Federation Of Jain Associations in North America
President's Message
Jai Jinendra!
Today is the first day of Parvadhiraj Paryushan Parva. Let us all walk on the path showed by Bhagwan Mahavir during Paryushan Parva. JAINA will be sending you daily a Gatha for those keen on scriptures, a Quote of the day and message on one of the facets of Paryushan.
JAINA has received a Message from President Obama on the occasion of Paryushan / Das Lakshana Parva.
Sincerely,
Ashok Domadia
JAINA President
Chairman - JAINA BOD
PRESIDENT OBAMA’S MESSAGE On Paryushana / Das Lakshana
I extend my warm regards to all those observing Paryushan across the United States and throughout the world. Paryushan is a time for reflection, humility, and repentance. Embodying the enduring, universal truth that, in our short time on earth, each moment we have represents a chance to take care of one another and shape a better tomorrow, this sacred festival reflects the hope and compassion that bind us in our common humanity.
On this occasion, we are also reminded that the richness of our world comes from the vibrant multitudes of experiences, voices, and origins that define us - and from the ability to be true to who we are and what we believe securely, free from harm, and while knowing the fullest measure of dignity and respect.
Throughout these eight days, you have my best wishes for continued blessings and harmony.
PARYUSHAN Day - 1
The most important question that comes to our mind is “What is the aim of our life?” or or “What should be the aim of our life? ” In this world every human being has his/her own wishes, some want to be rich, some want to be beautiful, some want to be famous. Everyone on this earth is running towards one or other materialistic goal. Is this Beneficial?
The theory of Karma says that if you have done enough good deeds, you will get your wishes completed sooner and by good deeds. By good deeds we mean following Jain way of life. The main aim of our life should be to purify the soul. We should not perform any violent activity to get materialistic success. We desire to win in every field of this world. Rather than these winnings, it is important to win our anger, ego, greed, jealousy etc. we should aim at defeating these enemies first in our life and 95% of our problem will be solved. Lord Mahavir said that winning these inner enemies will give external peace to us.
We see so much violence taking place in this world, but who is stronger, the one who reverts back in anger or the one who keeps quiet and ignores as if nothing has happened. It is quite natural that second person is much stronger internally as well as externally by his behavior. So we see that it is all about winning the soul and Paryushan Parva is for this only.
To explain the above we have a short story: Once upon a time there was rich businessman who had two sons and he wanted to make one of them his legal heir. In order to test their capabilities, he put them to a small test whereby he gave both of them equal amount of money and told them that one who fills the whole room will be awarded. The elder son started complaining that with so less money, how one can fill the entire room while the younger son accepted the challenge and started to work on it. Next day the father came to inspect and found that elder one had filled up the room with rubbish. The younger son had filled the room with candles and there was light all around. The moral of the story is that similarly we fill our minds with unnecessary things though we should fill with love, humanity, non violence and other good thoughts. These thoughts are like candles which will enlighten our mind.
We should live a religious life, practice penance and make strong efforts for purification of soul. Everyone should try to follow these rules and from here a journey of controlling our senses and winning the soul begins.
-Source: Shrota Adhikar by Mehuli Bhaven Kamdar
Quote of Paryushan Day - 1
The soul comes alone and goes alone no one accompanies it and no one becomes its mate.
- Bhagwan Mahavir