07.11.2015 ►JVB NJ ►Inspiration | Vol 25 News & Upcoming Programs (copy 1)

Atma ki anubhuti mein,
Badhak ek vikar,
Ghatak ubhay uske prakhar,
Ahankar, mamkar.

The main obstruction element in the recognition of soul is malice.
There are two strong causes for the origin of malice - egoism and self conceit.

In life, many problems arise. Their solutions can be found only in Anekanta. If our view is anekantic and we look at opposing views from varying angles, then we can find the solutions. But conflict becomes inevitable if we do not look at truth from a truthful perspective, and at reality from a truthful perspective, and at reality from a realistic perspective of the two opposing truths from two different perspectives. In such situation no reconciliation is possible. One single perspective does not harness all truths. Darkness and light exist together. In this hall, small print cannot be read. The one who tries to read them will find the hall is dark. I ask "Where is darkness? I am seeing you, you are seeing me. All the objects of the room are visible. Without light they would not be visible. "There is light here." But there is not that much light as is required to read small print and so it is said that the room is dark, Light and darkness co-exist. Both are relative. They cannot be separated.

Excerpts from "ANEKANTA THE THIRD EYE" by Acharya Mahaprajna

On November 11th, JVB members participated in Mahavir Swami and Gautam Swami Jaap on the auspicious day of Diwali under the guidance of Samani Satya Pragyaji and Samani Rohini Pragyaji. November 12th was celebrated as Gujarati New Year with mangalik and prayers.

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“The festival of Deepawali is associated with light. Restraint is the highest light. The festival that is connected to Shraman Bhagwan Mahavir inspires us to soak up the light of restraint. The path of Samyak Gyan-Darshan-Charitra is the path of light. Gurudev Tulsi’s birth is linked to the Dwitiya after Diwali. Acharya Tulsi breathed this light and toiled relentlessly to spread it to the masses. Jain Vishwa Bharati Institute is likewise striving to disseminate this light through education. Under the auspicious leadership of Acharyashri Mahashrman, the university is celebrating its silver jubilee this year. May the light of education propagated by this university become the root of our conduct. For this to happen, it is essential that we infuse our lives with the light of restraint.”

These were the thoughts expressed by Samani Nirdeshika Dr. Satya Pragyaji at JVB New Jersey on the occasion of Diwali Milan, Tulsi Janma Jayanti, and JVBI Rajat Jayanti celebration on November 14. At this event, Samani Dr. Rohini Pragyaji delivered an introductory speech on Acharyashri Tulsi and the JVBI. Gyanshala children presented a play - Naanam Payassayaram - Knowledge is Light. The play highlighted the importance of the growth of external as well as internal knowledge. The play was directed by Gyanshala Cultural coordinator Venus Jain and her team.

JVBNA Board Chairman Pratap Jain spoke about the outstanding learning opportunities at JVBI and encouraged everyone to get connected and involved with the institute. Director Surendra Kankariya provided updates on the new property being acquired for JVBNA center. Secretary Sonya Doshi outlined the past and upcoming JVBNA programs under Samanijis’ guidance. Treasurer Sudhir Jain thanked all annual contributors who donated during annual Paryushan drive and encouraged everyone to participate in the program.

‘Aarhati Gyan Golakam Spardha’ was a special program that was directed by Samani Rohini Pragyaji. The rules of cricket were replicated in a Jain quiz that amazed and involved everyone. More than 30 participants on stage and everyone in the audience enjoyed this program thoroughly. The commentator for the match was Rakesh Jain and ‘Man of the Match’ was awarded to Sheetal Daftary.

The program began with Navkar Mantra and Diwali Jaap led by Samanijis, followed by Manglacharan by Sushma Sodhia and her team of JVBNA women, who presented a melodious Navkar Geet. The Master of Ceremony was Kavita Kothari. 

The second session of youth forum was conducted by Samani Satya Pragyaji, Samani Rohini Pragyaji, and Kavitaji Kothari on Nov 20. It was an educational and fun experience that focused on the mind and mental health. Samanijis explained how the mind and brain are different. The mind is the process of thinking. While the brain is always working, the mind is not. There are different stages of the mind. The mind has 6 bio natures. Samaniji also talked about the transfer of progress and attitude. Bahubali represents strength. Parshvanath Bhagwan represents success and Bhagwan Mahavir Swami represents friendship. Hence if we pursue these Jain principles of strength, success and friendship in our daily lives, we will improve our attitude and mental health. During this session, we also discussed the four types of dhyan: Raudra dhyan, Arta dhyan, Dharma dhyan, and Shukla dhyan.

During the “heart to heart” session, we discussed pressure, stress and other problems affecting our mind. We talked and brainstormed ways to deal with these problems. For example, one of the big concerns was test stress. Some ways, we came up with were time management, a good night’s sleep, and requesting for extra study material. The brainstorming and discussing, we did in this session will help us deal with problems in our day to day lives.

Overall the session was a great learning experience. I learned a lot and enjoyed both Samanijis’ session as well as Kavitaji’s session. Both sessions were interactive and allowed us to relate what was discussed with our lives.

Under the auspicious guidance of Samanijis, JVBNA members embarked on their annual month long Agam workshop on Saturday, Nov 21, at the JVBNA center. This year's Agam is Gyata Dharma Katha. This Agam was Samani Satya Pragyaji's subject of Ph.D. research some years ago and her deep insight along with Samani Rohini Pragyaji's knowledge of Prakrit added a new dimension to the first two sessions of the workshop. The workshop continues through the month of December.

The members of JVBNA and interested individuals met on November 21st under the auspicious presence of Samanijis to discuss matters related to the new property that will become the future JVBNA center. The meeting was an opportunity for everyone to get involved and brainstorm ideas for the center and its future goals. Acquisition, renovations, finances, and future direction were discussed and several New Center Project committees were formed at the meeting.