www.JainLink.org  May 09 Newsletter
JainLink is an on-line Jain community developed in collaboration with JAINA, Jain Centers, and YJA.

 **** In this Newsletter ***

- New column Li'l Jains! - a must for all parents with young children
- Swine (H1N1) flu caused by the animal farming industry
- JAINA Convention on July 2-5, 2009  in Los Angeles, CA
- Prepare for Peace hosted by Chicago Jain Center
- Siddhachalam- Rejuvenation for your Body, Mind, and Soul
- Engagement and marriage season is here? Commitment - A Conversation
- New JAINA Directors from your center

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Jai Jinendra,
Sea of Jains.  During my visit to Jain Center of Metropolitan Chicago Mahavir Jayanti function I saw over 2500 Jains attending this function.  In Boston if we get 250 people – that’s a great turnout. From what I have heard – the Chicago center has re-engineered itself.  It already had a strong foundation and legacy but now the transformation is led by  young, and savvy leaders with new ideas, new energy, and new hope. In midst of their transformation, they have not forgotten the elders while focusing on young kids. Has your local center re-engineered itself?  Has the baton passed to a younger generation? Have you thought about going green? Are your serving the new Jain food (without onions, potatoes, and dairy and using paper instead of plastic)?  Are you encouraging your members to consume on-line Jain content?  Share your thoughts in this blog:

Editor: Yogendra Jain, JAINA/Long Range Planning Committee.

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Li'l Jain Corner - For Very Young Jains
by: Khushali
Li'l Jain Corner is specifically developed for very young Jains.  It will be authored by a Jain Mommy (Khushali) - a Jain parent with a  degree in engineering and elementary education.  She will bring creative and fun ways to help teach your youngster Jainism and the Jain Way of Life.
Please share your creative ideas and talent with 1000's of Jains - please write to khushali73@yahoo.com
Lesson 1:  Namokar Mantra  

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Swine (H1N1) Caused by the Animal Farming Industry
The Swine origin H1N1 virus which has caused a near pandemic is a reminder of the many hazards of the animal farming industry. Over the course of a year, million of pigs are raised and slaughtered; the pigs share many of the viruses which can infect humans. The end result is a potential virus, similar to swine flu, which we have not seen before. Though eating pork does not cause the swine flu, raising hogs and being in contact with hogs is a threat to catching a swine virus and then subsequently passing it to others. The animal farming industry needs significant oversight. One more reason to Live and Share a Jain Way of Life.

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JAINA Convention on July 2-5, 2009  in Los Angeles, CA   www.jaina.org
One of the greatest events for Jains worldwide is the JAINA Convention.  If you have not been to these in the past where as many as 6000 Jains attend, then you are missing an incredible event.  Your children will be awed by meeting 100’s of other kids their same age sharing the same values.  Young families will find many sessions which will strengthen their faith and knowledge in Jainism and help them raise their kids with a strong JWOL (Jain Way of Life) foundation. There are activities for people of all ages.  In India you would stretch to get their glimpse of great Jain scholars and monks.  However, here at the convention you can have one on one discussions with them.  It’s not all serious stuff.  The convention evenings are highly entertaining.  (visit www.jaina.org)

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Prepare for Peace  Hosted by Chicago Jain Center
Over 500+ participants attended a full day program on March 29th, 2009 filled presentations, dialogs, cultural program and tour of the Jain temple.  This program was coordinated by Dr. Hema Pokharna who specializes in non-violent communication training and is an avid supporter of Interfaith activities.  She has prepared a kit which can be customized for you to host a similar activity in your center.  The kit includes document templates, flyers, T-shirt design, and ideas on how to make a different in introducing Jainism in context of non-violence and interfaith.  These events are in preparation for 2009 Parliament of the World’s Religions, Melbourne, Australia (Decemer 3-9, 2009). For more information, contact hemapokharna.phd@gmail.com.

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Siddhachalam- Rejuvenation for your Body, Mind, and Soul
Plan on taking your Pathshala & Sangh and visit Shikharji. One of the most serene Jain tirths in North America, has expanded and renovated its facilities. Located in Blairstown, NJ, Siddhachalam will be inaugrating a white marble toonk with plans to have all 31 toonks like Shikharji.  Siddhachalam is open year around and is a wonderful place to stay to rejuvenate your body, mind, and soul.  For more information contact Jaipat Singh Jain, president@siddhachalam.org.  Visit www.siddhachalam.org

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Did You Update Your On-Line Profile on www.JainLink.org?  
Over 400 new members have registered in the last three months and have updated their profile. Welcome.  If you have not updated your profile, please register on-line.  Your profile is confidential and will be used in updating the next North America Jain Directory.

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Engagement and Marriage Season is here? Commitment - A Conversation
Many Jains are marrying non-Jains.  Sometimes we cannot change chemistry - but we can try to share our Jain Way of Life with our non-Jain spouse son or daughter in-law.  Please take the time to share your family's JWOL in an open and caring manner.  Here for some guidelines from a chapter in Jain Way of Life book. 

Marriage Commitment - A Conversation -   Marriage can dramatically change your life direction, beliefs, practices and way of life, and affects many generations to come. Your Jain Way of Life (JWOL) practice can be strengthened or be severely setback depending on whom you marry. Hence, it is important that you have a conversation on critical issues when contemplating a serious relationship leading to marriage. Unique life experiences and upbringing, coupled with religious practices, determine ones outlook. No two people will align on all issues but there are some critical issues that you may not wish to compromise on. Also, a relationship has an intangible element called “chemistry.” Sometimes chemistry in a potential relationship overpowers parents’ reasoning and guidance. Even when the chemistry appears to match and all stars appear to align, it is always a good idea to have a conversation.
The following are guidelines for a heart to heart conversation with a potential life partner to affirm living a JWOL (Jain Way of Life) for the rest of your lives.  Read on... click on Marriage Commitment - A Conversation.

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New JAINA Directors From Your Jain Center
Do you know your JAINA Director from your center?  Please take the time to meet them and support them. Also, share your thoughts on what JAINA can do for you and what you can do for JAINA.   One of the activities that we will be requesting all JAINA Directors to do is to introduce Jainism Elevator Pitch to all Jains (a 30 second Elevator Pitch - Everyone in your family should MEMORIZE it).  Jainism is a religion and a way of life...  click here and pass the word.    

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Communicate - Collaborate - Correspond for Jains in North America
JainLink is an on-line Jain community developed in collaboration with JAINA, Jain Centers, and YJA. For comments and contribution, please email to chandra.vora@gmail.com or  yokjain@yahoo.com

 

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