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Dear Sadharmiks,
Jai Jinendra! Pranam!
In the 2nd part of the awareness drive undertaken by JAINA, let’s discover the insightful journey of Guru Bhagwant, who, during a reflective visit to the region of eastern India, pondered over the relatively low Jain population despite Mahavir Swami Bhagwan's presence there. In 1920, P.P. Mangal Vijayji M.S. and P.P. Prabhakar Vijay M.S. undertook an extensive outreach effort across these states, uncovering the vibrant Sarak Community and its steadfast preservation of Jain traditions. Watch the video below to witness their remarkable journey, rekindling our connection to this heritage and fostering unity among us.
In the current edition of Jain Digest, discover the transformative power of admiration, a core Jain value. In this enlightening piece, Dr. Palakh Jain reflects on how admiration shapes perception and relationships, using Jain teachings and anecdotes. Discover the positive impact on emotions, hormones, and spiritual growth. Learn how 'Pramod Bhavana' fosters virtues, compassion, and connections. Uncover how admiring goodness leads to personal growth and boundless joy.
Jain Center of Greater Sacramento invites everyone to the Pratishtha Mahotsav of the Temple from October 12 to 16, 2023. The ceremony will be a blend of tradition, devotion, and unity, embodying the spirit of our Jain community. Check the flyer below for more information and share this joyous news within your community.
With the onset of Chaturmas, the global Sadhana fervor has ignited a profound spiritual awakening across continents. Among the remarkable stories that stand out is the journey of a mother-son duo engaged in the sacred practice of Masakshaman, a 30-day fast. While Hinaben observes this rigorous fast in Vadodara, her 27-year-old son, Kevin, mirrors her devotion in Montreal, Canada. Notably, this marks the inaugural Maskshaman Parana in Montreal, a feat accomplished by the committed Tapasvi Shree Kevin K. Shah. The Montreal Jain community holds immense honor and pride for his unwavering commitment. Adding to this spiritual tapestry, Dr. Bhumika Shah, a young research scientist from India's esteemed space agency ISRO, has embraced the same endeavor. JAINA extends its heartfelt applause to these resolute Tapasvi, who exemplify unwavering determination in their spiritual conquests.
Finally, I am thrilled to share that Pujya Gurudevshri Rakeshji has achieved another milestone in 2023 - an Honorary Doctor of Divinity from Claremont School of Theology, USA, honoring his contributions to spirituality and humanitarianism. Please check the video below for more information.
Sincerely and respectfully,
Haresh Shah,
JAINA President
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JAINA Sarak Community Upliftment Committee
Have you ever wondered about the rich Jain heritage that resides within the states of Jharkhand, Bihar, West Bengal, and Odisha? It was during a profound introspection by our revered Guru Bhagwant that the uniqueness of Sarak Jains came to light. As we delve into the depths of our history, we realize that our Jain Maharaj Saheb was struck by a curious thought during their vihar in this very region. Drawing parallels with the historical presence of Mahavir Swami Bhagwan in these lands, the question arises: why is the Jain population relatively low in these historically significant areas?
Transporting ourselves back to the year 1920, we encounter the dynamic duo of P.P. Mangal Vijayji M.S. and P.P. Prabhakar Vijay M.S. These venerable figures embarked on an extraordinary journey of outreach, crisscrossing the expanse of these states. With dedication and diligence, they aimed to unravel the hidden threads of Jain heritage that had quietly woven themselves into the fabric of these communities.
The result of their tireless efforts was the identification of the Sarak Community. A community that had retained the essence of Jain practices and beliefs, even amidst the tides of time. This remarkable discovery is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of culture and faith.
We invite you to explore this journey of rediscovery by watching the video link given here. Immerse yourself in the narratives of our ancestors, the stories of Sarak Jains, and the tireless endeavors of P.P. Mangal Vijayji M.S. and P.P. Prabhakar Vijay M.S. Their pursuit of knowledge, their commitment to preserving our heritage, and their dedication to community outreach have illuminated a path for all of us to connect with our roots and celebrate the unity that binds us.
Let us come together to honor the past, celebrate the present, and pave the way for a future where the light of awareness shines brightly on the legacy of Sarak Jains.
Please review this JAINA Website for more details at Sarak Community Upliftment. If you are interested in volunteering for this committee or want to learn more about the Sarak Community Upliftment, please get in touch with Jatin Shah at C: 703-926-7451 or email at jatinshah999@gmail.com.
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June 2023 Jain Digest
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To Admire - A True Jain Value
by Dr. Palakh Jain and Aditi Jain
While we keep aspiring to achieve our goals, we forget the basic values of appreciation, love, admiration, respect, and gratitude that make us a better person and pave the path to achieving that higher goal in life we were all born for. It’s time for us to reach out to our roots and be receptive to all the goodness around us and discover the world of boundless joy.
In this article Dr. Palakh Jain and Aditi Jain elaborate on the Pramod Bhavana – a true Jain value. The authors say, “The essence of Jainism lies in the element of admiration. As a matter of fact, the Jain prayers are the admiration of the virtues or the guṇa (the good qualities) of the gods, teachers, and the saints. Namokar mantra, the most significant and profound mantra is the symbol of deep respect towards spiritual beings.”
Click Here to Read this Article
To read the entire June 2023 Jain Digest, go to:
Jain Digest June 2023
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Jain Center of Greater Sacramento
We are thrilled to extend our warmest invitation to you for a joyous and auspicious occasion - the Pratishtha of our beloved Derasar at Jain Center of Greater Sacramento!
After months of anticipation and meticulous preparations, the day we've been waiting for is finally drawing near. Expect an enchanting atmosphere filled with spiritual serenity, cultural richness, and heartfelt connections.
We invite you to be part of this significant milestone as we seek blessings for the new journey that lies ahead. It would be an honor to share this experience with you and your presence would make this event all the more special. The ceremony will be a blend of tradition, devotion, and unity, embodying the spirit of our Jain community.
We kindly request that you save this date on your calendar. Further details, including the ceremonial rituals and cultural programs, will be shared in the coming weeks.
Please stay tuned for more information and updates. Until then, please mark your calendar and keep the excitement alive!
Please see this flyer for additional details
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Embracing Spiritual Fervor: A Cross-Continental Journey of Tapasvi's Dedication
As the tranquil embrace of Chaturmas envelops our hearts, the fervor of Sadhana reverberates across the globe. Amidst this profound spiritual awakening, a truly remarkable narrative unfolds - that of a mother-son duo embarking on the sacred journey of Masakshaman, a rigorous 30-day fast. Hinaben, the beacon of devotion, observes this sacred practice in the tranquil city of Vadodara, while oceans away, her 27-year-old son, Kevin, mirrors her profound dedication in the vibrant city of Montreal, Canada. What renders this tale even more extraordinary is that it marks the inaugural Maskshaman Parana in Montreal, an achievement etched by the resolute soul, Tapasvi Shree Kevin K. Shah. The Montreal Jain community is brimming with pride, as they witness this historic feat.
Intricately weaving science and spirituality, Dr. Bhumika Shah, a young research scientist from India's illustrious space agency ISRO, stands as an embodiment of this sacred endeavor. Her footsteps echo the path of devotion, aligning her with the timeless tradition of spiritual exploration. JAINA, in heartfelt admiration, extends its applause to these steadfast Tapasvi. Their unwavering commitment and indomitable spirit serve as a beacon, illuminating the path of spiritual conquest.
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Gurudev Shree Rakeshji Honored with a Doctor of Divinity (DD)
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We're thrilled to share incredible news. Through Shrimad Rajchandraji's grace, Pujya Gurudevshri Rakeshji has achieved another milestone in 2023 - an Honorary Doctorate of Divinity from Claremont School of Theology, USA, recognizing his contributions to spirituality and humanitarianism. This is not only a source of pride for the Jain community but also for the entire nation, as he's the first Indian and non-Christian recipient in the college's 130-year history. His journey began with a 1998 Ph.D. from the University of Mumbai for his commentary on Shri Atmasiddhi Shastra. With accolades from East and West, Pujya Gurudevshri continues to spread his universal message, uplifting lives worldwide through enlightening teachings and meditation retreats, fostering inner growth and societal development.
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