Today is the first day of Parvadhiraj Paryushan Parva. Let us spend this 8/10 days reflecting on our thoughts, actions, and words, understanding the path shown by Bhagwan Mahavir and how we can practice it in our daily life.

During the Paryushan, every day we will be sending you an article on Jain philosophy and theories, an interesting video on the life of Bhagwan Mahavir, and a recipe by Neha Deepak Shah.

Watch today’s lecture by Rashtrasant Param Gurudev Shree Namramuni Maharaj Saheb, Shri Deepakbhai Bardoliwala, Dr. Prof Priyadarshna Jain in Hindi, Gujarati, and English respectively.

Watch Mahavir - Ek Aloukik Katha in Gujarati on www.jaina.org on September 5 at 12:00 Noon EST | 9:00 AM PST.

Today, let us understand the first 5 Anuvratas from the 12 Vrats of Shravak.

Support the cause of Jivadaya and help raise $25,000 to stop the expansion of the slaughterhouse in Wisconsin.

Recently, Dr. Kumarpal Desai received the Pride of Gujarat Award, from the Chief Minister of Gujarat Shri Vijaybhai Rupani, for his contribution to literature.

Please see below for details or links if any, on all the above items.

Sincerely,

Mahesh Wadher,
JAINA President

Mahavir - EK Aloukik Katha

On Sunday, September 5 JAINA will rebroadcast one of the most admired programs from the Convention 2021, MAHAVIR - Ek Aloukik Katha! The Katha is in a musical dance form that presents Mahavir's life from birth to Nirvana through the stavans composed by Shri Shantilal Shah more than 50 years ago. These stavans with elaborate costumes, dazzling settings, and scores of characters will keep you glued to your seats. Late Shri Shantilal Shah's grandson, Dipak Shah, will present the 2-hour program in Gujarati on www.jaina.org at 12:00 Noon EST | 9:00 AM PST.

Day 1: 12 Vrats of Shravak

During Paryushan, Jains study the scriptures and religious books, reflect on basic principles of Jainism and purify our thoughts, speech, and conduct.

Sadhus (monks) and Sadhvis (nuns) who are commited to the uplifting of their souls and ready to sacrifice all worldly enjoyments and family ties take Five Great Vows - Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya, Brahmacharya, and Aparigraha. But for shravaks and shravikas, who remain in family life, and for whom complete avoidance of the five principle sins is difficult, Jain ethics specifies that they follow 12 mini vows.

These 12 vows are divided into categories: The first 5 are the Anuvratas. They are similar to the Five Great Vows, but easier to follow. The following 3 vows are Gunavrata, or strengthening vows for the Anuvratas, and the final 4 vows are disciplinary vows or Shikshavrata. The Gunavrata and Shikshavrata are known as the seven vows of virtuous conduct.

Today, let us understand five Anuvratas.

1. Ahimsa Anuvrata – Limited Nonviolence

The principles of nonviolence apply to all Jains, though there is recognition that violence is necessary for householders to subsist. The practices necessary for the householder, including cooking, farming, or employment, are permissible acts of violence, though they should always be conscious of limiting the violence committed.

2. Satya Anuvrata – Limited Truthfulness

Like with sadhus, truthfulness is essential to non-attachment to the world. Householders should tell only the truth, in their minds and audibly to others unless that truth would harm another living being.

3. Achaurya or Asteya Anuvrata – Limited Non-Stealing

Jains cannot take things that do not belong to them, regardless of the value of those things, unless freely given. The transition for Jains from vegetarianism to veganism stems from this vow. Dairy products, like milk from a cow, were once considered acceptable for consumption because the milk was freely given. However, some Jains have begun accepting veganism due to the forced breeding and industrialization of dairy farming.

4. Brahmacharya Anuvrata – Limited Chastity

Many Jains choose lives as householders rather than sadhus because of the desire for family life. In this case, complete celibacy cannot be adhered to, but the experience of sensual pleasures can still be contained. (limited). Householders must limit their relations with their own spouse, and sexual hunger within the marriage should be limited.

5. Aparigraha Anuvrata – Limited Non-Attachment

Householders need to be able to sustain life and support the family’s existence, so acquiring some possessions is necessary. However, householders should set limits to earnings and possessions. Even more importantly, reduce attachments to their possessions.

Tomorrow we will understand Gunavrata and Shikshavrata.

BHAGWAN MAHAVIR SWAMI ON TOLERANCE

Listen to the beautiful and inspiring incident of having tolerance from Bhagwan Mahavir’s Life.

‘Stop Slaughterhouse’ Campaign

Strauss brand is planning an expansion of a slaughterhouse in Wisconsin. The expansion will mean 500 additional lives (mostly cows) will be slaughtered on daily basis. A civic group is trying to stop the expansion through the courts on environmental and other grounds. Our Jain brothers Kamal Sheth, Bijay Shah, Vishal Gala in the area are working with the community group and JAINA Jivdya Committee to stop this atrocity.

They have succeeded in holding off the expansion since Nov 2020. Strauss and their venture capitalist company have held up the construction of the added facility. Lack of public record information forced them to file an extension of the decision which was scheduled for mid-August to early October (45 days). Each day of delay saves at least 500 animals/day. This easily exceeds 100,000 animals already.

Challenges:

We need to prepare effective arguments against the expansion and perhaps make it a permanent halt. As a part of the lawsuit, the City of Franklin was forced to release the important details, so they dumped a massive amount of data relevant and irrelevant in a large data dump in hopes that attorneys will not be able to shift through over 25,000 emails. Our Jain groups have recruited several volunteers to distribute combining these emails for the legal counsel. This process is on its way. The group is looking for Jains to contribute $25,000 to their legal fund. Our JAINA Director Kamal Shah in Wisconsin is leading the Jain efforts. He can be reached at Kamal Shah 414-795-3558 or kamalshah318@gmail.com.

During this Paryushan, let us support the cause of Jivadaya. we wish to raise $25,000 to support the legal fight to stop the expansion of the slaughterhouse. For just a few dollars, we can save thousands of lives! Now is the time we need your support.

Click Here to donate "STOP SLAUGHTERHOUSE CAMPAIGN".

Donate - STOP SLAUGHTERHOUSE

Your donation is tax-deductible.
JAINA (Federation of Jain Associations in North America) is a Non-Profit tax-exempt organization, registered under IRS Section 501 (C) (3) EL# 54-1280028

You may mail your check
in favor of JAINA.
Make sure to mention in the memo JIVDAYA - STOP SLAUGHTERHOUSE’ and Mail it to :
JAINA Treasurer,
8843 1/2 Longden Avenue, Temple City CA 91780

Paryushan Recipe by Neha Deepak Shah

MEXICAN RICE WITH YOGURT DIP

Ingredients

• 1 cup rice, washed thoroughly & soaked for an hour
• 1 cup boiled red kidney beans, soaked overnight and pressure cooked with salt
• 2 tbsp Kashmiri red chilli paste
• 1 tsp Oregano 1 tsp Chili flakes
• 1 tsp Cumin powder
• 1 cup dried mint leaves
• 4 tbsp oil Water, as required Salt and pepper to taste
• 400g yogurt
• 1 ½- 2 tsp amchoor powder
• 1tbsp ground paprika Dried parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

Method

1. For the dip, combine all the ingredients together and season with salt and pepper. Refrigerate until use.
2. For the rice, Heat oil in a pan and add rice. Saute for 1 minute on medium heat.
3. Now add boiled rajma, chilli paste, salt, oregano, chilli flakes, and cumin powder and stir fry.
4. Then add mint and hot water (1 cup + 2-3 tbsp water)
5. Give it a boil and lower the flame, cover, and cook until done.
6. Gently stir 2-3 times in between.
7. Fluff with a fork and serve hot with the tangy yogurt dip.
8. Enjoy!!

DR. KUMARPAL DESAI RECEIVED THE 'PRIDE OF GUJARAT' AWARD

Recently, Honorable Chief Minister of Gujarat Shri Vijaybhai Rupani presented the “Pride of Gujarat Award” to nine prominent achievers. Dr. Kumarpal Desai, the only Jain in the group, was the recipient of this honor for his contribution to literature. Presenting the award, Shri Rupani said that for years, I am personally familiar with Shri Kumarpalbhai’s life of service to literature - Goddess Saraswati. He singled out Kumarpalbhai’s Gujarat Viswakosh as his unforgettable tribute to Gujarati literary world. In addition to his literary contributions, he has been a journalist and educator. He has given hundreds of discourses on Jain Dharma not only all over India but internationally too.

Accepting the award Kumarpalbhai said that Gujarat Viswakosh has dedicated itself to the service of mother Gujarati and it has become a bridge for the writers and poets in the US and Canada. Also, it has raised the importance of teaching the mother tongue in educating the child as it publishes books on many modern topics.

It may be noted that Kumarpalbhai, has attended many JAINA conventions, visited many Jain centers in the US, and provided online lectures during past Paryushan. He has been appointed as the editor of 167-year-old - the oldest Gujarati magazine - BUDDHIPRAKASH. He recently also accepted editorship Gurjari Digest – favorite of many Gujarati readers in the US and Canada.

JAINA India Foundation Online Course

JAINA India Foundation brings online courses on Fundamentals of Jainism and Tattvarth Sutra in English for the USA and Canadian students. The lectures will be conducted by Dr. Bipin Doshi and his team.

The batches will start after Paryushan. Please register for the courses.

DONATE

Mail your Donations in favor of JAINA to :
JAINA Treasurer,
8843 1/2 Longden Avenue, Temple City CA 91780

JAINA accepts gifts of stocks and securities. Transferring appreciated stocks and securities can be a great way to make a charitable gift. Please consult your tax advisor.
JAINA can accept donations from your Rupee account in India. Please contact the treasurer for details.

Your donation is tax-deductible.

JAINA (Federation of Jain Associations in North America) is a Non-Profit tax-exempt organization, registered under IRS Section 501 (C) (3) EL# 54-1280028

JAINA Executive Team 2019-2021