PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

Dear Sadharmik brothers and sisters,
Jai Jinendra!

We will be showcasing the JAINA Cultural Program for humanity on TV Asia and other media on Saturday, May 16, 2020, see the details below. Please also forward this message to your friends and family members around the world to join and watch this mesmerizing performance of our community in the USA.

During last week, 12 donors have come forward to sponsor one or more lectures for online university initiatives. Additionally, one generous donor has offered to match Dollar for Dollar up to $25,000 any new sponsorship of lectures. See the details below.

Jain Study Center of North Carolina appreciated the doctors, nurses, and first responders by sending them the appreciation cards.

JAINA Convention Committee 2021 is accepting Convention 2021 logo submission till May 31, 2020. Please send your entries at competition@jaina.org. Competition guidelines are given below.

Read an interesting story on why Tirthankar Mahavira had attained Kevalgyan on Vaishakh Sud Ekadashi, but His Divya-Dhvani (Discourse) became available on Shravan Krishna Ekam i.e. after 66 days of His enlightenment.

Sincerely,
Mahesh Wadher
JAINA President

JAINA CULTURAL SHOW FOR HUMANITY

We hope you all are doing well and staying safe amongst world-shattering Pandemic due to Coronavirus (COVID-19). This pandemic has caused unprecedented challenges to many communities. I am sure you all are helping needy people in many ways. JAINA has + 63. a great opportunity to show our Karuna (Compassion) to the needy. JAINA has organized a cultural program for fundraising on Saturday, May 16th.

To motivate people we want to have a pull of money for which we will seek matching funds from the viewers. History tells us that looking for matching is a great way to raise funds for a charitable cause. We request you to seriously consider committing $ 10,000 or more. We will also like you to give 20-30 seconds message to the viewers with your contribution.

Thank you very much for considering,

Mail your Donations in favor of JAINA
(in memo please mention "JAINA CULTURAL SHOW FOR HUMANITY") to
Ashok Savla (JAINA Treasurer),
8843 1/2 Longden Avenue, Temple City, CA 91780

JAINA Online University initiative

As announced in last week’s newsletter, JAINA is preparing online lectures on Jainism for what we hope will become part of JAINA Online University. The first course we are getting ready to start recording (soon after lockdown is lifted in India) is a 25-lecture course on Prakrit language. For the importance of Prakrit language to study Jainism, please read the article by Professor Kamal Chand Soghani here.

Initially, we are preparing to offer three courses consisting of 65 lectures:

1.Prakrit Language course by Dr. J R Bhattacharya 25 lectures in English
2.Jain Philosophy course by Dr. Bipin R Doshi. 40 lectures in English
3. Tattvārth Sutra course by Dr. Jitendra B. Shah. 30 lectures in Hindi

JAINA thanks the following 12 people who pledged sponsorship of one or more lectures for JAINA online University.

Hemendra Mehta, IL
Shantilal & Kusum Parekh, ONT, Canada
Punita & Arun Shah, NY
Mohini Jain, CA
Drs. Ashok & Mamta Shaha, NY
Gunvant Shah, NJ
Vijay Chheda CA
Shashikant Sheth, NJ
Sulekh Jain, NV
Arvind shah, NJ
Mahendra R. Shah, NJ

Additionally, Dr. Jasvant Modi of California has pledged to support dollar for dollar, up to $25,000 (31 lectures) for any new pledges to the Online University campaign. We still need sponsorship for 32 more lectures. If you would like to sponsor one or more lectures with a donation of $800.00 for each lecture, or if you have any questions, please write to jainuniversity@Jaina.org. Donors will be recognized on the videos they sponsor.

JAINA Convention 2021 Logo Competition

JAINA Convention Committee 2021 logo submission date is May 31, 2020.

Share your creative idea for the JAINA Convention 2021 Logo with the theme: “JAINISM - THE PATH TO PEACE” and win iPad Pro or Apple gift card of equal value. Submit your entry to competition@jaina.org.

Submission guidelines: https://bit.ly/2RyYAOw.

Jain Story: Bhagwan Mahavir’s Kevalgyan & Samavsaran

Once Mahamuni Mahavira was meditating in the cremation ground of Ujjaini Nagari. A Rudra came there and started teasing Him in various ways but courageous Mahavira was not perturbed at all in His meditation. The Rudra was very much impressed by the courage and patience of Mahavira and after worshipping Him, he gave Him the name Mahati Mahavira. The five famous names of Lord Mahavira are-Veer, Vardhaman, Sanmati, Mahavira & Ativira.

About 12 years had passed since Mahavira took Deeksha. One day He was immersed in deep meditation at the bank of Rijukula river at the village named Jambhrika.

JAIN CENTER - LATEST NEWS

Jain Study Center of North Carolina appreciated the doctors, nurses, and first responders by sending them cards. Many parents and children participated in making these thoughtful cards. JSCNC is grateful to all the volunteers who helped in making it successful. The first batch of 71 cards was delivered to the Health care workers at UNC Rex Hospital.

The next batch of cards will be delivered around May 15th. JAINA appreciates the efforts that the Jain community of North America is making during this difficult time.

CORONAVIRUS RELIEF FUND APPEAL DONATIONS RECEIVED

The Jaina World Community Services Committee thanks your generosity and deeply appreciates your partnership in helping the needy at this critical time.

Ashok Shah - $ 501.00	Natvar Shah - $ 501.00	Dilip Shah - $ 501.00
Raju Shah - $ 501.00	Anjali Shah Texas $ 250.00	Shivangi Bavishi Las Vegas $ 200.00
Pravin Mehta - $ 201.00	Nandini Shah - $ 201.00	Meeta Ramchamdani - $ 151.00
Navin Shah - $ 151.00	Harish Dalal - $ 151.00	Bipin & Bindiya Shah Melrose park $ 101.00
Jayshri Patel Norcross $ 101.00	Tirath Kamdar Chicago $ 101.00	Drs. Brahm & Suman Parsh - $ 101.00
JSMT Fund - $ 201.00

CORONA VIRUS (COVID-19) Relief Fund

Communities across the country are closely monitoring the outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and following public health preparedness. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the United States nationally is currently in the initial phases of COVID-19, but states, where community spread is occurring, are in the acceleration phase. The duration and the severity of each phase can vary depending on the characteristics of the virus and the public health response.

This crisis threatens everyone's way of life, but it is especially difficult for people who are already vulnerable-including those with pre-existing medical conditions, no savings, or inflexible jobs.

JAINA World Community Service (WCS) has launched a fund for the victims of this unfathomable tragedy and requests the Jains of North America to contribute generously. The funds will be used for a humanitarian/educational projects selected by the World Community Service Committee & executed once the relief operations end and rehabilitation work begins.

Please make your tax-deductible contribution through JAINA at the link below.

YJA Upcoming Virtual Programming

YJA is excited to present a number of online programming initiatives over the next several weeks. This upcoming weekend, we have programming targeted towards Adults and Youth - check out the following initiatives for more information!

All Parents Invited - A Discussion on The Future of Jainism

On Saturday, May 9th at 3 PM EST, YJA will host a virtual session for parents and adults aged 35+ centered around the question: “What practices should we start, stop, and continue at home, in our mandir/local Sangh, and across the nation in order to better pursue the principles of Jainism?" Click on the following link to join the call:
https://bit.ly/YJA-Parents-Design-Thinking-Session

My Journey Towards Peace - A Dialogue by Rishi Zaveri

On Saturday, May 9th at 4PM EST, Rishi will speak about his journey towards peace, living with and learning from his guru for nine months in India - nine months that would change his life forever. Click on the following link to join the call: https://bit.ly/dialogue_session_1_zoom

Mother’s Day Bollywood Dance Workshop

This Mother’s Day, you and your family are invited to a Bollywood Dance Workshop hosted by P&P Dance Crew. Join us this Sunday, May 10th at 4 PM EST to get your Bolly-groove on! Click on the following link to join the call: https://bit.ly/YJA-Bollywood-Dance