A Publication of the Federation of Jain Associations in North America (JAINA)

email: [email protected]
JAINA is an umbrella organization of local Jain Associations in U.S.A. and Canada. The purpose of the organization is to preserve,
practice, and promote Jain Dharma and Jain Way of life.
JAINA Headquarters: 722 S Main St. Milpitas, CA 95035
Tele: 510-730-0204 email: [email protected], Web: www.jaina.org

JAINA Executive Committee JAIN DIGEST Editorial Team

310-721-5947
President Ashok Domadia email: [email protected]
[email protected]
Jain Digest Committee Chairman
First VP: Gunvant Shah Mahesh Wadher
[email protected]
Editors
Treasurer: Rita Sheth Dilip Parekh
[email protected] Sanjay Bhandari
Yogendra Bobra
Secretory: Shobha Vora Reena Shah
[email protected]
Art and Design
VP Northeast: Dr. Mamta Shaha Jayana Shah
[email protected] Rishita Dagli

VP Mideast: Prakash Mehta IT Support

[email protected] Giriraj Jain

VP Midwest: Hemant T. Shah Advertisements

[email protected] Mahesh Wadher
Shobha Vora
VP Southeast: Rajendra Mehta
[email protected] On the Cover: Marriage Procession of Neminath
Neminath, the 22nd Tirthankar, returned from his marriage
VP Southwest: Pradeep Shah procession half way to avoid killing of animals for the marriage
[email protected] feast. This remarkable incident exemplifies the importance of
compassion in the day to day life of every sensitive human
VP West: Mahesh Wadher being.
[email protected]
As narrated in the Jain literature, the wedding party of prince
Nemikumar was approaching the bridal pavilion of Rajmati.
VP Canada: Raj Patil Suddenly, He heard frightful shrieks and cries of the animals to
[email protected] be slaughtered for the wedding feast. He was deeply anguished
by the thought of such violence. He at once decided to renounce
Past President: Prem Jain that life which delights in inflicting miseries on others. His fiancé
[email protected] Rajmati also followed His footsteps and renounced. The painting
illustrates the entire episode in detail. In the foreground the
YJA Chair: Puja Savla marriage procession of Nemikumar is approaching the bride’s
pavilion. There are birds and animals in the enclosure. On the
[email protected]
top left against a different color background monk Neminath is in
meditation is a kayotsarga mudra.
YJA Chair: Sunny Dharod
[email protected] Disclosure
The Editorial Team endeavors to publish all the materials that are
YJP Co-Chair : Neal Daftary submitted but reserves the right to reduce, revise, reject, or edit
[email protected] any article, letter, or abstract for clarity, space, or policy reasons.
The views expressed in the articles are those of the authors and
YJP Co-Chair: Purvin Vakharwala do not necessarily represent the views of the Editorial Team.
[email protected] These articles are published with the author’s names. The articles
written or published by the Editorial Team are published as a joint
contribution of the entire Editorial Team, and not necessarily
represent the views of JAINA

2
 Editor’s Jain Digest-
Note Chairman’s
Message
Om Shri Veetragay Namah Jai Jinendra,

Jai Jinendra, The December issue of Jain Digest

was a grand success! The Jain
Thank you all for your kind Digest team thanks you for the
and wonderful comments compliments you have sent us via
on the December issue. We email as well as over the phone.
appreciate your support and Thanks to those who have mailed
encouragement. back the form that was provided
in the December issue. Since most
After the holidays, we started of you have chosen to receive
working on the content for the April issue. We chose a print version of the magazine; we will continue to do so.
“Compassion” as a theme and received a very enthusiastic Please note that the pdf version of the magazine will always
response from our writers and advisors. We decided to be available at jaina.org.
explore various aspects of compassion – compassion as a
virtue, compassion towards the sick and poor, compassion Our special thanks to all of those who donated generously in
towards animals, compassionate communication, etc. We order to cover the cost of Jain Digest. Printing and mailing
also picked a story for the Children’s Corner based on of 15,000 copies of this publication free of charge to all the
this theme and put our Spotlight on the JAINA Jivdaya Jain families across North America, costs approximately
committee. Thanks to Acharya Shri Lokeshmuni, Dr. Nitin $20,000.00 per issue. We humbly request you all to donate
Shah, Anop Vora, Dr. Hema Pokharna, Audrey Lin, Rita whatever possible to ensure sustainability of this vital
Sheth and Sanjay Bhandari for providing us the articles magazine. For your convenience, a donation form with an
in a timely manner. We hope that you find these articles envelope is enclosed in this publication.
interesting and inspiring.
Our sincere apology to Pramodaben Chitrabhanuji for missing
We are also pleased to bring you an article about Jain to mention her name as a provider of the two wonderful Jain
Academic Studies. Over the past 12 years, under the recipes. We promise to be more diligent in the future and
leadership of Dr. Sulekh Jain, Dilip Shah and Dr. Nitin avoid such errors.
Shah, a lot of progress has been made towards promoting
education about Jainism at various Universities in North In the month of April we celebrate Mahavir Janma Kalyank
America. I am sure you find it informative and gratifying. and various Kalyanks of many Tirthankar Bhagwan. Their
message of Ahimsa is based on compassion for all living
You will also find a brief report on the Veerayatan beings. And it is also due to their compassion towards us
Convention, a book report and our regular features such that they have shown us how to get out of this cycle of birth
as Tying the Knot and Recipes. Also included are JAINA & death and attain Moksh. In order to honor them, we have
Directors list and 2015 financial report. chosen “Compassion” as a theme for the April issue. We hope
you enjoy reading the articles.
My sincere thanks to all our writers for taking the time On the cover this month is a Jain painting showing the
from their busy schedules to write for Jain Digest. I thank “Marriage Procession of Neminath”. The narration detailing
our editors for their careful and thorough review of each the entire episode is shown in the back page of the front
article multiple times. Thanks to our Art and Design cover. Our sincere thanks to Dilipbhai Shah and Ratnanidhi
team for bringing life to the articles with a wonderful Charitable Trust for providing us the painting. Going forward,
combination of colors and design. we will continue to bring various Jain arts on the cover page.
Please let us know what you liked, what we can improve We are always looking for volunteers that can help with
upon, what type of articles you would like to see and content development and design. Please contact us via e-mail
any other suggestion you may have. Please write to us at at [email protected] if you would like to
[email protected]. We look forward to participate in this creative and rewarding endeavor. We thank
hearing from you. you for your continued support and please email us with your
comments and suggestions which will help us improve.
In Seva,
Thank you with warm regards,
Dilip Parekh
Mahesh Wadher
5
 JAINA President’s Message
Jai Jinendra!

JAINA wishes you happy Mahavir Janma Kalyanak celebrations & asks for your sukh-shata.

It is my privilege to share with you a number of accomplishments our community has

attained over last 3 months. With your support, we continue to make progress in achieving
our vision to evolve and promote Jain practices, educate Jains and non-Jains to create a
strong North American Jain community, expand an awareness of Jainism as we spread
the message of Bhagwan Mahavir and energize our community by evoking social change.
Here are some highlights:
JAINA eNewsletter is now sent out regularly every two weeks via e-mail to over 13,000 families across the
world. Every Newsletter brings you the latest news about Jain Community across the globe as well as religious
article on Jain Dharma. We have successfully increased click-thru rate from 20% few years ago to now more than
60% click-thru rate. Please register at www.jaina.org to receive this informative Newsletter, JAINA Calendar and
Jain Digest – all for free.

Virtual Tour of Temples: We have implemented a live virtual tour of Jain Centers across USA. You can now do
Darshan virtually in real time at www.jaina.org of several temples.

JAINA TV Channel: Media Committee is currently evaluating feasibility of a 24x7 JAINA TV Channel where you can
watch all religious programs. We will keep you updated on the progress of this important initiative for our community.

Veerayatan 3rd Global Convention JAINA team attended Veerayatan 3rd Global Convention from January 24th -26th
at Rajgiri, India. It was great networking experience with Jains around the world. There were events like opening
ceremony of new College Building at Pawapuri,Cultural Programs, sharing of many projects by Jain Institutions
towards up-liftment of the society through Seva, Shiksha and Sadhna. JAINA is looking forward to continued
collaboration with Veerayatan for years to come. You can read a brief report on it in this issue of Jain Digest.

Jain Religious Videos: Over 400 Jain Religious Videos were added this year to JAINA website. Videos are
categorized by Speaker name for your convenience and it covers almost all Jain Religious videos available on the
internet in one place for the first time – www.jaina.org

JAINA Calendar: Michhami Dukkadam if you did not receive JAINA Calendar due to postal delivery issues.
Calendar Committee has carried out another mailing and hopefully you have received it now.

YJA Convention: Young Jains of America (YJA) will be hosting 650+ youth from all over the globe for the Biennial
YJA Convention in Los Angeles from July 1 - 4, 2016. Theme of YJA Convention is “Young Jains: Agents of Change”.
Please encourage youths in your community to register at www.yja.org.

YJP Board: Congratulations and Welcome to new Young Jain Professionals (YJP) Board Members. YJP had their
first YJP Board meeting at the Jain Society of North Texas (JSNT) in Dallas, TX from February 12 to 15, 2016. YJP
is developing many exciting programs for professional youths.

JAINA on Social Media: Now along with Facebook and YouTube, JAINA is also on Instagram and Twitter! You can
follow us on Instagram @jaina_org and Twitter @JainaOrg for Jain Photos, Stories, News and Updates.

Moving forward, JAINA’s primary objective is to build on the momentum of past 6-months and continue to drive
projects that benefit our community, enhance communications with you and build a strong JAINA team to ensure
success in the uture. Thank you for your continued support – it allows us to provide enhanced services to our
beloved Jain Community.

Sincerely,
Ashok Domadia

6
 DAWNING OF JAIN ACADEMIC
EDUCATION IN NORTH AMERICA
By Dr. Sulekh C. Jain and Dilip V. Shah

Dr. Sulekh C. Jain is the Past Secretary and President of JAINA, founder and co-founder of sev-
eral Jain institutions, Centers and programs, recipient of JAINA RATTAN, promoter of programs
in Jain Academic Education in Universities, Chairman of Governing Council of International
School for Jain Studies in USA, and author of many Jain and technical books, papers and nine US
technical patents. He and his wife live in Houston, Texas. Emai: [email protected])

Dilip V Shah of Philadelphia is a past president of JAINA. He is currently serving as chairman of

JAINA’s Diaspora Committee and member of the Academic Liaison Committee. He is a frequent
contributor to the Jain Digest. Email: [email protected])
Seven years ago, while applying for admission to the International Summer School for Jain
Studies program, Ms. Brianne Donaldson, now Dr. Donaldson and an Assistant Professor in
Religious Studies and teaching at Monmouth College in Illinois, wrote in her application

“I want to hear everyone talking about Jainism. I want religion and philosophy departments
teaching it. I want ecologists and agricultural technicians exploring its sustainability models. I
want animal ethicists investigating it. I want metaphysicians engaging its textual and cosmological
claims. I want economics departments examining its charitable giving and solvency. I want
diplomats, nonviolent practitioners and just war theorists scrutinizing it as a viable political way of life. In short, I want it on
the lips of every discipline, colliding with existing wisdom, challenging epistemological strongholds, and generally throwing a
wrench into any sentiment that would dismiss as impractical the possibilities of humans living in a fundamentally different
manner in our current and future worlds”.

Wow, Dr Donaldson! Together we are fulfilling your dream and vision for Jain Studies in North America. The Jain
community in North America thanks you and many other Jain scholars for inspiring us to start this journey.

What a journey it has been! From its humble beginning 12 years

ago, the International Summer School for Jain Studies (ISSJS) in
which students, post docs and faculty from universities go to India
during each summer to study Jainism, has experienced phenomenal
growth. Over 600 scholars from 26 universities from around the
world have participated in the program. Some of these scholars, with
their newly acquired knowledge about Jainism, have started offering
classes in Jainism at their own Institutes. Some have pursued their
studies further to earn PhDs. As a result, nearly 14 scholars already
completed their PhDs and that many more are in pipeline working on
their PhDs, although not all are alumni of ISSJS.

How did all this start? ISSJS 2009 Group with Mrs Indu Jain, Chairman, Times of
India Group
Since the late sixties many Jains have settled in North America. More than 125,000 Jains, now live in USA and Canada. We
have put in our strong roots here with more than 70 Jain Centers which serve as places for worship, service and education
in Jainism. JAINA, a national organization of all Jains and a sizeable number of institutions and organizations are making
an impact. Many from the second generation Indians have graduated or enrolled in the top universities of this country.

However, the academic study of Jainism is still an undeveloped area of research in universities in North America. Even
though Jainism is one of the oldest and 6th largest religions of the world, the western world does not know much about
it. Jain Academic studies in universities around the world have significantly lagged behind those of other religions. In fact
until recently, there was not a single university in the US offering a regular course on Jainism. Many books and courses
about World religions hardly mentioned Jainism and its teachings. As a result, Jainism is least known and most
misunderstood spiritual tradition in academia and in the general public (recent worldwide controversy on the subject
7
of “Santhara” is a good example). Research and teaching Jainism in the West, which is essential for its survival, have not
received as much attention as Hinduism and Buddhism due to lack of students, courses and availability of qualified
professors to teach them. There are very few younger Jain scholars being trained to take place of the increasingly aging
group of established Jain scholars.

To rectify this, we embarked on this journey 12 years ago, starting with International Summer School for Jain Studies. As
we started educating and training new and young faculty and scholars in Jainism, the Jain community and the academics
started realizing the need for a permanent presence of Jain studies at many colleges and universities in North America.

Creation of Academic Liaison Committee

To promote Jain studies and to give a significant boost to the efforts, in 2008, Dilip Shah, the President of JAINA
at that time and Dr. Sulekh C. Jain; the past President of JAINA, formally constituted JAINA’s Academic Liaison
Committee (ALC).
Meet and Greet Program in Atlanta in 2010
To connect with the
academics, the ALC
started organizing annual
MEET and GREET
events during the annual
AAR and DANAM
conventions in the month
of October- November
each year. These events
took place in Atlanta (2010), in Chicago (2011) and in San Francisco (2012). At each JAINA convention, ALC also
started organizing seminars on Jain Academic Education.

Academic Liaison Committee (ALC) Mission and Objectives

The mission of ALC is to establish liaison with Academic institutions in North America that are promoting or willing to
promote the study, teaching and research in Jain philosophy, culture and history. The objectives are:

1. Create, nurture, educate and enhance awareness of Jainism in academia by various means.
2. Develop & facilitate training and availability of English speaking scholars in US Academia.
3. Encourage younger Jain scholars to be trained by various means of scholarships, fellowships, and increased
employment opportunities in academia.
4. Facilitate, and encourage participation and collaborative atmosphere between Jain community and academic
institutions.
5. Seek to develop and facilitate the promotion of studies of Jain philosophy by encouraging the establishment of
Centers, Institutes, Chairs and Professorships at Academic Institution across North America.
6. Increase stature of these efforts to bring Jain studies a respectable place in academia by all available means such as
funding, travel opportunities and focusing on the target audience.

The current ALC members are:

• Dr. Sulekh C. Jain (Chairman) (Sugar Land, TX), Dr. Nitin Shah (Los Angeles, CA),
• Dilip V. Shah (Philadelphia, PA), Bipin Shah (San Ramon, CA), Dr. Kirti Jain (Ashland, KY),
• Bindesh Shah (Miramar, FL) and Pravin K. Shah (Raleigh, NC).

The Current state of Jain Academic Education Programs

a) On-going Programs
Nearly 20 universities and colleges offer classes in Jainism every semester. Some of the classes cover Jainism exclusively
and some as part of the course in World Religions. Jainism is offered as a full course at the following Universities:
8
• Florida International University, Miami: Dr. Steven Voss (The first funded Chair established in 2009-10)
• University of North Texas, Denton: Dr. Pankaj Jain
• Monmouth College, Monmouth, Illinois: Dr. Brianne Donaldson
• Eastern Connecticut State University, Willimantic: Dr. Hope Fitz
• University of Ottawa, Canada: Dr. Anne Vallely
• Elizabethtown College, PA: Dr. Jeffery Long
• Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond
• University of Texas, Austin

b) New Initiatives in 2015

We have established regular Jain Studies at the following places:
• Emory University, Atlanta: Dr. Allen Gough (PhD from Yale) is a Professor in Jain Studies,
• Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles: Dr. Nirinjan Kaur (PhD from University of Michigan) is a full time Professor
and Director of the Jain and Sikh studies program. This is an undergraduate level course and class was oversubscribed
with 25 students.
• Claremont School of Theology, Claremont, CA: Sushama Parekh is currently offering a class on Jainism to the graduate
students.
• Graduate Theological Union, Berkeley, CA
• University of Western Ontario, London, Canada. On October 6, 2015, Prof. Jeffery Long of Elizabethtown College in PA
delivered an invited annual lecture on Jainism at the university.

c) Establishment of a Jain Chair at the University of California, Irvine

Jain Community in Los Angeles area has established an endowed “Shri Parshvanath Presidential Chair in Jain Studies” with
a total funding of 2 million dollars which includes 0.5 million dollars matching funds by UC President. UCI will soon be
advertising and hiring a professor for this Chair.

UCI Chair
Celebration
Ceremony at Jain
Center of Southern
California

d) New Initiatives in 2016

Jain community has funded to start the Jain studies programs (at Undergrad levels) at the following places:
• University of Florida in Gainesville, FL
• San Diego State University in San Diego, CA
• Bhagwaan Mahavir Post Doc Fellowship in Jainism established

e) Jain studies program under consideration

• Ohio State University, Columbus: an annual Guest Lecture program in Jainism, once or twice a year
• Dr. Faquir Jain at University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT and Dr. Shailendra Palvia at a university in Long Island, NY are
exploring opportunities to offer classes in Jainism.

Brothers and sisters, we have just started the journey. There is a long way to go. We need the involvement of as many
community members as possible in this journey. As very nicely stated at the Jain Academic Education Seminar held during
the 2015 JAINA convention by Dr. Jagdish Sheth in his keynote address title, we want to see Jainism go “From a Footnote
Religion to a Religion for the Future”. To help make this a reality, please contact any of the following:
Dr. Sulekh C. Jain ([email protected]), Dilip V. Shah ([email protected]),
Dr. Nitin Shah ([email protected])
9
 The Programs at International Summer School for Jain Studies (ISSJS)

ISSJS offers various programs in the study of Jainism each summer. The unique feature of these programs is that they are
India centered programs where the students and scholars go to India for study. During their stay in India, the participants
have a chance to see, touch, taste, smell and experience Jainism in practice.

The course of study follows a daily schedule of academic lectures by eminent Jain scholars covering a range of topics from
Jain history, philosophy, rituals, ethics and contemporary Jain life. An important part of this program is the opportunity
to conceptualize what is learned in the classroom by visiting academic, historical places of interests, interacting with Jain
communities and participating in cultural activities as well as have ample opportunity to discuss amongst participants and the
faculty members. They meet with scores of saints/ascetics, scholars, Jain professionals, leaders and businessmen. Participants
also get an opportunity to meet Jain families, observe temple rituals and festivals and visit Jain holy places as well.

By their coming to ISSJS in India, they have a

chance to get an insider’s view of Jainism which
could not be replicated in America or anywhere
else in the world. In past years, the students have
found that the time spent in India for networking
and establishing connections may support further
academic research and fieldwork. What they learn,
how they learn and where they learn, makes the
India experience unforgettable for participants
and also for those who come in contact with the
participants. Another unique feature is that it is
integrated within many university systems and as
a result, quite a few students, after returning from
ISJS program, earn educational credits from their
home institutions.

From 2008 onwards, based on the growing needs

of scholars from North America particularly,
the ISSJS is structured around a two-tier system, ISSJS class at Ahimsa Sthal, Delhi
designed to meet scholarly needs of all applicants. The goal of the first level is; Understanding of the fundamentals of
Jainism from the perspective of, Philosophy, History, and Culture. The Second level builds on the first in terms of scope,
depth, and intensity, and aims at a proficiency of knowledge that qualifies the student to study at the M.A., or Ph.D level.
It is expected that first level students will, become sufficiently competent to enter the second tier of studies. For more
details about ISSJS programs, visit: www.isjs.in

Teaching Jainism – A Gratifying Experience

By Sushama Parekh

(Editor’s Note: Jain Digest applauds JAINA, ALC, ISSJS and all the educators for their valuable contribution to the Jain
studies. Although teaching about Jainism is a rewarding experience, the teacher always wonders if the students are learning
or not, have they understood the intricacies of Jain philosophy, is this just an academic exercise or is it really making a
difference in the lives of the students. We hope that the excerpts from a graduate student’s class paper at Claremont School
of Theology in Claremont, California, showcases what the students are learning.)

Learning, practicing and teaching about Jainism has been my passion for a long time. So when Dr. Nitinbhai
Shah approached me for teaching a graduate class at the Claremont School of Theology, I could not pass up the
opportunity even though it meant that I would have to travel in Los Angeles traffic for two hours every Tuesday
for 15 weeks last fall. It was absolutely well worth it.
10
I had five students in the class working on their Master’s degree in Divinity, Interfaith, etc. I covered many topics-
such as, history of Jainism, Jain principles and philosophy, vows of ascetics and householders, karma theory, rituals,
festivals and more. We also did 20 minute meditation at the end of each class. The students were very engaged and
were very keen on learning various aspects of Jainism. Over the weeks I could see that not only they were learning
the material but also putting some of the principles in practice. Through their questions, interactions, and term
papers it was clear that they were absorbing the concepts very well. This was very rewarding and satisfying to me.

Here is an excerpt from a paper written by Michael McLaughlin, studying towards Master of Arts in Religious
Studies. The topic of the paper was “Jain Way of Life”. After describing in detail the life of a Muni practicing the five
great vows, and explaining life of a Jain householder covering topics like Samayik, Pratikraman, etc; Michael writes
about inner journey which, in his own words, is “the essence of Jain way of life”.

“Jainism focuses a great deal on the inner journey as this is the only true spiritual journey. The rituals performed
when visiting a temple are centered around maintaining a contemplative mind, a mind present in the temple, and a
mind focused on the virtues of the gods being worshiped. But while Jainism is focused on the inner life, it does not
lead Jains to discard or reject the outer life. Rather it guides Jains toward viewing the external life with equanimity.
When the world around us is appreciated as neither positive nor negative, our inner happiness, bliss, and peace
guide our mind, our speech, and our interactions with those around us.

Jainism guides us along the path of the fordmakers, and does not care how spiritually advanced we are. There is a
sense in Jainism that it does not matter so much how pure one’s soul is, but that one is purifying their soul. Since no
one (currently) in Bharat Kshetra will liberate in this lifetime, the emphasis is placed on simply doing what one can
in this lifetime to make some spiritual progression. If one becomes an ascetic in this lifetime, great. If one remains a
householder their entire life yet still practices self-reflection, seeks self-purification, and avoids unnecessary forms
of violence, then that is also a worthy life to live. Or perhaps one chooses to live as a Samaniji and take a partial vow
to observe the Mahavratas. Again such a life, if that is how one’s soul prompts them to follow Jainism, is viewed as
good. If one teaches others, or attends lessons taught by Samanijis and Gurus; if someone worships decorated idols,
bare idols, the Jain scriptures, or worships no images at all; the most important thing is that their practices lead
them to self-purification.

The Jain way of life might appear excessively austere, and all the fasting, penance, and asceticism could make
Jainism seem like a religion that bans fun and happiness. But it isn’t. Jainism is fundamentally an honoring of self-
determination and a profound recognition that happiness, peace, love, knowledge, and power come from within
ourselves. Everything that is ajiva: our body, money, food, music, sex, possessions, popularity, authority ultimately
do not make us happy. They might make us feel happy, but this happiness is not true happiness and does not even
come close to the happiness or bliss one experiences when one achieves self-realization. This happiness which ajiva
makes one feel is temporary and external to the soul, much like pain from a wound does not hurt a person because
person is a soul, not a body. Chasing after external pleasures only results in ignoring the ever-present, if somewhat
obscured, abilities of the soul. In effect this causes the soul to continue to be lost at sea and suffer.

When one recognizes that true happiness, bliss, and peace arise from clearing the soul of its impurities, and can
never be achieved through external means, one will seek out the path which best helps the soul’s innate virtues to
blossom. That path will, by necessity, involve avoidance of the false pleasures which come from outside the soul.
It will move one toward internal reflection and appreciation of the soul’s own essential qualities, and will point
one toward understanding how their happiness, peace, and bliss are not bound by the physical world. Through
recognition that all living beings have these same innate capabilities, one will be moved to treat all beings with
utmost compassion. In the end, one will desire to live a life in which each individual, relying on their own inner
capabilities, treats all of existence with compassion and views the external world as a place whose beauty can never
compare with the beauty of one’s own pure jiva. This is the essence of the Jain way of life.”

11
 JAINA COMMITTEE SPOTLIGHT:
JIVDAYA COMMITTEE
By Rita Sheth

Rita Sheth is currently serving JAINA as a Treasurer and a Jivdaya Committee Chairwoman.
She is trying to follow Jain way of life.

“Let each moment of our life be illumined with the light of “Ahimsa & Compassion”

State of Panjarapoles in India

The word “Jivdaya” conveys that we should care for all Each year the Jivdaya committee receives appeals from
living creatures and inspires people to practice Ahimsa many underfunded panjarapoles all across India; many
and “Live and Let Live” – Jain principles in their lives. of these facilities struggle to meet the cost of day-to-
In general, Jivdaya is promoted and practiced by many day feed and medicines. Often, natural calamities like
Jains all over the World by following a vegetarian diet, droughts and heavy monsoon rain make the situation
not using animal products, and contributing to Jivdaya worst. Without continuing support, the panjrapoles
fund in the temples and Jain Centers. are not able to accept any more animals. To put this in
perspective, in India, the average cost of saving a cow
With that spirit of compassion, Gurudev Shri from the slaughterhouse is around $100. To provide
Chitrabhanuji and Pramodaben helped to start the food, shelter, and medical care for one cow for one year
JAINA Jivdaya Committee in 2004. The focus of this is around $180 and for $151, one hundred animals can
committee is farm animals. When farmers can no longer be fed for a day.
afford to care for their animals, they leave them at the
panjrapoles; with the hope that they will be well cared
for. Panjrapoles are places where animals can live freely
and peacefully, without being suppressed or exploited
receiving unconditional love and care, and can express
their natural behaviors. Panjrapoles are places of true
compassion.

The Goal

JAINA Jivdaya committee’s main goal is to save animals

from the slaughter houses and to provide nutrition,
water, and healthcare for animals staying in panjarapoles
in India and animal sanctuaries in North America.

JAINA provides funding for:

• Buying fodder for animals and providing veterinary
care
• Buying new sheds and maintaining existing sheds at
panjarapoles
• Developing new grass fields and water wells
• Promoting our core values “Live and Let Live” and
to follow Ahimsa with emphasis on “Animal’s Life
Matters” in USA.
• Increase awareness about animal cruelty and suffering
so that we all make Jivdaya part of our daily life.
12
Organized dairy farming in India is growing tremendously Our Future Projects
with growth of 4 to 5 % every year resulting in an influx of
unproductive and abandoned animals to slaughterhouses. On an ongoing basis our team finds projects as per our
Unfortunately, there are far more animals in need of goals in India and USA. The following projects are under
support than there are spaces in panjrapoles. Also due to initial review at this time:
rapid urban growth, many panjrapoles are now located in • Wankaner Panjarapole: Help build a lake and convert
confined and polluted areas. the 25 acre fertile land to grow grass for 500 animals
• Deesa Panjarapole: Build shed and storage building
Our Accomplishments • Radhanpur Panjarapole: Support panjarapoles in North
Gujarat and Rajasthan providing grass & veterinary
Number of requests for help from panjarapoles is care and build an additional shed for 150 animals
increasing every year. Our team reviews all requests and • Support various animal shelters in USA
distributes money to different panjarapoles throughout
India based on their need and how these charitable Our Team
organizations are run.
Our team consists of Pramodaben Chitrabhanu who
• Over the last 5 years JAINA has sent more than serves as an honorary Chairperson. Rita Sheth is the
$90,000 to 20 different panjarapoles and saved 250+ Chairwoman and other committee members are: Dilip V
animals from slaughter houses using the generous Shah, Hemant Shah, Pravin K Shah, Jayesh Jain, Shobha
donations provided by the Jain communities in the Vora and Geeta Khona.
North America.
Getting Involved in a Noble Cause

In order to increase awareness and get a

firsthand look at the plight of animals,
we request all of you to visit nearby
animal sanctuaries or humane societies
and spend some time there. This will
give you more insight in to their needs.
You may be able to provide support by
volunteering your time and help with
their day to day tasks. We also request
each Jain Center to work with us to
distribute their donations to panjarapoles
in India to avoid duplication of funding
to the same receiving organizations and
to minimize cost of transfer of funds
due to new financial regulations. Your
generous donations will help to build
and improve the facilities and will allow
• Recently started supporting hospitals in Ahmedabad taking on new projects in more panjrapoles.
that care for the disabled birds, injured during the kite
flying festival in January. For more information, please contact Rita Sheth at: (918)
• Support Farm Sanctuary in Los Angeles, CA and 398-6024 or via e-mail [email protected]
SASHA Farm, MI which is the Midwest’s largest
farm animal sanctuary. Gurudev Shri Chitrabhanuji’s
volunteers from Light House frequently visit this farm
house providing financial and physical support.

13
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 VEERAYATAN 3RD GLOBAL
CONVENTION AT RAJGIR
By Priyanka Mehta
Priyanka Mehta is a JAINA Content Manager

The 3rd Global Convention was held at Rajgir, Bihar from January 24 to 26, 2016. The purpose of the three day convention
was to celebrate the very essence of Veerayatan: Seva (Service), Shiksha (Education) and Sadhana (Spiritual Development).
It was also an occasion to celebrate 80th birthday of Archarya Shri Chandanaji.

Along with the President, Ashok Domadia, four JAINA team members
and few past Directors had attended the Convention. The team had an
opportunity to network with more than 2000 Jains from all over the world.

On January 24th, a Mega Eye Camp was inaugurated at the Netra Jyoti Seva
Mandiram. The goal was to perform 8,000 eye surgeries.

In the afternoon, a
meeting was held
among 50 Jains from
Dubai, Nairobi, USA,
Kenya, Singapore
and other countries to discuss the Veerayatan Global project. In
the evening, the opening ceremony of the convention was held
which featured a documentary film about the 45 years journey of
Veerayatan.

On the occasion of Shri Chandanaji’s 80th birthday, students of Shri Chandana Vidyapeeth Centers paid her a tribute by
performing in a cultural program.

Jain Organizations from different parts of the world shared how they are working with Veerayatan for education,
compassion and upliftment programs. It was quite inspirational to see their work towards community and the needy.
Ashok Domadia, JAINA President, shared a presentation on how JAINA has been collaborating with Veerayatan for the
past 35 years on projects such as Nepal Earthquake relief, Nepal School Projects, and 200 School Projects in India with
Veerayatan in last few years.

On January 25th, an opening ceremony of the B.ED. College & Visaava Hostel was held at the TMVM school campus in
Pawapuri. The Representatives from Veerayatan gave a presentation on the Impact of Veerayatan’s educational activities.
Students of Tirthankara Mahavir Vidya Mandir Schools, India (particularly from Kutch & Bihar) to took part in a talent show.

On January 26th, a flag hosting ceremony was held at Aashirwaad grounds. This was followed by a few speeches and a
launch of a book by Acharya Chandanaji “Mere Devdoot”. The book contains thought provoking incidents that have made
an extraordinary impact on Acharya Shri’s life, in her own words.
JAINA looks forward to continued collaboration with Veerayatan for years to come and spread the message of
Seva, Shiksha and Sadhana through both education and actions.
15
 COMPASSION: A NECESSARY VIRTUE FOR LIBERATION
By: Acharya Dr. Lokesh Muni

Acharya Dr. Lokesh Muni Ji is a versatile thinker, creative writer, poet, social reformer and
an excellent orator. He has travelled in India and abroad to promote Peace, Harmony and Non
Violence. He is the founder of ‘Ahimsa Vishwa Bharti’. He is an author of more than dozen books
both in prose and poetry.
Email:[email protected]

All religions of the world give significant importance to compassion, sympathy and kindness. These are
supreme qualities of being human. Those, who do not develop a feeling of compassion or sympathy or
kindness on seeing someone suffering in pain, have not achieved a full potential of being a human.

Jainism is the religion of ahimsa. Ahimsa and its derivatives in the form of compassion, sympathy and
kindness is the basis of veneration and ethics by its followers. The following stanza shows what every Jain
contemplates on daily:

सत्त्वेषु मैत्रीं गणु िषु प्रमोदीं ,

क्लिष्टे षु जरवेषु कृपापरत्वम ् |
माध्यस्थ्यभावीं ववपरीतवत्त
ृ ौ,
सदा ममात्मा ववदधातु दे व! ||

Meaning: May I have a feeling of friendship towards all living beings, May I develop a feeling of elation on
seeing a virtuous living being, May I develop a feeling of compassion on seeing a living being in pain and
May I have a feeling of indifference towards the wicked.

Compassion, sympathy and kindness are the spiritual values. A gentle person gets stirred with the feeling of
compassion on seeing someone in pain. Such a person feels the pain of others as his own. “अनक
ु ू िीं-कम्पन-
मनक
ु म्पा” implies this as the basis of compassion. How far the efforts of the compassionate person succeed
in eliminating the pain of the sufferer is different. The compassionate person will definitely have a feeling of
peace within. Feeling the pain of others as own is also implied in compassion. “एक क्रिया द्वयर्थकारी प्रससद्धा”
i.e. An act benefits both the doer and the beneficiary. Hence compassion is extremely important. Undoubtedly
it is the basis of universal love and friendship.

Compassion enhances tenderness. It destroys the limited boundaries by the selfish nature of an individual
and makes them universal. The attitude of universal brotherhood and fraternity gets deeply entrenched.
Hence all religions consider compassion as important.

Lord Mahavir, the 24th Tirthankara of Jain preached compassion and service as primary religious and moral
value, it says, “Those who serve the sick, destitute, inquisitive and needy, in fact serve me”. Hence to serve
a sick and needy is to serve a Tirthankara. Jainism gives the highest ambition of all human beings as the
attainment of liberation (Moksha). Hence the primary wish of every Jain is to get out of the cycle of
transmigration and attain Moksha.

16
Sermons of Lord Mahavir as recapitulated in Dasvaikalikastotra have a sutra (aphorism) “असंविभागी न हु
तस्य मोक्खो”. It means the one who does not have a feeling of equanimity of all living beings cannot attain
Moksha. The doors of Liberation are closed for the one who eats with utter fulfillment and joy when his brother
sleeps in starvation. This principle is very useful to bring social uplift. It is capable of eliminating the deep
divide between haves and have-nots (or rich and poor) and hence become a bridge to resolve the burning
issues of violence and terrorism. Poverty, discrimination and scarcity are the main causes of violence, and
terrorism. Developing a feeling of Equanimity (संविभाग की चेतना) is thus important to eliminate poverty and
scarcity. Mahayana branch of Buddhism talks of two primary elements; Universal compassion (महाकरूणा)
and Universal emptiness or devoid of self (महाशन्
ू य).

On seeing her son rolling down the steps, the mother, without caring for her life, runs to save her child.
Similarly, when a person is filled with compassion for all living beings, then it becomes a universal
compassion.

Universal emptiness is the pinnacle of Buddha doctrine of Shunyavada. It has been said that practice of
universal compassion results in universal emptiness as indicated the following verse:

न त्िहं कामये राज्यं, न स्िगं नापन

ु भाािम ् |
कामये द:ु खतप्तानां, प्राणणनामर्तानाशम ् ||

Meaning: I do not wish for the kingship, neither do I wish for heavenly life, nor I wish liberation. I only wish to
eliminate the pains of suffering for all living beings. “बद्
ु धो भवेयं जगतो हिताय” i.e. I wish to attain Buddhatva
(discriminating knowledge) for the welfare of mankind.

Being a promoter of Ahimsa, Jain religion accepts primary importance of compassion, sympathy and
kindness. Ahimsa is said to be virtue of Godhood. Jain acharyas complete their sermons daily, reciting the
following verse.

दया सख
ु ं री बेलड़ी, दया सख
ु ं री खाण |
अनन्ता जीि मग
ु र्त गय, दया तणा फल जाण ||

Meaning: Compassion is the vine of happiness. It is the treasure of all happiness. By adopting and practicing
it, innumerable souls have attained Moksha. Such is the fruit of compassion.

This verse is extremely potent. One, who is immersed in compassion and sympathy, gives a turn to his
lifestyle which results in progressive spiritual purification and attainment of Paramatma state.

❧❧❧❧❧❧❧❧❧❧❧❧❧❧❧❧❧❧❧❧❧❧❧❧❧❧❧❧❧❧❧❧❧❧❧❧

Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them humanity cannot survive.
- Dalai Lama
17
 PRACTICING COMPASSION TOWARDS
THE SICK AND POOR By: Dr. Nitin Shah

Dr. Nitin Shah is a Professor of Anesthesiology and Critical Care and arranges/assists many free
community health fairs in USA and has organized/participated in several International Medical/
Surgical Missions. Along with Lestonnac Free Clinic (LFC) and Joy of Sharing Foundation (JOSF)
has started 3 free medical clinics in Southern California since 2012 and has started to perform
free Outpatient surgeries for under privileged people at Dr. Bharat Patel’s Beverly Surgery Center
with LFC & JOSF. Email: [email protected]

“We Ourselves Feel That What We Are Doing Is Just A Drop In The Ocean, But The
Ocean Would Be Less Because Of That Missing Drop” - Mother Teresa
(Editor’ Note: Compassion for all life, human and non-human, is central to the Jain tradition. Though all life is considered
sacred, human life is deemed the highest form of earthly existence. Throughout history, the need for organizations that serve
the needy has always been there. Fortunately, there are many charitable organizations in the World today that are dedicated
to serve humanity. Charity Navigator lists 2,996 organizations related to health and human services. Charitable giving also
keeps going up each year. According to National Philanthropic Trust, Americans gave $358.38 billion, a 7.1% increase from
2013. The charity organizations vary in size and scope, from huge multinationals that cover many aspects of human needs
with large budgets, such as American Red Cross, Feeding America; to others such as, ServiceSpace, founded by Nipun Mehta,
which promotes small acts of kindness that require no monetary budget, just a big heart and a smile! In this article, we focus
on the health and humanitarian activities of a few organizations such as “Anekant Community Center”, which is a part of
Jain Center of Southern California; and other local and foreign organizations that Dr. Nitinbhai Shah works with.)

Anekant Community Center • Health fairs for Sri Lankan, Zoroastrian, Bangla
Deshi, Vietnamese
Jamaica Cataract Mission
Since its formation in 1988, the Jain Center of Southern and American
California has seen remarkable growth in the community communities.
members it was serving and various religious & • Health education
humanitarian activities the members were involved in. on various topics
In order to assure that the humanitarian needs of the like Diabetes,
community were met adequately, the “Anekant Community hypertension, heart
Center” was established in 2005. The name “Anekant” attack, early detection
was chosen to emphasize that the scope of the services of cancer etc.
offered was not limited to any race, religion or geographic
location. The goal was to provide services such as medical International Health
camps, feeding the poor, provide assistance during natural Services
calamities, etc. • Several medical/
surgical missions
The Anekant Community Center (ACC) provides the are undertaken
following services on an ongoing basis. by ACC in many
countries including
Local Health Services India, Zambia, South
• Annual free Health fairs at JCSC, Annual Anaheim Africa, Malawi, Fiji,
Health Fair Jamaica etc
(AHF) since • Annual Surgical camp for Hernia/Hydrocele
2007, free was started in 2007 at the Kalidas Hospital and
onsite dental Homeopathic College, Vyara, India. It was recognized
services in Limca book of records in 2012.
from 2012 • Three Cataract surgery camps in South Africa (774
during AHFs, total operations) and two in Jamaica (452 total
JCSCHF and operations) have been organized.
few others. • Cancer prevention services in India.
Anaheim Health Fair
18
Community Outreach and Hydrocele for years.. Dr. Bharat Patel performed five
surgeries (approx. $ 30,000 value) on four patients (one of
them had both hernia and hydrocele) while Ms. Kristine
Caldwell (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist) and Dr.
Nitin Shah (Anesthesiologist) took care of anesthesia. Mr.
Geber further stated that one of the hernias was big and the
patient could have developed a complication necessitating
emergency surgery with increased risk of complications
any day.

Tender Care Community Outreach Program (TCCOP), ALAPIO, BSC, JOSF & LFC will be doing more free
a program run under ACC, provides meals to the poor surgeries in the future and seek help of all practitioners. LFC
in on a regular basis, services sick people, visits seniors, has a list of patients who need Gastroenterological, general
organizes drives to collect and distributes school supplies, surgical, Ophthalmological, urological etc. procedures.
toys, clothing etc. to the local schools. If you happened to be a specialist in any field including
Anesthesiology or a Non-Medical Volunteer who will like
How can you help ACC? to partake in this humanitarian endeavor, please contact Dr.
• Do you have an idea for a humanitarian activity? You Nitin Shah at 562-244-9035, [email protected], and/
need help? Please bring it to ACC who will help with all or Dr. Bharat Patel at 213-422-2475, [email protected].
aspects of your kind endeavor!
• Volunteer in various activities of ACC locally and
Internationally.
• Donate for and participate in the causes you believe in.
• Join the Board of ACC for governance.

Please contact ACC President Mr. Kantilal Shah (949-459-

8299), Mrs. Prafulla Shah (562-691-6623) or Dr. Nitin Shah
(562-244-9035) if you have any questions.

ALAPIO, BSC, JOSF & LFC

Free Surgeries
On Wednesday 23rd December 2015, free surgeries were Medical and Surgical Missions in India – January 2016
performed on four needy patients. This was the first time
Association of Los • Bidada Hospital (January 9 to 12): 42nd Annual camp:
Angeles Physicians 85 cases of general and ENT surgeries
of Indian Origin • Valiya Polytechnic College near Bharuch (January 17):
(ALAPIO), Lestonnac Examined 550 people, screened 18 patients for surgery
Free Clinic (LFC), and referred them to Vyara for surgeries
Beverly Surgery Center • Maroli Sugar Factory near Navsari (January 18):
(BSC) and Joy of Examined 210 patients and 4 patients were referred to
Sharing Foundation Surat METAS Hospital for surgery
(JOSF) collaborated to • Rajpipla Sugar Factory near Bharuch (January 19):
organize this endeavor. Examined 735 patients
Mr. Ed Geber, • 10th Annual Vyara Medical & Surgical camp (January
Executive Director of 20 to 24): The camp included women care, eye
LFC informed that examinations, operated on 95 patients to perform
Drs. Bharat and Nina 112 total surgeries. Patients with Hernia, Hydrocele,
Patel who own Beverly Hysterectomy and small tumors etc. were helped.
Surgery Center in Los • Surat METAS Adventist Hospital (January 25 to 28): A
Angeles opened their total of 27 surgeries were performed. 6 total knee and 2
doors at 6 am on 23rd December and welcomed the patients total hip replacements, 7 urological procedures and 12
of LFC who were waiting for surgeries for Inguinal Hernia general surgical operations were performed.
19
 COMPASSION TOWARDS ANIMALS
By Sanjay Bhandari

(Sanjay Bhandari is one of the Jain Digest editors.

He has his own software consulting business. He
has served as a Publication Officer at Jain Society
of Greater Detroit and has also been a part of the
fundraising events and other community activities.
His current interests are: traveling, photography,
music, movies. Email: [email protected])

The word compassion brings to mind acts such as helping Animals on modern farms are routinely treated in ways
the poor, the sick, or victims of natural disasters. We talk that would be grounds for felony and cruelty charges if
about empathizing and understanding their suffering, and applied to a cat or dog. Yet, like cats and dogs, farm animals
wanting to act to ease or end their pain. We talk about taking have complex emotions including the capacity to suffer.
action, through kindness, to end the suffering in some
way. We try our best to donate time and money. However, Why should we show compassion to animals?
extending this compassion to animals is important as well. The plight of animals - be it farm animals, companion
Taking care of animals, rescuing them from cruel treatment, animals, marine or wild life animals - is one of the foremost
building shelters, or following a vegetarian/vegan diet are reasons why many people around the world choose to
some of the ways we can show our compassion. eat a vegetarian diet, or vegan diet. As people who care
about the animals of the earth, we believe that animals too
Jain doctrine teaches that the universe is filled with life. have rights and deserve to have their best interests taken
Each being, without exception, is important and any injury, care of, regardless of whether they are useful to humans.
even accidental, caused to any being affects the entire Animals are not our property so that we can use them for
world. Compassion towards animals thus becomes more food, clothing, entertainment, experimentation, etc.. By
relevant in Jainism but it holds true for all other religions switching to a plant-based diet, human societies will be
too. We are taught not to hurt our loved ones, able to alleviate the needless suffering
friends or relatives. We need to that empathy, “He who harms animals has and deaths of countless animals, the
compassion & kindness to all other animals, not understood or renounced irreparable damage done onto the
including animals raised & killed for food, deeds of sin” - Jain Sutra earth like air and water pollution, the
clothing, or other such uses. erosion of lands, waste of precious
energy, and deforestation. Raising and
Animal Sufferings in the World eating meat leaves behind an environmental toll that the
If we could see first-hand, the conditions that these animals generations to come will be forced to pay.
live in, how they are treated, what they are fed and shot up
with, we might feel differently. It is not just the killing of How can we build a culture where people are
an animal that causes suffering (although often it’s done in compassionate to animals?
very inhumane ways), it is their living conditions too from One answer is – start early! Teaching kids in their early
birth to death. Animals in our society are treated as non- age to have compassion and empathy for their furry,
living, non-feeling objects, and yet they are not. They suffer, feathered, and finned friends is vital for preventing cruelty
just as we do. Most of us think that the meat, milk, and towards animals. They should also be taught to respect and
eggs that we buy come from animals that have lived happy, treat those who are different from them with kindness.
healthy lives. According to the National PTA Congress, “Children
However, trained to extend justice, kindness, and mercy towards
undercover animals become more just, kind, and considerate in their
investigations relations to each other.” Teaching kindness and respect for
have revealed animals is the first step towards teaching children empathy.
a different Since young children naturally identify with animals, and
picture over because animals are living beings like us, we can use our
and over again. interactions with animals to teach children how to behave
toward other people. Teaching our kids to respect and
protect even the smallest and most despised among us is
20
20
 1. JAINA Jivdaya committee: Supporting panjarapoles
in India and animal shelters in USA
2. PETA: People for the ethical treatment of animals
is one of the leading organization to protect animal
rights (www.peta.org)
3. World Animal Protection: this organization works
around the globe to protect and save wild animals
– and to keep wild animals in the wild, where they
belong. (www.worldanimalprotection.us.org)
4. ASPCA: For nearly 150 years, the American Society
for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals® (ASPCA)
one of the most important life lessons that we can pass has worked tirelessly to put an end to animal abuse
to them. It helps them to learn to value one another and and neglect. (www.aspca.org)
prevents violence. 5. SASHA Farms: They provide the animals with shelter,
food and water, veterinary care, affection, a chance
We can also bring more awareness in people through for social interaction with other of their own species,
outreach, education, and community building; we can and a sense of security. Jain Society of Greater Detroit
educate the public about farm animal suffering and help is supporting this farm (www.sashafarm.org)
people move towards a vegan diet. People who feel more 6. Animal Compassion Team (ACT): a Nonprofit
connected to animals are more empathetic and form Animal Rescue organization with big purpose to save
more trustworthy and cooperative partnerships. as many wonderful homeless pets as possible. (www.
animalcompassionteam.com)
What we can do to practice compassion for animals 7. Oakland County Animal Control and Pet Adoption
1. Never hit animals. Center offers housing and medical care to more than
2. Be patient with the animals; give them plenty of clean 5,000 animals. Jay Shah from Jain Society of Greater
water, and provide regular veterinary care. Detroit is the chairman of this organization.
3. Include your animals in your life, spend time with 8. Help Animals India: Provides animals rescue, care
your animal companions daily, brushing them, and sanctuary. (www.helpanimalsindia.org)
playing with them, and walking them.
4. Volunteer with your child to help care
“The greatness of a
for homeless animals.
nation and its moral progress can
5. Plant flowers and shrubbery for
be judged by the way its animals are
butterflies, bees, and other wildlife
treated” -Mahatma Gandhi
in your back yard.
6. On the way, pick up plastic rings, bottles,
and other trash and throw them in garbage, as those
things can kill animals.
7. Keep your eyes open for warning signs about animals
crossing.

Animal Welfare Charities

If you are passionate about compassion for animals, you
could support a local charity through donations and/or
volunteering. Compassion for animals and its benefits
extend beyond consideration of human life. It’s one of
our most defining qualities as human beings, and we
have countless opportunities to express it to the world
around us. Charity Navigator lists over 450 organizations
that focus on various aspects of animal care such as
animal rights and welfare, wildlife conservation, zoos “Animals and humans come in many different sizes and
and aquariums. Here are some charities that you may colors, but we all have the same loving heart and soul.” –
want to explore: A.D. Williams, Author
21
 CREATING HEAVEN ON EARTH
THROUGH COMPASSIONATE COMMUNICATION
By Hema Pokharna, PhD

(Dr. Hema Pokharna is a Certified Nonviolent Communication (NVC) Trainer. As an Executive

Coach and Consultant she works with leaders and their teams to improve personal and
organizational collaborative ​​leadership.​H
​ ema is also an interfaith peacemaker and mediator, and
has served on the board of Parliament of World Religions, Play for peace and presently serves on
the board of Council of Religious Leaders of Chicago​and also on JSMC and the JAINA Interfaith
Committee. Email: [email protected])  ​

(Editor’s Note: We all feel compassionate towards people and animals that are suffering and can’t help themselves. We
are also willing to help our friends, relatives, coworkers in their time of need. But when communicating with others in
a normal or a conflict situation, how often do we think of “need”? When a wife cooks a special dinner for her husband,
her need is for feedback and appreciation for her efforts in preparing the dinner. When a manager assigns work to the
staff, the manager needs timely completion of the assignments. It is quite understandable that a conflict arises when such
need is not met. Being aware of such needs and what matters most to our fellow human beings, communicating, and
adapting our behavior with that understanding is at the heart of Compassionate Communication. Hema shows how we
can transform our connection with ourselves and others with the NVC consciousness and practice of where we put our
focus on; Judgments or Needs? We always have a choice!)
“This is the starting point of nonviolence. The transforming opposite of the judgment (I never follow through). Doing
power of nonviolence begins and ends with an awareness this, shifts us from a negative assessment of what is wrong,
of the presence of God in everyone. It is this presence that to positive value, and opens space for understanding and
breaks the spiral of violence.” choosing a different action. This can be a very liberating
- Friar Louie Vitale, Love is What Matters experience.

Namaste also means seeing and acknowledging the divinity The next time someone is complaining or critical, see if you
in others, does it not? Thus we step into every interaction can listen for what value they are expressing under their
with compassion and care. words. This will help you focus on their needs and support
you in experiencing a moment of connection and moving
This article introduces a way to actively practice you in the direction of compassion, care and possibilities.
compassion in our daily communication, through
Nonviolent Communication (NVC) and create a new A key concept in NVC is learning that needs and values
dimension of increased harmony, love and success in our are universal and so, by definition, abstract. Our needs,
homes, communities and work places. Although not a whether fulfilled or unfulfilled, are the roots of our feelings.
small task, I invite you all to take on this challenge. Relating our feelings to our needs, as parents, we could say
“I feel frustrated because of the need for respect,” instead
The first step is making needs and values central to our of “you make me frustrated when you talk back at me.” The
thoughts, words and actions. This shapes how we relate to latter entices our children into believing they are the guilty
ourselves and influences every interaction we engage in. for our feelings.

If someone says, for example, “You never listen to me!”, “When we are not able to say clearly what we need and only
they probably have a need to be heard. know how to make analyses of others, it sounds to them
If they say, “You’re so stubborn!!”, they’re probably needing like criticism.” In such a scenario, wars are never far away,
openness and flexibility. whether they are verbal, psychological, or physical wars.
If you tell yourself, “I never follow through on things!” you
may value and long for integrity for your words and actions Let us examine a few needs - support, interdependence,
or completion and effectiveness (what “following through” choice, rest, etc. None of these can be picked up in your
might give you). hands or held. They are all experiences and in terms of
grammar, are abstract nouns. Judgments, thoughts and
Notice how the focus on the need (effectiveness) is the evaluations are descriptive and so are in the form of adverbs
22 and adjectives.
Let’s see how this knowledge can help us be human values are at the root of everyone’s actions,
compassionate. Say you are upset and say, “He is rude judgments and perceptions. That exploration is when
and a pain in the neck!” What would be the opposite, we are preparing to take the Namaste posture internally
positive assessment? Probably, it is being “considerate, as we connect with the divinity in our self and the other
understanding, easy and comfortable to work with. and access the divine flow between each other.
Knowing this, you will realize that these needs of yours
possibly were not fulfilled in that interaction, giving you Since all violent communication and actions are simply
space to choose your next action as a response rather the tragic expression of unfulfilled needs, we can easily
than a reaction. translate any judgments and wrongness of others and
ourselves into needs that want fulfillment. By freeing
Here are some more examples: ourselves from judgments, we are able to connect
When you say that someone You probably need: compassionately within and without.
or something is:
Inconsiderate Consideration Next time when anyone says or does something you
don’t like, know you have four options:
Incompetent Competency
Difficult Ease 1) Blame yourself : “I’m not good enough, it’s my fault
Inflexible Flexibility and I made them angry ”
2) Blame them: “He / She is so selfish or rude”
Some judgments have little real meaning, for example, 3) Connect to your feelings and needs: “I feel
“You’re a jerk” or “That’s cool!” Such words that have a disappointed, because I need recognition for the
high level of judgment are more expressions of intensity effort I’ve made”
of feeling than the needs or values. Often, they come along 4) Guess and connect with his/ her feelings and needs:
with content words that do have values hidden in them. “Are you feeling reluctant because you are wanting to
make your own choices?”
For example, if someone says, “You’re impossible,” they When we connect to our true feelings and needs, others
might give next a more specific complaint (or imply need for connecting with us gets met and they are more
in context): “You never take responsibility for your likely to want to cooperate to making life more wonderful
actions!” You might then focus on the feeling and need for us. When we understand and celebrate their feelings
and say: “It sounds like you’re really frustrated and and needs, we can joyfully find ways to meet everyone’s
wanting responsibility and awareness?” needs simultaneously and create a win - win situation!

“Impossible” here could also be expressing exhaustion

and a desire for simplicity, flow and ease or hope about
change in the relationship.

I hope these tips support you in shifting your focus from

wrongness or blame to the values and needs people are
trying to attend to behind their words and actions. Also
regardless of the words you use, what really matters in
listening to others is your intention bringing your heart,
as well as your head, into how you understand and NVC in Action
connect with others and what they say.
The Center for Nonviolent Communication was founded
An additional key to the possibility of compassion is the by Marshall Rosenberg to teach people how to resolve
core insight that conflicts only take place at the level of differences at personal, professional and political level.
strategies, method or actions we choose to meet these NVC community is active in 65 countries. My sister,
needs. Human needs and values in themselves are not in Mandakini and I were instrumental in taking NVC to
conflict. With the practice in nonviolent communication India. We organized Intensive International Trainings
and support from uninvolved parties, every conflict with Marshall as a lead trainer for 10 days in 2004 in
situation can turn into a shared exploration of which Bangalore and 2006 in Pune, my home town.
23
This year, from 9th to 15th January we trained 100 people Pro Public invited 35 participants from the Nepalese NVC
from around the world in Pune. After that, we had an network, 35 participants (mediators, local justice providers,
opportunity to be part of a 7 day post-earthquake healing psychosocial counselors, and local Peace Committee
event in Nepal from January 31st to February 7th, 2016. members) from the earthquake-affected districts, and 5
This event was held to bring healing to those affected by the international participants, for a 7-day international NVC
April, May 2015 earthquakes. Many people are in a state of training.
shock, grief, and trauma, and unsettled with the challenge
of how to rebuild their lives. The training was held in Dhulikhel Lodge Resort,
Kavrepalanchowk, near Kathmandu and was cradled in the
Himalayas with a magnificent view and feeling of awe and
amazement. There were 5 other International trainers like
myself along with Mandakini Pokharna who participated
and supported by leading empathy circles every day.

The success of this event in Nepal was evident from

the comments we received from the participants. The
organizer of the program expressed immense gratitude and
joy for the training and the time and energy invested by
the trainers. “The trainer’s contributions are multi-fold and
have a ripple effect reaching far and beyond.”

One of the field workers expressed his gratitude for

the training which has given him more confidence and
NVC was the chosen modality for this training. The purpose empowerment to do the work he does, supporting and
of this training was to bring healing through nonviolent facilitating arrangements and access to commodities for
communication. According to NVC, healing and mourning the earthquake victims and their families.
are human needs and need space for the healing to occur.
To provide this space, and to continue building local NVC Other participants expressed their joy and gratitude.
capacity, Pro Public, a NGO dedicated to cause of public There was an immense sense of relief and support in self
interest in Nepal, organized an international NVC training connection and ability to understand and relate to others
bringing together Nepalese practitioners with potential in life enhancing and life serving ways.
to become NVC trainers and local peacemakers from the
earthquake-affected communities, to equip them with In the peace-building field, Nonviolent Communication
skills to support healing in and between others in their own is increasingly recognized as an effective way to repair
families, communities, and constituencies. and strengthen intrapersonal, interpersonal, and
intercommunity relationships. For more information,
watch the video,
“Healing and Reconciliation through NVC” (https://www.
youtube.com/watch?v=RqA2OydkXgg)

Books about NVC:

• Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life, 3rd
Edition: Life-Changing Tools for Healthy Relationships
- Marshall B. Rosenberg, Ph.D.
• Connecting Across Difference: A guide to Compassionate,
Nonviolent Communication
- Jane Marantz Connor and Dian Killian

I hope that you will experiment with NVC, make your life
an expression of compassion and create Heaven on Earth
for yourself!
24
 BEING COMPASSIONATE WITH OURSELVES
By Anop R. Vora

(Anop Vora is involved in Community services and Promotion of Professional Education in the Jain
Community. His current interests include: Listening to the Spiritual Discourses, Meditation, Reading
and Writing on the religious topics. Email: [email protected])
Quite frequently, we also forget that there is no such
When I started working for Kodak thing as perfection in life. But we expect ourselves to act
over 40 years ago, I had a rough time in a perfect manner in communication with others, and
communicating with my boss, customers and co-workers we feel the need to win every time, which is not possible.
because of my super fast accented English. I was feeling We could have very high expectations of ourselves
very bad about myself because of the strange looks I without being aware of the limitations of our knowledge,
was getting from the people around. I was focusing on capabilities and belief system. As a result, when we err,
my weakness and blaming myself for it. When the self- we start feeling bad and blaming ourselves mercilessly
inflicted pain did not subside, I confided my situation for an extended period of time.
with a close friend of mine, who gave me wonderful
advice. He said: “Look you are what you are. Accept this At times we look at the success of others, get envious
fact. Kodak has hired you for your long term potential. and start comparing our life and feel bad that we have
So stop worrying, focus on your strengths and you will not accomplished as much. We then start downgrading
do just fine.” Once I took his advice to heart, I felt much and beating ourselves saying we should have followed a
at ease and everything worked out nicely at the end. I different career path, chosen a different spouse and so
am sharing this personal story to illustrate the point that on and so forth. We forget that we made the important
it is very important to nurture the soul and show self- decisions of life based upon the prevailing circumstances
compassion no matter what situation we are in. then. As long as we did our best, we should be satisfied
and content with whatever has happened in life. We are
Importance of Self–Compassion not doing justice to ourselves by continually looking
back and dreaming about what could have been if we
When we think about compassion, most of us quickly had made different decisions in the past.
jump to compassion for others. While compassion for
others has been strongly recommended by our scriptures, Self-Acceptance
we need to realize that compassion towards our own self
is equally if not more important. Until we learn to love We need to realize that all humans have their strengths
and nurture our own self, we cannot be very effective in and weaknesses and we are no exception. We need to
showing compassion to others. Jesus Christ said: “Love accept us exactly the way we are and look upon ourselves
Thy Neighbor as Thyself ”; which implies that we need to with complete appreciation and acceptance. No more, no
love ourselves first. For the sake of our own happiness less. Self-acceptance is a major step to start respecting
and health, it is very important that we are thoughtful, and loving self. Dalai Lama said: “If you don’t love
kind and caring to ourselves. yourself, you cannot love others. You will not be able
to love others. If you have no compassion for yourself,
To Err Is Human; To Forgive Is Divine then you are not capable of developing compassion for
others”.
As we walk through the journey of life, we are bound
to make mistakes but instead of viewing them as part Compassionate Life Style vs. Rat Race
of being human, many of us tend to go back and keep
bashing ourselves repeatedly. Even if we made a mistake Many of us do not like the idea of being average. We all
in a distant past, we keep going back and replaying want to be at the top - not realizing that the bulk of the
the old film and criticizing ourselves rather harshly. human race falls into the average category. We tend to
Somehow we do not forgive ourselves and it is this lack impose the same value system onto our kids. We drive
of forgiveness that causes our self-sabotaging behavior. them to take a large number of A.P. courses, insist on
We develop a tendency to put ourselves down without getting all “A” grades and perfect SAT scores along with
realizing the circumstances under which we said or acted participation in many extracurricular activities all this
in the way we did. We act as our own worst enemies. with the hope of possibly getting an admission into
an Ivy League school! It has been reported that many
26
kids are getting stressed out and few are running into this, we are causing a lot of harm to our soul. Jainism
mental problems. Perhaps the better approach would be does not ask to blame ourselves, but it does ask us to
to teach them value of “Achieving balance in life”. This take the responsibility for our mistakes and go through
might enable them to find their true passions and talents a process of self-purification through Pratikraman every
and possibly an opportunity to discover who they really single day and decide not to repeat them.
are. May be then they will grow-up to be more creative,
mature and compassionate adults. Our scriptures say that we may have flaws but we have
incredible potential too. It also tells us clearly that we
Self-compassionate people have a much higher probability have infinite power and advise us to do our best to
of realizing life’s full potential than those who are self- realize it.
critics. The people in the first category tend to feel more
secure and set high goals but if they fail to achieve, they Conclusion
don’t get frustrated and start bashing themselves. Instead,
they take responsibility for their mistakes with equanimity, Dr. Kristin Neff, Ph.D., an associate professor in human
learn from them, grow and set more realistic goals and development and culture at the University of Texas,
keep trying. Self-compassion helps them to cultivate better Austin-summed up this subject matter rather nicely:
attitude and healthy behavior. She wrote “Self-compassion provides an island of
calm, a refuge from the stormy seas of endless positive
Scriptural Message and negative self-judgment, so that we can finally stop
asking, “Am I as good as they are? Am I good enough?”
Jainism recommends mindful awareness that entails By tapping into our inner wellsprings of kindness,
being aware of one’s positive or negative experiences acknowledging the shared nature of our imperfect
with balance and equanimity. If we are creating our own human condition, we can start to feel more secure,
personal suffering based upon our own flawed condition accepted, and alive.”
or an external catalyst or negativity, we are advised not
to react. We need to regard them as the result of our References:
own past karma. By controlling our passions, we do not
generate a new karmic bondage and start a new cycle. 1. Dr. Kristin Neff ’s website: www.self-compassion.org
2. Dr. Kristin Neff ’s one of nice articles: http://greatergood.
When we keep thinking about the past events and berkeley.edu/article/item/try_selfcompassion
rightly or wrongly start blaming others or ourselves; 3. Meditation in JAIN Scriputures by Dr. Rajendra Kumar and
we are in Arta Dhyan or Roudra Dhyan giving rise to Mrs. Neelu Jain. http://www.fas.harvard.edu/~pluralsm/
Ashrav and Bandh. We need to be aware that by doing affiliates/jainism/article/meditation2.htm

27
 TAKING ON A 21 DAY KINDNESS CHALLENGE:
By Audrey Lin

(Audrey Lin is most inspired by small acts of great love. A graduate of Nonviolence and
Social Change at UC Berkeley, her journey has been a continuous exploration in service and
stillness, bringing her to volunteer at the Gandhi Sabarmati Ashram, and with ServiceSpace.
org, an incubator of projects at the intersection of volunteerism, technology, and gift economy.
Email: [email protected])

about a 21-day kindness challenge at her local elementary

It all started unexpectedly one summer. school in Marin—how one boy began helping his mother
cut vegetables for dinner without being asked, and how
Two 14 year old summer interns at ServiceSpace were another student noticed a classmate alone at recess and
assigned “homework” of doing a small act of kindness invited her to play. Bradley takes the stage and talks about
every day for the upcoming month. The only catch was his family experience making bag lunches and going
that one could not repeat the same act twice. to San Francisco to gift them to the homeless. Then his
daughter captures everyone’s attention with a video clip
That seemingly simple “Kindness Challenge” proved to of her sharing ways kids can be kind to their parents. :)
be quite transformative. We repeated it many subsequent
summers, with similar results. Over time, a 21-day
challenge portal was launched, and folks around the
globe embarked on collective endeavors to stretch their
kindness muscles. By word of mouth, 5th grade teacher,
Jane Murphy, caught wind of the idea, and immediately
inspired her whole elementary school to take it on! We
visited the school the day Jane launched the challenge.

“We go through the toll and pay for the person behind us.”

On top of that, Bradley had brought 120 bookmarks with

the quote: “Somewhere inside all of us is the power
to change the world.” The night before, he had stayed
up late making them, and as he gifts them up to the
students, one boy comes up and tells him, “I gifted mine
to someone who didn’t have any.”
The words escape a student with shining eyes as he sits
up from his beanbag. We’re nestled in the reading corner I recall a story of a rickshaw driver in India who buys
of Jane and Halina’s fifth grade class. It’s February 6th crackers and puts them outside on a plate every day.
2015, and Mulberry School is kicking off its 21-Day
Kindness Challenge. “Why would he do that?” I asked.

Just 15 minutes before, we’re all gathered inside the Eager hands spring up. “To feed the birds,” a young girl
school “hub”—a central gathering space and stage. 100 offers. “For nature,” another boy states.
students, pre-K through 5th grade, had filed in for their
weekly morning assembly. As usual, they start off with I guess it’s not a trick question! Then I follow-it-up with
a round of songs, and then teachers Jane and Michele a parallel story on the ripple effect of kindness: Third
introduce a new idea: 21-days of Kindness. grader, Jasper heard the rickshaw driver’s story one
night. The next morning, he crumpled up some of his
After a brief video, Anne, Bradley and I get to share a toast on a plate and put it outside to feed the ants, birds,
few stories from our own experiences. Anne shares and nature.
28
After our stories, Jane and Michele bring attention to the
poster flip chart on stage that reads, “21-Day Kindness
Challenge”. For each day of the challenge, they’ll peel off
the chart-paper to reveal a new kindness idea of the day.
Today is Day 1 and the idea : Smile.

The teachers have also been steadily cloaking the school

with love through their artful designs. They schemed
up a scavenger hunt of kindness ideas, where, each day,
students can look for a new flyer with the daily idea garbage for food, and I bought him a burger. I could tell
posted somewhere in the school. he had been eating from the garbage for the last few days
and I wanted to give him a fresh meal.”
They also crafted a vibrant Kindness Tree on the bulletin
board by the office. Throughout the month, all the Jane recalls being at a drive-thru and how a car of teenage
students will fill it by writing acts of kindness they see, girls pulled in front of her family. “They drove away
do, or receive and post it on the board. looking at us, and when we pulled up to the window,
they said our dinner was all paid for.” She observed that
The assembly closes with Nimo’s To My People video, it was extra special because most teenagers don’t have
and the students filter out while singing a song. We that much money to spare—and these girls decided to
zip over to the second grade classroom—and, while spend their money to pay for a stranger’s meal.
seated in a circle on their reading rug, the students
enthusiastically leap up to raise their hands and tell Co-teacher Halina remembered Bradley’s story of
us about their Kindness Shop—a cart with handmade bringing bag lunches with his family, and shared how
goods that they gift to others during recess and after she and her family bring water bottles and granola bars
school. Their teacher, Lisa, sports one of their handmade to give to the homeless as well.
smile pins, and Anne mentions that she is going to share
all their ideas with her local elementary school. Absorbed in each other’s stories around the circle,
time slipped past in an instant. We gather around the
From second grade, Kindness Tree for a group photo, and linger in small
we head to Jane and conversations. Anne and a few others scan the courtyard
Halina’s fifth grade for a place to plant the daphne plant she had brought to
classroom. After a gift to the school as a seed of kindness that the students
minute of silence, can nurture and grow. It was her mother’s favorite plant,
Anne leads us in an and this particular one is banded with a turquoise bow,
activity to pair up with a handwritten poem perched against its young
for 10 seconds and trunk:
express kindness
without words. Kind hearts are the gardens
Students high-five Kind thoughts are the roots
and shake hands. Some smile and hug. Four fifth grade Kind words are the blossoms
boys lean back on the couch, looking super cool and The deeds are the fruits
with their arms around each other’s shoulders. No words
are necessary! We say our goodbyes, to the staff and students, including
Amy and Kara—whose sense of humor and care inspire
We then pull out a smile card and start sharing a toll us to see administrators and faculty collaborating with
booth story. “Oh, I’ve done that!” one student remarks. such labor-of-love ease. A-buzz with the morning’s
He kicks off a popcorn sharing of our own experiments stories and energy, we head out to the parking lot. I
in kindness: smile as we walk past the warm yellow glow of classroom
windows and doors.
“My dad likes to buy coffee for the person behind him.”
Outside the skies are overcast, but the spirit inside is
“Yesterday, I saw a homeless man looking through the bright and as full of possibility as ever.
29
 BOOK REPORT
Title: Understanding Jainism
Author: Lawrence A. Babb
By Dilip Shah, Philadelphia, PA

Dilip V Shah of Philadelphia is a past president of JAINA. He is currently serving as chairman of

JAINA’s Diaspora Committee and member of the Academic Liaison Committee.   He is a frequent
contributor to the Jain Digest. Email: [email protected]

(Understanding Jainism is a soft bound, 182 page book with 10 illustrations. Published by
Dunedin Academic Press Ltd. Edinburgh)
This is the 10th book in the UNDERSTANDING to the Sraman traditions of Buddhism and Jainism, the
FAITH series intended as first read for students of author states that both Buddha and Mahavir accepted
comparative religion and as basic source book of basic doctrines of Karma and Transmigration from
essential information about the major world faiths. the Bramhanical teachings. It is impossible to know
The author Lawrence A. Babb is a Professor Emeritus how western scholars would reconcile this theory of
of anthropology and Asian studies at Amherst College, origination of Jainism if at some future date archeological
Massachusetts. He is well known to Jains from his evidence of Tirthankars of much earlier era is put in
numerous trips to India spread over decades, and calls their hands. In Babb’s defense, he does mention that
Jaipur his second home. He has also written another “From perspective of Jain tradition, Jain teachings are
book called “Absent Lord” (Ascetics and Kings in a eternal and that they are periodically rediscovered by
Jain Ritual Culture) and other papers. certain Tirthankars who teach these timeless truths,
establish the communities that preserve and put them
In the present work, Professor Babb talks of Jainism as an in practice. Because the cosmos is uncreated and will
overlooked cousin of Buddhism but cautions readers to never end, these teacher establishers are infinite in
not ignore deep differences between Jain and Buddhist numbers and come and go for all of infinite time.”
beliefs and practices. In his introduction to the book, The chapter continues with the story of Mahavir’s
the author provides a good definition of terms like Jina, followers. Brief description of first disciples – eleven
Jain, Tirthankars and Tirth. Though primarily he relied Gandhars is followed by noting differences between
on two texts: Kalpasutra by Vinaysagarji and Achrang Swetamber and Digamber traditions. Also noted are
Sutra by Herman Jaobi, Both works are the canonical literatures of the two traditions
Swetamber texts but it appears that he The with the description of Sthanakwasi and
also relied heavily on Padmanabh author concludes the Terapanthi movements in later years.
Jaini’s writings for balance. At chapter by wondering aloud He continues with a description of
every juncture, the author has modern day Jains living abroad. He
been meticulous in noting if Jainism abroad will ever takes note of historical restriction
differences between Swetamber possess monastic core of the sort on Jain mendicants traveling
and Digamber beliefs seen in India and the effect it abroad and the change in that
tradition with the Swetamber Muni
The first chapter is devoted to life of
will have on the followers Chandraprabhsagar (Chitrabhanuji)
Lord Mahavir, detailing five auspicious of Jainism abroad. in 1970, Sthanakvasi monk named Sushil
events (Kalyanaks) and its significance Kumar in 1975 and in 1980 the Terapanthis
in Jain beliefs and rituals and describes in detail the when they traveled to US. He concludes the chapter
establishment of four fold social order (Chaturvidha by wondering aloud if Jainism abroad will ever possess
Sangh). monastic core of the sort seen in India and the effect it
will have on the followers of Jainism abroad.
The second chapter (the longest one) describes history
of Jainism beginning with Mahavir’s era. Like most The third chapter gets in to the heart of Jainism –
western scholars, this author also expresses his doubts “Liberation’s Roadmap”. It attempts to define liberation
on historicity of existence of Tirthankars other than and further discusses at length its meaning and the
Lord Parswanath and Mahavir. As their doubt rests on nature of the entity that seeks liberation from the
unavailability of archeological evidences, they begin the bondage of Samsara? Karmic bondage, liberation and
book with a chapter on Indo Aryans and Vedas. Coming 14 Gunsthanas are also discussed.
30
In the chapter titled “Strivers” Navkar Mahamantra – the and Sravikas) and their religious culture. Ways of worship,
most important prayer for Jains is explained with great Temple visits, rituals, ascetic practices such as fasting,
reverence. He further adds that five entities deemed worthy religious festivals, pilgrimages and ritual for terminally
of worship (Arihants, Siddhas, Acharyas, Upadhyays ill persons embracing death by self-starvation (Santhara)
and Sadhus) do not include Gods or Goddesses but are etc. are discussed with great respect for traditions.
mendicants who have renounced the world in favor of
ascetic life. The author calls this point as fundamental to In his chapter on Jain biology and Cosmography, author
understanding Jainism, emphasizing that Jains worship prefers to not use the word cosmology as the term refers
Tirthankars but in principle, all five worthy of veneration to the cosmic origin and according to him, Jains have no
are mendicants. And as for Gods and Goddesses, he such concept. He also describes at length, Jain teachings
explains that although they possess extraordinary powers, on time, space and Jain cosmos description of three basic
in the final analysis they are magnified versions of humans, parts: Multilayer Heaven above; Multilayer hell bellow
worshipping Tirthankars. and a thin disk in between where humans, animals and
plant live are described.
After the significance of the Navkar Mantra, life of
mendicants is described. Their Five great vows (Panch The seventh and last chapter describes “social Context”
Mahavrats), three curtailments (Guptis) and five self- of Jainism and Jains in present day India. Descriptions of
regulations (Samitis), duty to perform daily essentials various castes (Khandelval, Oswal and Srimals etc.) makes
(Avasyaaks) and interaction with laity are described at reading the chapter interesting. The book ends with a long
length. Mendicants obtaining food by asking for alms but very helpful glossary of Jain terms.
(Gochari) at homes of the followers is also explained in
exquisite details. Talking of mendicant’s life of austerity, It is heartwarming to see new books on Jainism appearing
discomfort, inconvenience and severe hardships, he adds in English indicating a rise in awareness of Jainism in the
that “Cultivation and maintenance of a deep equanimity West. Although the book is intended for the students of
in which one is indifferent to pain and pleasure alike.” comparative religions, it may be a very valuable resource
for new generation of Jains everywhere whose first
After the chapter on the life of mendicants, the author language might be English.
turns his attention to “Supporters” - the lay Jains (Sravaks

Call for Articles

Together, we can all make Jain Digest a wonderful experience for ourselves! Going forward,
we would like bring you news and stories that highlight Jain values to educate, inspire and
help our readers in their spiritual journey. Here are some ideas to stimulate your thinking and
to motivate the writer in you.

• Do you know an activity that our kids will love to do? Do you know a story that they will
enjoy learning from?
• Do you know a bhakti song that wells up your eyes? Do you want to share it with others?
• Have you come across a compassionate selfless act someone has done?
• Would you like to explain a Jain “siddhant” that challenges and engages you?
• Do you want to tell others what inspires you to do your best?
• Do you want to share your challenges and experiences in practicing Jain principles?
If your answer is “YES” to any of the above questions, then don’t wait!
Contact us at [email protected] and tell us what you want to write about. We
will provide you with guidelines, deadlines and provide any assistance you may need. We
want this to be YOUR magazine!
To provide your feedback for this issue of Jain Digest, fill out the form at:
https://goo.gl/9rUCSw
31
32
Meghakumär in the previous
life as an elephant saving a
rabbit’s life Upon death, the elephant is
born as Prince Meghakumär

33
34
35
 By: Pramodaben Chitrabhnuji

36
 JAINA Board of Directors
JAINA7Board7of7Directors7

First Last Center City Prov Phone Email

Northeast7Region Regional7VP:7Dr.7Mamta7Shaha

Chetan Lathia Jain*Center*of*Connecticut Woodbridge CT 203839382138 [email protected]

Navin Shah Jain*Center*of*Connecticut Brantford CT 203848380219 [email protected]

Jain*Center*of*Greater*
Faquir Jain Storrs CT 860848780607 [email protected]
Hartford
Jain*Center*of*Greater*
Yogendra Jain Wellesley MA 781885680769 [email protected]
Boston
Jain*Center*of*Greater*
Dilip Jain Cranston RI 401832386547 [email protected]
Boston
Greater*Binghamton*Jain*
Rohit*H. Doshi Vestal NY 607875486010 [email protected]
Sangh
Suresh Shah Jain*Association*of*Elmira Horsehead NY 607873983807 [email protected]
Jain*Center*of*America*8*
Rajeev Pandya Staten*Island NY 718881680083 [email protected]
NY
Jain*Center*of*America*8*
Mamta Shaha Great*Neck NY 516848781852 [email protected]
NY
Jain*Center*of*America*8*
Pradip Parekh New*York NY 631884889849 [email protected]
NY
Jit Turakhia Jain*Center*of*Syracuse Baldwinsville NY 315830385333 [email protected]
Jain*Sangh*of*Hudson*
Jayshree Shah Wippingers*Falls NY 845829882153 [email protected]
Valley
Jain*Society*of*Capitol*
Jagdish Doshi Latham NY 518878380141 [email protected]
District8Albany
Anop Vora Jain*Society*of*Rochester Rochester NY 585847389290 [email protected]

Ravi Pahade Jain*Community*of*Buffalo Getzvill NY 716868882907 [email protected]

Mideast7Region Regional7VP:7Dr.7Prakash7Mehta

Haresh Shah Delaware*Jain*Sangh Hockessin DE 302847582672 [email protected]

Dilip*V Shah Delaware*Jain*Sangh Newark DE 215856180581 [email protected]

Rajendra Kumar International*Jain*Sangh Piscataway NJ 732842483914 [email protected]

Naresh Jain International*Jain*Sangh Rutherford NJ 201893388963 [email protected]

Jain*Center*of*N.J.*8*Essex*
Gunvant Shah North*Brunswick NJ 732825387049 [email protected]
Fells
Jain*Center*of*N.J.*8*Essex*
Harshad Shah Piscataway NJ 732857287913 [email protected]
Fells
Jain*Center*of*N.J.*8*Essex*
Dinesh Cheeda Paramus NJ 201836880954 [email protected]
Fells
Jain*Sangh*of*Atlantic*City*8*
Kundan Ghelani Galloway NJ 609874880032 [email protected]
NJ
Jain*Sangh*of*Atlantic*City*8*
Girish Shah Galloway NJ 609874886149 [email protected]
NJ

37
 JAINA Board of Directors
JAINA7Board7of7Directors7

First Last Center City Prov Phone Email

Leena Shah Jain*Center*of*Allentown Macungie PA 610834984489 Leenacshah*@gmail.com

Jain*Samaj*of*South*
Hansa*K Jasani Harrisburg PA 717876184871 [email protected]
Central*PA*8*PA
Jain*Sangh*of*N.J.8*(Cherry*
Kirti Shah Marlton NJ 855898382974 [email protected]
Hill,*N.J.)
Jain*Sangh*of*N.J.8*(Cherry*
Mahaveer Jain KIng*of*Prussia PA 610820982361 [email protected]
Hill,*N.J.)
Jain*Sangh*of*N.J.8*(Cherry*
Vinod Shah Huntington*Valley PA 215891481556 [email protected]
Hill,*N.J.)
Dipen Shah Jain*Society*of*Pittsburgh Monroeville PA 724832581292 [email protected]

Mahendra Shah Jain*Society*of*Pittsburgh Moon*Township PA 412829982333 [email protected]

Huntingdon*
Devendra Peer Samarpan*Jain*Sangh PA 973899489090 [email protected]
Valley
Hansa Shah Samarpan*Jain*Sangh Wilmington DE 302876486577 [email protected]
Jain*Society*of*Metro*
Bhupesh Mehta Laurel MD 301835883370 [email protected]
Washington
Jain*Society*of*Metro*
Harshid Shah Ashburn VA 703*72389363 [email protected]
Washington
Jain*Society*of*Metro*
Sharad Doshi Frederick MD 301874888111 [email protected]
Washington
Jain*Society*of*Virginia*8*
Navin*D. Sheth Glenn*Allen VA 804835789133 [email protected]
Richmond
Jain*Society*of*Virginia*8*
Sanjay*R. Gandhi Chester VA 804872184544 [email protected]
Richmond
Pinal Mazumdar Jain*Temple*of*Virginia Fairfax VA 703898489075 [email protected]

Prakash Mehta Jain*Temple*of*Virginia Oak*Hill VA 571833181851 [email protected]

Samarpan*Jain*Sangh*
Mahendrakumar Shah Hamilton NJ 267887984860 [email protected]
Philadelphia
Samarpan*Jain*Sangh*
Hita K.*Shah New*Hope PA 215834388190 [email protected]
Philadelphia
Southeast7Region Regional7VP:7Rajendra7Mehta
Jain*Society*of*Middle*
Pravin Mehta Clarksville TN 931*648*9535 [email protected]
Tennessee
Jain*Society*of*Southern*
Santosh*C Shah Gretna LA 504839481586 [email protected]
Louisiana
Shri*Mahavir*Jain*Sangh* Panama*City*
Mahesh Shah FL 850*960*8595 [email protected]
Temple Beach
Navnit Shah Augusta*Jain*Community Martinez GA 706886386976 [email protected]
Jain*Center*of*Greater*
Vibhakar Modi Charlotte NC 704871788481 [email protected]
Charlotte
Jain*Center*of*Greater*
Saumya Kothari Charlotte NC 858*382*3518 [email protected]
Charlotte
Jain*Society*Inc.*of*Tampa*
Devang Shah Tampa FL 813850380715 [email protected]
Bay

38
 JAINA Board of Directors
JAINA7Board7of7Directors7

First Last Center City Prov Phone Email

Jain*Society*Inc.*of*Tampa*
Hasmukh*M Shah Tarpon*Springs FL 727853485168 [email protected]
Bay
Jain*Society*of*Central*
Rajendra Mehta Longwood FL 407826086459 [email protected]
Florida,*Inc.
Jain*Society*of*Central*
Ketu Sheth South*Daytona FL 386887185455 [email protected]
Florida,*Inc.
Jain*Society*of*South*
Bindesh Shah Miramar FL 954888589579 [email protected]
Florida
Jain*Society*of*South* Lauderdale*By*
Geeta Shah FL 704825884507 [email protected]
Florida Sea
Jain*Society*of*Greater*
Anil Shah Suwanee GA 770823281030 [email protected]
Atlanta
Jain*Society*of*Greater*
Ketan Shah Norcross GA 678843381589 [email protected]
Atlanta
Jain*Society*of*Greater*
Rajan Doshi Duluth GA 770863883983 [email protected]
Atlanta
Jain*Association*of*North*
Dipali Shah Jacksonville FL 602837587235 [email protected]
East*Florida
Jain*Assoc.of*Palm*Beach*
Dilip Mehta Wellington FL 561879383564 [email protected]
&Treasure*Cst
Mahendra Mehta Jain*Center*of*Fort*Myers Fort*Myers FL 239856182731 [email protected]
Jain*Study*Center*of*N.*
Anand Shah Cary NC (919)*67889475 [email protected]
Carolina
Jain*Study*Center*of*N.*
Pravin Shah Raleigh NC 919885984994 [email protected]
Carolina
Jain*Society*of*Greater*
Surendra Ajmera Germantown TN 901*606*3889 [email protected]
Memphis
Jain*Society*of*Greater*
Manoj Jain Memphis TN 901*755*5343 [email protected]
Memphis
Midwest7Region Regional7VP:7HEMANT7T7SHAH

Bhavin Shah ain*Center*of*Central*Ohio Lewis*Center OH 513829087424 [email protected]

Rashmikant Sheth ain*Center*of*Central*Ohio OH [email protected]

Jain*Center*of*
Dilip Punatar Bellbrook OH 937884883228 [email protected]
Cincinnati/Dayton
Jain*Center*of*
Surendra Singhvi Dayton OH 937888587414 [email protected]
Cincinnati/Dayton
Jain*Center*of*Greater*St.*
Hemal Sanghvi St.*Charles MO 636892283818 [email protected]
Louis
Jain*Center*of*Greater*St.*
Satish Naik Manchester MO 636839480980 [email protected]
Louis
Ram Gada Jain*Center*of*Minnesota Eden*Prairie MN 651833082808 [email protected]

Pankaj Jain Jain*Center*of*Minnesota North*Oaks MN 6518490*1040 [email protected]

Jain*Society*of*Greater*
Kushal Baid Concord OH 440835786148 [email protected]
Cleveland
Jain*Society*of*Greater*
Minesh Shah Richfield OH 330865983169 [email protected]
Cleveland

39
 JAINA Board of Directors
JAINA7Board7of7Directors7

First Last Center City Prov Phone Email

Jain*Society*of*Greater*
Raj Jain Bloomfield*Hills MI 248853984569 [email protected]
Detroit,*Inc.
Jain*Society*of*Greater*
Pritish Shah Farmington MI 248847787177 [email protected]
Detroit,*Inc.
Jain*Society*of*Greater*
Manish Mehta Ann*Arbor MI 734866880348 [email protected]
Detroit,*Inc.
Jain*Society*of*Greater*
Navin Jain Okemos MI 517834784168 [email protected]
Lansing
Jain*Society*of*Metro*
Hemant Shah Carol*Stream IL 630893388311 [email protected]
Chicago
Jain*Society*of*Metro*
Dipak Doshi Long*Grove IL 847891380400 [email protected]
Chicago
Jain*Society*of*Metro*
Atul Shah Naperville IL 630842881360 [email protected]
Chicago
Rita Ajmera Jain*Society*of*Toledo Holland OH 419886885363 [email protected]

Mehul Vora Kansas*Jain*Sangh Overland*Park KS 913838382293 [email protected]

Jain*Religion*Center*of*
Kamal Shah Mequon WI 262824284827 [email protected]
Wisconsin
Southwest*Region Regional*VP:*Pradeep*Shah
Jain*Center*of*Greater*
Piyush Mehta Mesa AZ 480844080778 [email protected]
Phoenix
Jain*Center*of*Greater*
Manish Mota Scottsdale AZ 408861483451 [email protected]
Phoenix
Dhiraj Soni Jain*Center*of*Colorado Highlands*Ranch CO 303874188118 [email protected]

Shefali Jhaveri Jain*Society*of*Houston Sugarland TX 832845588624 [email protected]

Virendra Khemsara Jain*Society*of*Houston Houston TX 832842684746 [email protected]

Udai Jain Jain*Society*of*Houston Sugar*Land TX 281898080741 [email protected]

Jain*Society*of*N.*
Kirit Daftary Waco TX 254877684209 [email protected]
Texas/Dallas
Jain*Society*of*N.*
Pradeep Shah Dallas TX 972886786255 [email protected]
Texas/Dallas
Rita Sheth Tulsa*Jain*Sangh Tulsa OK 918839886024 [email protected]

West7Region Regional7VP:7Mahesh7Wadher
Jain*Center*of*N.*
Ashok Domadia Fremont CA 510897989312 [email protected]
California
Jain*Center*of*N.*
Prem Jain Fremont CA 510877080503 [email protected]
California
Jain*Center*of*N.*
Shobha Vora Fremont CA 408883388822 [email protected]
California
Manilal Mehta Jain*Center*of*S.*California Cypress CA 714889883156 [email protected]

Mahesh Wadher Jain*Center*of*S.*California Corona CA 951889880276 [email protected]

40
 JAINA Board of Directors
JAINA7Board7of7Directors7

First Last Center City Prov Phone Email

Jayesh Shah Jain*Center*of*S.*California Monrovia CA 626835789888 [email protected]

Jain*Center*of*Greater*
Subhash Jain Carmichael CA 916886385549 [email protected]
Sacramento
Kokila Doshi Jain*Society*of*San*Diego Fair*Oaks CA 858867987645 [email protected]

Kirti Shah Jain*Society*of*Las*Vegas Las*Vegas NV 702836482630 [email protected]

Jain*Society*of*Oregon*8*
Hemal Shah Portland OR 503829285034 [email protected]
OR
Jain*Society*of*Oregon*8*
Sandeep Jain Portland OR 503821784070 [email protected]
OR
Canada7Region Regional7VP:7Dr.7Raj7Patil

Mukesh Shah Jain*Society*of*Alberta Calgary AB 403823580066 [email protected]

Jasvant Mehta Jain*Society*of*Alberta Edmonton AB 780843589070 [email protected]

Jain*Center*of*British*
Hira Shah Burnaby BC 604843882243 [email protected]
Columbia
Kamal Jain Jain*Samaj*of*Niagara*Falls Welland ON 905873586194 [email protected]
Jain*Assoc.*of*Ottawa8
Jagmohan Humar Ottawa ON 613873680783 [email protected]
Carleton
Jain*Society*of*Toronto*
Raj Patil Brampton ON 905879288655 [email protected]
Inc.
Jain*Society*of*Toronto*
Dharm Jain Toronto ON 416822582415 [email protected]
Inc.
Jain*Society*of*Toronto*
Shan Jain Toronto ON 905868788812 [email protected]
Inc.
Bipin Shah Montreal*Jain*Association St.*Laurent QC 5148747*89707 [email protected]

❧❧❧❧❧❧❧❧❧❧❧❧❧❧❧❧❧❧❧❧❧❧❧❧❧❧❧❧❧❧❧❧❧❧❧❧
Being unwanted, unloved, uncared for,
forgotten by everybody, I think that is a much
greater hunger, a much greater poverty than the
person who has nothing to eat.
- Mother Teresa

Our sorrows and wounds are healed only when we touch them
with compassion. – Buddha

Only the development of Compassion and understanding for others can bring us
the tranquility and Happiness we all seek. – Dalai Lama
Compassion is not religious business, it is human business, it is not luxury, it is essential for
our own peace and mental stability, it is essential for human survival. - Dalai Lama
41
 2015 JAINA Financial Report
2015 JAINA Convention Summary
Total Revenue $1,202,961.22
Total Expense $1,035,928.13
Net Income $167,033.09

JAINA Statement of Revenue & Expense (Unaudited)

(Excluding Convention & YJA)
January - December 2015
Revenue Expenses
Academic Scholarship Fund Revenue $20,000.00 Academic Scholarship Fund Expense $600.00
Bookstore Committee and Mahavira Book Revenue $1,511.98 Bookstore Committee and Mahavira Book Expense $57.56
Calendar Committee Revenue $80,197.07 Calendar Committee Expense $54,366.09
Education Committee Revenue $3,688.00 Education Committee Expense $2,790.03
Family Upliftment Project Revenue $8,527.00 Family Upliftment Project Expense $5,416.52
Interest Income $278.60 Interfaith Committee Fund Expense $15.06
Interfaith Committee Revenue $502.00 Jain Digest Committee Expense
Jain Digest Committee Revenue Jain Digest Publication $32,327.13
Jain Digest Advertise Revenue $1,313.00 Jain Digest Life Membership Expense $39.39
Marriage Information Services (MIS) Revenue $2,145.00 Marriage Information Services (MIS) Expense $64.05
Total Jain Digest Committee Revenue $3,458.00 Total Jain Digest Committee Expense $32,430.57
Jain Milan Committee Revenue $150.00 Jain Milan Committee Expense $56.88
Jain Networking Forum (JNF) Committee Revenue $870.00 Jain Networking Forum (JNF) Committee Expense $70.23
Jaina 99 Yatra Committee Revenue $48,302.00 Jaina 99 Yatra Committee Expense $27,464.14
JAINA General Fund Revenue JAINA General Fund Expense
3% Administration Fees Revenue $7,972.11 Admin Service Providers $55,191.75
General Donation and Other Revenue $22,292.70 Administration Expense $25,153.14
Membership Dues Revenue $26,763.88 Donation & Other Expense $502.00
Total JAINA General Fund Revenue $57,028.69 Funds to Jaina Committees $12,500.00
Jiv Daya Committee Revenue $17,552.23 JYEP Students $3,524.87
Long Range Planning Committee Revenue $14,737.00 Summer Interns $9,813.79
Media Production Committee Revenue $12,960.00 Total JAINA General Fund Expense $106,685.55
Miscellaneous Income $416.78 JAINA World Parliment $2,499.00
Overseas Donation Committee Revenue $23,210.00 Jiv Daya Committee Expense $30,205.51
Wellness Committee Revenue $30,000.00 Long Range Planning Committee Expense $18,009.04
World Community Service Revenue Media Production Committee Expense $12,078.80
Chennai Flood Victim Revenue 7,401.00 Overseas Donation Committee Expense $31,116.30
Nepal Earthquake Relief Revenue 79,316.00 Wellness Committee Fund Expense $2,527.24
WCS General Revenue 1,004.00 World Community Service Expense
Total World Community Service Revenue $87,721.00 Admin Expense $30.12
YJP Revenue 16,630.00 Chennai Flood Victim Expense $82.69
Nepal Earthquake Expense $81,532.62
Total World Community Service Expense $81,645.43
YJP Expense $3,748.25
Total Revenue $427,740.35 Total Expenses $411,782.20
Net Income $15,958.15

42
JAINA Headquarters Non-Profit Org.
722 S Main St, U.S. Postage
Milpitas, CA 95035 PAID
San Bernardino, CA
Permit #3515