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

Vol.3      Issue 3

July 2004

Editorial

JAINISM AND SWAMI VIVEKANANDA

     Swami Vivekananda, the great saint of India, viewed Jainism in its true perceptiveness and objectivity. He opined that Jainism was a great religion which putforth the concept of Ahimsa and Truth as its main principles.

     The philosophy of Jainism is based on the fact that there is no existence of 'God'. However one should not consider Jainism as atheistic in its religious concept. It believes in the existence of a super natural power controlling the universe. Though it does not call it in terms of Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwara as cited in Hinduism, the priesthood has created the concept of God referring to creation and begetting some reward in turn. It is really worthless and meaningless. There exists only the nature and living beings. The living beings are en sheathed in their psychosomatic coverage. This led to the belief that all physical things are of low order. The Jain seers putforth the view that the body be nullified as it is the store house of loathsome dirt (Sallekhana).

     Very arduous but firm practices existed among the followers of Jainism in the yester years. Jains were the founders of such deep penance. Their deeds were highly praiseworthy. They preached nonviolence and doing good to all to the extent possible. This is the real concept and meaning of karma which one should be cognizant. They spread out and followed this principle widely in practice and percepts. It is a wonderful motto of the religion. It is really intriguing to note that nonviolence and doing good to others formed the basis of contentful living. The Jaina tradition existed at least 500 years earlier than Buddhism. Lord Buddha was living in a period at least 550 years earlier than Jesus Christ. The Jains never confined to their own welfare instead they tried to protect other creatures even at their cost of life.

     Buddhists and Jains are not dependent on God but their religions had the supreme power of diverting the attention and concentration of people towards truth and converting human beings into super humans. The critical attitude of Jains considered as charvakas by Hindus and who subvent the sensuous pleasures. Jainism paved the way for nonviolence and the religion stood on the basis of chastity and purity which flourished the Indian subcontinent through the centuries.               

-Dr. H.A.Parshwanath

'DHAVALA' BOOKS RELEASED AT A GLITTERING FUNCTION

Shravanabelagola (Karnataka), July 3: His Holiness Parama Pujya Sri Charukeerthi Bhattarakha Maharaj the pontiff of Shravanabelagola Jain Muth emphasised the need for protecting the great classical works on religion, culture, temples and sculptor keeping in mind the posterity. He was speaking on the occasion of releasing of the Kannada version of Dhavala Granthas in a glittering function. He felt that life becomes prosperous by studying and following these works. These should be translated to all the languages  of the globe in order to propagate its content. He called upon the people to study the Dhavala Granthas to its core. It helps in resolving many problems in life. Religion and science have never patronised superstitions. Science increases knowledge technically where as religion helps in increasing one's knowledge.

     It could be recalled here that the teachings of the tirthankaras were recorded on the palm leaves about 2000 years ago. The verbal preachings were derived and transcribed into written forms through the works called Shatkandagamas which involves the entire core of Jainism. The Dhavala works were written as interpretation to these Shatkandagamas. The only one copy of this great work in Prakrit with its scripit in Kannada was preserved in Moodabidri Jain Muth, Karnataka. Later on it was translated to Hindi from its original work in Prakrit due to the efforts of some great scholars over a span of 25 years. Its translation to Hindi has helped Hindi speaking people to understand Jain Agamas. Jagadguru Sri Charukeerthi Bhattarakha Swamiji of Shravanabelagola, the chief editor of this work, has ventured for its translation into Kannada and its publication in 39 divisions at the cost of one crore rupees. A team of Jain scholars had been working in this work since the past four to five years under the guidance of Sri Bhattarakhaji. The first four volumes were released on this occasion and entire collection of 39 volumes is ready for printing.

     The translation works were released by Dharmadhikari Dr. Sri D. Veerendra Heggade of Dharmasthala. Unlike the other book release functions this was a unique of its kind with the Dhavalatraya volumes (Dhavala, Mahadhavala and Jayadhavala) being brought to the stage in an attractive procession in a silver car (palaki). Many Jain ladies with Purnakumbha Kalash on their head, many religious flags and many cultural troops participated in the procession. Thousands of Jains from all over India witnessed this colourful event. The first copy of the books were sent to Acharya 108 Sri Vidyanandaji Maharaj, New Delhi. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service        

TWO COMMISIONS FOR MINORITIES : MANMOHAN

New Delhi, July 3: The Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh, today proposed the setting up of a Commission to provide professional institutions run by the minorities with direct affiliation to Central universities. He also proposed another Commission to enhance the welfare of the socially and economically backward sections among the religious and linguistic minorities, by including reservation in education and employment. Additional funds would be allocated to the National Minorities Development and Finance Corporation for its effective functioning. The two Commissions had been promised in the Common Minimum Programme (CMP) of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Government to "systematically remove barriers that prevent the empowerment of the minority communities, as well as the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes."

Inaugurating a conference on "A Dialogue on Minority Welfare and Education," organised by the Ministry of Human Resource Development, Dr. Singh said the Commission for Minority Educational Institutions would also promote modern and technical education among all the minority communities. Calling upon the participants to come up with ideas that could enable the Government to increase the educational attainment of the minorities across the country so that they were empowered socially and economically, he said the need was to go beyond providing education to examine issues pertaining to employment. "I am distressed by the low representation of the minorities in many walks of life, both in the public and the private sectors,'' he said drawing attention to the gravity of the problem in creating an inclusive and tolerant society, where the benefits of economic development were shared by all.

Suggesting the possibility of integration of community efforts and governmental initiatives for the uplift of the minority groups, Dr. Singh said that community-based educational institutions could be effectively used as a means to promoting other important social objectives such as primary health care and family welfare. These institutions would also be used to promote delivery of better services by the State to segments of the population that were harder to reach, such as women and girls among the minorities. Access to education was the most important equalising social force and it was important to understand that investment in education was not merely a welfare measure but a means of empowerment. "By empowering and creating capabilities, education increases the productive potential of a society and it is not at all surprising that every modern industrial and newly- industrialising economy has a literacy rate upwards of 80 per cent," he said. - News Courtesy: The Hindu

GOWDA ASSURES FULL SUPPORT FOR MAHAMASTHAKABHISHEKHA

Hassan (Karnataka), July 1: With the former Prime Minister and Hassan MP, H.D. Deve Gowda, assuring of all possible help from the Central and State Governments, the exercise of holding the first Mahamastakabhisheka of the 21st century, at Shravanabelagola in February 2006, has gained momentum. A meeting of the district officials was convened on under the president ship of Sri Gowda, to discuss a 20-point proposal submitted by Charukeerthi Bhattaraka Swamiji of Shravanabelagola for the overall development of the Jain pilgrimage centre in view of the Mahamastakabhisheka.

Mr. Gowda said that he would try his best to bring in all help from all quarters to make the Mahamastakabhisheka a memorable event. The minister for Public Works and Energy, H.D.Revanna, the Shravanabelagola MLA, C.S. Putte Gowda, the Arkalgud MLA, A.T. Ramaswamy, ex member of the parliament Sri Javare Gowda, ex minister Sri Veerakumar Patil, Hassan Zilla Panchayat president, G.T. Indira and other dignitaries attended the meeting.

     Terming the Mahamastakabhisheka as a trans-national cultural event, Mr. Gowda said that it was a challenge to organise an event, which was massive in nature and would be attended by people across the world. He called upon the people's representatives to work for the success of the event. He said that, he would appeal to the Chief Minister, N. Dharam Singh, and the Deputy Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah, to extend all possible help. On the 20-point proposal presented by the Swamiji, he asked the district administration to discuss the proposal in detail and approach the State Government with specific demands.

     In his plea to the elected representatives and the officials, Sri Charukeerthi Bhattaraka Swamiji said that he did not anticipate either ostentation or grandeur but only expected the basic amenities for the pilgrims who would visit Shravanabelagola on the occasion, especially proper drinking water supply and place to stay. Recalling the help extended by the previous Governments in holding Mahamastakabhisheka successfully, he said that he would expect similar cooperation from both the district administration and the State Government. The Swamiji appealed to the Deputy Commissioner, M. Maheshwara Rao, and the District in-charge Minister, H.D Revanna, to take up the responsibility of conducting the event successfully.

     Jains from all over Karnataka had participated in the meeting and gave useful suggestions towards making the event a grand success. The working president of the Rashtriya Mahamasthakabhishekha Mahotsav Samithi Sri A.R.Nirmal Kumar briefened the gathering about the event. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service

THE DIVINE ROOTS OF INDIAN SECULARISM

New Delhi, June 28: Launching the People’s Foundation for Development of Enlightened Citizenship recently,President A P J Abdul Kalam emphasised the need for religious co-existence. Excerpts from his speech:

When I visited Bihar, I was really moved by the way the land of Bihar emanated as an integrated spiritual entity. I saw through my visit to Pavapuri, a very sacred Jain pilgrim centre with a beautiful temple of white marble where Lord Mahavira had delivered his sermons. At the Jal Mandir, the place where Lord Mahavira attained Nirvana, I undertook the traditional parikrama of the temple while chants of religious slokas rent the air. During the Parikrama, I saw lotus flowers around me blooming in the Jal Lake. When my mind was engulfed in the flowers, I remembered a couplet written by the famous Tamil poet Tiruvalluvar 2000 years ago, which gives the axiom of life.

The couplet means: ‘‘whatever be the depth or the state of cleanliness of the pond, the lotus flower springs out and blooms majestically looking towards the sun. Similarly, human living can be transformed into a purposeful high living, only when a great aim engulfs the mind of the individual.’’

The Bihar School of Yoga, which guides yoga projects and medical research in association with prestigious hospitals draws inspiration from Adi Sankaracharya. We visited Khanquah Rahmani, a holy shrine established over 100 years ago by the eminent Sufi Hazrat Moulana Mohammed Ali. This shrine commands respect from both Muslims and non-Muslims. We went to the Mahabodhi Temple, where Lord Buddha who was born on a full moon day and attained Maha Nirvana also on a full moon day. We visited Takht Shri Harmandir Sahib in Patna, one of the holiest of the five Takhts. It happens to be the birthplace of Shri Guru Gobind Singhji. -News Courtesy: Expressindia.com

FIRST DAY COVER AND COMMEMORATIVE POSTAGE STAMP ON ACHARYA BHIKSHU RELEASED

The First Day Cover and the Postal Stamp on Acharya Bikshu released on June 30 by the Vice President Shri Bhairon Singh Shekhawat.

New Delhi, June 30: The Vice President Shri Bhairon Singh Shekhawat released the first day cover and a commemorative postage stamp on the founder of the Jain Swetamber Terapanth Sect. Shri Aacharya Bhikshu at a function here today. The Minister of State for Communication and Information Technology Dr. Shakeel Ahmad and other senior officials of the Department of Post (DoP) were present on the occasion.

     While addressing the gathering, the Vice President described Aacharya Bhikshu as a great social reformer who showed us the path of wisdom and advocated Ahimsa in his preachings which were even true to this date. Earlier, Dr. Shakeel Ahmad described Aacharya Bhikshu as a great philosopher saint and said that the release of commemorative postage stamp marks an important occasion, for Aacharya Bhikshu stood for great social reforms and high ideals.

     Aacharya Bhikshu, the founder of Jain Swetamber Terapanth Sect, was a man of revolutionary ideas who was propelled to react after he made an intense study of ancient texts and became acutely aware of not only their misinterpretation, but also the distorted version of religion prevalent in society.

     Aacharya Bikshu was born to Shah Balluji Saklecha and Deepanji on the thirteenth day of the waxing moon in the month of Ashad in the village of Kantaliya in Pali district, Rajasthan. He was married to Sugannibai of the neighbouring village but due to sudden demise of his father and wife in quick succession that he took to ascetic life under the guidance of Aacharya Raghunathji. He set out from the village of Bagadi expressing his disenchantment with conservative fundamentalists, false beliefs and blind faith and reached Kelba in Mewar, Rajasthan. There he took a vow and established the Terapanth religious Sangha on June 28, 1760.

     Aacharya Bhikshu was a philosopher saint, perceptive writer, sensitive poet and social reformer. He composed about 38000 shlokas and his writings have been compiled in two volumes as “Bhikshu Granth Ratnakar”. Among his compositions, “Nav Padarth Sadbhav”, is regarded as a significant philosophical composition that deals exhaustively with the nine gems of Jain philosophy. It advocated a society free of exploitation.

     Aacharya Bhikshu was the harbinger of a religious revolution and he plodded to rid society of several evils. He advocated strongly the purity of means in achieving the goal. He said neither the fear of punishment nor the temptation of reward can make a religion work. For this a transformation of the heart is essential. He believed that violence committed out of necessity is also violence and quelling weaker beings for the gain of bigger ones was not acceptable to him. He gave to the world knowledge about the different premises of religion and society. He said where ever there is goodness and truth, it is conducive, irrespective of caste, creed or place to the well being of the society. Help rendered to the suffering, exploited and helpless was labeled by him as duty, responsibility and social obligation; he gave the clarion call for a revolution in society.     

     Aacharya Bhikshu attained eternal bliss in the Vikram Samvat year 1860 at Siriyari, Rajasthan. However, his teachings have been carried forward by Aacharya Mahaprajna, the tenth Aacharya of the Sangha, whose ‘Jeevan Vigyan’ is an invaluable elucidation of the system of meditation. He meditated deeply to revive the 'Preksha Dhyan' found to be useful in many problems like stress, addiction and other  emotional mental and physical problems. Contemporary Terapanth philosophy upholds and furthers the teachings of Aacharya Bhikshu that are centered around the humanitarianism, secularism and peace.

Siriyari (Rajasthan): Another function was organised at Siriyari in Pali District of Rajasthan the nirvan place of Acharya Bikshu to release the first day cover and the postal stamp. -PIB & Mr.Sudhir Jain, Satna

SHRUTASKANDA CHARIOT GETS ROUSING WELCOME

Shravanabelagola (Karnataka), July 7: The Shrutaskanda Chariot received a rousing welcome all over India during the course of its journey from Girinar to other parts of India. Girnar, the sacred pilgrim centre of Jains since 2000 years has advented a religious episode in the milestone   of Jainism. The place is known for Agamagnana be noted by the ascetics Pushpadanta and Buthabali the devotees of the Paramapujya Acharya Dharasena. The place is the adone of Nemi Trithankara. The ascetics composed the Shatkandagama in the later years. To mark the eventfull 2000 years, the "Shrutaskanda Chariot" was inaugurated and run on the auspicious day of Shrutapanchami i.e. 24th May, 2004 by the vice-president of India Sri Bharion Singh Shekhawath. This chariot will travel from Kanyakumari to Kashmir and is intended to evoke religious sentiment amongst the people. The Jain samaj of Karnataka welcomed the chariot to Karnataka after its journey in Tamil Nadu in the presence of Sri Charukeerthi Bhattarakha Maharaj of the Shravanabelagola Jain Muth. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service 

JAIN SOCIAL GROUP'S ALL INDIA DIGAMBAR JAIN DIRECTORY

Indore (Madhya Pradesh), July 15: The All India Jain Social Group Federation has intended to publish a directory on the religious, social and educational activities culminating in the organisation of society. Writers, Artists, poets, singers, athletes, industrialists, politicians in different fields and calibers, talented students, office bearers of Jain societies, donors and members of philanthropic organisations, others are requested to send the details for the ensuing directory. The achievements of the eminent scholars of all the states in India will be included in this work. Furthermore the people are requested to send the details of the population of Jains (Digambar & Swethambar), Jain temples and Jaina educational organisations to the directory. The information can be sent either in English or Hindi to: Digambar Jain Social Group Federation Office, Mahaveer Empire, No.62, M.G.Road, Indore - 452001. Sri Pradeep Simha Kasliwal the national president of the organisation and Sri Manikchand Patni, Sri Ashok Badjatiya, Sri Rajkumar Pataudi are the esteemed members of the organisation.  - Jain Heritage Centres News Service 

HASSAN - SHRAVANABELAGOLA RAILWAY LINE TO BE COMPLETED BY YEAR END

New Delhi, July 6: The much awaited Hassan - Shravanabelagola railway line has received grants for its completion in the recently presented railway budget by the union minister for railways Sri Laloo Prasad Yadav. Mr. Yadav has assured that the 43 Kms long work would be completed by the year end. The Hassan - Bangalore railway line had been under taken since 1996 at a cost of Rs. 413 crores. But due to many unavoidable reasons the work had been delayed. The Hassan - Shravanabelagola railway line is a part of the Hassan - Bangalore route and if completed would be instrumental in connecting Shravanabelagola with other parts of India through the railway route. Recently the member of parliament from Hassan and ex-prime minister Sri H.D.Devegowda and the Hassan district incharge minister Sri H.D.Revanna had meet Sri Yadav and requested his help in the completion of the project. Mr. Yadav had assured them that the Union Government would present the Jain samaj with this railway line and has now kept up his words through these grants. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service    

KUMARI SNIGDHA JAIN RANKED 2ND IN ICSE EXAMS

Barabhanki (Indore, Madhya Pradesh), July 15: Kumari Snigdha Jain (daughter of Dr. Vinay Kumar Jain and Dr. Neelam Jain of Jain Nisarg Home) of Indore has secured 2nd rank in the Indian Council for Secondary Exams at the all India Level. She has secured a total of 97.4 percent and has expressed here desire to become a scientist in the field of Genetics Engineering. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service   

QUARRYING THRIVES EVEN AS GOMMATAGIRI CRUMBLES

Mysore (Karnataka), July 3: Even as the preliminaries for the "Mahamastakabhisheka" of Lord Gomateshwara at Shravanabelagola to be held in 2006 gains momentum, Jains here feel the need to step up their campaign to preserve a similar monument languishing at Gomatagiri near here. The statue of Gomateshwara at Gomatagiri (Hunsur taluk) could be saved from imminent destruction if the Government and political leaders pay attention to it, the Jains feel. Prabha Mandal, President of Sri Gomatagirikshetra Seva Samithi, told that a delegation of experts and senior Jain scholars from Delhi recently visited Gomatagiri to assess the damage done to the monument.

     Meanwhile, the Deputy Commissioner, Kumar G.Naik, on Saturday held a meeting with Dr. Mandal to discuss ways to conserve the statue of Gomateshwara. Mr. Naik has ordered the local police to step up vigilance to prevent quarrying around the hillock on which the statue is situated. Dr. Mandal said the Jains had sought land in Gomatagiri to develop the area. They had demanded a ban on quarrying to preserve the pilgrim centre. Although an order banning quarrying around Gomatagiri was issued in January, quarrying and blasting continued causing cracks in the monolith stone structure.  Even the Deputy Director of Mines and Geology issued an order on January 6 stating that no quarrying should be carried out within a radius of two km. from Gomatagiri as was done in the case of Shravanabelagola.

     An expert review committee comprising officials from the Department of Mines and Geology submitted a report stating that if the hillock was not strengthened, the statue would collapse. They said the joints supporting the hillock were widening because of blasts. It was suggested that the hillock be strengthened by providing "abetment" from the western side. The report pointed out that Gomatagiri was tectonically a disturbed region and comprised gneiss that was over 2,200 million years old.

     Located near Bettur village on a diversion road from Bilikere and about 12 km. from Yelwal, Gomatagiri is emerging as a popular Jain pilgrim centre. The statue here is atop a 50-metre hillock and is reckoned to be an early Vijayanagar creation in granite though its origin is shrouded in mystery. The devout Jains believe the statue at Gomatagiri to be a contemporary of the Shravanabelagola statue given the similarities between them.

     Gomatagirikshetra comes alive during the annual "mastakabhisheka" held here during September-October in which thousands of Jains participate. The Jains have planned to establish an institution to develop the place and set up a medical centre to cater to the local community, a school and provide other facilities to the pilgrims and tourists who visit the monument. The Gomatagirikshetra Seva Samithi has urged the Government to hand over 100 acres of land around the hillock for the purpose. -News Courtesy: The Hindu

2ND SOUTH INDIAN JAIN PRIESTS CONFERENCE AT BELGAUM

Belgaum (Karnataka): The 2nd South Indian Jain priests conference will be held at Belgaum on 8th of August 2004. The conference will be held at Sri Parshwanath Digambar Jain Temple (Chickkabasadi), Belgaum. The conference is being organised by Sri Digambar Jain Archak Sangh (Mysore) and All India Jain Purohit Parishath (Belgaum). Sri Bahubali Parshwanath Upadhyae Shastri of Anagol will be president of the conference. The conference will be held under the presence of Sri Lakshmisena Bhattarakha Maharaj of the Kolhapur Jain Muth, Bhattarakha, Sri Jinasena Bhattarakha Maharaj of the Nandani Jain Muth and Sri Charukeerthi Bhattarakha Maharaj of Moodabidri Jain Muth. Seminars on the topics such as Poojavidhans, Jyotish, Vasthu, Yantra, Mantra and others have been organised on the occasion. Many Jain scholars will present their papers on the above topics on the occasion. It could be recalled here that the 1st South India Jain Priests Conference had taken place at Shravanabelagola. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service  

REQUEST TO DECLARE ACHARYA SHANTHISAGARJI'S HOUSE AS A NATIONAL MONUMENT

Gadag (Karnataka), July 15: Sri S.B.Patil, ex president of the Gadag district Digambar Jain samaj and other Jains of the Karnataka Jain Samaj have requested the state and union governments to declare the houses of Charitra Chakravarthi Acharya Sri Shanthisagarji Maharaj (at the Bhoj Village of Belgaum district in Karnataka) and Rashtra Santha Sri Vidyanandaji Maharaj (at Shedabala in Belgaum District of Karnataka) as national monuments. They have felt that during the forth coming Mahamasthakabhishekha of Bhagawan Bahubali at Shravanabelagola in 2006 the tourists and pilgrims from all over world would be visiting the Jain pilgrim places in Karnataka and if declared as national monuments these would be instrumental in attracting them and there by popularising the two places. They have requested to renovate these two houses and exhibit the photos, works and other important articles related to the Acharya's lives. They have requested the National Jain Organisations to work in this connection. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service         

ATTAIN MOKSHA THROUGH RELIGION

Chandigarh, June 22: ‘‘RELIGION is necessary to achieve the supreme discipline of life and purity of soul felicitating the eternal bliss of Moksha,’’ asserted Acharya Dr Shiv Muni, on the eve of the Chaturmas Shobha Yatra today.

The love and zest for the bounties, grace and benedictions of worldly life has denied the human soul of its ‘self purification’. Hailing the cardinal beliefs of Jainism, Acharya, interacting with with the Newsline, maintained that the centuries-old philosophy and theology of non-violence propounded by the 24th spiritual head (Tirthankara), Lord Vardhman Mahavira, had relevance even today.

Besides, he said the Jain doctrines had a great influence on the Indian society as they tried to mitigate the evils of caste system and ritualistic practices. Regarding certain other concepts, customs, and beliefs of Jainism, such as practicing self mortification to achieve self realisation, the disciplines of plucking the head hair, self abnegation, complete denial of the benedictions of nature and abjuring enjoyment, the Yuvacharya, ruled that there were always a different criteria applicable to an ascetic and the common follower.

He lamented the misinterpretation of Jain doctrines. Jainism means, love for all and malice towards none. Commenting on the comparatively much younger Buddhism, he agreed that it was due to the patronage of King Ashoka that Buddhism had spread far and wide.

Earlier, Dr Nitin Jain, introducing the Shiv Muni, said holding the legacy of a Jain family of Malout Mandi, Punjab, he was initiated into Jaina monastic order with his three sisters in 1972. -News Courtesy: Expressindia.com

'SHE ISN'T THEIR CHILD ANY MORE'

Mumbai, June 27: Prakash Jhaberi of the Shvetambara Murtipujak Mahamandal which “organised” Priyal’s diksha ceremony is vehement: “Bal sadhviji (Priyal) does not fall under any of the categories in the Juvenile Justice Act that define ‘a child in need of protection’.’’

Through the stormy debate, Priyal’s parents remain conspicuously absent. The affidavit is ostensibly in her father Santosh Bagericha’s name, but Jhaberi says, "he need not be present in court".

In Pune, religious head Harsh Sagarji, who anointed Priyal, says: “They are upset by the whole controversy. But Priyal is now no longer their daughter, she belongs to the sangh and the entire Jain society.”

It is precisely such sentiments, the state-appointed Child Welfare Committee (CWC) and non-governmental organisations argue, that constitute a violation of child rights.

As the court navigates through this perplexing debate, the wishes of Priyal—ostensibly religiously inclined—are paramount.

CWC Chairperson Dr Nilima Mehta, also from the same community, says, “We will certainly take her desires into account.” She is convinced of the need to palliate some of the harsh strictures of the ascetic life Priyal currently follows.

For many Jains, however, this would mean striking at the very heart of a religion which places a premium on austerity and detachment.

“This life holds immense peace and self-fulfilment. It is the only true path,” says sagacious Vinamra Sagarji (16), a bal sadhu who embraced asceticism when he was 11: “My mother wanted at least one of her three sons to be a sadhu.”

Priyal’s training involved studying lives of the great saints through Jainism’s 2,000-year history.

She now relates powerful, fantastic stories of past Jain saints who embraced the harsh ascetic life even before they turned five. -News Courtesy: Expressindia.com

500-YEAR-OLD VILLAGE GETS 'HERITAGE' STATUS

Tera (Kutch), July 4: Difficult to be located not only on Gujarat’s map but also on the map of Kutch district, the 500-year-old Tera village in Abdasa taluka of Kutch has now been declared as a ‘‘heritage village’’ by the Government of India. One of the worst-affected in the devastating earthquake, Tera is the first village of Gujarat to be recognised as a heritage village.

     With 20 ancient temples, Jain derasars, 450-year-old havelis, forts and three lakes, the village attracts tourists even after the 2001 quake. The village will be restored by a team of experts picked by the Government from various conservation agencies. ‘‘We are glad that the Government has recognised our village, it is an honour for the 3,000 residents of Tera,’’ says sarpanch Virubhai Chauhan, who has set-up a village committee that will assist and support the team of restoration experts.

     Built by Bhayats, the ruling family of Kutch, Tera has been declared a heritage solely for its priceless culture and unique architecture. The Jain temples of Tera are one of the five pilgrimages of Kutch called Nani Panchtirth. Besides, the temples of Goddess Modheswari and goddess Ashapura are also famous.

     Kutch district collector P Sharma says, ‘‘It is an opportunity to rebuild the village for upgradation of livelihood and to uplift the socio-economic condition of the village for a sustainable future.’’ -News Courtesy: Expressindia.com

900-YEAR-OLD JAIN IDOLS UNEARTHED

BHAJANS BRING OUT FERVOUR AT YATRA

Chandigarh, June 23: RELIGIOUS fervour marked the grand Shobha Yatra of the spiritual head of the Shraman Sanghiya Chaturth Patdhar, Jain Dharma Divakar, Acharya Shiv Muni on the occasion of Chaturmas-2004. A large number of devotees took the acharya in a procession from the Sector 21 residence of Dr M S Jain for mangal Parvesh to Jain Sathanak, Sector 18.

     The students of Jainendra Gurukul School, 21 women shramikas, attired as the celestial Indranis holding kalash atop their heads and hundreds of disciples, all barefeet, chanted bhajans en route. The acharya, after having travelled over 25,000 kilometres barefeet for discourses all over India, now during his four months of stay here, will administer religious discourses and self Meditation.

     A proponent of the fundamental principle, live and let live, the acharya held that satsang brings people close to the truth of love in all its manifestations.

     Holding a doctorate and D.Litt, the lucid exponent of Jain philosophy, the acharya claims that crores of inhabitants in the world practice the Jain doctrines propounded by Lord Arihanta, the first Tirnthakara of Jainism, even when they are not formally baptised to the sect.

     Shirish Muni also spoke on the occasion. Earlier, Dr M S Jain paid rich tributes to the acharya. The newly built Jain Bhavan was inaugurated by Arihant Vishav Jain of Ludhiana at the Sathanak while Abhey Kumar Jain performed the Dhwaja arohan ceremony. -News Courtesy: Expressindia.com

SANSKRIT SCHOLAR FELICITATED

Ahmedabad, July 15: Sanskrit Sahitya Akademy on Thursday felicitated noted scriptologist Lakshmanbhai Bhojak at L D Institute of Indology for his life time contribution in decoding ancient and medieval Prakrit and Devnagari manuscripts. Bhojak has deciphered nearly five lakh manuscripts over a period of six decades.

     Philanthropist Shrenik Kasturbhai presented Bhojak with a cheque of Rs 11,000, a shawl and a set of books. Bhojak, born on October 31, 1917 in Patan, had to discontinue his studies after sixth standard due to his father’s death. After that, he started studying Sanskrit at different Jain pathshalas, worked as a librarian in Patan and Dabhoi and as a cataloguer at L D Institute of Indology. He has also worked under many Jain seers for completing library catalogues of old manuscripts.-News Courtesy: Expressindia.com

TWO JAIN TEMPLES IN WAYANAD TO BE PROTECTED

SOUTH ASIAN RELIGIOUS LEADERS ESTABLISH MULTI-FAITH COUNCIL TO ADDRESS HIV/AIDS

Bangkok, Thailand, July 15: Faith-based leaders from across South Asia launched a bold initiative to provide leadership and mobilise communities and resources in responding to the growing HIV/AIDS crisis, especially among young people.

     The South Asia Inter-Religious Council on HIV/AIDS established during the XV International AIDS Conference in Bangkok this week, will include senior representatives of Hindu, Moslem, Buddhist, Christian, Sikh, Jain and Baha'i faiths.

     “This partnership breaks new and fertile ground,” said Dr. Sadig Rasheed, UNICEF's Regional Director for South Asia. “Millions of people across the region are unsure how best to react to HIV/AIDS. And their spiritual leaders are uniquely placed to provide comfort and guidance to those affected by the disease. Their examples can help end the stigma and discrimination that perpetuate HIV/AIDS.”

     The initiative is a direct outcome of the “South Asia Interfaith Consultation on Children, Young People and HIV/AIDS” organised by UNICEF in Kathmandu in December 2003. At the meeting, participants pledged to strengthen their cooperation in addressing the impact of the HIV/AIDS pandemic. The new alliance recognises the tremendous capacities of faith-based organizations in delivering direct support to communities.

     “Religious communities have tremendous influence that can be brought to bear in addressing the complex and far-reaching social challenges of HIV/AIDS,” said Jim Cairns, director of advocacy and action for children at the World Conference on Religions for Peace. “This alliance among faith-based groups in South Asia provides a vital entry point for reaching tens of millions of people with much needed spiritual, moral and social support.”

     Young people are at the centre of South Asia's fast growing HIV/AIDS problem. More than half of all new HIV infections each day are among young people, many of whom lack the most basic knowledge and support to protect themselves from HIV infection.

     Akharul Wasey, interim convenor of the Council and a leading scholar of Islamic studies, said the group's work would respect religious differences.

     “The Council is intended to provide a platform where common concerns can provide a starting point for developing a shared agenda,” Wasey said. “And we are grateful for the support being provided by UNICEF and the World Conference on Religions for Peace in helping establish and maintain this new alliance.”
Council members include representatives from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. They will hold their first meeting in November in New Delhi. -News Courtesy: businesswireindia.com

IDOLS ARE JAIN SCULPTURES EXPERT

RAJAT JAIN APPOINTED WALT DISNEY INDIA HEAD

Walt Disney Co. has announced the appointment of Rajat Jain as Vice President and Managing Director of Walt Disney Company India Pvt Ltd and Walt Disney Television International India. Jain would report to Dough Miller, Executive Vice President and Managing Director of Walt Disney Television International Asia Pacific, a statement from Walt Disney said. Jain was Vice President and Business Head at SET MAX, part of the Sony Entertainment Television (SET), for the past two years and eight months.Prior to this, Rajat was Executive Vice President, Corporate Development and New Media at SET. Before joining SET, he was Senior Vice President, Business Operations at ASC Enterprises, the DTH venture of Zee Telefilms. Earlier this month, Walt Disney announced plans to launch three television channels in India in the next 12 months with a local company, but refused to divulge the name of the partner. -News Courtesy: indiainfoline.com

JAIN TEMPLE LOOTED

Villupuram (Tamil Nadu), July 9: Burglars gained entry into a Jain temple in Agaloor Village near Gingee and decamped with gold jewellery worth 22 sovereigns besides the hundi collection of Rs 3,0000. According to police, burglars entered the temple by breaking open the doors late last night, took away gold and cash. Following a complaint from the temple trustee Bheemanatha Nainar, Gingee police have registered a case and are investigating. -News Courtesy: newstodaynet.com

BIRTH DAY CELEBRATIONS OF ACHARYA SRI DEVANANDIJI MAHARAJ

Jatwada (Aurangabad, Maharashtra), July 15: The 41st birthday of ‘Pragyashraman Acharya Shri 108 Devnandiji Maharaj’ will be celebrated on the 15^th of August, 2004. The ‘Chaturmas’ of Acharyashri is started at ‘Jaingiri’, formerly known as Jatwada. It is 10 km. far from Aurangabad (Maharashtra). At Jaingiri, the pilgrims can have a darshan of Shri 1008 Sankathar Parshwanath Bhagwan. - News Courtesy: mahavir2355@yahoo.co.in

ADMISSIONS OPEN AT SHREE PARSHWANATHA VIDYALAYA VARKANA HOSTEL

SRI BALASAHEB LOKAPURE GETS DOCTORAL AWARD

Bagalkot (Karnataka), July 15: Sri Balasaheb Lokapure of Bagalkot has been awarded the doctoral award (PhD) by the Kannada University Hampi for his research work on the topic 'Jaina Expression in Modern Kannada Stories'. Sri Lokapure has said that a detailed analysis of the Jaina expression in Kannada stories from the time of Adikavi Pampa (the first Kannada poet) to till date has been made in his work. He submitted his thesis under the guidance of Dr. Rahamat Tarikere. Dr. Lokapure happens to be a popular novelist in Kannada and his novel Bisilupura had bagged the Karnataka Sahitya Academy award, his other novel Hutta had bagged the Chaduranga award. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service     

BOOK REVIEW

'JAINA SHOBANEGALU' : A UNIQUE FOLK WORK

Title: Jaina Shobanagalu Editor: Prof. T. Keshava Bhatt Year Published: 2004 Pages: 168 Price: Rs. 75 Published by: Ratnatraya Prakashana, 713, E&F Block, Chitrabanu Road, Kuvempu-nagar, Mysore - 570 023

     The folk literature has found a unique place in Jaina composition. It has encompassed the observations of the various celebrations on sacred occasions. These include worshiping God, ritualistic activities and also marriage, etc. These are usually sung by women folk which is regarded as literature with singing possibilities. These were composed by folk poets & poetesses alike since the bygone years. These were scribed on palm leaves and books. The tradition of singing of these composition has declined in the recent years. These are named as Shobane songs in Kannada. Further this has not drawn sufficient attention by the society. It has been ignored by the folklorists and the scholars alike. This is in contrast to the encouragement given to the Gamaka (a form of narrating epics) art also. No attempts have been made to sing the Shobane songs in the classic form. These songs are endowed with the qualities of literature and are easy to express.

     'Jaina Shobanegalu', edited by Prof. T. Keshava Bhatt has included the compositions on Yakshas and rudras. The present work is a compilation of 58 traditional songs. The style of narration and the implicit language denote that these compositions were the contributions of litterateurs of high order. The story of Bharatha, the emperor is very well portrayed here. Subhadra as his wife is well discussed. The songs in this work also contain the vivid description of Nagakumara, where this information is not available elsewhere. It is interesting to note the mentioning of Lord Krishna in this work. The folk literature on Lord Gommateshwara is also found with eloquence and beauty. A song called 'Sobagina Sone' is composed in unique Kannada style and prosody. The researchers like Dr. S.P.Padmaprasad is of the opinion that atleast a few songs in this work are written by a poet hailing from Madhugiri. Furthermore the monk Chandrasagarji is said to have written a few stanzas. This work has been compiled from the resources of palm leaves found in Parshwanatha temple Mysore. The book also deals with social practices among Jains such as marriage related customs and rituals. 

     It is a good research work with various possibilities of other stalwarts in the field have followed it in their works. It is a unique contribution to folklore as rarely found in Jaina literature. -Dr. H.A.Parshwanath   

We hereby request our esteemed readers to make use of this exclusive section of book review. The publications on Jainism would be reviewed in this section by our team. For further details please contact email: info@jainheritagecentres.com or nitin_hp@sancharnet.in     

The main intention 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.

Bantwala (Mangalore District, Karnataka): The 35th annual pooja mahotsav of the Bhagawan Sri Aninatha Jain Basadi was held on 1st June under the presence of Sri Ratnamma Hegde of Dharmastala. Smt Vijaya Kumari Indira gave a religious discourse on the occasion. 

Huncha (Shimoga District, Karnataka): The special pooja to Goddess Padmavathi Devi during the month of Shravana has been organised on August 20th & 27th and September 3rd & 10th under the guidance of Sri Devendrakeerthi Bhattarakha Maharaj of the Huncha Jain Muth.  

Markuli (Hassan District, Karnataka): The special pooja to Tirthankara Adinatha of the Panchakuta Basadi during the month of Shravana has been organised on August 20th & 27th and September 3rd & 10th under the guidance of Sri Charukeetrhi Bhattarakha Maharaj of the Shravanabelagola Jain Muth.  

Mysore (Karnataka): The 107th annual pooja mahotsav of the Bhagawan Sri Shanthinatha Basadi was held on June under the guidance of Sri Bhuvanakeerthi Bhattarakha Maharaj of the Kanakagiri Jain Muth. The member of the parliament Sri C.H.Vijayashankar and the member of the legislative assembly Sri Somashekar were be the chief guests. Dr.K.Anantharamu gave a religious discourse to the gathering. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service 

http://www.saint-louis.net/jainism.htm : Links to Jain websites.

Saturday 17th July 2004 - The Ahimsa Centre has arranged a dialogue on the topic Non Violence and Social Change with Dwarko Sundari one of the followers of Mahatma Gandhi.

Wednesday 18th August 2004 - Garbhakalyana of Bhagawan Sumathinatha.

Thursday 19th August 2004 - Birth day of Sri Bhanukeerthi Bhattarakha Maharaj of Kambadahalli (Mandya district, Karnataka).

Saturday 21st August 2004 - Janma Kalyana and Diksha Kalyana of Bhagawan Neminatha.

Sunday 22nd August 2004 - Moksha Kalyana of Bhagawan Parshwanatha.

Additions as on 1st July 2004:

Calendar Wallpapers

Additions as on 15th July 2004:

Jainism In India: Rajasthan

Bali, Gohili