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| Samani Prasanna Pragya | Samani Rohit Pragya |
Antwerp
Samani Prasanna Pragyaji and Samani Rohit Pragyaji, disciples of Acharya shree Mahashramanji, were invited by the Jain community of Antwerp (Belgium). During the Samanijis’ stay of thirteen days (1 - 13 December, 2010) at Antwerp, many people including children, youths and adults took part in various sessions and learned about Jainism, Preksha Meditation and practical ways to make a life better.
‘Enrich your life through the practice of non –violence at JCCA’
From 3 -5 December and 10 - 12 December, a special training course, entitled “Enrich your life through the practice of Non-violence ’’ was organized at Jain Cultural Centre Antwerp (JCCA). The training sessions 7:00 - 9:00pm were divided into two parts. In the first part, Samani Prasanna Pragya delivered lectures on the topics related to non-violence like ‘Importance of Training’, ‘Concept and Meaning of Non-violence’, ‘Roots of violence’, ‘ Types of Non-violence’, ‘Are you non-violent’ etc. Lectures were followed by Practice of various techniques of Preksha Meditation, led by Samani Rohit Pragya. Participants of training also got the chance to ask the questions related to discussion. On four evenings from 6 to 9 December, Samaniji spoke on ‘How to relieve physical stress,’ Ways to get rid of mental and emotional stress etc.
A Session at Children’s’ Pathshala
On 5 December, Samanijis were invited to Pathshala of JCCA. She spoke about main principle - Ahimsa and encouraged children not to waste water, food, electricity etc. Children asked many questions to Samanijis and became satisfied with all answers. Teachers of pathshala paid gratitude to Samanijis and requested them to come again to enlighten the children.
On December 6, to enrich the knowledge regarding Jainism, an interesting competition ‘Check your talent and try your luck’ was conducted in the guidance of Samani Rohit Pragya. Participants enjoyed that competition.
A Session at ‘’Faculty for Comparative Study of Religions’’
On December 8, Samanijis were invited to the centre “Faculty for Comparative Study of Religions” to discuss the main principles of Jainism and life style of Samanis. Mrs. Chris De Lauwers, the professor of Jainism introduced both the Samanijis. Samaniji introduced a new order of Samani, established by Acharya Tulsi. Participants asked many questions regarding Jain concepts of Anekant, Karma, Ahimsa, Meditation etc. Chris Vonck, the director of the centre paid gratitude towards Samanijis and requested to visit the centre every year. Samanijis gifted Dictionary of Jain technical terms and some other books written by Acharyashree Mahapragya to the director of the centre for library purpose so that students can get more knowledge about Jainism and Preksha Meditation.
Jainism at ‘’GENT’’ University
On December 10, Samanijis were invited by the Indology and Philosophy department of Gent University to deliver a lecture on Jainism. Dr. Frank Van den Bossche, introduced both the Samanijis. Samani Prasanna Pragya spoke on ‘’Ahimsa’’ - the core principle of Jainism. Students asked many questions about Jainism, life style of Jain monks and Samanis, Meditation etc. Samanijis presented books written by Acharya Mahapragyajis to Dr. Frank for the department. Professor Frank paid gratitude and requested Samanijis to visit the university every year and enlighten the students by teaching them Jain concepts and values.
Talk on ‘’Bhaktamar’’ and ‘’Samayik Avashyak’’ at Aradhana Bhavan of JCCA
On December 11, Samanijis were invited to Aradhana Bhavan of JCCA to talk on Bhaktamar and Samayik Avashyak by Svadhyay group who practice samayik on every Saturday. Samani Rohit Pragya explained about the stotra composed by Acharya Mantunga. She inspired participants to recite the stotra with firm faith and correct pronunciation. Samani Prasanna pragya introduced six Avashyaks and specially spoke about the importance of Samayik.
Skit - ‘’Lets meet the Universe”, played by children of Pathshala
On December 11, showing the role of six substances in the cosmos, children of Pathshala played an interesting skit. Small children presented a poem reflecting the tips to make our life better and valuable. They also presented some positive resolutions to have a happy, healthy and successful life. Audience encouraged children by appreciating their performances. On Sunday, the same skit and presentation were again performed amongst all Pathshala children. After the performances, children were divided into two groups according to their ages. Samani Prasanna Pragya discussed three questions - Is Jainism a branch of Hinduism? Are Buddhism and Jainism contemporary? Who is the founder of Jainism? amongst big children. Samani Rohit Pragya taught some exercises like humming sound, rabbit posture, palm tree posture to increase memory, reduce anger etc. to small children. She also taught some Jain values and talked about Jain Prayer Navkar Mantra with Postures. Children enjoyed both the sessions.
On December 12, the evening session was attended by the members of JCCA committee. They promised to arrange the programme for adults, youths and children at JCCA with proper planning. Shree Surendraji Patavari, paid gratitude towards Acharya Tulsi for establishing the Saman order, who can reach far and wide and teach Jain values to Jain as well as non Jain Community. He also paid gratitude to both the Samanijis for conducting various programmes. As a token of thanks, he presented books written by Acharya Mahapragyaji, to JCCA committee members.
On December 13, Shree Shashi Bhansali, Ajit Bermecha, Manisha and Himanshu paid gratitude towards samanijis and requested them to visit Antwerp soon. Samani Prasanna Pragya appreciated Shree Surenra Patavari, Shree Shashi Bhansali, Shree Jai Sethia and their team for paying their responsibility with great devotion and helping to make the trip successful.
With the blessings of H.H Acharya Mahashramanji and the support of whole Jain community, specially the shravaks and shravikas of Terapanth sect Surendraji Patavari etc., Samanijis could spread the message of Jainism and Preksha Meditation amongst Jain and Non-Jain community.