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Dear Sadharmiks,
Jai Jinendra! Pranam!
Dr. S. Cromwell Crawford (1950-2023), the respected Chairman and Professor of Religions at the University of Hawaii, Honolulu, passed away on August 11, 2023. For over three decades, he enriched religious studies, mentored Ph.D. students, and championed Jain principles. Dr. Crawford's pioneering research in bioethics and Hinduism, from a Jain perspective, has left an enduring legacy. His passing was honored in a heartfelt tribute by Dr. Shugan Jain in the ISJS Newsletter, celebrating a scholar whose inspiration will live on.
Jain Shasan Ratna Shree Kumarpalbhai Shah was recently involved in an accident. The latest updates indicate that his condition is stable. On behalf of the entire JAINA family, I extend our heartfelt prayers for his swift and complete recovery.
Discover our "Jain Book Recycle" project! Send your unused Jain literature to the address below, and we'll redistribute it responsibly to those in need. Find all project details, shipping guidelines, and procedures below. Your contribution matters!
I am pleased to Introduce "JAINA Telehealth" (https://jainatelehealth.org/), your source for free virtual medical/dental/oral health advice and second opinions. Explore the details below and connect with Dr. Girish Shah for any inquiries.
Explore our Paryushan lecture schedule featuring morning sessions presented by Dr. Jitendra Shah in both Gujarati and Hindi, as well as evening lectures delivered by Dr. Bipin Doshi in English. Stay tuned for the upcoming detailed day-wise and topic-wise schedule, to be announced in the next few days.
I am delighted to introduce you to JainGPT, a groundbreaking Jain literature search engine that has processed over 100,000 pages, enabling precise semantic searches. Visit jaingpt.org to explore and experience the wisdom of Jain texts through enhanced access and meaningful queries.
Join us for Pratima Bharai's Ghee Boli on September 10, 2023, as we celebrate the Jain Temple construction in New York. Save the date for the Anjan Shalaka Mahotsav on February 11, 2024, at Mahudi Tirth in India. Find more details below.
The Jain Center of Greater Sacramento extends a warm invitation to all for the 18 Abhishek and an exquisite Pratishtha Mahotsav. Elaborate ceremonies are planned from October 12th to 16th. Please find the detailed schedule below and kindly RSVP if you would like to participate. Your presence would be greatly appreciated.
I'm delighted to provide an overview of the recent Parliament of World Religions held in Chicago last month. At this significant event, Acharya Shree Lokesh Muniji had the honor of delivering the inaugural address. Below, you'll find comprehensive coverage of the diverse programs and contributions from the Jain religion.
Please check out the revamped Preksha Meditation schedule, including sessions with Bhaktamar Stotra and Sacred Mantra practices. Join us to explore diverse meditation techniques and find inner peace on your path to enlightenment. Don't miss out!
Join the Jain NRI Pramanik Pathshala in the upcoming academic year from September 2023 to June 2024, with classes commencing on 11th Sept 2023. This online platform offers engaging learning experiences for individuals of all ages, from 3-year-olds to adults, there's something for everyone. Check more details below for registration.
Sincerely and respectfully,
Haresh Shah,
JAINA President
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In Memoriam: Dr. S. Cromwell Crawford (1950-2023)
It is with heavy hearts that we remember and pay tribute to the life and legacy of Dr. S. Cromwell Crawford, who passed away on August 11, 2023. Dr. Crawford, the esteemed Chairman and Professor of the Department of Religions at the University of Hawaii, Honolulu, left an indelible mark on the world of religious studies and bioethics during his remarkable lifetime.
A Distinguished Academic Journey
With over thirty years of service at the University of Hawaii, Dr. Crawford's impact extended far beyond the classroom. His guidance and mentorship have shaped the minds and careers of numerous Ph.D. students in religious studies, ensuring that his legacy endures in the next generation of scholars.
A Life Guided by Jain Principles
Dr. Crawford's personal commitment to a vegetarian lifestyle, rooted in Jain principles, mirrored his deep connection to the values he studied and taught. His dedication to ethical living was not just academic; it was a way of life that inspired those around him.
Prolific Author and Respected Speaker
As a prolific author and distinguished speaker, Dr. Crawford's contributions to religious studies and bioethics were profound. His books and research papers continue to be sources of enlightenment and inspiration for scholars and enthusiasts alike.
A Trusted Advisor
Beyond academia, Dr. Crawford served as an advisor to Jain Spirit magazine, Ahimsa Times, and several other religious institutions. His counsel helped these organizations navigate complex ethical issues and promote values that contribute to a better society.
Pioneering Research in Bioethics and Hinduism
Dr. Crawford's pioneering research at the intersection of bioethics and Hinduism, presented from a Jain perspective, expanded our understanding of these complex subjects. His work was influential and deeply insightful, contributing significantly to the academic discourse.
Best-Selling Author and International Recognition
His latest books on bioethics and Hinduism, published by the State University of New York Press, achieved best-seller status, reflecting the enduring relevance and impact of his scholarship.
A Connection to India
Born in Jhansi, Madhya Pradesh, India, Dr. Crawford's roots and cultural understanding were a testament to his rich and diverse upbringing. He frequently visited India, spoke Hindi fluently, and received honors from the Government of India for his contributions to globalizing Indian culture and values.
A Legacy Remembered
In his passing, Dr. S. Cromwell Crawford leaves behind a void in the world of religious studies and bioethics. His legacy lives on in the hearts and minds of those he inspired, educated, and touched. His life was celebrated in a heartfelt tribute penned by Dr. Shugan Jain in the ISJS (International School for Jain Studies) Newsletter, a testament to his profound impact on his field and those who had the privilege of knowing him.
As we remember Dr. Crawford, we are reminded of the enduring power of knowledge, ethics, and compassion. His life is an enduring example of how one individual can profoundly shape our understanding of religion, ethics, and the pursuit of a compassionate way of life.
Read more about Dr. S. Cromwell Crawford
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Prayer for the Speedy Recovery of Shri Kumarpalbhai Shah
We were saddened to hear that Jain Shasan Ratna Shree Kumarpalbhai Shah was recently involved in an accident. Fortunately, the latest updates bring some relief, as his condition is stable. Kumarpal Shah has been a tireless advocate for Jeev Daya and other Jain causes. On behalf of the JAINA family, we extend our heartfelt prayers and best wishes for his swift and complete recovery. His work and dedication to Jainism continue to inspire us all.
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“Jain Book Recycle Project” by JAINA Education Committee
We're thrilled to present the "Jain Book Recycle" initiative from the JAINA Education Committee. This endeavor focuses on the responsible redistribution of Jain literature that you may no longer need. Simply send your unused Jain books to the address provided, and we'll ensure they find appreciative readers who will benefit from them. For all the project details, shipping guidelines, and operational procedures, please see the information below. Your contribution can have a profound impact!
Click here to read the complete details about this project
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JAINA Telehealth Update
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The JAINA Telehealth
Launches Virtual Free Telehealth (Medical and Dental/Oral Health)
Advice & Second Opinion Service.
Through JAINA Telehealth, network medical doctors and dentists can provide virtual advice/second opinions. They can also offer a referral to a network/out-of-network medical doctor and dentist if additional services are needed.
You have access to virtual telehealth and virtual visits are here for you. It is safe and easy to use, and a quick way to get advice without leaving your home.
Follow these simple steps to get started:
Step 1 Visit JAINA Telehealth Patient Portal
Step 2 Connect with JAINA Telehealth Physician or Dentist to set up a date for consultation.
These services are now available in the States of NY, CA, MA, GA, NJ and IL. We start with a small selection of patients to test our telehealth system and identify any challenges. This will help us improve our system before expanding it to all patients Nationwide.
For further information/questions/concerns
Contact: Dr. Girish J Shah
Cell# 631-662-4849
Email: DrGirishJShah@Jainatelehealth.org.
Click Here To Read more
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Special Paryshan Lectures in Morning & Evening
As the Paryushan fervor approaches, we are thrilled to present an uninterrupted series of enlightening lectures spanning all 8 days of Paryushan Mahaparva. These lectures cater to individuals of all age groups and are available in English, Hindi, and Gujarati during both morning and evening sessions. You have the flexibility to choose a time that suits you best to attend, learn, and engage in these spiritual discourses.
Our esteemed and knowledgeable scholars will be on hand to interact with you, providing answers to your long-standing questions about various rituals and practices while strengthening the foundations of spirituality. Please review the lecture itinerary below and mark your calendars for the dates and times that suit you. Join us for this enriching experience!
Gujarati and Hindi (Morning Sessions)
In the upcoming Paryushan festival, we are privileged to host Dr Jitendra B shah, a scholar of Indian philosophical systems, in particular Jain philosophy. His insightful lectures shall be delivered in Gujarati and Hindi.
Time: 11:00 AM EST | 10:00 AM CST | 8:00 AM PST
English (Evening Sessions)
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.
Time : 10:00 PM EST | 9:00 PM CST | 7:00 PM PST
Click Here for Zoom
Meeting ID : 864 1200 5273
Passcode: JAINA
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JainGPT: Enabling Exploration of Jain Literature With More Convenience
JainGPT (jaingpt.org) is a Jain literature semantic search engine created by former YJA board member (Anish Visaria) in coordination with the Jain eLibrary.
In this latest phase of this project, they have successfully processed an extensive corpus of over 100,000 pages of literature files. The result of this effort has been the implementation of a robust semantic search capability, akin to the remarkable capabilities demonstrated by OpenAI's ChatGPT. This enables users to search and comprehend the actual meanings within the text.
Please be aware that, at present, the system primarily supports queries in the English language. For non-English languages, such as Hindi or Gujarati, the response will redirect you to the Jain Quantum (jainqq.org) search engine, as English queries yield the most accurate semantic meanings at this time.
Please try it out and let us know what you think!
Over the past few years, Anish Visaria has been extensively involved in YJA and JAINA Education. Recently, he created JainGPT, which enables semantic search over Jain literature. In August 2020, Anish built Jain Quantum (https://jainqq.org/), which has since been used by over 470,000+ users across 62 countries. He also served as Director of Technology on the 2019-20 YJA Executive Board and as Registration and Technology Co-lead for both the 2020 and 2022 YJA Convention Committees. He currently serves as Director of Innovation for Jain eLibrary (https://jainelibrary.org/).
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Jain Centers News
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Jain Temple of New York
I am delighted and honored to share a heartfelt invitation to join the Ghee Boli of Pratima Bharai, which will take place on the 10th of September 2023. This event is part of the ongoing celebrations in honor of the construction of the Jain Temple in New York.
Additionally, I am excited to share that a revered Anjan Shalaka Mahotsav is scheduled for the 11th of February, 2024, at Mahudi Tirth in India. Further details about this significant event can be found in the message below.
Your presence at these auspicious occasions would mean a lot as we celebrate our faith and the milestones in our spiritual journey. I look forward to your participation and the positive energy you will bring to these events.
Ghee Boli - Invitation - English with Labharthi Names
Ghee Boli - Invitation - Gujarati with Labharthi Names
Invitation for Grand Pratishtha Mahotsav - Jain Center of Greater Sacramento, California
You're cordially invited to join us at the Jain Center of Greater Sacramento for the grand 18 Abhishek and Pratishtha Mahotsav. These elaborate ceremonies will take place from October 12th to 16th. Please refer to the detailed schedule below and let us know if you'd like to participate in this special occasion by RSVPing. Your presence will really be cherished.
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Jain Contingent @ Parliament of World Religion Conference
Explore an in-depth coverage of the recently concluded Parliament of World Religions Conference in Chicago last month. The Jain representation was rich and diverse, including religious leaders, members from the Jain Society of Metropolitan Chicago, various artists and performers, Jain scholars, and more. They showcased a vibrant spectrum of Jain music, art, philosophy, and various facets of Jain religion. For a comprehensive look at the event, please click on the link below.
Please click here for the detailed coverage
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Learn Preksha Meditation Online
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NRI Pramanik Pathshala
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Registrations for New Students: Jain NRI Pramanik Pathshala - Year Sept 2023- June 2024
CLASSES STARTING 11th SEPT, 2023
Jain NRI Pramanik Pathshala operates online worldwide in all time zones for people of all ages, from 3 yr old to adults. It brings a creative style of learning through animated videos, arts and crafts, Kahoot, and digital puzzles.
Up to 3 or more classes and programs are offered per week for people of various ages. Please see the flyer above for the schedule.
Special life-changing programs and live shows are also offered at least once every quarter.
You can register yourself and your kids for Jain Dharam classes as well as Hindi language classes or choose to Volunteer by registering on the below link
https://pathshala.munipramansagar.net/nri-pathshala/ .
Please join the WhatsApp group below to Sponsor Jain Creative Animated Granth Story Videos and various prizes and gifts to kids.
https://chat.whatsapp.com/HLvYAQKcUUjHmaM0krOmz4
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