JVB NJ ►Inspiration Vol 18 ● News @ HereNow4U


Samani Bhavit Pragya	Samani Sangha Pragya

The Art of Eating

Food is essential to sustain physical existence. Everyone eats but not many comprehend the right way to eat.There are three important aspects to proper eating:

Controlled and restrained food intake
Wholesome and nutritious diet
Food obtained by honest and socially acceptable mean

Controlled Diet and Restrained Food Intake:

The type and amount of food consumed by each person varies. Some eat to meet the basic necessities of the body whereas others have voracious appetites, far exceeding and even ignoring the sensors of satiety. According to common concept of digestion it is healthier to eat at least two morsels less than what hunger demands. To eat more is an unwelcome invitation to poor health. The Jain tradition of periodically abstaining from food and even water for a specific duration constitutes penance. A controlled diet thus has dual benefits: practice for restraint and maintaining good health.

Besides controlling the amount of food you should also control the speed at which you eat. Eating in haste is deleterious.The digestive system becomes overworked when food is swallowed without thorough chewing. Since digestion starts from the mouth and not in the stomach, it is important to chew properly.

Equally important is the need to keep the mind calm and free of anger, greed, jealousy, and fear. Emotional stress can impact digestion.

Right and restrained food intake boosts the production of energy.

Eating Nutritious and Wholesome Food:

Wholesome food is obviously good for health. However what is wholesome for one person may not be right for other. Not all foods are suitable for, or tolerated by everyone. The Jain scripture Uttaradhyayana tells the story of a king who lost his life precisely because he ate forbidden food. The king could have avoided death if he had only exerted self control. The definition of’ "wholesome” food varies from person to person and is determined by physiology and body makeup.

Eating Food Obtained through Honest and Socially Acceptable Means:

Eating food obtained through legitimate efforts brings gratification and serenity and thus promotes good health. Such food is digested easily and generates positive energy. Food procured via dishonest means and by defrauding other can instill a sense of guilt and thereby corrode one's energy at the physical as well as mental level.

“A controlled diet, comprised of wholesome eatables, procured through righteous means is the right way to eat”

Views of Acharya Mahashraman from "LIFE, Twelve Golden Principles for Holistic Living"

Upcoming Events

Path of Ahimsa/Akshay Tritiya - May 2 - Six Mile Run Church, Franklin, NJ.
Annual Spiritual Family Camp - June 12-14 Arsh Vidya, PA
Gyanshala Annual Day - June 13 - Arsh Vidya, PA
Gyanshala Summer Prayer Sessions - Wednesdays - July 8 - Aug 12
Blood Drive - September 7
Paryushan - September 18-27

HOLI MILAN

On Sunday, March 14, the families of JVBNA gathered at Six Mile Run Church for the colorful celebrations of Holi under the auspicious presence of Samani Shuklapragyaji and Samani Unnatapragyaji. The cultural segment that comprised various vibrant performances by the adult singers and the Gyanshala children, started off with a warm welcome by Masters of Ceremonies Shweta Daftary and Sheetal Daftary.

President of JVBNA, Madhumita Sacheti welcomed and thanked Samanijis for their gracious presence in NJ and highlighted their reminder messages such as the pursuit of equanimity in difficult circumstances, the power of positive affirmations, and the importance of balance in life. She compared the white Holi to the most colorful Holi ever as the color white is just a balance of all the colors in the right intensity - a balance that we should strive for in our lives in order to achieve purity and peace. JVBNA Secretary Sonya Doshi welcomed the audience and spoke about the upcoming programs of JVBNA.

Shilpa Bhansali performed a melodious Mangalacharan. JVBNA choir comprising Kamal Daga, Sunil Bothra, Sushma Sodhia, Vandana Nahata, and Shilpi Daga sang Welcome and Holi songs. The younger students of Gyanshala presented skits and dances about the celebration of Holi. The highlight of the evening was the set of skits, written and directed by Samanijis, that brought forward the importance of communication - speaking, listening and understanding - performed by the older students of Gyanshala.

Samani Shuklapragyaji spoke on the themes of balance and communication. She conducted a game of trivia and memory among the audience that was well received. Her pravachan emphasized on the importance of effective listening as opposed to talking - such as why we have two ears and only one mouth. Ineffective communication is one of the main reasons for discord in our lives. We don’t listen wholeheartedly; we only listen half-way and then quickly interrupt the conversation with our ideas or ways. This is the cause of communication breakdown at home, workplace, school, and other places.

Samani Unnatapragyaji gave a speech on the importance of the spiritual colors and how they affect our balance. Each color has a purpose and helps the functioning of one part of the body. She also emphasized on the importance of being in balance that affects our environment and people around us in a more positive way. The Holi Milan celebration was well attended and well received by adults and children alike.

Check out photos of the event here

Interesting facts...

As we all know, Jainism is perhaps one of the most scientific religions. Check the link below to read an interesting article about it:

http://www.jainstudy.org/JSC1.08DCJ.pdf

Mahavir Jayanti is also known as Mahavir Janma Kalyanak. It celebrates the birth of Mahavira, twenty fourth and the last Tirthankara of present time cycle.