Dear Sadharmik brothers and sisters,

Jai Jinendra!

🙏

Paryushan/Das Lakshana Parva

Mahavir - EK Aloukik Katha

On Sunday, September 5 JAINA will broadcast 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 2: 12 Vrats of Shravak

Today we will understand the remaining 7 out 12 Vrats of Shravak which are into two categories: Gunavrata and Shikshavrata.

The three merit vows have two purposes: First, they act as purifiers, clarifiers, and strengtheners for the Anuvrata. Second, they govern the external actions of householders, encouraging an outward existence that strives for Moksha.

Gunavrata, the Three Merit Vows

The three merit vows have two purposes: First, they act as purifiers, clarifiers, and strengtheners for the Anuvrata. Second, they govern the external actions of householders, encouraging an outward existence that strives for Moksha.

1. Dik Vrata – Limited Area of Activity

This vow limits the ability for sins to be committed in the ten directions: north, south, east, west, northeast, northwest, southeast, southwest, above, and below. Essentially, Dik Vrata permits deviation from the Anuvrata to the boundaries of the physical world. Beyond the physical world, the Anuvrata becomes Mahavrata.

2. Bhoga-Upbhoga Vrata – Limited Use of Consumable and Non-Consumable Items

The enjoyment of consumable items (bhoga) such as food and drink, as well as the enjoyment of non-consumable items (upbhoga) such as housewares, furnishings, and clothing, is permitted within a limited scope. Householders should exercise caution so as not to become attached to these items, but their enjoyment is not a major offense.

3. Anartha-danda Vrata – Avoidance of Purposeless Sins

Committing an unnecessary offense, like walking on grass without need, manufacturing weapons to be used for violence, or reading obscene books, should be avoided.

Shikshavrata, the Four Disciplinary Vows

The purpose of the disciplinary vows is to govern the internal behavior and conduct of householders. It encourages strong participation in religious life and activities.

1. Samayik Vrata – Limited Meditation

This vow encourages householders to meditate for at least 48 minutes in one sitting, though many Jains partake in meditation more than once per day.

2. Desavakasika Vrata – Limited Duration of Activity

Though Bhoga-Upbhoga Vrata permits the enjoyment of objects within a limited capacity, this vow puts additional limits on the days and times when these things can be enjoyed.

3. Pausadha Vrata – Limited Ascetic’s Life

Though householders live their lives outside of the monastic order, this vow requires that the shravak live as sadhus for at least one day during his/her lifetime. This provides a training or prerequisite for a future life as a member of the monastic order.

4. Atithi Samvibhaga Vrata – Charity

The 12th vow of the shravak is a vow of charity. Householders are asked to give freely to sadhus and people in need. Particularly with sadhus, the householders should not prepare a separate meal for the monks and nuns but rather give some of the food intended for one’s own meal, as sadhus cannot accept food prepared specifically for them.

10 Dreams Seen by Mahavir Swami and Its Meaning

Listen to the meaning of 10 Mysterious Dreams seen by Mahavir Swami

Paryushan Recipe by Neha Deepak Shah

HERB & BLACK PEPPER WHITE SAUCE PASTA

Fresh Pasta

• ¼ cup sooji If not using sooji, make it with just wheat flour
• ½ cup Whole wheat flour
• 1 tsp Oil
• ¼ tsp Salt
• Hot water to knead the dough

Pasta Sauce

• 1 tbsp Ghee or homemade butter
• 1 tbsp Whole-wheat flour
• 1 cup milk Salt & pepper
• A pinch of Nutmeg
• 1 tsp Dried herbs
• 1 tsp Chilli flakes

To make a spicy version, you can add 1 tsp of the harissa sauce to this. For Ravioli – You can do a paneer, herbs, black pepper & black salt filling.

Method

Fresh Pasta

1. Mix all the ingredients to make a dough. The dough should neither be too soft nor too stiff. Make sure you use hot water (not warm). It has to be hot enough for the sooji to absorb it well.
2. Wrap the dough and leave it covered for about 1 hour.
3. In the meanwhile make the filling if you wish to make a ravioli.
4. After 1 hour, you can either make pasta using a sev machine, pasta machine or even roll using a rolling pin and cut it into thin strips (Fettuccine or linguine)
5. To cook the pasta, boil some water. Once the water starts boiling, add ½ tsp oil to it along with a little salt. Cook the pasta for 4 to 5 mins (Don’t overcook it).
6. Drain it, run it with a little cold water and then drain and use as required.
7. If making raviolis, the video for it is on my Instagram. You will need a fork to seal the edges. There is a video on how to make bow-shaped pasta too.

Pasta Sauce

1. Heat ghee in a kadhai or pan, add the atta to it. Don’t brown the atta, only cook it for half a minute. Add milk to this and using a whisk, keep on mixing it until the sauce starts to thicken. Once the sauce thickens, you can add salt, pepper, herbs and even harissa sauce to it.
2. Toss your pasta in the sauce.
3. Garnish with homemade paneer and some herbs and serve.