PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

Jai Jinendra!

Two EcoCiv sessions were held at 2018 Parliament of the World’s Religions emphasizing ways to simultaneously Reduce Our Carbon Footprint and Karmic Footprint. Read more about it below.

Mumukshu Aradhanaben and Mumukshu Upasanaben took diksha in sanidhya of Pujya Gurudev Shree Namramuni Maharaj Saheb in Rajkot. It is really amazing to watch the video and specially the doctor that operated and took 27 stitches to close one foot long cut on scalp minutes before the Diksha. Mumukshu Aradhanaben requested to operate her without anesthesia so that she do not miss the auspicious Diksha Muhrat. Read more about their aatma yatra below

JAINA Convention 2019 preparations are on in full swing. Over 2000 people have registered so far. Book your spot now to not miss an amazing Convention.

Warm Regards,
Gunvant Shah
JAINA President
12-23-2018

ECOCIV SESSIONS AT 2018 PARLIAMENT OF THE WORLD'S RELIGIOUS

Dr. Manish Mehta, Chair of JAINA Diaspora Committee organized and moderated two sessions on November 3 on the topic “Interfaith Collaborations for Sustainability” at the 2018 Parliament of World Religions emphasizing ways to simultaneously Reduce Our Carbon Footprint and Karmic Footprint.

The aim of two Parliament sessions was two-fold: (1) To illustrate how our Jain beliefs in Non-Violence and Jain Way of Life recognize the inter-dependence of life and balancing of consumption and economic activity with ecology and environment; and (2) To illustrate how Jains live and work, make positive career choices, and influence other faiths (in spite of our small population in the world) on the ecological front due to our ability to partner and leverage with interfaith groups and civic organizations, which allows Jains to promote our core values of compassion and care for humans and all life forms.

AATMA YATRA OF SHREE ARADHANA DIDI & SHREE UPASANA DIDI

Mumukshu Aradhana didi Deliwala, daughter of Shrimati Poonamben Manojbhai Deliwala, has taken the brave decision of adopting Jain Diksha at the young age of 17 years. Born and brought up in Rajkot, she has recently completed her grade 10 examinations from the Gujarat state board with 99.94 percentile, securing the 6th position across the state from among 11 lakh students. Today, at such a tender age, Aradhana didi has already learned and mastered Samayik-Pratikraman-Shri Avashyak Sutra, Shri Puchhinsunam Sutra, several Gathas from Shri Dashvaikalik Sutra and 100+ Jain stavans and hymns.

Doctors were astonished to see the equanimity of Mumukshu Aaradhanaben as she had a pleasant smile on her face even on the operation table while getting 27 stitches on her head Truly justifying the brave path of Saiyam, even amidst a crucial medical state and a severe injury she entered the Diksha Mandap with undeterred faith and determination to adopt Panch Mahavrat and couldn't wait to adorn the Vesh of Parmatma!

Mumukshu Upasana didi Sheth, daughter of Shri Hetalben Sanjaybhai Sheth and the granddaughter of Rajkot Mahavirnagar Upashray’s sangh pramukh – Shri Kantibhai Ladhabhai Sheth, is eager to advance on the path of Saiyam and adopt Jain Diksha. Brought up in the lap of luxury, utmost love and care, Upasana didi’s childhood is one that any individual would dream of. A national level basketball player, a guitarist and a dance enthusiast, Upasana Didi has always been a bubbling source of ideas, energy, and creativity.

Having spent the last six years as a Sadhak in Rashtrasant Pujya Gurudev Shree Namramuni Maharaj Saheb’s sanidhya, Upasana didi has inspired and supported several souls on this valourous path and now readies herself to do the same at the young age of 24 years she gave up the mundanity of sansar to embrace the sadhak lifestyle in Pujya Gurudev’s sanidhya at the age of 18 years, to initiate her training for adopting Diksha.

GIRNAR SERIES

STORY #8: BAPPBHATSURI

A series of historical events have unfolded on the gracious land of Girnar, making it glorious for withstanding numerous storms of arguments and controversies. With the passage of time, there have been pages after pages in History, documenting many instances of dissention on the ownership of Girnar.

Documented in letters of gold in the history of Jainism, this is one such instance of five sons of trader Dhar, who sacrificed their lives for the cause of devotion to this shrine.

As he watched the holy land that had turned into a battlefield and the five bloodied dead bodies of his brave sons, trader Dhar’s deepest desire was still unfulfilled. As he took the steps backwards to his home, he was actually determining to leap forward. Despite having sacrificed five sons at the altar of Jainism, trader Dhar was still not at peace. Every passing day further sharpened his pangs to ensure Shwetambar ownership of Girnar.

Please click here to read more.

YJP UPDATE

On November 18, 2018, YJP Toronto and JYOT (Young Jains of Toronto) attended a grandiose Diwali celebration hosted by Jain Jagruti and the Jain Society of Toronto. They celebrated the newly formed YJP Toronto and appreciated all who attended and came together to put together this wonderful event.