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

Vol.2      Issue 7

NOVEMBER 2003

Editorial

SYADVADA

   Syadvada, i.e. logical relativism is a comprehensive philosophy found in Jainism. It recognizes seven postures of truth (Sapthabanghi Nyaya). These are viable, understandable and admissible in the course of philosophy. It is the truth of truths. It emphasizes that any statement is true subject to several conditions. 'Syath' means a small measure (some how). A statement made with qualification is true and is regarded as syadvada. It is really an intellectual ahimsa. It completely supports the Jain philosophy. It id more subtle and complex. It has dimensional approach. The seven modes of syadvada described and exhaustive with logical reasoning. It whirls around the following - nitya or anitya, satya or nitya and binna or vibinna. The knowledge of syadvada helps to analyze the polymic subjects in an amicable way. Defeat or triumph should be regarded equally. There is no substitute for clear reasoning and hard thinking. Jainism has a multi dimensional philosophical embodiment. Syath is the key stone of Jaina philosophy. It is based on the firm conviction of Jainism that it is always believable and reliable. Further it is submissive to truth and approachable through any of the logical modes. There is no place for mystery in Jainism. It tries to devise the means to cover the gap between reality and truth i.e. between Sathya and Tatva. The truth exists on the firm ground of a real and tangible world of objects. Syadvada is a magnifying lens by which it is focused with the world truth. The holistic perspective of Right Knowledge (Samyakgnana) is well interpreted. Right knowledge is truth (Samyakgnana pramanam). Jain epistemology distinguished broadly between pratyaksha and paroksha knowledge. The pratyaksha means pure and clear. Paroksha means impure and unclear. Further pratyaksha is of two kinds Samvyaharika and Paramarthika. The Jain law of Non violence (Ahimsa Dharma) tries to restore world peace and harmony. Vardhaman Mahavira and other Tirthankaras were the earlier historical examples of mighty souls (Mahatmas). They played the role arhat parameshtis and bodhisatva manjushree respectively. They were the saviors of the principles of Truth (satya) and non violence (ahimsa).

Syadvada can be briefly interpreted as from some point of view. Acharya Samanthabadhra the great exponent of Jainism emphasizes that relinquishing of uniqueness is syadvada in his Atmamimamsa. This once again entails the concept of Anekanthavada. In a similar way Akalankadeva also emphasizes the same in his work Lagheyasthrya. Tirthankaras are the embodiment of Syadvada of Bhagawan Mahavira is seen in the questionnaire of Bhagavathi. Syadvada is a means to ascertain reality. It can be concluded that syadvada is an important aspect of Jainism and is a proper understanding of the concept of truth and reality.              

Thanking you

-Dr. H.A.Parshwanath

BBC PROJECTS JAINISM

London, November 15: Jainism makes it big time as the BBCi Religion and Ethics web site have recognised the need for the representation of Jainism in the UK and have therefore, reflected upon this on the launch of a new Jainism website. The launch will take place at the Jain Samaj Community Centre in Manchester, where a programme has been arranged to celebrate this breakthrough for Jainism. Jain Spirit and the newly formed Young Jain Students of Manchester are co-organisers and key speakers include Alan Bookbinder, Head of Religion and Ethics at the BBC and also Dr. Atul Shah, Executive Editor of Jain Spirit magazine.

In addition, a unique Photo exhibition, produced by Jain Spirit entitled Jainism – Ancient Tradition, Modern Values will be on display. The exhibition includes photographic imagery from some the world’s best-known photographers of Indian Culture. - News Courtesy: Jain Spirit

KALAM ISSUES "SPIRITUAL DECLARATION" AT SURAT

Surat (Gujarat) : The president of India Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam stressed the need to bring religious amity and cooperation amongst different religious sects and issued a "Spiritual Declaration" by common consent. He was speaking on the occassion of a two-day seminar on the theme of 'Mental Unity' held at Surat in the presence of Acharya Mahapragya. The seminar was attended by the leaders from different religious sects and the declaration was the outcome of the discussions held at the programme. The President urged upon the leaders to take all necessary action to implement the declaration in its true spirit, as fast as possible. The main items in the declaration included reflection and contemplation to bring and maintain peace and goodwill, organising prayers for peace, addressing moral and ethical value-based messages for global transmission, holding spiritual and religious meetings of religious leaders and followers on a regular basis for inculcating ethical values amongst masses and proper communication and arranging developmental activities by various sects to promote religious and communal unity and mutual understanding. Those who took participated in the seminar included Dr. Thomas Dabre, Dr. J.S. Negi, Maulana Bahiduddin, Sayyad Mohammad, Sayyad Jilani, Brahma Kumari Sudesh Didi, Rahul Baudhi, Swami Jitatmanand, Swami Neerajanand and Swami Bal Gangadharnath. Courtesy: Ahimsa Times

KAMALA HAMPANA NOMINATED AS KANNADA SAMMELANA PRESIDENT

Bangalore (Karnataka), November 12: Noted Jain research scholar, writer and critic Smt Kamala Hampana has been nominated unanimously as the president of the 71st Kannada Sahitya Sammelana to be held at Moodabidri from 18th to 21st December, 2003. The executive committee of the Kannada Sahitya Parishad made this decision at a meeting held here at Bangalore chaired by Sri Harikrishna Punaroru the president of the Parishad. Smt Hampana is only the third women in the 71 years long history of the Kannda Sahitya Sammelana's for having being nominated as the president.

She has served as the chairman of the Jainology department of Mysore University  and has also served in many colleges and educational institutions in various capacities. She has edited and compiled many Jain puranas the prominent among them being Chavundaraya Purana and Sukumaracharita and has authored more than 50 books on Jainism and Kannada literature. She has to here credit many research articles on Jainism and other aspects of Jain literature. She is the recipient of many awards which include Karnataka Sahitya Academy Award (1994), Janapada Special award (1995), Chavundaraya Award (1997), Kanrataka Rajyotsava Award (1997) and many more. She was the president of the 2nd Karnataka State Jain Sahitya Sammelana held at Shravanabelagola in 2000. People from all walks of life have expressed their happiness over the selection of Smt Hampana as the president and have greeted her on the occasion. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service       

SAFEGUARD COUNTRY'S CULTURAL HERITAGE: SHEKHAWAT

DR.SATYAVRATA SHASTRI AWARDED WITH THE ACHARYA UMASWAMY AWARD

New Delhi, October 4: The Acharya Umaswamy Award - 2003 has been given to noted Jain scholar Dr. Satyavrata Shastri. This award has been constituted by the Kunda Kunda Bharathi for distinguished contribution to Sanskrit Language and Jain literature. The award carries a cheque for Rs. 1 lakh, a shawl and a citation. The award was given under the auspices of Acharya Vidyanandaji Maharaj and the mayor of Delhi Sri Ashok Jain presided over the function. The speaker of the Delhi vidhanasabha Sri Subhash Chopda was the chief guest of the function. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service         

DR. VENKATACHALA SHASTRI GETS CHAVUNDARAYA AWARD

Bangalore, November 8: Noted Jain scholar Dr. T.V.Venkatachala Shastri has bagged prestigious Chavundaraya Awards for the year 2002-2003. The award was constituted by Sri Charukeerthi Bhattarakha Maharaj of Shravanabelagola at the Kannada Sahitya Parishad on the occasion of the Mahamasthakabhishekha of Bhagawan Bahubali in 1993. This award has been given to Jain scholars as a recognition of their life time contribution to Jainism. The award encloses a cash prize of Rs. 20,000, a memento and a citation. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service 

CHANDULAL JAIN GETS RAJYOTSAVA AWARD

Bangalore (Karnataka), November 1: Film producer Sri Chandulal Jain has been awarded the Karnataka Rajyotsava Award - 2003. This award being given by the government of Karnataka encloses a cash prize and a citation. The Karnataka Government as part of the annual Karnataka Rajyotsava celebrations has been giving this award to persons from different walks of life for their meritorious contribution in their respective fields. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service    

GLOBAL SURVEY REVEALS RELIGION A BIGGER PRIORITY THAN POLITICS

Washington, October 17: first-ever worldwide poll on religious beliefs shows that religion outranks politics in importance to individuals and that people think politics, not religion, fuels violence. Designed by the Zogby International polling firm and the University of Rochester's religion department, the survey is a rare attempt to obtain empirical data about global religious beliefs and practices. "Religion is far more important to people than politics," said John Zogby, president of Zogby International. "Most groups acknowledge the possibilities of multiple paths to religious truth and the majority of communities surveyed do not associate religion with trouble, unrest and violence in their own countries." What's unusual about the survey is the number — 4,388 — and breadth of the interviews, conducted from January through March this year in seven countries. Most of the interviews were conducted in person. The poll is available online at www.zogby.com. Groups polled included Russian Orthodox Christians, South Korean Christians and Buddhists, U.S. Roman Catholics and Protestants, Indian Hindus and Muslims, Israeli Jews and Muslims, Saudi Arabian Muslims and Peruvian Catholics. - News Courtesy: Hindu Herald

SIXTH ANNUAL YOUNG JAIN PROFESSIONALS CONVENTION

Sandiago, October 13: The 6th Annual Young Jain Professionals convention was held in San Diego from October 10 to 13, 2003.  Jains from the US, Canada, and England convened at the Shelter Pointe Hotel and Marina and participated in scholarly presentations and team building activities for the weekend. The convention began Friday evening with icebreaker activities.  The activities facilitated getting to know each other while challenging our minds.  Saturday morning then began with a yoga session, where participants had the chance to warm up for the day, led by Dinesh Shah of San Diego.

This was followed by a presentation by Yogendra Jain on “Re-branded and Re-packaged: Jainism’s Role in Reshaping Future Human Thoughts”.  This presentation challenged the notion that Jainism must be taught using traditional methodology and addressed the idea that Jain teachings could be made more appealing and more accessible to a Western population by implementing creative ideas such as a Jain theme park.  Although some of the concepts presented might not become reality in the immediate future, discussing such ideas encouraged the audience to think about these issues.  The audience was then called upon to meet in small groups later in the day to come up with recommendations on various assigned topics to present the next day.  The topics included: Why a mission and vision is needed for Jains, Understanding related trends in North America, Lobbying US/international companies, Messaging and promoting of Jainism to Jains and non-Jains, Analysis and update/modification of Jain practices, Leadership, Public relations, Alcohol and veganism, and Marrying non-Jains.  A total of sixteen topics were covered.

Next was a presentation by Prem Jain, senior vice president of Cisco, called “If Ken Lay were Jain… Would we have had an Enron?”  This presentation addressed the contradictions many of us face about maintaining Jain values while working and excelling in the business world, such as promoting strengths and hiding weaknesses of products and creating stress in the family when working long hours.  This session challenged the notion that Jain values need to be ignored to succeed in business, arguing that principles such as ahimsa, honesty, sincerity, aparigraha, and anekantvada boosts a company’s image and elicits trust from its consumers.

After a break for lunch was a session titled “Creating Inner Balance… Can it really be achieved?” presented by Erik Sowder of Kaiser Permanente.  This presentation emphasized the importance of balancing physical, mental, and emotional energies.  In this session, Mr. Sowder helped the audience understand the mind/body connection through biofeedback technology.  Volunteers were hooked up to a biofeedback device that monitored physiological changes as they performed various mind activities.

Later in the afternoon, the group participated in team building activities organized by Team Building USA.   The activities focused on communicating and trusting each other while working together towards a common goal.  After enjoying a scrumptious dinner on the beach, many attendees enjoyed the nightlife of San Diego, while some participated in a local garba.  Others gathered around a bon fire on the beach and sang songs or discussed Jain philosophy.

Sunday morning again started with yoga.  This was followed by a presentation by Dr. Manoj Jain, a physician specializing in infectious diseases, called “What’s ‘in’ for the 21st Century? Jainism?!”.  This session challenged the Cartesian mind/body model and posited the existence of the soul and the existence of vibrations that bring together the mind, body, and soul.  It also addressed the notion that many practices common to Jainism, including forgiveness, prayer, meditation, and vegetarianism, are likely to have a positive impact on a person’s health and well-being.

Next came a follow-up to the session “Re-branded and Re-packaged: Jainism’s Role in Reshaping Future Human Thoughts”, where the each of the groups presented their ideas on the topics they had been assigned to.  Each group had apparently put a lot of thought into their ideas and recommendations.  At the end, Yogendra Jain indicated that these ideas will all be presented to JAINA in hopes of actually implementing them.  Thus the activity was not only a thought provoking exercise for the participants, but was also shown to have practical importance. After lunch, the group headed off to Balboa Park, where we met up with Team Building USA again for another afternoon of bonding activities.  At the park, attendees participated in a scavenger hunt, where everyone divided into groups to explore the park and search for various pieces of information.  Participants in each of the groups took on roles such as leader, navigator, and encourager in the search process.  While some groups diligently searched the park for all the information requested, other groups gave up quickly and spent their time leisurely enjoying the park.  After the groups reconvened, participants enjoyed a picnic dinner at the park.

After returning from the park, Amar Salgia, author of Pure Freedom: The Jain Way of Self-Reliance, presented a session on “Balance in Anekantavada”.  This session explained the proper meaning of Anekantavada, helped dispel some of the misconceptions about Anekantavada’s meaning and purpose, and clarified ways of actually applying it in our day-to-day lives. That night, many of the participants stayed up most of the night, enjoying their last hours together before having to go off in separate directions.  A few even remained awake long enough to watch the sun rise.  Monday, as everyone parted, many looked forward to seeing each other at next year’s YJP Convention. -News Courtesy: Shilpa Shah

SWAMI PUSHPADANTA SAGARJI ON LEGAL PHILOSOPHY

mandir  (judiciary) will make this society better. It is painful to see advocates sipping tea and smoking outside the court premises. They should stay away from wine and beer. The white shirt they wear is a symbol of uplifting everything. They should maintain their stature. Judges should think twice before adjourning a case. An adjournment may add money to an advocate’s pocket, but it will also ruin the life of a litigant and his family. Lawyers should realise their clients’ families are dependent on them and hence their responsibility is greater.
The Swami spoke to over 100 lawyers on the subject of “Indian jurisprudence and advocacy”. Organised by the Bar Association of Mumbai City Civil and Sessions Court, the lecture was held at the bar room between 4 and 5 pm, during working hours. It was also attended by Principal Judge R R Vachcha and Judge K U Chandiwal. “We are fortunate to have Swamiji amongst us. May God create more such human beings so that the universe becomes a better place,” R R Vachcha said in his welcome address. The Swamiji delivered a 30-minute lecture. Advocate Pasbola gave the farewell address.

The bar room was packed during the lecture. Apart from lawyers and judges, the court’s administrative staff were also present and responded with liveliness to occasional digs the lecturer took at advocates. In spite of insufficient sitting arrangements, many stayed till the end of the lecture. News & Photo Courtesy: mid-day.com

A UNIQUE EXPERIMENT BY CHILDREN OF LONDON - SPONSORED BY MAHAVIR FOUNDATION

MERCEDES BOWS TO PETA PRESSURE

Pune, November 1: Responding to a worldwide anti-leather campaign launched by Peta (People for Ethical Treatment of Animals), Daimler-Chrysler India (DCI) has promised to provide its customers with non-leather options in its legendary Mercedes-Benz cars. This was confirmed by the company’s managing-director, H.M. Huber, in a letter to noted animal rights activist Maneka Gandhi on October 14. Fabric options for the leather upholstery, steering wheels, gear shift and other parts would be provided for all Mercedes-Benz cars to be introduced in India , he said. While fabric options are available for C-class diesel and petrol versions produced in India , they will now be offered with Eclass models, slated to be introduced in the second quarter of 2004, Huber added. Gandhi had written to the company, threatening to launch a campaign against the use of leather in its cars. Others who wrote to the company included former Union animal husbandry minister Raghuvansh Prasad Singh and Jain leader Shree Chitrabhanuji.

“DaimlerChrysler India has taken a huge step forward and we are delighted for the animals it saves and compassionate consumers who prefer fabric interiors,” Peta’s special projects coordinator Bijal Vachharajani told . Vachharajani said that Peta would “continue to encourage DaimlerChrysler to eliminate its use of leather worldwide and use some of the luxurious synthetic leather that is now widely available and is actually superior to animal leather.”  -News Courtesy: Times News Network

JAIN PILGRIMS ROBBED AT OGNAJ VILLAGE

Ahmedabad (Gujarat), November 16: A gang of around 20 men robbed Jain pilgrims sleeping at the dharmashala of Panchginashwer Kevaliadham Jain Derasar in Ognaj village, near Gota on the outskirts of Ahmedabad city in the wee hours on Saturday. The gang made off with Rs 1. 33 lakh worth of jewellery and Rs 22,000 in cash. The robbers struck around 1 am when most of the pilgrims were asleep leading cries of panic among predominantly woman devotees. In fact, many sadhvis and women were terrorised by the incident and are in a state of shock. DSP Ahmedabad Rural Manoj Aggrawal said that "Our estimate is that it was an Adivasi gang that robbed the pilgrims on a pilgrimage to a Jain temple in Kalol on foot. They beat up some of the pilgrims brutally, including the five security men present at the dharmashala."

Around 400 pilgrims were resting in tents and in the dharamshala behind the Jain Derasar, but the dharamshala, which was attacked, had only around 70 persons, many of them women. About three sadhvis were also beaten up by the gang wearing banian and shorts and armed with lathis. Incidentally, the derasar has an expensive alarm system installed but since the looters attacked the dharamshala and not the temple, the alarm could not be raised, said the police.In fact, many sleeping in the tents nearby did not even learn about the robbery until the police arrived at around 2.15 am, said a police officer. DSP Aggrawal said that SRP will accompany pilgrims to Kalol while on a pilgrimage and another section has been stationed at the derasar for security. - News Courtesy: Ahmedabad.com

SHANTHILAL AWARD

DHANAKAGIRI.ORG LAUNCHED

Patanvav (Gujarat), November 15: The website DHANAKAGIRI.ORG giving the details of the Siddhachakrayantramaya Jinalaya currently under construction at Patanvav near Dhoraji in Saurashtra was launched here at Patanav.  This temple will be the first of its kind in the world as its formation of (kalash) depicting the Siddhachakrayantra is unique in splendor and aesthetic values.  The concept and construction of this temple is carried on under the auspices of Sadhvi Ratna Sri Charuvratasriji maharaj sahib.-SSeshadri@inautix.com

NEW PUBLICATIONS

The main intension of this column is to provide a platform to the news of even the small villages spread all over India. We here by request our readers to kindly send the news of the pooja mahotsav's in the Jain temples taking place at the nooks and corners of the world.

Kolkata (West Bengal), November 8: The annual procession of Bhagawan Parshwanatha was held on November 8. The procession began from the Cotton Street and ended at the Badridas Temple Street and passed  through Rabindra Sarani, Beadon Street, Acharya Prafulla Chandra Road and Nirode Behari Mullick Road.

Wednesday 3rd December 2003 - Diksha Kalyana of Bhagawan Aranatha.

Thursday 4th December 2003 - Janma Kalyana and Diksha Kalyana of Bhagawan Mallinatha, Kevalagnana Kalyana of Bhagawan Neminatha.

Sunday 7th December 2003 - Janma Kalyana of Bhagawan Aranatha.

Sunday 7th December to Wednesday 10th December 2003 - The Conference for Religious Solidarity in the Midst of Communal Violence.

Monday 8th December 2003 - Diksha Kalyana of Bhagawan Shambavanatha.

Tuesday 16th December 2003 - Dhanusankramana, Dhanurmasa pooja begins.

Thursday 18th December 2003 - Diksha Kalyana of Bhagawan Mahavira.

Monday 29th December 2003 to Friday 2nd January 2004- International Conference on World Peace, will be held at the Gujarat University.

Additions as on 15th NOVEMBER 2003

Photos of the Jain idols at the National Museum, New Delhi