Ahimsa Times

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WORLD HAS LOST THE TRUE AMBASSADOR OF AHIMSA - THE NELSON ROLIHLAHLA MANDELA

(18 July 1918 - 5 December 2013)

“To say a few appropriate words to accolade an icon who has been the architect of freedom, democracy and equality in South Africa, after many years of repression, inequality and indignity, is a daunting task. Madiba is the personification of an articulate, honourable, upright leader whose legacy will remain for many years. We extend condolences to his family and friends and to the people of South Africa for their loss and hope that, they can find the courage and strength to bear with patience, this loss of a man who has brought solace to many against the draconian practices of the past".

Ahimsa Foundation

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SAINTS

नरेंद्र मोदी जैन मुनि विजय रत्न सुंदर सुरीश्वर महाराज से मिलने दादाबाड़ी पहुंचे

Nov 08, 2013, रायपुर। भाजपा के प्रधानमंत्री पद के दावेदार नरेंद्र मोदी गुरुवार की शाम अचानक जैन मुनि विजय रत्न सुंदर सुरीश्वर महाराज से मिलने एमजी रोड स्थित दादाबाड़ी पहुंचे। इस मुलाकात के बाद रायपुर शहर में मोदी की इस गतिविधि से चर्चाओं का दौर शुरू हो गया। कोई कहने लगा कि मोदी शहर में रोड शो करने निकल पड़े हैं तो कोई कहने लगा कि जैन समाज से राजनीतिक समर्थन मांगने के लिए जोगी मुनि से मिलने पहुंचे। लिहाजा दावा किया जा रहा है कि मोदी ने जैन मुनि से आशीर्वाद लिया है। जैन मुनि ने मोदी को देश व प्रदेश की सरकार चलाने के टिप्स दिए।चुनावी सभाओं को संबोधित करने के बाद मोदी जब रायपुर पहुंचे तब उन्हें बताया गया कि दादाबाड़ी में जैन मुनि ठहरे हुए हैं। उसके बाद वे शाम 6.25 बजे दादाबाड़ी पहुंचे। उनके साथ भाजपा के प्रदेश प्रभारी जगत प्रकाश नड्डा, सांसद रमेश बैस, मंत्री बृजमोहन अग्रवाल और राजेश मूणत, आरडीए अध्यक्ष सुनील सोनी थे। मोदी के आगमन को लेकर एमजी रोड करीब एक घंटे बंद रखा गया। पूरा इलाका पुलिस छावनी में तब्दील कर दिया गया था। पार्टी के युवा कार्यकर्ता भी बड़ी संख्या में जमा थे।

TERAPANTH TRUST COMMEMORATES 100TH YEAR OF ACHARYA TULSI

CHENNAI, 06th November 2013, It was a day when the whole Jain community in Chennai gathered to celebrate the Birth Centenary of Jain Terapanth’s Ninth Acharya Tulsi. The one-day event was organised by Sri Jain Swetambar Terapanth Trust, Triplicane.

The event was conducted in remembrance of their spiritual Guru, Acharya Tulsi, and various speakers from the Jain community attended the function. Chennai Mayor Saidai Duraisamy graced the occasion as the chief guest.Saidai Duraisamy appreciated the efforts of the Terapanth Trust and the Jain community for their healthy eating habits and clean principles. He expressed his happiness to be part of the celebrations which honoured Acharya Tulsi, who was known for his progressive ideas. Sudhir Lodha, member of the State Minorities Commission, who was also present on the occasion, appealed to the youth to learn more about Acharya Tulsi. “Acharya Tulsi was a man of great vision and was much ahead of his times. Throughout his lifetime he wanted to propagate social, environmental and political balance. He voiced against superstitious beliefs and launched a campaign against eradicating practices like the purdah system. It is sad that this generation knows very little about this legend, the Trust must widen their mission of spreading his knowledge,” he said.It was also said that the Government of India was planning to issue commemorative coins to felicitate Acharya Tulsi.

पोटनेर तीर्थ" में मुनि प्रशान्तविजयजी की हत्या

2 दिसंबर को "पोटनेर तीर्थ" में मुनि प्रशान्तविजयजी की हत्या हुई है। वे इस तीर्थ के स्थापक थे। यह तीर्थ महाराष्ट्र के रायगढ़ जिले में स्थित है। अक्सर वे अकेले ही वहां रहते थे। यह तीर्थ मुंबई-गोवा हाइवे पर होते हुए भी सुनसान जगह पर स्थित है। वहां स्टाफ भी काफी कम संख्या में हैं।

स्थानीय आदिवासिओं ने उनकी हत्या नहीं की है। यह मामला चोरी या डकैती का भी नहीं है। इसलिए सरकार या प्रशासन पर दबाव बनाने अथवा उन्हें कोसने के प्रयास उचित नहीं हैं। दोनों हत्यारे राजस्थान के सिरोही जिले के हैं। दोनों वहां पतरे के शेड का काम कर रहे थे। पैसों के लेनदेन को लेकर दिन में मुनिश्री से उनका विवाद हुआ था। रात को करीब 10.45 बजे पाईप से उन्होंने मुनि की हत्या की है। दोनों को उसी कमरे से गिरफ्तार किया गया है। अभी वे रायगढ़ पुलिस की रिमांड पर हैं।

वे आतंकवादी नहीं हैं। बिना खोजबीन किये यह कहना भी गलत होगा कि वे अनोप मंडल के लोग हैं। गलत बातों को फैलाने से समाज भ्रमित होता है। और ऐसा करने से समाज की सोच गलत दिशा में आगे बढती है। इसमें समाज का कोई हित नहीं है। इस समय समाज को संगठित होने की आवश्यकता है। भविष्य में ऐसी घटनाएं न बनें, उसका चिंतन ज़रूरी है। पुलिस या अन्य कोई इस मामले को कमज़ोर न बना दें, इस बात की सावधानी सम्बंधित लोगों को बरतनी है। दिवगंत आत्मा की शान्ति और दुर्जनों को सद् बुद्धि मिले....ऐसी कामना कीजिए।- मुनि विमलसागरजी महाराज, (05-12-2013, महुडी तीर्थ)।

मुनि श्री पूज्य सागर जी व् मुनि श्री प्रभात सागर जी महाराज पर लडको द्वारा हमला किया गया

चंदेरी, मध्य प्रदेश - 5 December, 2013,  आचार्य श्री 108 विद्या सागर जी महाराज के शिष्य मुनि श्री पूज्य सागर जी व् मुनि श्री प्रभात सागर जी महाराज पर कुछ विशेष समुदाय के लडको द्वारा तलवार से हमला किया गया, यह हमला आहार से लोटते समय हुआ, महाराज श्री सुरक्षित है लेकिन चार जैन लड़के गंभीर रूप से घायल हो गए, एक लड़का सौरभ जैन ज्यादा सीरियस है जिसका अशोक नगर अस्पताल में ओपरेशन चल रहा है, अभी तक लगभग 4000 जैन लोग वहा पर पहुँच चुके है, पुलिस द्वारा नाकाबंदी की गयी है। Source: Sachin Jain, E-Mail:

POLICE PROTECTION TO JAIN SAINTS IN GUJARAT BY NARENDRA MODI Gujarat Chief Minister has ordered administration to provide police protection to all Jain Sadhus and Sadhvis during their Vihaar Yatra in Gujarat. Thank You Sri Narendra Modiji for this compassionate gesture towards Jain community.

NEWS ABOUT JAIN TEMPLES

SHETH ANANDJI KALYANJI TRUST EXECUTING SEVERAL TEMPLE RESTORATION PROJECTS

Nov 22, 2013,Ahmedabad: It is one of the oldest and powerful Jain trusts in the country. Seth Anandji Kalyanji is force behind the several Shwetambar Jain temple projects.The trust is nearly 250-year old and its foundations were laid by powerful Sheth Shantidas. Today, this trust undertakes the administration and caretaking of some of the most famous Jain temples and establishments of the Shwetambar Jains in the country. Presently, Sheth Shantidas' eleventh generation Shrenik Lalbhai heads the trust. It was founded to manage Shatrunjaya Palitana temples but later it became one of the main trusts.Among the temples this trust controls or share the administration include Shatrunjaya, Ranakpur, Girnar, Kumbharia, Taranga, Maksi, Sherisa, Muchhala Mahavir Temple, Sherisa Vamaj, besides several Jain temples in Ahmedabad. The trust offices are functional in Mumabi, Pune, Mansore, Udaipur, Bikaner, Ratlam, Indore Ujjain, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Belgaun, Kolkatta, Patna, Ludhiana, Ambala and Chennai. It is worth noting that it was in 1880 that the trust was accepted as a pan-India trust for taking care of the monuments of the Shwetambar sect. Gaurav Sheth, one of the trustees since 1978 said, "It is one of the oldest Jain trusts in the country and the most active also. One of its fortes has been high discipline and credibility it has garnered over the years." In recent times, some of the major works that had been undertaken involved the renovation and restoration of Ranakpur temple under the Presidentship of Kasturbhai Lalbhai. The restoration continued for nearly 12 years before the renovated temple was gifted to the people in 1953. After this was the renovation of Palitana temple in 1974. Today, a large number of temples are being restored, including the Hutheesing Jain temple at Delhi Darwaza, which will continue for three years. The trust spends more than Rs 15 crore every year in renovation and repair works of various Jain temples across the country. The trust members and representatives of various cities meet twice a year and finalize a working agenda for the trust.

STOLEN JAIN IDOLS SENT TO MANGALORE POLICE BY SPEED POST

Nov 6, 2013, Mangalore Police received an unusual parcel by speed post. When the parcel was opened everyone was shocked to see 12 Jain idols.The idols that came in a 750 gm parcel, with a box value of Rs 139, were those stolen from the Jain temple at Moodabidri, whose recovery had posed a headache for the Mangalore police.

On July 5, Santhosh Das alias Ghanshyam Das (35) barged into Sidhanta Bhavana, located behind Guru Basadi, the temple of Lord Parshwanatha, on Jain Temple Road in Moodabidri, about 37 km from Mangalore, using gas cutters and stole 15 precious idols. As per the FIR filed by the Mutt authorities, the idols were worth an approximate Rs. 75 crore. This is considered as the state's largest archeological heist.

In the past four months, Mangalore police have been trying hard to recover the idols, even as pressure has been mounting on the state government to handover the case to Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).Now police feels that the culprits sent the idols back, fearing CBI investigation as well as narco-analysis test. Police informed they are investigating who sent the parcel. Police refused to divulge the sender's name or the place from where the box was sent.Even as the police refused to confirm the source of the box. The police invited Abhijith M. and Bhattarakha Swamiji of Moodabidri Jain Math to visit their office as they will be opening the box.The entire process of box opening was videographed. A total of 12 idols were found in the box. The witness to opening of parcel included Mangalore Police Commissioner, Mr. Manish Kharbhikar, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ravikumar, Investigating Officer of the case Mr. Ananthapadmanab and Swasti Sri Charukeerthi Bhattarakha Swamiji, Abhijith M & Sudesh Kumar from Jain Samaj. Sahu R. P. Jain from Delhi was persistently following the developments in this case expressed his satisfaction and thanked Mangalore Police Investigation team.

AHMEDABAD: HUTHEESING TEMPLE TO GO HI-TECH

Nov 29, 2013, Ahemdabad based ancient Jain Temple (derasar) will have a museum & audio-visual centre for better understanding of Jainism. One of the living heritages of Jain architecture in Gujarat, the Hutheesing Jain Derasar, built in 1848 AD, is an architectural marvel in marble. To add value to its immensely illustrious past and a novel attempt to raise awareness levels about Jainism, the temple will now open its doors to technology that will help the monument preserve and disseminate its thinking to the newer generations. With this aim, the derasar plans to set up an audio-visual centre to showcase documentaries on the lives of Jain maharajas, beautiful sculptures of the Jain saints and major scenes from history.

It will also house a museum, an art gallery and a huge library on its premises. The two-storey building constructed on derasar’s premises, and to be named ‘Shashan Samrat Bhavan’ in the honour of popular Jain saint Vijay Nemisuri Maharaj, is at present being given final touches for its launch on December 8. Explaining about the building plan, Acharya Vijayshil Chandrasuri Maharaj said: “The ground floor will have paintings and live-sized sculptures of disciples of Mahavir Swami and some of the important scenes in their lives. Many important incidents that took place 2,500 years ago as well as presentations through paintings and sketches on how they became Jain monks will be displayed.” Interestingly, artists from West Bengal are working on the sculptures at the workshop on the derasar premises. The Maharaj further said that the first floor will have a pictorial art gallery of Vijay Nemisuri Maharaj and the second floor will have a huge repository with a provision of storing one lakh books. Fifty years back, Vijay Nemisuri Maharaj started a library with 50,000 books in the Relief Road; but it lies defunct today. The books from there will be shifted to the derasar and the new library will be contain revolving cupboards to accommodate more books. There are also plans to have audio tour of the museum and the art gallery for the visitors for better understanding on Jainism. The building, which is a brainchild of Vijay Suryodaysuri Maharaj, will have an audio visual centre, where documentary movie on life of Vijay Nemisuri Maharaj will be screened.

MEDCHAL 72 JINYALA TEMPLES INAUGURAL CEREMONY TO TAKE PLACE ON 8TH DECEMBER

Hyderabad: A first of its kind Jain temple in South India with 72 Jinalaya temples of Jain thirthankaras is being constructed at Medchal soon. This will be the third temple in India, after the 72 Jinalaya temple in Bhuj, Gujarat and at Bhinmal in Rajasthan.

The temple will have 72 statues (deities) of Lord Mahavir (24 past jinalaya, 24 current ones and 24 future). Religious heads will attend eight days long pran prathisthapan (inaugural) ceremony. After that the temple will be open to devotees. Devotees will witness the pran prathisthapan ceremony on December 8.

The temple is being constructed near Medchal Railway Station. The temple to be constructed in Makrana marble, will have a total of 102 idols, including 72 thirthankara Jinalaya and idols of other heads, including Sankeshwar Parshwananth, Shaktiguru, Dada Gurudev Dadawadi, among others. The Kolanupaka temple at Nalgonda will also attract more Jain devotees to the city. The Jain shrine at the Kolanupaka village in Nalgonda district is more than 2,500 years old and was recently renovated by more than 150 artisans from Rajasthan and Gujarat and thrown open to the public. This temple boasts of three holy idols of Lord Adinath, Lord Neminath and Lord Mahaveer and 21 other thirthankaras.

LIGHT & SOUND SHOW AT JAIN HERITAGE SITES

Nov 12, 2013, Bhubaneswar: After hanging fire for several years, the proposed light and sound show at the historic Khandagiri and Udayagiri Jain heritage sites have been approved. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has given its consent and Centre sanctioning Rs 5 crore last month. The Sun Temple at Konark and Dhauli hills would also be having the same facilities to woo tourists.

The Centre-run India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) would execute the light and sound systems at the three places. The ASI, custodian of the Khandagiri and Udayagiri hills, has given its approval, subject to the plan and design of the project. The Union tourism ministry sanctioned Rs 5 crore each for the three destinations. Of the sanctioned Rs 15 crore.The proposed project would be commissioned on a priority basis to draw more tourists after cyclone Phailin caused severe damage to the tourism sector of the state. Though an attempt was made by tourism department about six years back to introduce light and sound systems at Khandagiri and Udayagiri hills, the project could not take off because of ASI's objections. ASI was then apprehensive about possible defacement of the monuments' engineering due to the show, which necessitated fitting sound boxes and equipment to the walls of the age-old heritage structure.While Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan's voice was recorded for narration of the historical importance of the hills, a Kolkata-based firm was then engaged to carry out the installment work. However, the project was scrapped at the last moment because of ASI's opposition.This time, the latest technology would be used to ensure that no damage is caused to the age-old structure. Experts of IIT-Kharagpur recently conducted a survey and found that the upgraded light show would not harm the monuments.

About Udayagiri & Khandigiri - Udayagiri & Khandagiri are ancient Jain Heritage Centres located at a distance of 9 Kms from Bhubaeshwara the capital of Odisha. It is said to be in existence since the time of Lord Adinath. There are references stating that the samavasarana of Bhagawan Mahavir was set up here. Emperor Kharvel one of the greatest of the Jain rulers who belonged to the Kalinga's ruled this region during the 1st Century BC. Udayagiri (about 35 meters high) and Khandagiri (about 40 meters high) and two hillocks located opposite to each other. We can find many caves on both the hillocks with carvings of the Jain idols and inscriptions related to Jainism. Among these the Hathigumpha (Elephant Cave) inscription inscribed by King Kharavel in Brahmi script is the oldest available inscription on Jainism.

PHARMA FIRM EMPLOYEE HELD IN JAIN BANGALORE TEMPLE HEIST

Bangalore, Fri Nov 08 2013, A pharmaceutical company employee in Tamil Nadu has been arrested for allegedly supplying sedatives to the main accused in the sensational Rs 1-crore heist at a Jain temple in Cottonpet, Bangalore, on October 19.

The police said some security guards at the temple carried out the robbery with the help of a gang from Nepal. They mixed the sedatives in the food of other security guards and rendered them unconscious. The arrest of Sher Bahaddur Jatar also a Nepal native and an employee of Microlabs in Hosur, takes the total to seven. The police said he was a friend of the main accused.They said Jatar knew of drugs that could render people unconscious and used the knowledge to help his friends carry out the robbery. He allegedly brought the sedatives from Hosur for Prakash Bahaddur, a guard at the temple. Prakash mixed the drug in a curry he prepared and served it to other security guards on October 19 night. He then let in a gang of aides from Nepal. The police said they seized some tablets from Jatar after his arrest. The tablets have been sent to the forensic science lab (FSL) for analysis. The investigation so far has revealed that Jai Bahaddur Buda, who came to India from Nepal searching for a job, went to Hosur and stayed with Jatar for a few days. He also contacted other friends settled in and around Bangalore, the police said. While searching for a job, Buda met Bhanu and Prakash Bahaddur, who were security guards at the Jain temple. They planned the robbery and sought help of the others. The accused, however, could not escape the CCTV cameras at the temple. Mobile call details also gave them away. Four of the accused were arrested from Nepal. Another police team has now gone to Nepal to try and arrest other suspects.

MURSHIDABAD HERITAGE DEVELOPMENT SOCIETY TO FUND JAIN TEMPLE RESTORATION IN WEST BENGAL

Nov 11, 2013, Berhampore: The restoration work at the Jain architecture and monuments in Murshidabad, many of them around one-and-a-half century old and depicting a fusion of Jain and Bengal's architectural styles is being initiated and funded by Murshidabad Heritage Development Society. The society is planning to create a kitty to fund the restoration. The project was earlier also submitted to the Ministry of Tourism with an investment proposal of Rs. 150 crore. According to the society, there is a huge scope of developing tourism in Murshidabad and Jain monuments and architecture can be the jewels in the crown. There are numerous temples, havelis, kothis and other monuments depicting Jain architecture in places like Azimganj, Jiaganj and Lalbag. The success of Jagat Seth, one of the largest bankers in India during the early 18th century, attracted Jain business community in Rajasthan to settle in Bengal and start their own businesses. Most of the Jain families like Singhis, Dugars, Nowlakhas and Dudhorias took zamindaris from local nawabs in exchange of guaranteed annual revenue and also started money lending, banking and trading in Murshidabad. According to records available with the Murshidabad Heritage Development Society, there were around 10 billionaire families within one mile radius of Azimganj and Jiaganj whose combined wealth was much more than the entire British aristocracy. The wealth has also prompted them to set up temples, monuments and palaces. Doogar family owns the Katgola Palace set up by Jain businessman Rai Bahadur Lachhmipat Singh Doogar.

JAIN TEMPLE RUINS IN PAKISTAN - VIDEOS

www.youtube.com/watch?v=i5WCwymQNZs
www.youtube.com/watch?v=DU2pTs1eP5g Part II
www.youtube.com/watch?v=FmTORsHhCD4 Part I

Source: Has Shah Email:

FESTIVALS & EVENTS

JAINS CELEBRATE GYAN PANCHAMI

Friday, Nov 8, 2013, Jains across India celebrated Jnan /Gyan Pancham, an occasion to revere not only knowledge (gyan), but also God and teachers (gyani) and books (gyan ke upkaran).

It is an important day for the Jain community because they consider knowledge important to not only attain success in life, but also to cleanse one’s soul of the evil qualities. Rituals are held at homes and Jain temples where devotees gather to pay respects to the holy scriptures. Various Jain Sanghs offer devotees a special darshan of rare granth (books), religious scriptures and antique idols to mark Gyan Panchami. In Jain tradition worshipping knowledge on this day is a ritual.

It is believed that Jains must worship knowledge on this day so as to attain moksha. Besides the granths, ancient Jain idols and scriptures written in gold ink are kept in open for darshan. In another unique feature of these celebrations, vasa-kshep (sandalwood powder) is used to anoint the idols. This is an act which is considered especially virtuous by Jains. It is also believed that, persons who are born with learning difficulties or other problems that do not let them acquire knowledge are believed to have disrespected knowledge in their earlier birth, and so, it is more important for them to perform the rituals on this day.A deed committed that insults knowledge or its source is called the ‘gyanvarniya karm’ and people who knowingly or unknowingly did it offer prayers in order to atone for it.

KALI CHAUDAS CELEBRATED AT SHRI GHANTAKARNA MAHAVIR TEMPLE AT MAHUDI, GUJARAT

Nov 2, 2013, Kali Chaudas Havan was performed at Shri Ghantakarna Mahavir temple at Mahudi on the outskirts of Gandhinagar.

More than one lakh devotees from various communities across Gujarat and outside the state visited the 92-year-old Jain pilgrimage for the annual Kali Chaudas Havan. Every year devotees from Maharashtra, MP, UP, Rajasthan, Karnataka and Gujarat flock to the Jain Temple in Mahudi, some 75 km from Ahmedabad city. Many NRIs also come for the annual havan. Mitranand Sagarji, a Jain muni based in Ahmedabad, said: "On Kali Chaudas, powerful deities are appeased through puja and havan by various communities, including Jains." According to the trustees of Mahudi's Gantakarna Mahavir temple, the temple was established by Buddhisagar Suriswarji. After that, the renowned Jain saint started this tradition of havan on Kali Chaudas which continues till today. It is believed that people who attend the havan are cured of diseases. The bell at the derasar is rung to bring good luck to people who live around the temple and can hear it ringing. It is believed that any place where the ringing of the bell is heard is sanitized of plagues.

JAIN INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATION LAUNCHED IN MUMBAI

Hon. Chief Minister Shri. Prithviraj Chavan along with Hon. Chief Minister of Goa Shri Manohar Parrikar shared the platform to inaugurate the International Settlement Forum an initiative by the Jain International organization at NSCI, Worli on 27th October. The launch of International Settlement Forum-ISF also marked the global launch of the central organisation viz Jain International Organisation (JIO)which has been spearheading various forums like Jain Doctors Federation, Jain Administrative Training Foundation, Peace and Non Violence Foundation, Jain Advocates Federation, Jain International Women's Organization, Jain International Youth Organization, and Jain International Trade Organization etc.

This grand summit was attended by host of various eminent personalities like Sachin Aahir, Minister of Housing Government of Maharashtra, Shaina NC, Fashion Designer & Treasurer, BJP Mumbai, Arnab Goswami, Editor-In-Chief Times Now, D Dhariwal Group CEO, Times Group, Anurag Thakur, President ABVP, Aditya Thackeray, President Yuva Sena, Manish Paul, Actor, Vikas Jain, Co-Founder, Micromax, Uday Shankar, CEO Star TV, Prasoon Joshi, Adman & Lyricist and popular writer Chetan Bhagat. As a part of the global launch event, Jain International organization. 9th Doctors International Conference was also held at the venue. Jain International Organization also launched various other initiatives like Political Power Center for good Governance, Jain International Youth Organization (JIYO), and their education initiative of setting up world class schools in Mumbai, imparting value based education.

International Settlement Forum - ISF is being constituted with a view to intervene, conciliate and resolve disputed matters, out of court and arrive at settlements which are speedy and at a fraction of the cost and will also help maintain amicable relationship between the disputing parties. In this forum, legal luminaries such as Supreme Court / High Court Retired Judges and senior lawyers have agreed to give their time and act as Arbitrators. Resolution of dispute in this manner through ISF is recognized judicially by our courts of law. ISF will be chaired by Justice M. B. Shah, retired Judge of the Supreme Court of India. Speaking for the occasion founder of JIO Param Pujya Naypadmasagarji Maharajsaheb said "Our motto has always been to help and unite communities for the betterment of people and am happy to say that through JIO Jain International Organization and International Settlement Forum-ISF we have taken a step in the right direction to achieve our objective of community development and harmony".

OXFORD WILL HOLD ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON RELIGION

The Oxford Round Table will hold our 11th Annual International Conference on Religion during the dates of March 23 - March 27, 2014 at Brasenose College in the University of Oxford, Oxford, England. Brasenose College is one of the thirty-eight colleges that form the University of Oxford and was founded in 1509. Membership is limited to approximately thirty-five (35) interdisciplinary participants who have a particular interest in this subject.

Research papers are invited to make a presentation on a relevant aspect of the topic, however participation as a member of the Round Table is not contingent upon presenting. Papers presented at the Round Table may be subsequently submitted for publication in the Forum, a journal of the Oxford Round Table. Papers considered for publication in the Forum are evaluated by peer reviewers as to technical and substantive quality and for potential to make a significant contribution to new knowledge in the field.

Canon Brian Mountford has been Vicar of the University Church of St Mary the Virgin Oxford for twenty five years. He is also Canon of Christ Church Cathedral and Fellow of St. Hilda’s College, Oxford. Topics of discussion will include: Separation of Church and State, Nationalism, Religion and Nuclear Weapons, Public Schools, Democracy and Religious Fundamentalism, Religion, Modernity and Human Rights. For further information log on to www.oxfordroundtable.co.uk. E-Mail:.

JIO PLANNING TO LAUNCHCOMMUNITY ID CARDS

Mumbai, November 08, 2013. Members of the newly-formed Jain International Organisation (JIO) are planning to launch ID cards for the community members around the world

Under the scheme, approximately 1.2 crore Jains in the country and across the world can soon get community cards with individual identification numbers. The JIO cards will help community members build a network. JIO is planning to channalise many fold advantages for the card holders. It expects to provide bargain deals in housing and health facilities through this card. Jain Sadhu Parampujya Naypadmasagarji, who was the force behind 24 major community associations over the last decade and the establishment of JIO, said the cards would unite Jains. However, the Jains are not the first to implement a card system.The Dawoodi Bohras had made it compulsory for every community member to have an identification card with a unique bar code in 2003.“The purpose of the card is to help every community member travelling anywhere in the world get access to the community musafirkhana (accommodation) and avail of benefits,” said community spokesperson Qureish Raghib.

JIO SETS UP ARBITRATION FORUM "ISF"

Nov 8, 2013, Mumbai: The Jain International Organisation has started the International Settlement Forum (ISF). ISF will deliver quick decisions within a few weeks to people of all communities, the only condition is that the parties must agree to abide by the verdict.Retired high court judges will conduct the proceedings. Around 3.5 crore civil cases are pending across India, which could take 200 years to adjudicate at the current pace. JIO is inviting people embroiled in marital conflict, company disputes and property matters to settle amicably without spending too much time or money. Chief justice (retd) Vijendra Jain of the Punjab & Haryana high court is ISF chairman. Arbitration fora are not like the Lok Adalat, which is a statutory body under the Legal Services Act. The Arbitrator and Conciliator Act, 1996, provides that non-penal cases like family, civil and property disputes and company cases that remain unresolved can be settled through arbitration. NGOs offering these services must be registered under the Societies Act.

ALL INDIA JAIN DOCTORS MEET AT AURANGABAD ON NOVEMBER 16, 2013

Aurangabad (Maharashtra), November 1, 2013: The All India Jain Doctors Meet will be held at Aurangabad on November 16, 2013. The meet has been organised by All India Digambar Jain Doctors Forum. The Chairman of the Organising Committee Dr. Sanamthi S. Thole informed the details. The meet will be held at Baburaja complex, Bhagwan Shantinath Chowk, Kirana Chawdi, Aurangabad. The meet will be held under the guidance and presence of Muni 108 Sri Chinmayasagarji Maharaj (Junglewala Baba). The meet has been organsied to provide a platform for all Jain doctors to meet and interact with each other. To celebrate completion of 25 years of Diksha as a Sharman by Muni 108 Shree Chinmaysagarji Maharaj "Chinmay Chikitsa Awards" will be given to Jain doctors and they will also be honoured on the occasion. The awards will be given to Jain doctors who have achieved regional/national/international acclaim for his service/research/work/paper presentation in international Conference/propagation of Jain philosophy/propagation of Vegetarianism/propagation of advantages of de-addiction and also helping up-liftment of mankind.

 

JAIN VIVAH PARICHAY SAMMELEN AT GURGAON, HARYANA

On 23rd Feb 2014, Sanmarg Sanskritk Manch is organising a matrimonial programme at Jain Baradari, Shri Parasnath Digamber Jain Mandir, Gurgaon, Haryana, Pin- 122001. to bring a comfortable platform for all those boys and girls who are in search for their sole mates for marriage within the Jain Community. Download Form from attached file or fill on line on www.jainsanmarg.in, and send to the address given above. For any quire contact below no.Manoj Jain, 9811292171, E-Mail:

CHICAGO JAINS CELEBRATED 150TH BIRTH ANNIVERSARY OF JAIN SCHOLAR SHRI VIRCHAND RAGHAVJI GANDHI

In the celebration of life of an extra ordinary Jain scholar who brought Jainism to the attention of the western world 120 years ago, also a super patriot and ambassador of India, Jain Society of Chicago arranged various programs. It was a memorable day of Sept 11, 1893, the Columbus hall of Art Institute of Chicago was overflowing with more than 3000 delegates of different nations and religions. It was first such conference ever organized in the history of mankind for leaders of different faiths from around the world. Two young men among them dressed in oriental rob and white turban, a world famous Shri Swami Vivekananda who represented Hinduism and Shri Virchand Raghavji Gandhi arrived to represent Jains. Both these hero made such an impact at Parliament and attracted main streams of western part of the world to explore on Hinduism and Jainism. Co-incidentally, when Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America, Chicago Chapter celebrated historic event of 150th Birth Anniversary of Swami Vivekananda at Jain Center of Chicago, on Saturday, 28, 2013, Chicago Jains also celebrated Sri Virchand Gandhi’s 150th Birth Anniversary at Jain Center where his bust has been established in his memory of his presence at World Parliament 1893.

Among prominent guest, H H Chidanand Saraswatiji, Acharya Lokesh Muniji and Sadhavi Bhagavatiji attended this program at Jain Center. On this auspicious occasion, HH Swami Chidanand Saraswati, President and spiritual head of the Parmarth Niketan Ashram in Rishikesh, India, started the commemorative celebration by offering the flowers and garlanding the status of Sri Virchandji Gandhi in presence of Aacharya Lokesh muniji, Sadhvi Bhagavati of Parmarth Niketan and members and leaders of Jain Society. Chief Guest, HH Acharya Dr. Lokesh Muni, a founder of "Ahimsa Vishwa Bharti" Delhi, India said that, today Virchand Gandhi is still commemorated as “the 1st Jain to land in America”, who explained Jainism in very coherent manner and played a pioneer role in establishing Jain religion as ancient vibrant and world religion. Hemant Shah, JAINA Vice President-Midwest and a Member of proposed VRG Chair committee at Claremont Lincoln University in California, mentioned that, recently a delegation of Jains from the US in the presence of Aacharya Lokesh Muniji, went to India to meet with the Prime Minister Shri Man Mohan Singh on the occasion of Government of India launching a yearlong commemorative celebration for the 150th anniversary of Shri Virchand Raghavi Ji Gandhi. Earlier Lokesh Muniji had presented to the Prime Minister a written copy of a proposal request from Claremont Lincoln University to setup a Chair for Peace and Non-Violence in honor of Shri V R Gandhi at Claremont Lincoln University just as the Government of India had setup a similar chair for Hindu studies at University of Chicago in the honor of Swami Vivekananda’s 150th birth anniversary. Having lived the first 25 years of life in a traditional Western way, graduated from Stanford University, Sadhavi Bhagawati, also mentioned that Virchandji was great exponent with impartial ideology of Ahimsa and Anekantvada. In a separate program of Jain Mela, in August 2013, Jain Society made a special presentation focusing the biography of this Jain Scholar Sri Virchandji Gandhi.

Virachand Gandhi (25 August 1864 - 7 August 1901) was born in Mahuva, Gujarat, India. A polyglot who reputedly spoke fourteen languages, Gandhi was educated as a lawyer. In 1885, at the age of 21, he became the first honorary secretary of the Jain Association of India. During his term, he fought against a tax being levied by the ruler of Gujarat on pilgrims visiting Mount Shatrunjay, Palitana. Gandhi also fought to close a pig slaughterhouse that had been started in 1891 close to Mount Sametshikhar, a holy place of Jain pilgrimage. He propagated the relevance of Jain tenets and Mahavira's message of non-violence. In total, he delivered about 535 speeches on Jainism, other religions, and social and cultural lives in India, all of which received wide publication. He was invited two more times, first in 1897 and then in 1899 to the West. He was awarded various medals for his lectures. He was a contemporary to Swami Vivekanand, who deeply admired him. Vivekananda, impressed with his adherence to vegetarianism in the face of the cold Chicago. Herbert Warren, who studied Jainism under him and adopted the Jain religion, published a book on his lectures titled Herbert Warren's Jainism. The Indian government also issued a postage stamp in 2009, depicting Virachand Gandhi.For further information, please contact:Hemant Shah, Bartlett, IL,630-933-8311, E-Mail:

NEW BOOKS

THE YOGASHASTRA OF HEMACANDRA - A Handbook on the Three Jewels of Jainism - A 12th Century Jain Treatise on Yoga, Sanskrit text in Devanagari + Sanskrit text in Roman with diacritics + English translation, Sanskrit text by:Acarya Hemacandra, English translation by Prof Dr. Olle Qvarnström, Pandit Nathuram Premi Research Series Volume 29, Sixth, First edition 2012; Sixth edition 2013, 29.5 cm x 21 cm 364 pages.

Acarya Hemacandra is possibly the most high profile and certainly the most prolific Jain monk in the Śvetāmbara denomination of the Jain Church. He was amongst the most profound scholars of his era, a polyglot, and known as kalikāla-sarvajña. This work is unique as not only was the original text written by Hemacandra, but also he composed a Sanskrit commentary to it. It has been translated into English by the renowned scholar and Indologist, Prof Dr. Olle Qvarnström of Sweden. The text and translation is based on Muni Jambuvijaya ji’s critical edition. The text comprises of 1009 verses divided into 12 chapters. A majority of the verses are composed in the śloka metre. However, several verses in the last two chapters are composed in the āryā metre. This edition is dedicated to the memory of Shr Ratilal Chandaria, known to all as Rati kaka. He was a towering personality who helped shape many lives. He was a trustee of the International Sacred Literature Trust, London. Not only was he the founder and chairman, Institute of Jainology, London and Ahmedabad; but also he digitised the Bhagavadgomandal, brought out its digital avatāra thus creating the world's largest online Gujarati dictionary, the Gujarati Lexicon. Book available at:Hindi Granth Karyalay, E-Mail:

HONOUR & AWARDS

DR. MELEN JOY FROM U.K. RECEIVED AHIMSA AWARD FROM INSTITUTE OF JAINOLOGY, LONDON

The coveted ahimsa award was presented this year to Dr. Melen Joy, chief of CAAN network for his active interest in spreading vegetarianism amongst non-vegetarian society in Britain and elsewhere.

On this occasion, he delivered his special lecture on “the benefits of vegetarian living” and popularizing the concept of ahimsa. The ahimsa award function was attended by dignitaries, like Members of Parliament, Ministers, Lords and leading persons from Jain community present in Britain. It was sponsored by conservatives, labour and friends of India. Dr. Nemu Chanderia, Chairman, Institute of Jainology offered his gratefulness to Dr. Melen Joy and also Dr. Gevin Grant for attending the award function and accepting the award. Dr. Gevin Grant is also wholly devoted to the cause of Ahimsa and Vegetarianism. Shri Sudhir Lodha, Minister for Minorities in Tamilnadu State was also present on the occasion.

JUSTICE A. P. SHAH TAKES OVER AS LAW COMMISSION CHIEF

New Delhi, NOV 22, 2013 Former Delhi High Court Chief Justice, Justice Ajit Prakash Shah has taken over as the new Chairman of the Law Commission. The post of the Chairman, 20th Law Commission had fallen vacant last month due to the resignation of Justice D K Jain, who has taken over as the President, National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission. Justice Shah (65) had started law practice in Solapur district court and shifted to the Bombay High Court in 1977. He was appointed Additional Judge of Bombay High Court in December 1992 and became a Permanent Judge of the court in April 1994. He assumed charge of the office of Chief Justice, Madras High Court in November 2005 and on transfer took over as Chief Justice, Delhi High Court in May 2008 and retired in February 2010. He is known for his bold judgments, especially concerning social issues, including the July 2009 ruling which decriminalized homosexuality. The 20th Law Commission was constituted with effect from September 1, 2012. It has a three-year term, ending on August 31, 2015.

IDFC APPOINTS RAJESH JAIN AS INVESTMENT BANKING HEAD

NOV 18 2013. Mumbai: IDFC Ltd has appointed Rajesh Jain as the head of investment banking for IDFC Capital, the investment banking arm of IDFC. Prior to IDFC, Rajesh Jain was head of markets at KPMG India, a consulting firm. RajeshJain will report to the Managing Director and Chief Executive at IDFC. With close to 27 years of work experience, Rajesh Jain has also worked with Zee group as President, Corporate Finance and Strategy.

 

MOHAN JAIN HONORED WITH NATIONAL LAW DAY AWARD 2013

New Delhi: Mr. Mohan Jain, Additional Solicitor General of India (tax laws) is amongst 11 jurists who have been selected for prestigious National Law Day Award-2013 which was presented on November 30 at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi during the inaugural function of International Conference of Jurists on International Terrorism. In a message for the conference, Union Home Minister Mr. Sushilkumar Shinde has said “Terrorism is the biggest enemy of humanity. Thousands of innocent people across the globe have lost their lives due to terrorism. India is also victim of terrorism for many years. It is indeed hearting to learn that legal luminaries have decided to discuss this subject of international importance. I am sure that deliberations will come out with solutions to many issues related to terrorism”. This year awards were presented in the presence of Hon’ble Dr. Justice K. G. Balakrishnan, Chairperson of National Human Rights Commission & former Chief justice of India and several other luminaries from judiciary, politics and other fields.

TIME WARNER CABLE NAMES DINNI JAIN COO

December 5, 2013, Dinni Jain, former President of Cable Operator Insight Communications, has been nominated as Chief Operating Officer of Time Warner Cable.

Dinni Jain’s appointment comes amid reports that other cable operators, including Comcast, Cox and Charter in conjunction with John Malone’s Liberty Media are evaluating deals to acquire or merge with Time Warner Cable. Time Warner Cable completed its $3 billion acquisition of Insight in 2012, after which Jain left the company. In his new role, Jain will report to Marcus, who will become chairman and CEO on Jan. 1 following the retirement of Glenn Britt. Jain, set to join TW Cable effective Jan. 13, will oversee operations of three main lines of business: residential services, business services and media sales. He also will be responsible for TWC’s technology and network operations, product development and content acquisition functions, as well as news, local sports and regional sports networks, including Time Warner Cable Sports Net. “Dinni is a proven leader, with more than 20 years of experience in successfully operating cable systems,” said Mr. Marcus. “He has a great track record and shares my commitment to creating a performance driven, customer-centric culture at Time Warner Cable.” Before joining Insight in 2002 as CFO, Jain was group managing director for strategy for cable operator NTL Europe.

VINEET JAIN WINS IMPACT PERSON OF THE YEAR AWARD

7 Dec, 2013, Mumbai: Vineet Jain, managing director of the Times Group, was conferred this year's Impact Person of the Year Award. The award recognises his industry shaping initiatives that have created the most vibrant media products in the country. While Raj Nayak, CEO of Colors, read out the award citation, Union law minister Kapil Sibal along with Anurag Batra, chairman of the Exchange4media group, gave Jain the award.

"We are always paranoid about the future. And we are number one because we do not follow others. We make the rules and we break the rules," Jain said in his address. BCCL publishes The Times of India and The Economic Times besides being engaged in the magazine, book, TV, radio, Internet, event management, outdoor display, music and movie businesses. Before signing off, Vineet Jain said, "Talking about broader issues, the industry must unite to stop the trespass of the government on the freedom of media in the name of regulation."

MISCELLANEOUS

NARROW ESCAPE FOR JAIN PILGRIMS AS REMOTE-CONTROLLED HELICOPTER CRASHES NEAR RELIGIOUS PROCESSION

Nov 25, 2013,Jaipur: A remote controlled helicopter showering flower petals on a religious procession went out of control and crashed in Rajasthan's Barmer district.

No one was injured in the incident. A remote controlled chopper had been hired from a Gujarat based company to shower flower petals during a procession of Jain community.

The helicopter went out of control after hitting an electricity wire and fell on the ground, they said. According to police, Jain community members had taken the permission of district authorities for the procession but it did not seek the consent for the showering of petals by the remote operated helicopter. Following which, a case was registered against the company at police station and its representatives.

ARUN JAIN SETS UP WORLD’S FIRST DESIGN CENTRE FOR FINANCIAL TECHNOLOGY

Nov 29, 2013,Chairman and Group CEO Arun Jain strongly believes that India needs to move up the ladder from being an order taker to an agenda setter. Good design then, is at the heart of this transformation.

According to Polaris Group Chairman Mr. Arun Jain, design is important when you want to do a disruptive transformation on how technology can be used, say for bringing banking down to every person in India. For this, costs have to be brought down to a quarter of existing costs not reduced by a few per cent age points. To make that happen, process improvements are no longer enough and that's where design comes into play. Most people think of design as an art, but Jain wants to demystify it and turn design thinking into a science. "When these seven dimensions (COPARIS) come together to create a user experience, you convert the art of design into science," he says.It was with this in mind that Polaris set up the 8012 FT Design centre, christened after the geographic co-ordinates of Chennai city. Spread over 30,000 sq ft within the 22 acre Polaris campus in Chennai, the centre is dedicated to financial technology.Set up at an estimated investment of $10 million, this centre is the first of its kind in the world, and perhaps that explains why the company spent about 400 days planning it, and only 164 on the actual execution.

सच हुआ जैन मुनि अमित सागर जी का सपना

29 Nov 2013 लखनऊ। फिरोजाबाद के एक जैन मुनि ने जो सपना देखा वो खोदाई के बाद सच साबित हुआ। फिरोजाबाद के चंद्रवाड़ क्षेत्र में जैन मुनि अमित सागर एक सपना देखा कि जमीन के अंदर एक प्राचीन प्रतिमा दबी है। जब उस स्थान की खोदाई कराई गई तो एक प्राचीन देव प्रतिमा मिली। यह प्रतिमा हजार वर्ष पुरानी बताई जा रही है।

फीरोजाबाद में चंद्रवाड़ का प्राचीन किला एक बार फिर कौतुहल और आस्था का केंद्र बन गया। जैन मुनि अमित सागर की अगुआई में चली खोदाई में दौरान मिट्टी के टीले से तीर्थंकर भगवान की दुर्लभ प्रतिमा निकली। प्रतिमा निकलते ही बीहड़ में मंगल गीत और तीर्थंकर भगवान के जयकारे गूंजने लगे। प्रतिमा करीब एक हजार वर्ष पुरानी होने का अनुमान है। मंदिर में भगवान के अभिषेक के कार्यक्त्रम के लिए जैन मुनि अमित सागर महाराज यहा आए हुए थे। सुबह अभिषेक के बाद जैन मुनि ने मंदिर के पुजारी और अनुयायियों को बताया कि दो सौ मीटर की परिधि में मा सरस्वती की प्रतिमा दबी हुई है। रात में उनको ऐसा स्वप्न भी आया और आतरिक रूप से भी आभास हुआ है। इसके बाद जैन मुनि ने तीन चार स्थानों पर खोदाई कराने के लिए कहा। परंतु थोड़ी सी खुदाई पर ही मुनि अमित सागर को आभास हो गया कि यहा प्रतिमा नहीं है। लिहाजा खोदाई बंद करा दी गई। इसके बाद एक टीले पर मजदूरों को खुदाई का संकेत दिया गया। थोड़ी सी खुदाई होते ही उसमें प्राचीन समय के टूटे हुए बर्तन और कलात्मक पत्थर निकले। एक घटे चले प्रयास और छह फुट गहरी खुदाई के बाद का परिणाम सामने आ गया। जयकारों के शोर के बीच गढ्ढे से काले रंग की लगभग डेढ़ फुट ऊंची और एक फुट चौड़ी प्रतिमा निकली।

प्रतिमा और अन्य सामान को चंद्रवाड़ जैन मंदिर में दर्शनों के लिए रख दिया गया। जैन मुनि अमित सागर महाराज के मुताबिक यह प्रतिमा करीब एक हजार वर्ष पुरानी है।खोदाई से निकली प्रतिमा है तो एक ही पत्थर की बनी हुई, लेकिन उसमें 15 तीर्थंकर भगवान की छोटी छोटी मूर्तिया बनी हैं। मुनि अमित सागर ने बताया कि मध्य में बड़ी प्रतिमा मा सरस्वती की है। जबकि एक प्रतिमा राजा चंद्रसेन की प्रतीत होती है। जो भगवान की पूजा कर रहे हैं। प्रतिमा कसौटी की बनी हुई है,जो काफी कीमती होता है।

मध्य प्रदेश में स्कूली मध्यान्ह भोजन में अण्डा परोसने की प्रशासनिक साजिश

सागर - मध्य प्रदेश में मध्यान्ह भोजन कार्यक्रम परिषद के समन्वयक विभाषकुमार ठाकुर ने प्रदेश के समस्त कलेक्टरों को पत्र लिखकर प्रदेश की स्कूलों से यह अभिमत सहमति असहमति मांगी है कि पौषिटकता के लिये बच्चों के लिये सप्ताह में तीन दिन अण्डा परोसा जावे। भोजन में पौषिटकता बढाने के नाम पर मध्यान्ह भोजन में अण्डा को शामिल करने के लिये प्राथमिक व माध्यमिक स्कूलों से अभिमत मांगा गया है और कहा गया है कि अण्डा प्रदाय करने से कुपोषण की समस्या को कम करने में मदद मिलेगी। ऐसे समाचार से सातिवक, अहिंसक भारतीय संस्कृति के समर्थक बहुत आहत व दुखी है।

विचार संस्था सागर के अध्यक्ष कपिल मलैया ने कहा कि स्कूली बच्चों के भोजन में अण्डा परोसने की योजना भारतीय समाज को तोडने की साजिश और भारतीय धार्मिक संस्कृति पर हमला है। पूर्व में भी ग्वालियर जिला प्रशासन ने ऐसी ही कोषिष की थी जो कि भारी जनविरोध के कारण असफल हो गई। लोगों से अपील है कि, तत्काल सख्त विरोध दर्ज कराके इस योजना को लागू होने से रोकें। श्री कपिल मलैया ने आव्हान किया है कि अगर आज अहिंसक शाकाहारी समाज यदि मौन रहा तो, आगे जाकर हमारे बच्चों को मांसाहार व शराब परोसने के फरमान भी प्रशासन की ओर से जारी किये जाने लगेंगे। अगर मध्यान्ह भोजन में अण्डा परोसा गया तो प्रशासन को भारी जन आन्दोलन एवं जन आक्रोष का सामना करना पडेगा। अहिंसक समाज से विरोध करने की अपील है कि प्रशासन को लिखित रूप से सख्त विरोध दर्ज करावें। कपिल मलैया के इस बयान का समर्थन करने वालों में है सर्वश्री डा0 एस0 के0 जैन अध्यक्ष दयोदय महासंघ, डा0 अर्चना जैन, सुनील वेजीटेरियन शाकाहार उपासना परिसंघ दमोह, जे0 पी0 मडवैया भोपाल, राकेश बाबा गोहिल सिरोंज, राजेश शाह बीना, अषोक शाकाहार अखिल भारतीय शाकाहार परिषद खुरर्इ, अजित नायक, महेष बाबा, कल्पना राय, प्रखर जैन मुगांवली, सचिन जैन चन्देरी, दीपक सिंघर्इ शाहगढ, सुषील बहेरिया, ऋषभ सिंघर्इ, आदि। प्रेषक - कपिल मलैया, अध्यक्ष विचार संस्था, कार्यालय - विचार, आदिनाथ मोटर्स के पास, रेल्वे मालगोदाम रोड, तिलकगंज, सागर, मध्य प्रदेश-470002, फोन - 07582-220414.

SLAUGHTERING OF ANIMALS FOR EXPORTS FROM DEONAR STOPPED BY COURT

On an application made by Viniyog Parivar Trust in the name of Akhil Bharat Krishi Goseva Sangh, National Green Tribunal of Pune has delivered its judgment and held that certificate of registration issued by APEDA to Deonar slaughter house in Mumbai for slaughtering animals for exports is illegal & invalid and directed its suspension w.e.f. 1st Jan 2014. This means that from 1st Jan-2014, no animals will be slaughtered for export at Deonar Slaughter House. Presently 6000 animals are Slaughtered every day for export. Full copy of judgment is available on the websitewww.viniyogparivar.org. Information Courtesy: Dr. Sulekh C. Jain, Houston, Texas, USA.

DIKSHA NEWS

श्री मणिप्रभसागरजी म0.सा0 की पावन निश्रा में चार मुमुक्षुओं की दीक्षा संपन्न

पूज्य गुरुदेव उपाध्याय श्री मणिप्रभसागरजी म0 सा0 आदि ठाणा की पावन निश्रा में आज चार वैरागी मुमुक्षुओं बाडमेर निवासी 42 वर्षीय श्री गौतमचंदजी बोथरा उनकी धर्मपत्नी 36 वर्षीय श्रीमती सौ उषादेवी उनके सुपुत्र 17 वर्षीय भरतकुमार एवं 13 वर्षीय आकाश कुमार बोथरा की भागवती दीक्षा आज अत्यन्त आनन्द व उल्लास के साथ संपन्न हुई। अंतिम विदाई व विजय तिलक करते समय पूरे परिवार के साथ उपस्थित जनता की आखें आंसुओं से भीग गई। दीक्षा विधि कराते हुए पूज्यश्री ने संयम का महत्व समझायज्ञं उन्होंने कहा- यह इस युग का चमत्कार ही समझना चाहिये कि टेलीविजन और मोबाइल जैसे संसाधनों के युग में बोथरा परिवार संसार का त्याग कर संयम ग्रहण करने जा रहा है। संसार का त्याग करना आसान नहीं है। वही व्यक्ति संयम धारण कर पाता है जिसके अन्तर में आत्म-रूचि पैदा हो गई हो।

जिसे अपने भविष्य की चिंता हो। सद्गति की कामना हो। उन्होंने कहा- चारित्र ग्रहण किये बिना मोक्ष नहीं हो सकता। आज का दिन चारित्र की अनुमोदना का दिन है। उन्होंने देववंदन, प्रत्याख्यान, रजोहरण अर्पण आदि विधि विधान कराने के बाद तीनों मुनियों को क्रमशः मुनि समयप्रज्ञसागर, मुनि ऋजुप्रज्ञसागर, मुनि आशुप्रज्ञसागर नाम दिये। उन्हें उपाध्याय मणिप्रभसागरजी का शिष्य घोषित किया गया। तथा उषादेवी को बहिन म0 डा0 विद्युत्प्रभाश्रीजी की शिष्या घोषित करते हुए उन्हें साध्वी आज्ञारूचिश्री नाम प्रदान किया। दीक्षा ग्रहण करने से पूर्व जब मुमुक्षु गौतम, उषादेवी, भरत व आकाश ने जनता को संबोधित करते हुए संयम का मूल्य समझाया व सभी से आशीर्वाद की कामना की तो सभी की आंखें बरस पडी। उन्होंने दीक्षा ग्रहण करने से पूर्व अपनी उपकारी मां, पिता, भाई के चरण स्पर्श किये। उषादेवी ने कहा- मैंने अपने पति का हाथ थाम कर संसार में प्रवेश किया था।

आज वे हाथ मैं गुरुदेवश्री के कर कमलों में समर्पित कर रही हू। जब नूतन दीक्षित मुनियों व साध्वीजी के श्रीमुख से पहला धर्मलाभ श्रवण किया तो लोगों ने जय कारे की दिव्य ध्वनि के साथ अपने आनन्द को व्यक्त किया। दीक्षा अवसर पर पूज्य आचार्य श्री राजयशसूरिजी म0, पूज्य आचार्य श्री कीर्तिसेनसूरिजी म0, पू0 कुशल मुनिजी म. पूज्य प्रियंकरसागरजी म0 आदि विशाल संख्या में साधु साध्वी भगवंत पधारे थे। इस दीक्षा महोत्सव को निहारने के लिये जनता उमड पडी थी। विशाल पाण्डाल भी छोटा पड गया। इससे पूर्व ता0 19-11-2013 को चार वैरागी मुमुक्षुओं के वर्षीदान का भव्य वरघोडा आयोजित किया गया। मूलतः बाडमेर निवासी इस बोथरा परिवार ने आज जी भर दोनों हाथों से सोना, चांदी, रूपये, वस्त्र आदि सामग्री का वर्षीदान दिया। इस शोभायात्रा का प्रारंभ श्री जिन हरि विहार से हुआ जो मुख्य मार्गों से होती हुई, तलेटी दर्षन कर कस्तूर धाम स्थित सुखसागर समवषरण में पहुंची जहां पूज्यश्री का प्रवचन हुआ। वरघोडे में सम्मिलित होने हेतु बाडमेर, अहमदाबाद, बेंगलोर, मोकलसर, सूरत, मुंबई आदि शहरों से बडी संख्या में श्रद्धालु सम्मिलित हुए।

FIRST TIME IN THE HISTORY OF TERAPANTH 43 DEEKSHA'S CONDUCTED IN ONE DAY BY ACHARYA SHRI MAHASHARMAN JI

JAIN CALENDAR FOR THE MONTH OF DECEMBER 2013

VIR SAMVAT 2539 JAIN CALENDAR VIKRAM SAMVAT 2069

KARTIK - DECEMBER 2013 - MAGSAR
Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat	Sun
30 Vad Teras	31 Vad Chaudas		KARTIK: 1 TO 2 DECEMBER MAGSAR: 3 TO 31 DECEMBER			1 Vad Chaudas
2 Vad Amas	3 Sud Ekam	4 Sud Bij	5 Sud Trij	6 Sud Choth	7 Sud Pancham	8 Sud Chhath
9 Sud Satam	10 Sud Aatham	11 Sud Nom	12 Sud Dasam	13 Sud Agiyaras	14 Sud Baras	15 Sud Teras
16 Sud Chaudas	17 Sud Poonam	18 Vad Ekam	19 Vad Bij	20 Vad Trij	21 Vad Choth	22 Vad Pancham
23 Vad Chhath	24 Vad Satam	25 Vad Satam	26 Vad Aatham	27 Vad Nom / Dasam	28 Vad Agiyaras	29 Vad Baras

AVOID GREEN & ROOT VEGETABLES
Date: 1|4|7|10|13|16|19|22|26|28|31

AVOID ROOT VEGETABLES
Date: 12 | 17 | 27 | 29 | 30

JAIN FESTIVAL
Date: 13 - Maun Agiyaras
Date: 17 - Poonam (Bhav Siddhachal Yatra)

AUSPICIOUS DAY
Date: 12 - Aranath Janma & Nirvan Kalyanak
Date: 13 - Aranath Diksha Kalyanak
Date:13-Mallinath Janma, Diksha & Kevakgnan Kalyanak
Date: 13 - Naminath Kevalgnan Kalyanak
Date: 16 - Sambhavanath Janma Kalyanak
Date: 17 - Sambhavanath Diksha Kalyanak
Date: 27 - Parshvanath Janma Kalyanak (Dasam)
Date: 28 - Parshvanath Diksha kalyanak
Date: 29 - Chandraprabhuswami Janma Kalyanak
Date: 30 - Chandraprabhuswami Diksha Kalyanak
Date: 31- Shitalnath Kevalgyan Kalyanak