-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.- JAINNET GAZETTE Jain News and Events -.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.- Issue # 13 VeerChand Bothra February 15, 2004 JainNet.com -.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.- --== In This Issue ==-- 1) Editorial 2) News & Events 3) Announcements & Appeals 4) Panchang 5) Featured JainList Posts 6) New JainList Members 7) Featured Resource 8) Reader's Talk 9) From Jain Scriptures <<<< EDITORIAL >>>> Vandan to Lord Mahaveer. Pranam. We are resuming publication of JainNet Gazette after a gap of one year. JG will now be published every fortnight. This is because publishing a weekly was turning out to be too demanding on my time and resources. There are few innovations planned to complement and aid JG. Starting a weblog based on Jainism is one of them. If these process improvements result in significant time savings, than it is possible for JG to return to a weekly schedule. Also, based on feedback of readers there are some changes in JG's format. Your comments and suggestions are valuable and will be highly appreciated. Jai Jinendra. VeerChand Bothra Founder, Editor, Moderator JainNet, JainList, JainNet Gazette <<<< NEWS & EVENTS >>>> +++++ MP Lodha is Khartargachcha Mahasangh President +++++ Roomil Bohara http://www.jainnet.com/cgi-bin/jgredir.cgi/5 Akhil Bharatiya Shri Jain Swetamber Khartargachchha Mahasangh held its Annual General Body meeting and elections on Sunday, 14th December 2003 at Kolkotta. Shri MangalPrabhatji Lodha (MLA) from Mumbai was elected unopposed as President for a three year term. +++++ Special Cover on Jainism +++++ Sudhir Jain http://www.jainnet.com/cgi-bin/jgredir.cgi/6 On 24th Jan. 2004, a special cover has been issued to commemorate Jinendra Panchkalyanak Pratishtha & Tri-Gajrath Mahotsava at Bilaspur (Chhatisgarh). A beautiful temple of first Tirthankar Bhagwan Rishabhnath has been constructed at Bilaspur. Panchkalyank Pratistha ceremony of the same was organized from 20 - 25 Jan 2004 under the auspicious presence and guidance of Acharya VidhyasagarJi Maharaj. On the day of Kewalgyan Kalyanak on 24th January, a this multicolored special cover has been issued. Cover depicts the photos of newly constructed Temple, chief idol of Bhagwan Rishabhnath and Acharya Vidhyasagar Maharaj. Indian Postal Department provided special cancellation bearing line sketch of Acharya Vidhyasagar Maharaj giving blessings. <<<< ANNOUNCEMENTS & APPEALS >>>> +++++ Picture & Article on Genocide of Jains +++++ Rajendra Jain http://www.jainnet.com/cgi-bin/jgredir.cgi/7 This is summarised English version of an article that appeared in leading Tamil magazine "Kumudam" dated 26.5.03 (Kumudam is published always in advance). This article is about a place called "sama naththam" in Madurai district of Tamilnadu where thousands of Jains are believed to have been impaled to death. The file also has two pictures, one showing the grounds where jains were killed and the other shows the details of impaling including the birds of prey. Present day Saivites apologitically state that Jains volunteered to be impaled which shows their utter ignorance about much more humane and virtuous method practiced by Jains even today, for relinquishing the mortal body, viz. Sallekhana. +++++ Jaina Flavour in Indian National Emblem +++++ Dr. C. Devakumar http://www.jainnet.com/cgi-bin/jgredir.cgi/8 I am enclosing the following article (written about four years ago) for the commemoration issue of Samadhi Samrat Acharyaratna Shri 108 Samati Sagarji Maharaj, on an invitation from Samyogitaganj D. Jain Panchayati Trust, 31/5, Parasi Mohalla, Cantonment, INDORE. I am thankful to my Jainfriend Tiru D.Boobalan for carrying this article in his personal website for over a year. My thanks are also due to Prof. Y. Malaiya for his excellent website which provided me some facts on King Ashoka. +++++ Rajju Ganit +++++ Mehul Turakhia http://www.jainnet.com/cgi-bin/jgredir.cgi/9 Why one Rajju is more than 5.2 billion light years. +++++ Sanskrit Lessons +++++ Manish Modi http://www.jainnet.com/cgi-bin/jgredir.cgi/10 Website reference to Sanskrit lessons. It has been evaluated by many and found to be very good. +++++ Institute for Non-Violence +++++ Dilip Doshi http://www.jainnet.com/cgi-bin/jgredir.cgi/11 Mr Arun Gandhi, grandson of Gandhiji, has founded Institute for non-violence in Memphis, TN (USA). To obtain more detail, call at (901) 452 2824. +++++ Applied Jainism by Dr. Balabhadra Bruce Costain +++++ Naresh Shah Second edition of Applied Jainism is recently published. It is authored by Dr. Balabhadra Bruce Costain. This book contains two papers. The first paper is titled Jainism: An Ethical Structure for Non-Violent Action. The second paper is titled An Ethic of Unconditional Love for All Living Beings As a Basis for Human Development. This paper outlines how the Jaina view of reality helps to make decisions that will result in increased peacefulness, happiness and love for ourselves as well as for other living beings. Throughout the pages of this book it is shown that our own happiness and well-being is linked to our treatment of all living beings. To realize the happiness we desire the practice of these ideals is "unavoidable". They represent the essence of who we are. Happiness and joy, fullness of love, enthusiasm and vitality are just a few of the fulfilling experiences that result from applying them in our lives. Jainism provides the insights into the reality of our non-harming nature, as well as the guidelines that illuminate the way to our ideal Self. ISBN: 1-930575-34-3 Price: US $19.95 <<<< PANCHANG >>>> Year : Veer Samvat 2530 / Vikram Samvat 2060 Date : February 15th - February 29th Month: Falgun Cycle: Vadi - Sudi Day: Tithi (Description) 15: 10 16: 11 (Adinathji Keval) 17: 12 (Shreyansnathji Janma, Munisuvratswamiji Keval) 18: 13 (Shreyansnathji Diksha) 19: 14 (Vasupujyaswamiji Janma, Pakshik Pratikraman) 20: Amavas (Vasupujyaji Diksha, Dada Jinkushalsuri Swargia) 21: 1 22: 2 (Arnathji Chyavan) 23: 3 24: 4 (Mallinathji Chyavan) 25: 5 26: 6 27: 7 28: 8 (Sambhavnathji Chyavan) 29: 9 <<<< FEATURED JAINLIST POSTS >>>> From: C Devakumar Subject: Bhillam Yadav and voluntary invocation of death Link: http://www.jainnet.com/cgi-bin/jgredir.cgi/12 From: Manish Modi Subject: Buddhism and Jainism; 14 Gunsthans of the Soul Link: http://www.jainnet.com/cgi-bin/jgredir.cgi/13 From: Mehul Turakhia Subject: Water Link: http://www.jainnet.com/cgi-bin/jgredir.cgi/14 From: Vijay Mehta Subject: Is there universal soul in Jainism? Link: http://www.jainnet.com/cgi-bin/jgredir.cgi/15 <<<< NEW JAINLIST MEMBERS >>>> JainList's total strength of members has increased to 1159. This makes it the largest discussion group on Jainism. All the members have voluntarily subscribed to the list. I request all the new members to send their name, age and city so that it can be published in this Gazette. <<<< FEATURED RESOURCE >>>> Jain Dharm http://www.jaindharm.org/ About Jainism, Tirthankar Info, Navkar Mahamantra, Bhaktamar Stotra, Ahimsa, Glossary, Cosmology, Ashta Mangala, Jainism Quiz, Jain Parva, Tirth Darshan, Stamps on Jainism, Coins on Jainism, Views about Jainism Contact: Nilesh Kumar Jain <<<< READER'S TALK >>>> +++++ Jains of Madras +++++ Be Vegetarian, Never Sponsor Non-veg to Friends, Clients Dear friends, be pure vegetarian, also avoid your clients, customers, friends by not sponsoring non vegetarian food. Also never share a table with non-vegetarian (even kalpana chawla was particular about this being non-jain) Never make a same bill even if you happen to be NV eater. Also never appreciate NV food even for the sake of your client or friend. Try your best to encourage vegetarianism. Fill up feedback form at any public places to provide vegetarian food or vegetarian outlet at airports, beaches, railway stations, inflight, resorts, and at any public gathering. Atleast by this people will know what is vegetarian. There are koreans, thais who do not know what is the true meaning of vegetarian. Well one of my friend who gave a hard feedback at one international airport and that was well taken and immediately pure veg restaurant was opened on that airport. Today any international airport worldwide- it is difficult to find any vegetarian food and because of these many of our young generations are forced to eat something with eggs or something with some mix ups just because they are too hungry at that given time and that makes them flexible in their attitude towards remaining vegetarian life long. Hope this message goes well. Some of our members may criticize this but then we have to think of our next generation who may not remain pure vegetarian as much as we are. +++++ Sheela M. Khajuria +++++ Website for jain stavans that can be downloaded I was looking for websites which has jain stavans that I can listen to or download, can you please send me the list. +++++ MumukshuDhan +++++ Jain courses Can anyone familiar with the Certificate and Diploma courses in Jainism offered by Mumbai University post more information on the board, especially on i) topics taught ii) quality of teaching iii) students backgrounds. It would be especially nice to hear from current and past students. +++++ Richard Queener +++++ More info on Jain Faith, locations of meeting places Please inform me of Jain meeting places in the eastern U.S. I like the philosophy of Jain Faith, am a lacto-vegetarian. +++++ Abhishek Jain +++++ Scholarships for doing Ph. D. I am a Postgraduate student doing M.Tech in Mechanical Engg. from I.I.T Kanpur. Could you please let me know if there is any scholarships available for Jain students for doing Ph.D. in abroad. +++++ Bailu Malde +++++ Shri Bruhad Shanti Would anyone be able to tell me where I might be able to obtain an audio version of Bruhad Shanti / Moti Shanti? I'm from the UK where there are very limited resources for Jain prayers. If anyone knows about Kalyan Mandir Stotra this would also be appreciated. Perhaps if anyone has either of these prayers on their computer/CD the file could go on the groups archiv +++++ Pravin Shah +++++ Request for Information on various Jain Pujas Chairperson, JAINA Education Committee Every year several Jain centers of North America organize various Jain pujas in their temples or private homes. We would like to compile the following information related to such pujas and rituals. Information needed: Purpose and Meaning of Pujä, what are recommended occasions to do such pujäs, benefits if any, any other information related to pujä. I am also looking for a volunteer who would coordinate and compile such information in simple English and in MS Word and maintain a master file so that it can be periodically updated on the JAINA website. +++++ Nishith Shah +++++ PG accomodation in Australia One of my friend wants to come to Melbourne, Australia for study. He need help for any PG accomodation, Jain temple or Jain groups. Any information will be helpful to him. +++++ Nitin kumar +++++ Food without onion and garlic in Bangalore Can anyone help me by giving details of some places in Bangalore which serve food without onion and garlic? I have to relocate to bangalore soon and with no familily support there, have to manage by eating out. <<<< FROM JAIN SCRIPTURES >>>> ~~~ Presented by ~~~ Manish Modi "Jinendro Devta tatr raagdweshavivarjitah, Hatamoh mahamallah Kevalgyaandarshanah. Surasurendrasampujyah Sadbhutaarthprakaashakah, Kristnakarmakshayam kritva sampraaptah paramam padam" Shaddarshanasamucchayah 04:45-46 - Haribhadra Suri Jain doctrine finds that only He who is 1. beyond attachment and aversion, 2. Vitragi, 3. destroyer of delusion, 4. omniscient and omniperceiver, (has Keval Gyan and Keval Darshan), 5. worshipped by the kings of the heavenly gods as well as the kings of the hellish beings, 6. adumbrator of the true nature of substances and 7. has attained Moksh after destroying all karmas; is the Jinendra and worthy of worship. -.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.- For News, Comments, Queries, Submissions, Suggestions Contact: VeerChand Bothra Website: http://www.jainnet.com/gazette/ -.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-