Balasubramaniam and Rao till June 14. The metropolitan court today adjourned the case till June 21. The CBI earlier also said it was Sheikh who wanted to spread his extortion racket in Rajasthan and in order to get a good hold over the state he demanded the protection money. The investigating agency also said Kataria was the link between Patni and former Gujarat Home Minister Amit Shah and that Patni was introduced to Shah by Kataria. According to CBI, after coming in contact with Patni, Shah planned the entire encounter operation with the help of Gujarat Police. The Supreme Court on September 27 last year had ordered the transfer of Sheikh encounter case to Maharashtra after the CBI said witnesses were being intimidated and the trial could not be held in a free and fair manner in Gujarat. Shah was the Minister of State for Home in the Narendra Modi Cabinet before he stepped down after his name surfaced in the staged encounter killing. Shah won the Assembly election held in Gujarat in December last year. Sheikh and his wife Kauser Bi were allegedly abducted by Gujarat's Anti-Terrorism Squad from Hyderabad and killed in a fake encounter near Gandhinagar in November 2005. Tulsiram Prajapati, a key witness to the encounter, was allegedly killed by police at Chapri village in Banaskantha district in December 2006. CBI had alleged Shah was the "kingpin" of the conspiracy in the encounter episode in which most of the accused are policemen, some of them IPS officers. He was arrested in July 2010 but released on bail after spending three months in jail. Shah was the Minister of State for Home in the Narendra Modi Cabinet before he stepped down after his name surfaced in the staged encounter killing. Shah won the Assembly election held in Gujarat in December last year.
Both Shri Gulab Chand Kataria and Mr. Vimal Patni enjoy tremendous goodwill in Jain Community and their respective profession and business. The news of CBI's supplementary Charge Sheet is upsetting for the entire Jain Community. The community has widely protested against the action of CBI.
JAIN CALENDAR FOR THE MONTH OF JULY 2013
VIR SAMVAT 2539 JAIN CALENDAR VIKRAM SAMVAT 2069
Aatham | Chaudas | Pancham | Bij | Agiyaras | Jain Festival | Auspicious Day |
| VAISHAKH - JUNE 2013 - JETH | |||||||
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | AVOID GREEN & ROOT VEGETABLES |
| 1 Vad Nom | 2 Vad Dasam | 3 Vad Agiyaras | 4 Vad Baras | 5 Vad Teras | 6 Vad Teras | 7 Vad Chaudas | |
| 8 Vad Amas | 9 Sud Ekam | 10 Sud Bij | 11 Sud Trij | 12 Sud Choth | 13 Sud Pancham | 14 Sud Chhath | |
| 15 Sud Satam | 16 Sud Aatham | 17 Sud Nom | 18 Sud Dasam | 19 Sud Agiyaras | 20 Sud Baras | 21 Sud Chaudas | |
| 22 Sud Poonam | 23 Vad Ekam | 24 Vad Bij | 25 Vad Trij | 26 | 27 Vad Pancham | 28 Vad Chhath | |
| 29 Vat Satam | 30 Vad Aatham | 31 Vad Nom | JETH: 1 TO 8 JULY ASHADH: 9 TO 31 JULY | ||||
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