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Jain Center of CT (JCCT) celebrated 8 days of Paryushan with spiritual activities starting from morning to evening, with yoga, Preksh meditalion, swadhyaya, Bhavna and discourses. Samani Akshay Pragya Ji and Vinay Pragya Ji, guided the celebration. Every evening started with melodious Bhavna, followed by a discourse on Bhagwan Mahavir's life with a focus on significance and implications of the events to our life. Everyday, there were also discourses on topics of interest for the members. Through their explanation of Tyag, Samani Ji inspired some people to carry out Upwas. One evening, the members performed a short session of Pratikraman under the guidance of Samani ji. People liked Aloyana review, written in plain language. For the youth, Samani Ji devoted special lessons and activities. The youth enjoyed and appreciated the PowerPoint material in interactive format.
On Mahavir Janma Vachan day, there was Potluck Swami Vatsalya and musical Swapna Darshan. Each Swapna was described and its significance was explained. Then Mahavir Janma section from Kalpa Sutra was read in Prakrit, Hindi and English. The atmosphere was filled with Joy that Bhagwan Mahavir took birth on this earth and gave us the message of Ahimsa and Anekantvad. Kids presented a play, Best Holiday Award, Paryushan Holiday getting the Prize. The play, simple but quite meaningful, was written and choreographed by Samani Ji.
On Pratikraman Day, traditional and English Pratikramans were conducted. Samani Ji led Kshamapana, which touched everyone. There were three Atthais performed. The participation and attendance were a record.
Mornings were devoted to Yoga, Preksha Dhyan and also Swadhyaya using Jiv Ajiv book authored by Pujya Acharya Maha Pragya Ji. Samani Ji explained that Jiv and Ajiv encompass the entire universe and therefore the knowledge of Jiv and Ajiv is important for all human beings.
The following day, the Samani Ji kindly visited one Jain prisoner and provided perspective from Jain philosophy, which was well received with humility. The individual was overwhelmed with gratefulness and sent Michchhami Dukkadam cards to many people. Samanijis were also quite impressed with our Jain Sravak's work inside the prison helping other prisoners, while staying vegetarian.
Samani ji also met Prof. Phyllis Granoff, head of the department of religious studies and her students at Yale University. There was interesting exchange of ideas and information. All of the students and other participants were quite impressed with Samaniji's answers and explanations. Samaniji also visited Sudhirbhai and Anitaben Shah's Ahimsa restaurant, were quite happy to see vegan, vegetarian and organic food being served there. At the end of the day, by the invitation of Professor Kenneth R. Pugh, Samani Ji visited Haskins Laboratories, saw his work on combining the benefits of scientific research with Jain way of Meditation.
It was a memorable Paryushan, with blessings of both Samani Ji and participation of adults and youth. Our sincere thanks to Samani Ji and all the participants.
by: Hans Maru and Yogesh Kamdar