JVB NJ ►Acharya Tulsi ►Inspiration ►Vol 3

• No one can enjoy pleasure while causing pain to others,  or stay peaceful while causing discomfort to others.
• Materialistic pleasure is always fruitless in the end. On the contrary, the practice of moderation seems difficult initially, but in the end, provides gratification.
• One who is attached to possessions cannot become fearless.
• Staying away from attachment brings one closer to the inherent nature of existence.
• The root of all disturbances and miseries in this world, is the indulgence in dosh and dough, material and carnal pleasures.
•  The wall made of stones and cement destroys the beauty of the courtyard. When this inert wall creates such an effect, imagine how the subtle mental walls affect the courtyard of relationships!
• The will to live and the fear of dying do not permit people to live with freedom. 

Gyanshala children sang a New Year song. JVBNA choir with Kamal Daga, Shilpi Daga, and Sushma Sodhia also welcomed the New Year with a song.

JVBNA Annual General Meeting was conducted by JVBNA former president, Rohit Jain, who spoke about his experiences and listed JVBNA’s achievements in 2013. Sumitra Kankariya, former treasurer of JVBNA, presented the financial statements for 2013. JVBNA announced that it is in the process of launching a new website later this month, under the leadership of Vikram Parmar. The new website will be more streamlined, easier to navigate, and full of useful information.

A brand new Executive Committee, EC 2014 - forty plus members strong - was sworn in by JVBNA Board Chairman, Pratap Jain. Please look out for the complete EC list in our next email.

Samaniji conveyed Acharyashri Mahashraman’s New Year Message, where he asks Shravaks to accept at least one Vrat in their lives. Samaniji also motivated the attendees to study Jain scriptures, to pray every day along with their families, to refrain from criticizing others, to stay away from negative environments, to spend time in good company and in the company of sadhus, and to always work towards the enrichment of their own souls in whatever they do.

Former Secretary, Sheetal Daftary was the MC for this program.  

Reena Bothra contributed to this News Report.