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Dear Sadharmiks,
Jai Jinendra! Pranam!
I am excited to share that P.P. Acharya Dev Shri Vijayratnachal Suri Maharaj led a historic Jain delegation to the President of India, Smt. Draupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The President praised Acharya Shri's asceticism and stressed the cultural preservation for India's prosperity. Acharya Shri invited the President to a commemorative event for the 2550th Nirvana Kalyanak of Lord Mahavira. Please check the detailed coverage of this momentous meeting.
As we conclude our Sarak Community awareness campaign, we approach the most auspicious festivities of Paryushan Mahaprava and Das Laxana Parv. Join us in exploring the rich celebrations and storied traditions of our Sarak brothers and sisters, reflecting on their significance in both Sarak and Paryushan contexts. Delve into two enlightening videos highlighting Paryushan celebrations in 2021 and 2023, supported by Raj Parivar & Samkit Group and blessed by Guru Bhagwant. Let these glimpses inspire us to reach out and embrace those who've diverged from the mainstream, fostering unity as we prepare to celebrate these occasions.
In the June 2023 issue of Jain Digest, Dr. Surendra Singh Singhvi introduces inventive approaches to observing Paryushan and Das Laxana Parva. Recognizing challenges with strict fasting, he proposes alternatives such as Ekasana (one meal a day), daily Samayik and Swadhyay, curbing addictions, meaningful Pratikraman, charitable acts, digital fasting, resource conservation, and nurturing non-violence. These suggestions aim to enhance the significance of these festivals for a broader spectrum of individuals.
With Paryushan and Das Lakshana Parvas nearing, JAINA's Ahimsak Eco Vegan Committee promotes non-violence through a dairy-free approach. The Vegan Paryushan / Das Lakshana Cookbook, available via the provided link, replaces dairy in traditional Jain recipes to prevent harm to animals. Recognizing the cruelty in dairy production, the cookbook supports both non-violence and health. Explore the cookbook links below for more information.
JIF-Jaina India Foundation has launched a program in collaboration with JAINA to support Jain students traveling to the USA. They've established a Jain Students Guidance Committee that offers Various voluntary services to assist those pursuing higher education in the USA and Canada. Jain Sadharmiks in the USA and Canada are providing these services. Interested students can register via the provided link to receive assistance from the committee.
In the forthcoming Paryushan event, we are honored to have Dr. Bipin Doshi, a distinguished Jain Scholar affiliated with Mumbai University, gracing us with his enlightening lectures in English. This presents a unique opportunity for our younger generation to gain insights from his profound wisdom amidst the spiritual enthusiasm of Paryushan. For specific details regarding lecture timings and dates, kindly refer to the flyer given below.
The Jain Centre of Southern California, in association with the Claremont School of Theology, welcomes all to join us for the Forgiveness Symposium 2023, scheduled immediately after Parysuhan on September 22. This engaging symposium will delve into various enlightening topics, including Forgiveness, Compassion and Narratives, Artistic Expression, and Daily Practices from both Jain and Multicultural standpoints. For comprehensive event information and registration details, kindly refer to the enclosed flyer below.
Sincerely and respectfully,
Haresh Shah,
JAINA President
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Jain Spiritual Leader Meets the President of India at Rashtrapati Bhavan
New Delhi, August 25, 2023 - In a historic and unforgettable encounter, P.P. Acharya Dev Shri Vijayratnachal Suri Maharaj Adi Thana, a revered figure in the Jain community, had the honor of meeting President Draupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan. This marked the revered Shwetambar Jain Acharya's debut visit to the presidential residence after several years.
The President admired the Jain monk's sacrifices and asceticism, mentioning the health benefits of walking barefoot—a practice well-known in rural communities. She acknowledged her own fondness for walking barefoot but lamented its practicality in the modern world.
Acharya Shri, in response, emphasized the vital role of preserving India's culture to ensure its prosperity and global leadership. He invited the President to the commemorative event for the 2550th Nirvana Kalyanak of Lord Mahavira, the last Tirthankar of Jainism.
The visit also saw the participation of Balmuni Shri Hemsrishti Maharaj, a young initiate who captured the attention of everyone present. The President was moved to tears upon learning that Balmuni had taken initiation at a tender age. The interaction highlighted the importance of knowledge acquisition, with the President graciously offering a Cadbury chocolate, which Balmuni humbly declined due to his adherence to consuming only home-cooked food.
Dr. Jitendra Shah of the Shrut Ratnakar Trust proposed the establishment of a Jain pavilion at the Statue of Unity complex in Kevadia. He also requested the President's support in promoting Prakrut, one of India's ancient languages with a rich literary heritage.
Acharyashree presented the President with a picturesque image of Shri Shankheshwar Parshwanath Bhagwan, a gift that will find a place of honor within the building. The event was attended by notable figures such as Shri Pankaj Seth, Manish Mehta, Mahesh Shah, Rajesh Jain, Ajay Jain, and others.
The encounter between P.P. Acharya Dev Shri Vijayratnachal Suri Maharaj and President Draupadi Murmu symbolized a unique fusion of spiritual wisdom and national leadership, underlining the significance of cultural preservation in India's journey toward prosperity and global eminence.
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Read the article in Gujarati
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JAINA Sarak Community Upliftment Committee
As we conclude our insightful journey through the Sarak Community awareness campaign, we find ourselves approaching the auspicious occasions of Paryushan Mahaprava and Das Laxana Parv. These upcoming festivals provide an ideal moment for us to delve into the vibrant celebrations of our Sarak brothers and sisters and to uncover the captivating stories interwoven with Sarak culture and Paryushan traditions.
To bring this experience closer to you, we share two captivating videos that offer a firsthand look into the heartwarming festivities that unfolded during the Paryushan celebrations in both 2021 and 2023.
These videos bear witness to the active involvement and facilitation of the Raj Parivar & Samkit Group, supported by the auspicious blessings of our revered Guru Bhagwant. Witnessing the transformative power of collective efforts, we hope these videos kindle a sense of inspiration within each of us.
Stay tuned for these enlightening videos that promise to deepen our connection with the Sarak culture and inspire us to foster inclusivity.
Check the website, managed by Raj Parivar https://sarakabhiyan.org, to learn more about their initiatives.
Please get in touch with Jatin Shah, who leads the JAINA Sarak Community Upliftment Committee, at C: 703-926-7451 or email at jatinshah999@gmail.com, to learn more about the projects being planned by JAINA.
Paryushan 2021
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Paryushan 2023
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June 2023 Jain Digest
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Modern Approach to Paryushan and Das Laxana by Dr. Surendra Singhvi
Two things come to mind when we think about Paryushan and Das Laxana – Asking for Forgiveness and doing tap such as Atthai. Many of us would like to be able to do such tap, but for various reasons we are not able to.
Realizing this situation, Dr. Surendra Singhvi provides us with a few alternatives where the goal is to control our senses by following some restraints during these pious days and doing some noble activities. We hope this helps you to celebrate these important festivals more meaningfully.
To learn more about alternate ways to do Tapasya, go to:
Click Here to Read this Article
To read the entire June 2023 Jain Digest, go to:
Jain Digest June 2023
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Ahimsak Eco Vegan Committee
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Getting Ready for the Paryushan and Das Lakshana Parvas
Paryushan and Das Lakshana Parvas are right around the corner. It is the Parvas of achieving spiritual upliftment by progressing on our path of non-violence towards all living beings. In the true spirit of celebrating Paryushan Parva and Das Lakshana Parva, we all need to think about giving up dairy and minimizing harm to five sense animals. This request is at an individual level and to all Jain Centers within North America. To make this transition easy, the Jain Vegan Initiative has developed a Vegan Paryushan / Das Lakshana Cookbook last year, which received an overwhelming reception from the Jain community. Below is the link to download the Cookbook.
Link for the cookbooks - https://linktr.ee/globaljainvegans
The above link also includes the link for a PDF version of Pramodaben Chitrabhanu’s book, “The Rainbow Food on the Vegan Palate”. The Vegan Jain Cookbook can also be used outside of Paryushan and Das Lakshana Parvas.
As we all know, dairy consumption is deeply rooted in our Jain diet across the globe. We, as Jains, are consuming dairy because many of us are not aware of the violence involved against innocent animals in the process of producing milk. Giving up dairy, at least during Paryushan Parva and Das Lakshana Parva, will be an important first step in achieving non-violence for five-sensed animals. This cookbook will help you accomplish that goal. You can use all different dairy alternatives to cook the items you are accustomed to. It contains recipes with pictures and easy-to-follow instructions. Because the recipes in this cookbook also exclude fresh vegetables, fruits, and nuts, you can also use them to make dishes suitable for tithis.
Eliminating dairy from our daily diet will help us tremendously improve our health. Consumption of animal products, including high-fat dairy products, is one of the leading causes of heart disease among Indians. Eliminating dairy products will also help reduce animal agriculture, which is one of the leading causes of greenhouse gases, global warming, and deforestation.Removing dairy, we will help future generations and all living beings who depend on us to save the planet.
Please share this cookbook with all your friends and family members. If you would like more Jain vegan recipes for everyday use, please click here: https://veganjains.com/recipes
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Jain Students Travelling to USA / Canada for Further Studies - JAINA STUDENTS GUIDNACE COMMITTEE
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JIF-Jaina India Foundation has initiated a Program to Assist all the Jain Students Travelling to the USA. JIF, alongside its Parent body JAINA in the USA, has created a Jain Students Guidance Committee.
The committee will assist with various services to any Jain Students Travelling to the USA/Canada for further Studies.
The Above Services are being provided Voluntarily by our Jain Sadharmiks based in the USA and Canada.
Please register your interest at the following link, and we will get in touch with the Student for the same.
Register here
Request all to Pass on this Link to All Known Jain Students Travelling to USA.
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Paryushan Lecture – in English
In the upcoming Paryushan festival, we are privileged to host Dr. Bipin Doshi, a distinguished Jain Scholar from Mumbai University. His insightful lectures, delivered in English, have been tailored to resonate with our younger generation. These lectures offer an opportunity to gain profound wisdom amidst the spiritual enthusiasm of Paryushan. To find out the lecture timings and dates, kindly refer to the enclosed flyer.
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FORGIVENESS SYMPOSIUM – BY JAIN CENTER SOCIETY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA AND CLAREMONT SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY
You are invited to join us for the Forgiveness Symposium 2023!
TOPIC: Forgiveness, Compassion, and Healing in Narratives, Art Expressions, and Daily Practices: Jain and Multicultural Perspectives
FEATURED SPEAKERS: Dr. Gregory Clines, Dr. Rachel Fox, Dr. Yohana Junker, & Dr. Nitin Shah
TIME: September 22, 2023, from 4 pm to 6:30 pm Pacific
LOCATION: This event will be held live via Zoom. You must register to receive the link.
Register here
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