Editor-in-Chief: Dr. H.A.Parshwanath

Vol.2      Issue 5

SEPTEMBER 2003

Editorial

THE CONCEPT OF SOUL IN JAINISM

    The term 'Atma' (soul), 'Jiva' (life), 'Prana' (breath) are used synonymously. However these differ distinctly as viewed by the thinkers. The Jain Philosophers regard the soul as free from bondage of edifice of life and is pure in its form and spirit. Life is said to be an entanglement of senses, energy, longevity and breath of life in the light of karma. Life is endowed with soul and karma. Atma exists in a nonphysical form and is an originator of good deeds. A man with purity of mind and thoughts is always imbibed with a spirit of action. Atma attains supremacy owed to its inherent property of its eternity. It is considered as an abstract as it is devoid of colour, fragrance and touch. It governs the existence of Nirjara and Moksha (salvation). It is further devoid of animosity and aspirations. The concept of atma is vividly described in Tatvartasara by Umaswamy, Athvaartharajavarthika by Akalankadeva and also in Pravachanasara.

    Knowledge and vision are the manifestations of atma. Atma also embellishes joy and sorrow through the medium of Pudgala. Atma has been studied extensively by scholars and philosophers alike.

Three types of atma described:

 1. Bahiratma.

 2. Antaratma.

 3. Paramatma.

    Bahiratma - means incorporation of both body and other factors as one. But is is an incomplete and inconclusive interpretation of atma. Hence this should be relinquished.

     Antaratma - This is an insight into the incarnation of soul and body and gaining knowledge and pleasure. This is further divided into Utthama antaratma, Madhyama antaratma and Jhagaanya antaratma. It is being followed by both shravakas and ascetics.

     Pramatma - This stage is attained by relinquishing the worldly pleasures and accepting ascetism. Further there is also incarnation of ananthadarshana, ananthagnana, ananthasukha and ananthaveerya. An individual with anantharatma finds his way for salvation.

     Munisri Yogindu was greatly influenced by the classics of Kundakundacharya and which could be made out in his Paramatmaprakasha. Many similarities are found in the works of Yogindu's Paramatmaprakasha and Pujyapadas Samajashataka.

     The knowledge of soul and its philosophy help one understand what is happiness and who is who. The knowledge and pleasure obtained through atmabhuti are nonsensuous but aimful in attaining salvation. It also explains the creation, action and existance.

     Jainism expresses great faith in atma means through which one can attain salvation.

Thanking you

-Dr. H.A.Parshwanath

JAINS GET MINORITY STATUS IN RAJASTHAN

Jaipur (Rajasthan) , September 4: The Rajasthan government has decided to grant minority community status to Jains. The decision was taken at a Cabinet meeting, presided over by the Chief Minister, "Ashok Gehlot, here on Wednesday night. Even though Jains comprise merely 1.28 percent of the total population of Rajasthan, they command predominant leadership and resources in almost all walks of life ranging from political to business, trade, industrial, social, educational and technical fields. Their influence on the decision-making process is widely recognised in all sectors. Several organisations of the community had been demanding the minority status for the past several years with the contention that Jainism was different from Hinduism and had cited the examples of Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra and Karnataka, where Jains are recognised as a minority community.

The major benefit of the decision would accrue to the educational institutions run by the community. These institutions will be entitled to accord priority to students from their com- munity on 50 per cent of the total seats, while the Government-aided institutions would be free to impart religious education and devise special salary structure for their staff.According to official sources, the Rajasthan State Minorities Commission Act, 2001, will soon be amended and a notification issued to include the Jain community in its purview. A Jain representative may also be nominated to the Commission, which at present comprisesMuslim, Christian and Sikh members. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service.

RIGHT TO CONVERT TO ONE'S OWN RELIGION - OFFICIAL VIEW (SUPREME COURT - INDIA)

According to Supreme Court of India the constitution does not provide any fundamental right to convert any  one to own religion. The court dismissed a petition challenging an Orissa State Law which required police verification of all religious conversions. Citing the SC's ruling in Rev Stanislaus vs Madhya Pradesh, a Bench of Chief Justice V N Khare and Justice S B Sinha said that ''what is freedom for one is freedom for the other, in equal measure''.

At dispute was a 1999 provision added to the Orissa Freedom of Religion Act, 1967, stipulating that a person wanting to convert to a particular religion must make a personal declaration which would be verified by the police also. Petitioner's counsel Janardhan Das said this provision was unwarranted as it makes a person wanting to convert to a religion of his choice a suspect in the eyes of law. As early as 1976, the Orissa High Court had struck down as unconstitutional the Orissa Act. It quashed all criminal proceedings against those who were alleged to have resorted to conversion through inducement or by ''force'' or ''fraud''. It had also held that the Act violated Article 25 (1) of the Constitution which guarantees propagation of religion and conversion - something the petitioners had argued ''is a part of the Christian religion''. On appeal, however, the SC in 1977 overturned the decision. Recalling that judgment by a Constitution Bench headed by the then Chief Justice A N Ray, the apex court said on Tuesday: ''What Article 25(1) grants is  not the right to convert another person to one's own religion, but to  transmit or spread one's religion by an exposition of its tenets.''

Thus, the court said, it must be remembered that Article 25(1)  guarantees ''freedom of conscience to every citizen, and not merely to  the followers of one particular religion''. It said: ''The Article  postulates that there is no fundamental right to convert another person  to one's own religion because if a person purposely undertakes the  conversion of another person to his religion, that would impinge on the  freedom of conscience guaranteed to all the citizens of the country  alike.'' News Courtesy: Times of India

54TH MASTHAKABHISHEKHA OF BHAGAWAN BAHUBALI AT GOMMATAGIRI ON 12TH OCTOBER

Mysore, (Karnataka) September 15: The 54rd Masthakabhishekha (Head anointing ceremony) of the 18 feet high idol of Bhagawan Bahubali has been organised at Gommatagiri on the 12th of October 2003 under the Guidance of His Holiness Sri Devendrakirthi Bhattaraka Swamiji of the Jain Muth Huncha. Dr.Prabha Mandal convener of the Masthakabhishekha committee said this while addressing a press conference at Mysore.    

   Gommatagiri is a place near Mysore (20 Kms from Mysore) famous for its monolithic statue of Sri Bhagawan Bahubali situated at the top of a hill called Shravana Gudda. The standing snakes with their hoods on either side of the statue are very attractive and unique of the Gommata sculptors seen in India. Though no any inscription is available throwing light on the space it is said that Chengalvas and Kongalvas enshrined the place. An annual mahamastakabhisheka cermony is celebrated every year during the September or October months. A row of the foot prints of the 24 tirthankaras are seen carved and installed near by the hill in the recent decades. The model of Samavasarana can be found in the place. It can be recalled here that the idol of Bhagawan Bahubali was discovered about 55 years back by Late Sri C.B.M.Chandriah when he was on his way to some other place. Its only due to the efforts of Sri C.B.M.Chandaraiah that this place was improved. Special busses have been arranged from Mysore for the convenience of the visitors and pilgrims. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service.  

1100TH CELEBRATION OF PAMPA JAYANTHI AT BANGALORE

DIGAMBAR SAINT KIDNAPPED AT BHILAI AND LATER RELEASED

Some unknown persons kidnapped the famous Digamber Jain Acharya Virag Sagarji on 16th August 2003 from Bhilai (Chhattisgarh). Acharya Virag Sagarji has been having his Chaturmas at the Jain Temple of sector 6 of famous Steel City Bhilai. At about 1 A.M. midnight, Acharya Shree went out of the temple for urination when suddenly some persons came in a maruti van and applied some chloroform type thing on his nose so that Acharya Virag Sagarji became unconscious. After that they took Acharya Virag Sagarji away in a van. Next morning, the Jain community of Bhilai and police tried to locate him and found Acharya Virag Sagarji in half-conscious state, about 70 Km. away near a village. Acharya Virag Sagarji had taken Maun-Vrata (Vow of silence) and Upavas (fast) on that day. Thousand of Jain people gathered there and requested Acharya Virag Sagarji to return to Bhilai and take aahar (food). After persuasion, Acharya Virag Sagarji returned to Bhilai alongwith hundreds of followers, who all walked on foot with him all the way. To protest against this ugly incident, Jain community of various cities of Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh closed their shops on 17th/18th August and demanded strict police action against the culprits. Memoranda have also been given to the Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh and senior officials. News Courtesy:  Mr. Sudhir Jain, E-mail : mrsudhirjain@yahoo.com

ASTROLOGY IS RUBBISH SAYS NEW RESEARCH

London, August 18: Extensive scientific research over more than 40 years has finally confirmed what many always believed: that astrology is rubbish, and that it is based on the principle of deception. The research began in London in 1958, and has just been published in the current edition of the respected Journal of Consciousness Studies. It is hailed as the most thorough scientific study ever made into the subject. Astrologers have for centuries claimed to be able to extract deep insights into the personality and destiny of people using nothing more than the details of the time and place of birth. The research debunks astrology's central claim - that human characteristics are moulded by the influence of the Sun, Moon and planets at the time of a person's birth. The findings caused alarm and anger in astrological circles. Roy Gillett, the president of the Astrological Association of Great Britain, told The Telegraph the study's findings should be treated "with extreme caution" and accused the researchers of seeking to "discredit astrology". In the course of the study, researchers tracked more than 2,000 people over several decades - most of them born within minutes of each other. According to astrology, the subjects should have had very similar traits. News Courtesy: newindpress.com

ANIMAL SACRIFICE IN TEMPLES BANNED

Chennai (Tamil Nadu), September 1: In another initiative pleasing to animal rights activists, the Tamil Nadu Government banned animal and bird sacrifice in temples throughout the State. This is the second time in three days the Chief Minister, Jayalalithaa, has intervened in the interest of animals. She ordered that temple elephants be given a one-month holiday every year. The Chief Minister has now written to District Collectors, Superintendents of Police and range Deputy Inspectors-General, asking them to prevent the killing of animals in the name of propitiating gods. Stringent action should be taken against violators, she told them. In her letter to the district authorities, she pointed out that the Tamil Nadu Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1950, and its subsequent amendment, banned the killing of animals and birds in temples and on their premises. News Courtesy: Hinduism Today

ANCIENT PANCHDHATU IDOLS STOLEN FROM TIRUMALAI

2) Watchman knew that theft has happned but he informed only late in the morning next day, whereas theft happned at around midnight and it was raining heavily.
3) How thief knew the exact co-incidence of poojari being out of town and only one outer lock being hanged.
4) Police did not even take single person to investigate or interogate to station.
5) Police is making big fuss after the theft. Two police are deputed on the road, few policmen comes everyday regularly and signs the notebook after the incidence.
5) Everyday variety of police comes to the spot ,makes big fuss, But hardly any serious action or will is visible, this shows some kind of fishy attitude. it seems police knows everything but neglecting for the reason best known to them.
6) Involvement of big king-pin suspected who may be exporting such idols out of country and who may have  probably planned such theft with the convenience of staff concerned and who knows if they have been able to influence the investigation too?
I do not feel such idols and temples are safe with archaelogical survey , since all such thefts are common with only such jain centres and quite a few goes unnoticed, uncomplained since there is no jains in those villages to register a case.
There is serious action and protest required from jains world wide. IT is very sorry to say  or imagine that -after couple of decades there will be nothing left in this part of country if attitude of government, authorities, public, our community remains similar and till then thieves and their associates will continue to loot our heritage which is invaluable. kindly send letters of protest to our Minister of Tourism Shri Jagmohanji and ASI,new delhi, including prime minister , home minister, CM of Tamilnadu. Also request government to undertake CBI enquiry for this theft. The cost of idols cannot be calculated with money since they have such historical ancient value.

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF JAIN DOCTORS  TO BE HELD ON 3RD AND 4TH JANUARY 2004

Jain Doctors Federation, Ahmedabad, is holding an international conference of Jain doctors at Koba-Gandhinagar, under auspicious nishra of P.P. Acharyashri Padmasagarji. Religious leaders, various experts on Jainism, Jain doctors & scientists will discuss religion & science from various aspects. The topics likely to be covered range from Karmavad, Anekantvad, Reincarnation, Ecology, Ethics, Psychology, Scripture, Jain Sculpture, Quantum mechanism, Laws of physics, biology; all in context of Jainism. The effect of Jain life style, food, attitude and particularly Penance (tapa) on human physiology & various new & old aspects of disease prevention will be elaborated. Importantly, unity of Jain doctors' brotherhood, ahimsak treatment (non-violence) & allied topics will be discussed. A workshop on Jain meditation (1and 1/2 hours) also will be conducted. For information contact: Dr.K.K.Shah ,Address:206-7-8 Sangini complex, Near Parimal Railway Crossing,Ellisbridge, Ahmedabad or Dr. Himanshu Shah, Jain Sasthan, 103, Abhigam, Opp: Doctor House, Ahmedabad, Phone 79-6460236, USA contact: Dr. Dinesh M Shah, 2034 Via Del Rey, South Pasadena, CA 91030 (323) 258-4010 dinesh.m.shah@kp.org  News Courtesy: scjain@earthlink.net

ANOOP VORA UNANIMOUSLY ELECTED PRESIDENT OF JAINA

At the election meeting held at 12th bi-annual JAINA Convention at Cincinnati in the first week of July, Dr. Anoop Vora, who is the Chairman of Jain Society of Rochester and Founder Chairman of Alumni Association of Mahavir Jain Vidhyalaya at Rochester has been unanimously elected as President of JAINA (A Federation of 57 Jain centres in USA and Canada) for the next session. Dr. Vora holds Master's Degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Business Administration. He has written several books and articles on Jainism and has been closely associated with JAINA activities. He had been actively involved in the rehabilitation of earthquake stricken victims of Gujarat. Dr. Vora originally hails from Vallabhipur in Gujarat. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service

JAIN TEMPLE TO GET FACE LIFT

EIGHTH PARICHAY SAMMELAN OF JAIN BOYS & GIRLS TO BE HELD AT NEW DELHI

Akhil Bhartiya Jain Parishad, New Delhi is organising a 'Parichaya Sammelan' (Introduction Meet for boys and girls) for matrimnial purposes at FICCI Auditorium, New Delhi, on 2nd October, 2003. Those interested may contact the Parishad office at the following address and obtain further details and application forms. A.B.D. Jain Parishad, R-10A, Green Park Extn., New Delhi-110016 (India) Tel: 91-11-26165655, 26167988 Fax: 26197656; Email : abdjain@vsnl.net Website- www.abdjain.com 

PREKSHA CAMP ORGANISED AT MUMBAI BY TERAPANTH YUVAK PARISHAD

A largely-attended camp on Preksha Dhyan was organised by the Terapanth Yuvak Parishad at Kandivalli from 13th to 17th August, 2003 under the guidance of Muni Shri Sanjay Kumar Ji and Muni Shri Prasanna Kumar Ji at the inspiration of Acharya Mahapragya Ji, who is holding his Chaturmas this year at Bombay. A total of 351 participants reportedly attended the camp regularly and were highly impressed and benefited by the programme. The participants, mostly for educated elite class, belonged to both the sexes and all age groups included important persons like the famous film actress, Bhagyashree. The participants stayed for all the five days at the camp premises and had a busy schedule throughout the day from 5 AM to 10 PM. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service

TRUPTI JAIN OF MAHARASHTRA CLINCHES WOMEN'S SINGLES TITLE FOR BADMINTON

Maharashtra's 21-year-old Trupti Jain (Murgunde) clinched the women's singles badminton title by winning over 17-year-old junior National champion Krishna, playing her first final in the senior  section. She is commerce graduate from Pune. News courtesy: Mr. Mahavir Sanglikar

NEW PUBLICATIONS

The following books have been published recently by JAINA. These can be obtained from: Pravin K. Shah, Chairperson, Phone: 919-859-4994; E-Mail: education@jaina.org.

Jain Philosophy and Practice I (JES 302 - Level III) This is an excellent book for youth / adults interested in learning Jainism in English. The book has 32 chapters, 30 color pictures, and total 165 pages. The book is printed in India and we have received the first shipment of 3000 books. 2500 of 3000 books have been distributed to various Jain centers at the advanced purchase price of $4.00 per book. You can purchase from the education committee at a price of $6.00 per book which includes the postage of $1.84 in USA. Send an e-mail to Dr. Pradip Shah – pradipks1@aol.com.

JAINA Story Book (JES202 – Level II) : The book contains 40 popular stories incorporating many historical and religious aspect of Jain religion. We have incorporated all suggestions received after the completion of the first phase. The Story book is complete and the draft is being edited by youths. The pictures are being updated for high resolution images. The book will be ready for printer by the end of September 2003.

Jain Philosophy and Practice II (JES 401 - Level IV) : This book is meant for advanced study in Jainism. It is compiled for college level youths. The phase two activity is complete. It contains 25 chapters and 300 pages covering in detail the various aspects of Jainism. The book is in final review by various scholars. As per the plan the book would be available by the end of October 2003.

Jain Anushthän CD and Sutra Book (JES 201 – Level II) : The CD and book consist of Sämäyika and Chaitya-Vandan sutras and selected Stavans and Stutis in Devanägari and English languages including meaning in English language. The audio CD will have correct pronunciations of these sutras and Stutis. Neha and Rakesh Jain of Columbus OH are overall coordinator of the project and they are working with Seagull Corporation – Poona, India. The book would be available by December 2003.

First Step to Jainism Book (JES 205 – Level II) : Born out of the suggestions by level II Päthashälä teachers at the last teacher’s conference, this book is a new edition to our education series. It is a level 2 book with a fresh look and effective, kid-friendly design. It has completed Phase 2 review process by committee members. The book would be available by October 2003.

JAINA Education CD : CD containing JAINA Education material and Literature has been published in August 2002. The CD not only has all the Päthashälä material, but also contains many books, articles, Jivadaya material, hundreds of images of temples and Tirthankars, and many unique presentations. It contains more than 10,000 pages of text and 2,000 images. A must for anyone interested in Jain philosophy. So far we have sold more than 5000 CDs. The cost is $5.00 per CD which includes postage. Send an e-mail to Dr. Pradip Shah – pradipks1@aol.com.

"That Which Is: Tattvartha Sutra" : A Classic Jain Manual for Understanding the True Nature of Reality. Though the book is an old publication, it is meant for those, who are looking for an authoritative translation of the Tattvartha Sutra (Tattvarthadigama Sutra) by Umasvati. It is translated by Dr. Nathmal Tatia and has a foreword by Dr. L. M. Singvi. It is now on sale in USA for $12 + shipping for a cloth-bound book until July 31st ($40 thereafter) from Rowman Littlefield Publishers. It can be purchased online from: www.rowmanlittlefield.com/Catalog/SingleBooks.html. This book was sponsored by the Institute of Jainology and Dr. Nathmal Tatia, who is a renowned scholar of Jainism.

Wednesday 17th September 2003 - Garbhakalyana of Bhagawan Shanthinatha.

Thursday 25th September 2003 - Mahalayaamavasya.

Saturday 27th September 2003 - Navarathri begins, kevalagnana Kalyana of Bhagawan Neminatha.

Monday 29th September 2003 - Samadhi Day of A.N.Upadhyay , one of the greatest Jain scholar of all times.

Friday 3rd October 2003 - Moksha Kalyana of Bhagawan Sheethalanatha, Durgashtami, Jevadayashtami.  

Sunday 5th October 2003 - Vijayadashami, Digvijaya pooja of Bharatha Chakravarthi.

Wednesday 8th October to Thursday 16th October 2003 - International Preksha Meditation Camp at Surat, Gujarat, India.

Sunday 12th October 2003 - Garbha Kalyana of Bhagawan Naminatha.

Saturday 18th October 2003 - Birthday of Acharya Vimalsagarji Maharaj.

Saturday 25th October 2003 - Dhanalakshmi pooja, Chaturmas ends, Kevalagnana Kalyana of Bhagawan Neminatha.

Sunday 26th October 2003 - Deepavali.

Monday 27th October 2003 - Kevalagnana Kalyana of Bhagawan Pushpadantha.

Thursday 30th October 2003 - Garbha Kalyana of Bhagawan Neminatha.

Additions as on 15th SEPTEMBER 2003