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Dear Sadharmiks,
Jai Jinendra! Pranam!
I am pleased to share details about a workshop scheduled at this year's end. Discover inner peace, self-confidence, and purpose-driven living at Prayogshala, a transformative workshop led by Dipakbhai Shah (Bardoli) in the serene Pawapuri, Rajasthan, from December 23 to 26. With limited spots available, this 3-night, 4-day retreat includes daily discourses and nourishing meals. Don't miss your chance to rejuvenate your life and soul – register now for an unforgettable experience. Check the flyer below for more details.
We are thrilled to announce the upcoming October edition of JAIN Digest magazine, and it promises to be a captivating issue filled with insightful articles, inspiring stories, and valuable information. Our team has been hard at work to bring you a diverse range of content that reflects the richness and diversity of Jain culture, philosophy, and community activities. Check out this exciting edition, which promises to be a delightful read for all our members.
Under the auspicious blessings of Param Pujya Acharya Hem Vallabh Suri M.S., we are thrilled to announce the Girnar 99 (Navanu) Yatra and Girnar Tirth Parikrama, taking place from Christmas to mid-February 2024. This spiritual journey promises profound insights and self-discovery. For more details, check the flyer below and prepare for a transformative experience.
I am excited to offer you a glimpse into the recent workshop that took place in Yokohama, Japan, from September 23rd to 24th, 2023. Led by the esteemed Saman Shrutpragyaji from Rajkot, India, this workshop has left an indelible mark on the spiritual odyssey of our Japanese friends. Through its accessible teachings on Jain Dharma, profound insights into Samayik, and a dedicated focus on managing emotions, this workshop brilliantly illuminated their path toward spiritual growth. Astonishingly, within a mere two days, a couple of participants wholeheartedly embraced vegetarianism, serving as a powerful testament to the workshop's profound and lasting impact. For more details, please refer to the information below.
I invite you to watch the captivating movie, 'The IVth,' which delves into the remarkable life story of Sanat Kumar Chakravarti. This cinematic journey leads the audience through profound spiritual contemplations, exploring the twelve Bhavnas. The film is beautifully interwoven with meditative and melodious gathas from Shant Sudharas and Samadhi Shatak, accompanied by devotional dance sequences, Sajjhais, Pads, and Stavans. 'The IVth' tugs at the heartstrings of its viewers, offering a 90-minute experience that combines education and entertainment, suitable for both young and old alike. Notably, it's one of the few such movies available in English. You can watch it by following the link given below.
I am delighted to share a heartwarming story about two young Mumukshus who were born and raised in the USA and have now chosen the path of monkhood. Brother and sister, Karan and Tanya, originally from Detroit, have embarked on this spiritual journey under the benevolent guidance of Acharya Shree Ratna Sundarji M.S. Their story is a fascinating one, as it tells of a pious family that reversed their migration from the USA to India, seeking spiritual fulfillment.
In our relentless quest for knowledge, it's not only crucial to create and acquire wisdom but equally vital to ensure its respectful disposal, free from any disrespect (Ashatna). Honoring the knowledge that has served its purpose by ceremoniously retiring it is a sacred duty. To uphold these values, the JAINA Education Committee is thrilled to introduce the "Jain Books and Literature Recycling" project. If you possess surplus or unused Jain books, magazines, or printed materials, don't let them languish in neglect. Join us in preserving and respecting this wisdom, preventing it from a fate as ordinary waste. Together, let's ensure that it continues to illuminate the hearts and minds of those who seek it.
Sincerely and respectfully,
Haresh Shah,
JAINA President
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Prayogshala - A workshop to Revitalize our life and soul
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Jain Digest October 2023
The Jain Digest Editorial Team is pleased to announce that the October 2023 issue of Jain Digest is now available on JAINA Website at www.jaina.org/jaindigest.
It has 19 articles on various topics that will educate, inspire, and spiritually elevate you!
Here is a partial list of articles:
Jain Digest October 2023
- Simandhar Swami, Jaina Universe and Our Era By Dharmpal Mahendra Jain
- My Intent to Forgive By Deven Shah
- Vikas Khanna: A Culinary Maestro with a Compassionate Heart By Payal Seth
- Adhar Papsthanak Sutra By Anop Vora
- Two Jain Objects at the Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto, Canada By Dhruti Rathi
- Sudha Murty: The Woman Who Inspires Many By Reena Shah
- Historic Visit by Jain Sadhus to Pakistan By Ashwani Jain
- Pitfall on the Spiritual Path – Holding Grudges By Ramesh Khandhar
- Mulyavardhan: A Values Education Program By Bharatiya Jain Sanghatana
- The Art of Giving Back By Dilip V. Shah
- JAINA Convention 2023: An Amazing Experience By Sanjay Bhandari
- Essays by Pathshala Students at Chicago Jain Center
- JAINA Connections By Dhruti Rathi
- The 25th Anniversary Mahotsav of Jain Society of Greater Detroit By Sanjay Bhandari
And more..
We hope you enjoy reading these articles.
Please send us your feedback via email to jaindigestpublication@gmail.com.
Jain Digest
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Giranar 99 Yatra and Girnar tirth PARIKRAMA
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Workshop in Yokohama: A Spiritual Awakening
I am delighted to offer you a glimpse of the profound workshop that unfolded in Yokohama, Japan, on September 23rd and 24th, 2023. Conducted by Samanji Shrutpragyaji from Rajkot, India, this workshop etched an enduring mark on the spiritual journey of our Japanese friends.
Drawing a diverse audience, the workshop introduced Jain Dharma in an accessible and pragmatic manner. Samanji's teachings bridged the gap, rendering the intricate principles of Jainism applicable to everyday life – a rare opportunity for those beyond India's borders.
A highlight was the exploration of Samayik, affording participants a 48-minute taste of monkhood. Samanji's guidance shed light on the spiritual dimensions of this practice, illuminating hearts and minds.
Day two revolved around the art of managing emotions, with a spotlight on ahimsa's pivotal role in inner peace. Samanji's insights on the interplay of emotions, karma, and practical emotional management techniques proved invaluable.
Notably, within just two days after the workshop, a couple of participants embraced vegetarianism, a testament to the workshop's transformative impact.
In closing, we are reminded that these moments of awakening and growth are what bind our global Jain community together. Let us continue to nurture such enlightening experiences.
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A LIFE STORY OF SANAT KUMAR CHAKRAVARTI
Embark on a soul-stirring odyssey with 'The IVth,' a remarkable spiritual movie now available in English on YouTube. This cinematic masterpiece paints a vivid portrait of the life story of SanatKumar Chakravarti, guiding viewers through profound spiritual contemplations of the twelve bhavnas.
'The IVth' weaves a mesmerizing tapestry of meditative and melodious gathas from ShantSudharas and Samadhi Shatak, intertwined with devotional dance sequences, sajjhais, pads, and stavans. This cinematic gem tugs at the heartstrings of its audience, stirring deep emotions.
The movie's thought-provoking dialogues draw wisdom from revered Gurus like P Pu Bhaktiyogacharya Yashovijaysuriji, P. Pu. Muktidarshansuriji, P Pu Sheelchandrasuriji, and Pannyas Labhdhivallabh MS.
Produced by the Atmaruchi Foundation, this 90-minute creation offers a blend of education and entertainment suitable for both the young and old. It's a rare English-language gem that we recommend screening in all Jain centers as a community learning event.
Don't miss the chance to experience 'The IVth'
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Young Mumukshus from USA
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Mumukshu Tanya and Karan, originally from Bhuj (Kutch) and Mandvi (Kutch) and currently residing in Vadodara, Gujarat, India were born in Denver, CO and Detroit, MI United States, respectively. Their early education and Jain studies took place in America, where they had the unique opportunity to live near the magnificent Detroit Mahavir Swami temple for 10 years. This proximity allowed them to partake in almost daily visits, periodic Puja and also attend Sunday Jain Pathashala classes. Through structured courses covering the Jain Sutras, philosophy, rituals and practices, they enriched their understanding of our great religion.
With the blessings of Dev, Guru, and Dharma, the entire family made the decision to return to India in 2015, and choosing Vadodara, Gujarat to settle down. In 2017, in the auspicious presence of Acharya RatnasunderSuriji M.S, they enrolled in Upadhaan tap aradhana, ultimately culminating in the wearing of the Moksha Mala.
Their unwavering commitment to religion and spirituality continued to grow over the years, leading them to seek permission for Diksha about five years ago. However, due to their parents' insistence, they diligently completed two more years of school studies. In 2020, they humbly requested permission for Gurukul residence, embarking on two years of disciplined monkhood training. Finally, six months ago, Acharya Bhagwant accepted their aspiration to carry forward the spiritual legacy and granted permission to get initiated into Jain monkhood. With the wholehearted approval of their family, the auspicious day for Diksha was chosen, signifying the culmination of their profound spiritual journey.
Both brother and sister will be receiving Diksha on the auspicious day January 24, 2024, Wednesday in Dhule, Maharashtra and will get initiated by Acharya Shri RatnasunderSuriji M.S. Karan and Tanya will devote their lives to their Gurus; Ganivarya Sri Vatsalyasundar M.S and Sadhviji Samvegnidhisriji M S respectively.
This is the first time ever that someone born in the US will be taking Diksha. This is an historic moment for Jin Shasan and a milestone that all Jains in the US should feel proud of!
The family warmly extends wholehearted invitation to everyone to participate in the grand Diksha Mahotsav and share the joy during this significant moment. Your presence will add a special fragrance to this auspicious occasion. Please consider this message as a heartfelt invitation from the entire family (Sri Kirtibhai (dadaji), Smt Hansaben (dadiji), Sri Jagdishbhai (nanaji), Jyotsnaben (naniji), Vinit (Dad) & Leena Shah (Mom)
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Jain Books and Literature Recycling - Join Us in a Noble Cause
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Books and literature are undoubtedly significant in the pursuit of knowledge, but equally important is their respectful disposal, free from any disrespect (Ashatna). To honor the wisdom that has served its purpose, ceremoniously retiring, it is crucial to deal thoughtfully with such spiritually enriched material. It is a service, an honor, and a gesture of respect to the revered knowledge.
Adhering to these principles, the JAINA Education Committee is excited to introduce the "Jain Books and Literature Recycling" project. If you find yourself with surplus or unused Jain books, magazines, or printed materials gathering dust, we urge you to consider their fate carefully. Let's ensure that they do not accidentally meet the fate of typical trash.
Join us in preserving and respecting the knowledge that has enriched our lives. Let's ensure it continues to shine in the hearts and minds of those who seek it.
Announcement
JAIN BOOKS & Literature Recycle Project - Distribution
In the year 2021, we embarked on the JAIN Books & Literature Recycling Project in response
to the recurring inquiries from our esteemed patrons regarding the appropriate disposal of
surplus Jain Books, Magazines, and other printed Jain Literature. Many of you expressed a
desire to part with these materials respectfully and without any Ashatana or disrespect.
To offer a responsible avenue for the disposal of surplus Jain Books, we introduced a pioneering initiative known as the "Jain Books Recycle" project. Within the framework of this initiative, we have been collecting surplus Jain Books, Literature, magazines, and other printed articles at a central location. We aim to initially share these materials with interested organizations and individuals in the USA, followed by distribution to India.
We are delighted to announce that the initial phase of our pilot project received an
overwhelming response. Subsequently, the second phase involved scanning the title pages of
all collected books and cataloging them, which was successfully completed in February 2023.
We are now excited to commence the third phase, where readers can peruse these books and
place their requests.
Here are the steps to view and order the books:
- Visit: https://bit.ly/JainBooksRecycle2023
- Identify the books from the English, Hindi, or Gujarati lists and make note of the . SKU number
number for the books you wish to acquire.
- Visit this Google form to provide your details: https://bit.ly/2023JainBooksOrder
- Submit the form, and we will promptly process your order
- Please submit the form by October 31st, 2023.
- Upon approval, we will arrange for the shipment of your order.
Please note the following limits and considerations:
- Institutions such as Jain Centers & Sanghs, Universities & Libraries may request any
quantity of books and will be given preference over individual requests.
- Individuals can request a reasonable number of books that are required and not just for
the sake of getting them.
- Books will be shipped on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Free Shipping is available only for the USA Continental 48 states.
While all aspects of this project are managed and operated by volunteers, we kindly request
donations to cover the shipping costs. Donating your contributions to the JAINA Education
Committee via PayPal (paypal.me/jainelibrary) or Zelle (treasurer@jainelibrary.org) would
be greatly appreciated. Please note that your donation is tax-deductible in the USA.
If you still wish to contribute your surplus books, we encourage you to take advantage of this
project. We accept surplus Jain Literature that is in good condition, readable, complete, and
not torn. Please refrain from sending any Jain Upkaran or religious artifacts.
Kindly ship your surplus books to the following address:
JAINA Education – Jain Books Recycle Project
c/o JC Flag - Attn: Virendra Shah
821 E. Artesia Blvd, Carson, CA 90746
- For the most cost-effective shipping option, please use "POST OFFICE MEDIA MAIL
CATEGORY," which applies only to printed books.
- Do not include any other items in the shipment to avoid delivery issues and potential
additional postage charges.
We welcome your suggestions, comments, and feedback.
on behalf of JAINA Education Committee's - JAIN Books Recycle Project
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Virendra Shah – jcflag@yahoo.com - 310-218-7979
Pravin K Shah – jainaedu@gmail.com - 919-859-4994
Raj Salecha – contact@jainelibrary.org - 401-400-2030
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