Each year, about half a million people make a pilgrimage to 1,500 temples of the Jain religion, perched high on a hill overlooking the town of Palitana in Gujarat, western India.

The ornate buildings make up one of the holiest sites for Jain followers – who believe in lives of harmlessness and think that animals and plants, as well as human beings, contain living souls.

Here, the BBC’s Sanjoy Majumder visits Shatrunjay Hill and makes the long climb with the pilgrims. (follow link for slideshow)

Victorious Ones: Jain Images of Perfection at Rubin Museum of Art from 18th September 2009 to 15 February 2010 www.rmanyc.org, (press release)

Jaina scriptures have prescribed six necessary duties for a Jaina householder, which are: sämäyika, chaturvimashati stava,vandanaka, Pratikramana, käyotsarga and pratyäkhyäna.

Pratikramana is the central theme of these necessary duties as all the other five are included in it. It has been a tradition for Swetamber Jains all over the world to do Pratikramana several times a year. The most important being the Samvantsari Pratikramana on the last day of Paryushana when a lay person confesses and atones for the sins committed knowingly or unknowingly during the past year. However, as the sutras and the prayers which are recited during the Pratikramana are mostly in Sanskrit and Prakrit (Ardhmaghdhi), most devotees do not understand the exact meaning behind the sutras and prayers.

Excellent Gujarati and Hindi texts are available on this subject but I am not aware of any works in simple English. I must confess that I am not a scholar of Jain Religion and this is not a literary translation. It is my interpretation of the sutras and prayers after going through various texts on this subject written by scholars and very able writers. My purpose of writing this book is to give a simplified unconventional English translation to make it easy for an average reader to understand the meaning of the Pratikramana stotras.

This book “Exposition of Pratikramana Stotras” includes the original verses in Gujarati, with transliteration in English followed by as accurate as possible meaning and as clear as possible commentary of the verses. This book will be very helpful to the people who are familiar with the Pratikramana stotras but do not understand the original meanings as they are not well versed in Indian dialects.

My profound gratitude to my friend Dr.Vimal Prakash Jain, retired professor of Jaina Literature of University of Jabalpur at Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh India for editing the manuscript and offering many valuable suggestions and comments. I am thankful to my niece and nephew Jyotsna and Sudhir Shah for encouragement and support whenever I needed and my friend Pranay Jain for showing lot of patient and help in preparing this manuscript ready for printing.

I am also very thankful to my friend Satish Shah for many valuable suggestions and comments.

The stotras and the prayers of Pratikramana are not easy to translate as many times there are no equivalent words in English. But I have tried my best to keep the translation as true to the context as possible. In view of this if I have unknowingly misinterpreted the meaning I ask for the forgiveness of the readers and if they have right suggestion to let me know which I can include in any future editions (micchami dukkadam).

Rati Dodhia
12 Mitris Blvd.
Lincoln RI 02865, USA

Link to PDF of book: Exposition of Pratikramana Stotras (PDF, 1mb)

To see a program schedule and to learn more about the radio station, visit their website at www.JainMediaLive.Com

Follow this direct link to listen to the radio station: Jinvani

Please check the attached file (below) for details about JITO.

Best Regards,
Kanti Haria
Chairman & Managing Director Haria Exports Ltd.
Direct: +91 22 40973033
E mail: kanti [Email address: kanti #AT# hariagroup.com - replace #AT# with @ ]

Please log on to http://www.jainsociety.tampabay.org for details and registration.

Please contact Veni Shah at 813-431-7701 for additional information.

The Jain Center of Southern California (JCSC) arranged a grand Pratishtha Mahotsav from September 26 through October 6, 2008 to commemorate opening of a new Religious Complex in the city of Buena Park.  Several Oshwal families living in the Los Angeles area actively participated in the celebration.  Nina Aashit Shah of Carlsbad, Reena and Milan Shah of Aliso Viejo, Seema and Sujit Shah of Aliso Viejo, and Shilpa and Nitin Shah of Temple City were part of a large group of volunteers who helped in several activities to make this a memorable occasion..  Sajan, Riya and Anika (children of Seema and Sujit Shah) and Shivani (daughter of Shilpa and Nitin Shah) took part in cultural programs which were very entertaining. Riya had also the honor of lighting a Diva to commemorate the beginning of Pratishtha Mahotsav.  Sushilaben Girishbhai Shah of Yorba Linda wrote, directed and produced an enlightening one act play titled “Jambu Swami’s Vairagya”.  Her commentary and acting by members of the Swadhya Group including Girishbhai and their two sons – Bickey and Moulick, was truly commendable.

JCSC was established in 1979. At present, there are about 1,000 Jain families in the Los Angeles area.  JCSC has embarked upon a very ambitious development program. The first phase consisting of a 62,000 square feet of Cultural Complex was started in 2002 and completed in 2005.  The second phase consists of a 13,000 square foot Religious Complex which houses the new Derasar and the Ardhana Hall.  The dome and ceiling in the Derasar were designed and fabricated by Nipul Gulabchand Shah of San Diego, CA.  He started fabrication in his house with the help of his wife, Renuka, and son Amar.  This project was made using a special mix of light weight materials. One has to see the dome and the ceiling to really appreciate his art work.  In 2005, he designed and fabricated a Gabaro for the temporary Derasar in the Cultural Complex when the new Derasar was being constructed.  He is presently working on the art work for a new Derasar being built in Atlanta. If you want to know more about the JCSC, please visit the following web site:   www.jaincenter.net/newsite/.  To see photos of the celebration, click on ‘photo gallery’ and to see videos of several programs click on ‘audio/video’ on the left.  Some photos are also posted on our website: www.oshwal-usa.org

Four more Derasars are under construction in the USA and their Pratishtha Mahotsavs are scheduled as follows:

• Atlanta, GA – November 16 thru 24, 2008
• Tampa, FL – November 27 thru 30, 2008
• Phoenix, AZ – December 20 thru 26, 2008
• Chicago, IL – June 20, 2009.

The next bi-annual JAINA Convention will be held in Los Angeles during the July 4th weekend in 2009.

A photo video has been posted online:


I hope this brings inspiration to fellow Oshwals and Jains to visit the Derasar on their next visit to London.

Jainadarsh.com is a totally free matrimonial website simple to use and high on features.
Apart form being totally free, what sets it apart is the emphasis on registration of boys and girls with neat and clean habits thereby ensuring that the registrants are at least Jains by their habits. A signed declaration to this effect automatically generated with the details of the applicant immediately upon entering data is insisted upon before the registrant is validated and his /her details are accessible on the site.

The involvement of the parents in this exercise ensures the genuineness of the applicant’s declaration and the active participation of the family. This effort in social service by Vysan Mukta Pariwar of Hyderabad emphasizes the significance of how good habits are essential to a wholesome, happy and fulfilling life, while being of service to the society.

Editor’s note: A “portal” for Jainism from the UK.

FROM THE WEBSITE: The Ultimate Resource for Jains. Information on Jainism,Places of Worship, Associations, Education, Events and more….
Share your views through “FORUMS”
Seek new friends
Network with other Jain members through “MESSAGING”
Build long term relations – Be it for hobbies,business or Seeking a Soul mate.
Inviting Jains to become members . Membership is free!

The Jain Center of Greater Boston (JCGB) is in the process of preparing a new directory of Jains living in the USA. If you have not heard from the JCGB and would like to include information about your family in the directory, then please visit the following site before May 31, 2005:

Prof. Paul Dundas in his book �The Jains� writes that Jainism, India�s and possibly the world�s oldest Religion is least known and least understood outside India. Jains through the ages have made great contributions to the culture, literature, art, architecture, education, welfare and betterment of the India Society.

According to Prof. Noel King of University of California and Dr. Surendra Singhvi of Cincinnati, �Jainas and Jaina Scholars did leave India�s shore many times during the last 2000 years. In eighteenth and nineteenth century Jainism was somewhat known to the west from some of the Indian books which found their way to Europe and then to New England in U.S.A. These were mostly brought here by Christian Missionaries and scholars.�

Our clear and documented story begins over 100 years ago in 1893. A New York Times article in September 1893 talked of dignitaries from India who arrived in New York aboard the steam ship PARIS in transit to Chicago to attend the first Parliament of World�s Religions. Among them was a Jaina, Virchand R. Gandhi who was described as a young man with heavy black mustache. To Mr. Pipe, a reporter of the New York Times, Mr. Gandhi explained that Jaina faith was the oldest in the world and went on to state �I come from India, the mother of religions. I represent Jainism, a faith older than Buddhism, similar to, it in ethics, but different from it in its psychology and professed by 1,500,000 of India�s most peaceful and law-abiding citizens�.

Many attempts have been made to capture the history of Jainism in North America, but �No serious attempts have been made to record the role of individual Jains in the development of Jainism in North America.� Following are some of the major events that took place in the last 50 years which have shaped and enriched our history:

- Virchand Panchand Inc was established in 1944 at 15 Park Raw, New York. In 1945/46, Jethalal Khimchand Kachra Gudka came and lived in New York for three years. In 1948, 10 Jain students arrived to USA for studies, one of them was Shri Keshav Chandaria presently in Toronto, Canada, Suresh Zaveri who currently lives in Honolulu, Jayantilal Nemchand Fulchand who currently lives in Nairobi, Kenya – but where are the others?

- In 1949, Dhirajlal Premchand Vrajpal came for studies to the USA and he currently lives in Mombasa, Kenya.

- In August 1959 Dr. Vastupal Parikh � professor of Chemistry � was possible the first Jain to settle in Canada. Probably around the same time, Anil and Induben Mehta arrived to Canada and established a printing press in Ottawa.

- In 1962, Mahendra Mehta, an Engineer was possibly the first Jain to arrive to Alberta, Canada.

- In 1966 Jain Center of America, NY was established.

- In 1969 Jain Center of Metropolitan Chicago was established.

- In 1971, Gurudev Chitrabhanu first visited the USA, the first Jain Monk to part with monastic traditions, to spread the message of Jainism and non-violence. He permanently arrived to the USA in 1974 and established Jain Meditation International Center.

- In 1973 Jain Center of Greater Boston and Jain Society of Toronto were established.

- In 1975, Acharya Sushil Kumarji arrived in the USA. At the Mahavir Jayanti Celebrations in Cleveland in 1979, the formation and establishment of Jain umbrella organization was discussed between Dr. Tansukh Salgia and Gurudev Chitrabhanu and later on with Acharya Sushil Kumarji. In the same year Jain Center of Northern California and Jain Society of Greater Detroit were established.

- Between 1976 and 1980, 10 Jain Centers were established including the Jain Society of Metropolitan Washington (1980)

- The first edition of Jain Directory of North America was released by JCGB.

- The first Jain Convention was held in 1981 in Los Angeles and was graced by Gurudev Chitrabhanu, Acharya Sushil Kumarji, and Dr. Padmanabh Jaini largely with the efforts of Dr. Lalit Shah, Dr. Tansukh Salgia and Dr. Manoj Dharamsi. It was here that an umbrella organization of all Jain organizations in North America was started and an ad-hoc committee comprising of Dr. Lalit Shah, Dr. Tansukh Salgia, Dr. Manoj Dharamsi, Dinesh Dalal and Girish Shah, was formed under the Presidency of Dr. Lalit Shah, currently living in Ahmedabad. At the second Jain convention held in May 1983 in New York, the constitution of JAINA was adopted by delegates from 11 Jain centers and the Federation of Jain Associations in North America (JAINA) was formally established with Dr. Manoj Dharamsi as President.

- Between 1983 and 1993, under the Presidencies of Dr. Manoj Dharamsi, Dr. Tansukh Salgia and Dr. Sulekh Jain, 38 new Jain Centers were established.

These are just some of the hi-lights of the major events that took place and encouraged the Jain leaders and the Jain community in the last 50 years to continue to work towards spreading the message of Lord Mahavir and Jainism in North America. With the arrival and the inspiration of Jain Munis Gurudev Chitrabhanu and Acharya Sushil Kumarji as well as the establishment of JAINA, the desire to learn more about the history of Jainism and the Jain pioneers in North America has increased tremendously. Therefore, a History Committee under JAINA has been formed. The purpose and objectives of the committee are as follows:

To capture the history of Jainism and it�s followers, and to record the development of Jain organizations and temples in North America.

1. To record the role-played by the spiritual leaders, scholars, educationists, writers and community leaders and others in shaping the history of Jains in North America.

2. To publish various works based on the collected history of Jains in North America in the book form or in other media to advance the knowledge and understanding of Jainism.

3. To record oral history from Jain history makers, capturing their experiences, vision, and life stories in their own words.

4. To educate the current and future generations about Jainism, its principles and its message of peace, love, ahimsa (non-violence) and tolerance.

5. To work with other Jain Organizations/ Centers in North America and the world to advance the preservation of the history of Jainism.

6. To publish a directory of Jain history organizations around the world.

7. To encourage and assist JAINA members and its Affiliate members in forming their own history committees and work with JAINA towards a common goal of collecting and preserving Jain History.

8. To establish a Jain History Center (Museum) in conjunction with JAINA Library where collected materials will be archived.

9. To record the contribution of Jains in the political, social, economic, scientific and arts fields and their life philosophy of harmonious co-existence based on non-violence to the well-being, progress and prosperity of North American multi-cultural societal mosaic.

Proposal:
To capture the history of development of Jainism, the Jain Centers, Jain Scholars, educationist, writers and prominent Jains and their role in developments and in the spread of basic principles of Jainism in North America.

Committees:
Following are the main 2 committees that will oversee writing of this History Book.

North American Jains History Committee:
Jasvant (JV) Mehta, Chair
Dr. Vastupal Parikh, Co-chair
Ram Gada, Co-chair
Dr. Tansukh Salgia
Dr. Manoj Dharamsi
Dr. Dhiraj Shah
Prakash Mody

Jaina History Advisory Committee:
Keshav Chandaria
Dr. Rati Dodhia
Satish Shah
Dr. Sulekh Jain
Dr. Manibhai Mehta

Jain Centers:
We are hoping that each Jain Center will create it�s own History Committee and work with us in establishing their records, research past minutes and available documents of their center, talk with their past executive members and pioneers and provide the following data:

- History – when was your Center established, pratistha, expansion etc

- Brief biography of your pioneers

- Historic photograph and bibliography � past & present

- Details of your Jain or Hindu/Jain temple.

- Any other useful information available which would be of interest to readers of Jain history.

- Old souvenir books, newsletters, magazines, books written by North American authors.

Anyone having any information like articles & books written by the members of your center, details about Jain artifacts with any of your members history of local centers, timeline of milestone of events, etc. which can be used in making this publication complete and comprehensive should be forwarded to us. Any info-material used will be suitably acknowledged with credit.

Let us capture this momentum and document our over 100 years of history and leave this legacy for the generations.

Jasvant Mehta, Chair,
Jaina History Executive Committee.
———————————————-
(previously published, 30 Dec 2003)

JAINA has decided to compile the “History of Jainism and Jains in North America”. During the past century, lots of efforts have gone in bringing Jainism in North America but nothing noteworthy has been recorded. There is a rich history of how Jainism is known over fifty states of America and ten provinces of Canada and how Jains throughout America have established themselves. Each of the more than seventy-five Jain organizations in more than sixty cities have their own stories as part of their contribution in the growth and development of Jainism. Now, it is necessary to put everything into one huge docu-book for the benefit of the future generation.

For this great project of importance, call is given for support and cooperation and thus help in writing the true exhaustive history. Anyone having any information like articles and books written by you and/or others, details about Jain artifacts with you and/or at other places, history of local centres, timeline of milestone of events, etc. which can be used in making this publication complete and comprehensive. Any info-material used will be suitably acknowledged with credit. For details contact Mr. Jaswant Mehta at jvmehta2000 [Email address: jvmehta2000 #AT# yahoo.com - replace #AT# with @ ]

Jasvant Mehta, Chair,
Jaina History Executive Committee.

BBC Religion and Ethics launched the Jainism website on 7th December 2003 which communicates the philosophy and culture of Jain Religion. The launch of the BBCI Jainism website is a pioneering development in communicating the essence of Jain culture. The newly launched website will allow people worldwide to appreciate and understand the Jain values of ahimsa, aparigraha and annekant as a highly relevant and essential part of modern living. Mr. Alan Bookbinder, Head of BBC Religion and Ethics speaking at the launch said “I am delighted that the values of Jainism including respect, compassion, tolerance and concern for all living beings are now visible allowing audiences to appreciate Jain values in today’s world.” Dr. Atul Shah, Executive Editor of Jain Spirit speaking at the launch said “The aim of the BBCI Jainism website is not to convert people or try to be “cool” but to inform people on the values of Jainism and how it is not just an old age philosophy but a way of living which is both modern and applicable to anyone, at anytime and at any place.” The BBCI website launch also saw the UK launch of Jain Spirit’s Photo Exhibition entitled Jainism: Ancient Tradition, Modern Values. It displays images of everyday life, which capture Jain values in a modern day setting. The photo exhibition will be going on tour around the country in 2004, dates will be announced at a later date. The BBCI launch was at the Jain Samaj Community Centre in Manchester and was co-organised by Jain Spirit magazine and Young Jains of Manchester.

Dear Ms Shah

Thank you for contacting us with your question. We appreciate the opportunity to provide information regarding animal fats used in Colgate-Palmolive products sold in the United States.

All of Colgate-Palmolive Company’s soaps contain tallow. The tallowates used in these soaps are obtained only from beef tallow. In addition, the glycerin in these soaps is certified as pork free. The following soaps contain no pork or lard and, therefore, are pork-free:

Some of our toothpaste products contain glycerin. The glycerin we use is obtained from both internal and external sources. All the glycerin we use meets or exceeds the United States Pharmacopedia (USP) quality standards. When made internally, the glycerin is made through procedures involving evaporation, distillation and bleaching of a crude glycerin derived from beef tallow, coconut or palm kernel oils.

Much of our glycerin is produced internally; however, it sometimes is necessary to supplement the supply of glycerin by purchasing it from external suppliers. When it is necessary to add to the supply by buying glycerin, external suppliers are carefully selected. The glycerin is only accepted if it meets or exceeds the United States Pharmacopedia (USP) quality standards. Our regular quality control procedures are used to monitor the quality of the glycerin. However, we cannot certify that the original source of the glycerin will always be 100% beef tallow.

Regarding Colgate toothpastes, the information below may be helpful to you. The following toothpastes do not contain glycerin or contain only synthetic glycerin:

The following products are not only free of pork products but are also free of all animal-derived ingredients:

Once again, thank you for taking the time to contact us. We hope this information is helpful.

Sincerely,

Consumer Affairs Representative
Consumer Affairs

Jainism dates to 600 B.C. Jains, having shared the subcontinent with Hindus for more than 2,500 years, have developed a strikingly similar marriage tradition.

Follow the link for background on the Jain wedding ceremony.

YJP has revitalized their web-site to add new features and hoping all young jains will join. They want to increase awareness and understanding of Jain principles and heritage by promoting networking among Jain Professionals. Visit the YJP web-site and become a member today.