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Jain Society of Greater Detroit 29278 W. 12 Mile Road,
Farmington Hills, MI 48334-4108 (248) 851-JAIN (5246) Tax ID: 38-2368360
UPCOMING EVENTS SATURDAY February 2 6th 03:00 PM-06:00 PM ANTARAYA KARMA NIVARAN
SATURDAY March 12th 01:00 PM – 05:00 PM COMMUNITY EDUCATION FAIR
SUNDAY March 13th 10:00 AM-01:00 PM PANCHKALYANAK PUJA
THURSDAY March 24th 06:30 PM--09:30 PM CHAUMASI CHAUDAS- PRATIKRAMAN
SATURDAY April 23rd 3:00 PM-09:00 PM MAHAVIR JAYANTI
Executive Committee
President Jinansh Shah (248)-252-5958
Vice President Chintan Shah (248)-312-9052
Financial Officer Manoj Modi
(248)-760-6840 [email protected]
Secretary Biren Shah
(586)-797-9715 [email protected]
Publication Officer Kamlesh Shah (248)-595-2249
Director – Food Service Geetaben Shah (734)-507-9702
Director - Facilities Kritesh Mehta (586)-563-4829
Board of Trustees
Chairman Kundanben Sata (248)-745-0419
Vice Chairman Pritish Shah
(248)-686-4358
Treasurer Kirtibhai Shah
(519)-966-6643 (Windsor)
Trustees Chetanbhai Koradia
(248)-982-9821
Jaya Shah (248)-681-5233
Jinansh Shah (248)-252-5958
Ankil Shah
(734)-223-9592
Publication # 1 February, 2016
Jai Jinendra, It was a pleasant scene at the temple on a recent Sunday. Young children draped in their puja clothes were indulged in doing darshan and performing various rituals with their parents, a number of individuals from the leadership team accompanied by many incredible volunteers were busy sorting and counting bhandar collection near the main office, kitchen was humming as volunteers were making preparations to serve lunch, a group was busy unloading supplies needed for the daily temple needs and a team of seniors was getting ready for their very first meeting to bring more activities for the visionaries of our beloved temple. The scene is becoming more of a norm at the temple as we bring a number of new initiatives to serve our members. We are blessed with a relatively mild winter this year and the new initiatives are helping to bring people to the temple more often. So we ask, have you been to the temple lately? We feel it is very important for our members to stay connected to the temple activities as it provides a great sense of pride in our culture and heritage, provides us the discipline to continue our practice of non-violence and pass on a number of virtues to the next generation as it was passed on to us by our elders. So we ask, have you been to the temple lately? We ended the year 2015 on an extremely positive note. For the first time ever in the history of JSGD, we held a musical event after the Diwali program and it was a massive success. Almost 500 members attended the musical event as well as the evening “Aarti”; it was a way for people to reconnect to the temple. The interest to attend social events at the temple did not transpire overnight. We have been purposely going down the path to bring more social interaction at the temple with initiatives including dramas, Mother’s day celebration, dinner before sunset during the anniversary program, father’s day picnic, flu shot clinic during a major event, and numerous other programs which have been a huge success. We are very thankful to entire society for their trust and support in the leadership team. So if you haven’t been to the temple lately, the time to start is now!
Gujarati Month: Posh/Maha Vir Samvat: 2542
Vikram Samvat: 2072
Temple Hours: Monday - Saturday 9:30am - 12:30pm 5:30pm - 8:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 12:30pm 5:30pm - 8:00pm
Aarti & Mangal Divo 11:30am & 7:30pm
Pakshal Puja Monday – Saturday 9:30am
Sunday 8:00am
Respected members, Jai Jinendra, Strap on your winter gear 012. Here are the highlights of the
Promoting Senior and JOY activities are other two priorities for us during 2016. As you may already be aware that starting last year, any donations made to JOY, our youth and our future, is tax deductible. We want to help encourage our young generation to remain connected to the temple and carry on the message of non-violence where ever they may go. Our seniors had a grand vision to build one of the most incredible Jain temples in North America and now it is our duty to ensure they have a number of activities at the temple to participate in and stay connected with our membership at large. We are also on a path to remain current in the information age. Last year we introduced a new accounting system that provides more flexibility to serve our members; we have been very active on Facebook and recently started a google review page for the JSGD. Needless to say, we are flooded with positive responses related to these adventures and please keep them coming. So we ask, have you been to the temple lately? It is an utmost privilege to serve this society and we strive hard to exceed expectations but we cannot do this without the interest and support of our members. We request everyone to participate in the best possible way, bring new ideas and tell us about any changes you would like to see. We need your comments and suggestions, so please write or call us as they really help boost the team morale. We are thankful to the entire society, all of the sub-committees and volunteers who are helping us each and every day. Here is yet another opportunity for everyone including children, youth, adult and seniors to connect to JSGD. Our much anticipated 23rd annual Fund Raising Dinner will be held at the Suburban Show Place in Novi. The event theme of “Jain Ratan Prem Payo” is promised to deliver an amazing entertainment program, a spectacular dinner and a fantastic opportunity to raise money for the temple and provide an opportunity to reconnect with family and friends. Please trust us, you won’t want to miss this once in a year opportunity! We request everyone to RSVP for the event as soon as possible and also encourage your family and friends to attend. You may contact any EC, BOT, or FRD team members for tickets or sponsorship information. We are counting on your support and participation.
Thanks & Jai Jinendra! Jinansh Shah Kundanben Sata President Chairman Board of Trustees
Pujari Kanchanbhai Patel
(248)-851-5246
EC Sub-Committees
Audio/Video Bipin Shah Rajesh Jain
Building Maintenance
Kritesh Mehta
Education Mahendrabhai Shah
Hemesh Shah Manish Shah
Hall Rental
Kritesh Mehta Jinansh Shah
Inventory Management
Chintan Shah Geeta Shah
JOY Advisors Rahul Munot
Mamta Maheshwari
Library Mahendrabhai Shah
Tarang Shah
Pilgrimage Vastupal Shah
Vinay Shah
Religious Jyotsnaben Shah Rajnikant Shah
Site Management
Dipen Shah
Swadhyay Suresh L Shah
Web Development Rajiv Maheshwari
Kamlesh Shah
BOT Sub-Committees Audit
Bhupendra Shah
Constitution Girish Shah
Finance
Prakash Shah Biren Shah
Fund Raising
BOT
JAINA Directors Manish Mehta
Raj Jain Pritish Shah
JOS & Social Services
Dr. Kantibhai Shah Vastupal Shah
Table of contents Page From the desk of EC and BOT 1-2
Recipe of the month 3
Upcoming Events, Library Update – Supporting JSGD Amazon Smile 4-5
Fund Raising Dinner information and flyers 6-8
Pledges and Donation, Scholar Schedule 9
Senior Group Activities 10
Jiv Daya Update, Jain News 11-12
Article on Jainism - Meditation – The art of keeping healthy
13
Jain Study Class Corner 14-15
Jain Kids Section (Story - Abhayadevsuriji ) 16
JOY Update followed by Advertisements 17-32
Recipe of the month – Chocalate Chip Cookies Chocalate Chip Cookies - Jain way
Serving – 8-10 Cookies
Preparation Time : 15 mins
Cooking time : 35 mins
Ingredients
1 Cup + 2 Tablespoon All Purpose Flour
(Maida)
1/4 Cup Granulated Sugar
1/4 Cup Brown Sugar
1/2 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
2 Tablespoon Milk
1/2 Cup Chocolate Chips
1/2 Teaspoon Baking Soda
1/2 Cup Unsalted Butter (soften to room
temperature)
a pinch of Salt (skip if using salted butter)
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees centigrade
for at least 10 minutes.
2. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or
just grease it with some butter.
3. Sieve all purpose flour, salt and baking soda
in a bowl and keep it aside. Take soften
butter and sugar in another bowl and whisk it
together till it becomes creamy and sooth
4. Pour vinegar into one of the smaller depressions.
4. Add milk, vanilla extract and whisk it again. Add
the flour, salt and baking soda mix slowly to the
above mix and whisk until incorporated
5. Add chocolate chips and fold them in. If dough
looks soft and sticky then chill it into refrigerator
for about 30 mins.
6. Make 1 inch size ball of chilled dough and
slightly flatten it onto cookie sheet few inches
apart from each other.
7. Bake them for 8-10 minutes in preheated oven or
until the edges are golden brown. Let it cool into
the sheet for 5 minutes , after that remove on to a
cooling rack to cool completely.
DAY DATE TIMING PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
COMMENTS
Sunday 03/06/16
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
09:45 AM - 10:45 AM
11:00 AM - 01:00 PM
Hindi Puja
Hindi Class
Study Class
Thursday 03/10/16 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM Snatra Puja
Besto Mahino - Fagan Mahino
Sunday 03/13/16 09:45 AM - 10:45 AM
11:00 AM - 01:00 PM
Hindi Class
Study Class
Saturday 03/19/16 06:00 PM - 12:00 AM Fund raising dinner
Scs, Novi
Sunday 03/20/16 11:30 AM - 01:00 PM Light Lunch
RSVP
Tuesday 03/22/16 06:00 PM - 08:30 PM Chaumasi chaudas-
pratikraman Dev Vandan 1:00-4:30 Pm
Sunday 03/27/16 11:30 AM - 01:00 PM Light Lunch
Sunday 04/03/16
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
09:45 AM - 10:45 AM
11:00 AM - 01:00 PM
Hindi Puja
Hindi Class
Study Class
Friday 04/08/16 10:00 AM - 01:30 PM Snatra Puja Besto Mahino - Chaitra Mahino
Sunday 04/10/16 11:30 AM - 01:00 PM Light Lunch
Thursday 04/14/16 10:00 AM - 12:30 AM Ayambil Oli - Start Chaitra Sud 8
Sunday 04/17/16 09:45 AM - 10:45 AM
11:00 AM - 01:00 PM
Hindi Class
Study Class
Friday 04/22/16
10:00 AM - 12:30 AM
ALL DAY
Ayambil Oli - End
Palitana Yatra - Chaitri Poonam
Dev Vandan 1:00-6:00 Pm
Saturday 04/23/16
07:00 AM - 08:30 AM
09:00 AM - 11:00 AM
T.B.D.
Snatra Puja
Ayambil Oli Parna (for Tapasvis Only)
Member Statements E-mailed
Sunday 04/24/16 10:00 AM - 02:30 PM Mahavir Janma
Kalyanak & Swamivatsalya
Actual Day 4/20/16
Sunday 05/01/16 09:45 AM - 10:45 AM
11:00 AM - 01:00 PM
Hindi Class
Study Class
Saturday 05/07/16 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM Snatra Puja Besto Mahino - Vaisakh Mahino
NOTE: Swadhyay (For everyone above age of 18) is in Gujarati scheduled all Sunday same time as Study Class and on Saturday between 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM. The current subject is "Marganusarina 35 Gun" explained by Peenalbhai Shah for Sunday and "Sutra Samvedna" explained by Sureshbhai Shah for Saturday Swadhyay. We encourage all Study Class student parents to take the benefit of Swadhyay. The Yoga classes will be there on all Sundays at 9:30 AM except for the special temple functions
Library Update Pranam. We hope you are making a good use of our library books and other literature. We have revised the catalog and it is on JSGD.org web page. We will have an open house in March/April. Feel free to bring your suggestions. We appeal members to make a good use of our library for borrowing the books. The index of all the books in our library are listed on JSGD.org web site (under library section). Library coordinators
Supporting JSGD – Amazon smile Jain Society of Greater Detroit has received an email from Amazon Smile for its support to the Organization. Jain Society Of Greater Detroit Inc has been issued donation from the AmazonSmile Foundation as a result of AmazonSmile program activity. Members are encouraged to sign in to http://smile.amazon.com/ch/38-2368360 and bookmark this link so all their eligible shopping will benefit Jain Society Of Greater Detroit Inc. You can click below link also. Amazon Smile Keep helping JSGD by logging in and have eligible shopping will benefit Jain Society Of Greater Detroit Inc.
Subscribing to jsgd E-mails Are you missing out on urgent news, program updates and reminders in-between issues of the Jain Vani? Any announcement in-between the Jain Vani publications will be sent out via email to the members who have signed up for this distribution list. Please use the steps below to sign up for the JSGD Email List: 1. Send a blank email to [email protected] 2. You'll be sent a confirmation email from the group 3. Reply to the confirmation email to activate your subscription
Fund Raising Dinner – March 19, 2016
Fund Raising Dinner is flagship program for our Society and this program not only helps us to support the society to bring new initiatives to the temple but also brings next generation to the Community at large. FRD is a platform for all of us to have a social get together as one extended family. We appeal to all the members of our society to extend the support to Society by not only participating in the event but also generously donate by taking sponsorship opportunities as stated above and next page. We would like to thanks members for their support to the society in many ways including participation in this event and sponsorship.
We sincerely apologize for misspelling names, errors or inaccurate information. Please feel free to contact Publication Officer Kamlesh Shah ([email protected]) or any member of EC to make corrections. MICHHAMI DUKKADAM!
Sudha Jain Aarti 1,001.00
Rajnikant & Jyotiben Mehta - Midland MangalDivo 1,111.00
Dipa & Dimple Shah ShantiKalash 501.00
Total 501.00$ Total 2,613.00$
Sponsors Name Amount Sponsors Name Amount
Bipin & Vijaya Shah 151.00 Makwana Yashesh 151.00
Shah Rashmikant K. & Hemlata 151.00 Anil & Savita Jain 101.00
Anand & Mona Bora 101.00 Arvind & Ramila Shah 101.00
Bharati & Hasmukh Shah 101.00 Jayant & Heena Shah 101.00
Niranjan & Vibha Shah 101.00 Jignesh & Jayshree Madhani 51.00
Shashi & Devi Dani 101.00 Nirali & Sonam Shah 51.00
Rashmi & Hemlata Shah 51.00 Priyal Shah (g/d of Kumarpal & Indiraben) 51.00
Rohit & Nilpa Shah 51.00 Samkit & Ronak Shah 51.00
Other Miscellaneous 651.00 Sanjay & Manisha Bhandari 51.00
2,168$
Sponsors Name Amount Sponsors Name Amount
Arvin & Jaya Shah 1,001.00 Sharad Khapra 201.00
Other Miscellaneous 547.00 Shah Samkit & Ronak 21.00
1,770$
Sponsors Name Amount Sponsors Name Amount
Vibhaben & Niranjanbhai Shah 251.00 Geetaben & Dineshbhai Shah (Windsor) 251.00
Jagrutiben & Atulbhai Patrawala 251.00 Anonymous 251.00
1,004$
Pledges, Donation and Sponsorship
Total
Diwali - 2015 Swamivatsalya - Sponsorship- November 15, 2015
Dwar Opening,
Aarti & Mangal
Divo
501.00 Hemant & Veena Shah
Sunday Light Lunch Sponsorship
Total
Diwali - 2015 Music Program - Sponsorship- November 15, 2015
Total
November 12 - 2015 November 15 - 2015
Pledges and donations
JSGD Pujariji position
Jain Society of Greater Detroit is looking for Pujariji for its day to day activities; full time position (for short
term with possibility of long term assignments). Qualified and interested personnel are requested to submit their
resume/response to BOT, JSGD. For additional information kindly contact BOT Chair Smt. Kundanben Sata or
EC president Jinansh Shah
BOT
Scholar’S Schedule for 2016 Swadhyay Committee is happy to announce that We have been able to confirm following scholars for the 2016.
July 7 to July 11 Smt. Tarlaben Doshi
July28 to August 4 Shri. Champakbhai Mehta
August 12 to August 18 Shri. Nirmalsagarji Members can take this opportunity to host the scholars and are requested to contact anyone from Swadhyay Committee or any member of EC if interested. We are thankful to Bipinbhai and Sohiniben Shah for confirming hosting Shri Nirmalsagarji for August 12 to August 18. We are still looking for Host family for other two scholars and members are encouraged to help us and Jain temple. Executive Committee and Swadhyay Committee
Senior Group Activities
Senior Group Activities – New Initiative
Purpose:
Purpose of the group is to provide a place and a forum for JSGD seniors (and others) to get together on
a regular basis and engage in the activities of common interests including:
Bring seniors at the temple for socializing
Help disabled or otherwise challenged seniors who need help
Have fun
Teach/learn/share knowledge
Create a vibrant environment for everyone to enhance the use of temple facilities
Summary of Discussions/Action Plans:
45 people attended this first meeting (February 21, 2016)
Enthusiastic and whole-hearted support from EC President Jinansh Shah and BOT Chairperson
Kundanben Sata
Purpose of this meeting was to discuss ideas for senior activities that we can do as a group. Some
of the suggestions from the group included:
Assist seniors in their day to day living – Transportation, Grocery, Medical appointments,
socializing, short hospital stays etc.
Seminars on topics of interest – Social Security, Medicare, Senior living, Wills/Trust etc.
Play card games (No gambling)
Play board games
Antakshri
Music/Karaoke
Go to see a movie as a group
Go bowling in a group
Plan outings such as picnic, short trips etc.
Action Plan:
Create an e-mail distribution list of seniors and send out e-mails to the group as needed (Vastupal
Shah)
For assistance to seniors, develop two lists – One for those who need help. One for those who are
willing to help (Ashokbhai Shah and Jyotikaben Sheth to coordinate)
Rameshbhai Shah volunteered to coordinate the entertainment activities
Develop and send agenda for March 27 program (Vastupal Shah) - send this out at least a week
before the program
Publish the details in JSGD newsletter and Jain Vani (Vaastupal Shah)
Need more volunteers to coordinate the following:
o Organize seminars/Lectures
o Help seniors
o Organize outings
o Work with Rameshbhai Shah for entertainment activities
o Organize/Teach/Platy board games, Card games etc.
Next meeting will be on Sunday March 27 – Right after the lunch (@ 1-3 pm)
Please mark your calendars and plan to attend the future senior programs.
Jyotika & Pravin Sheth Bipin & Sohini Shah Vastupal & Varsha Shah
Jiv Daya Update
“Let each moment of our life be illumined with the light of “Ahinsa & Compassion”
The Jiv Daya program cares for all living creatures and inspires people to practice Ahimsa and “Live and Let Live” –Jain principles in their lives. The concept of Jiv Daya is especially important. When farmers can no longer afford to care for their cattle and leave their animals 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. Living in the west, it is all too easy to forget our relationship and interdependence with other living beings. The message of non-violence and reverence for all life was promoted to western countries by Gurudev Chitrabhanuji and Pramodaben who helped and promoted message of JIVDAYA. JSGD 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. Additionally, The Jivdaya committee also helps building new and upgrading old sheds of panjrapoles. Each year, the Jivdaya committee receives appeals from many underfunded panjarapoles all across India; many of these facilities struggle to meet the cost of day-to-day feed and medicines. Often, natural calamities like droughts and heavy monsoon rain make the situation worst. Without more support, Panjrapoles are not able to accept any more animals. To put this in perspective, in India, the average cost of saving a cow from the slaughterhouse is around $100. To provide food, shelter, and medical care for one cow for one year is around $180 and for around $151, one hundred animals can be fed for a day. Jivdaya Committee accomplishments and challenges: Over the last years JSGD has sent more than $40,000+ to 30+ different panjarapoles, from donations received from individuals and families, and many animals are saved from slaughter houses from generous donations. Jivdaya Committee has also recently started to support disabled bird hospitals in Ahmadabad, helping many birds that are injured during the kite flying festival in January. Jivdaya committee supports SASHA Farm, MI which is the Midwest’s largest farm animal sanctuary. Gurudev Chitrabhanuji’s volunteers from Light House frequently visit this farm house for financial and physical support. Organized dairy farming in India is growing tremendously with growth of 4 to 5 % every year resulting in more unproductive and abandoned animals to slaughterhouses. Many times slaughterhouses are opened near religious locations. Unfortunately, there are far more animals in need of support than there are spaces in panjrapoles. Also due to rapid urban growth, many panjrapoles are now located in confined and polluted areas. Number of request for help is increasing every year. The JSGD Jivdaya team reviews all requests and distributes money to different panjarapoles throughout India based on their need and how these charitable organizations are run. Hemant Shah is also active member of JAINA team for many years’ and. works with JAINA and exchanges the information of donations to avoid duplication, reduce cost of money transfer and if JAINA has larger project then consider joining with them. One can support the cause of Jivdaya by many ways; money, time and changing lifestyle to promote the cause. Generous donations will help to build and improve the facilities and will allow taking new projects in more panjrapoles. Secondly we request study class students spend some time to visit nearby animal sanctuaries or humane societies. This will provide firsthand experience of their needs and you may support by giving your time and helping wtih what they are doing day to day. Finally as a Jain we need to be careful and mindful of what we consume every day in our life and its impact.
Jiv Daya Update (contd…) During month of January 2016 , JSGD team asked members through to send info of different needy panajrapoles, and money was sent to following panjarapoles. Thanks to Anantbhai Dhami and Himnashubhai Kothari for helping to disperse without any cost in India to following institutions.
No. Names of Panjrapole Amount
1 Sheth Anandji Khusalchandji Khodadhor Panjrapol Sanstha, Ahmedabad $ 750
2 Khodadhor Panjarapol , Kapadwanj $ 750
3 Morbi Panjrapole $ 750
4 Vadodra Panjrapole $ 750
5 Shree Radhanpur KhodaDhor Panjrapole Sanstha $ 750
6 Shree Porbandar Panjrapol Trust , Panjrapol Road , Porbandar 360575 $ 750
7 Vadnagar Khodadhar Jivrakshak Panjrapole $ 750
8 "Ramroti Annshetra Asram Gaushala, $ 750
Donations to JSGD Jivdaya are tax deductible. Send a check to:JSGD (Please write in comment JIVDAYA) For any additional information, please contact: Hemant (Veena) Shah - JSGD Jivdaya Committee (734) 658-3474
Jainism News
Census data show Jains outlive others – February 4, 2016 - Census data has revealed that Jains in India have the highest percentage of members in the above-70 age group, among major religious communities. Also, the percentage of above-70 Jains in Gujarat (6.66%) is higher than the community's national average (5.55%). The Jain lifestyle has even caught the attention of Societe de Formation Therapeutique du Generaliste (SFTG) (Society of Therapeutic Education of General Practitioners) in Paris, France, and Institut universitaire de medecine de famille (Institute of Family Medicine), in Lausanne, Switzerland. A team of 20 doctors from the institutes visited the state recently and interacted with Jain monks and experts to learn about Jain diet, way of life and concept of health.
Biggest Jain shrines in Giridih soon – January 20, 2016 - Giridih district will soon be hosting the biggest Jain temples in the world after the construction of two temple complexes worth more than Rs 800 crore each is completed in 2018. Both the temples will be earthquake-resistant and constructed with red stones and makrana marbles that are being imported from Rajasthan. Conceptualised by 108 Shri Kritesh Surishwarji Maharaj of Shwetambar sect, the temple complex to be built in Madhuban township (also known as 'taleti teerth') will have over 30 individual temples dedicated to 24 tirthankaras of Jainism faith.
Historic Collaboration Signing Event: Rice University to Offer Regular Programs in Jain Studies – January 17, 2016 - As the world celebrated Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day for his commitment, compassion and passion to non-violence, Jain Society of Houston took pride and honor to witness a historic signing ceremony on January 17, 2016 for the establishment of a full-time Bhagwaan Mahavir Post-Doctoral Fellowship for Jain Studies at Rice University.
Young Jains Share Insights from Parliament of the World's Religions – January 12, 2016 – Last October roughly 10,000 people from over 70 countries and 30 religious and spiritual traditions attended the sixth Parliament of the World's Religions in Salt Lake City, Utah. The participants included 60+ members of the Jain faith.
Article - Meditation – The art of keeping healthy
By Acharya Shri Shushilmuniji The end result of meditation is total awareness - Samadhi. It is the awakening of knowledge and perception which are qualities of the Atma (soul). What we call meditation practice is generally a combination of concentration and meditation (dhyan). First we utilize the power of concentration to go inward and then the result is meditation - one-pointedness. There are various meditation techniques incorporating: Watching the breath Observing the energy flow Concentrating on a particular Chakra Visualizing a Mantra with its corresponding color In some practices two or three may be combined, depending upon the experience of the practitioner. For example, directing the breath to a particular Chakra, concentrating there, and visualizing a mantra and color there. The advanced yogi can go at will at any time and any place into deep meditation and samadhi. In the Arhum Yoga system the main meditation technique is SO-HUM practice. The ancient rishis found SO-HUM practice to be a complete practice utilizing Mantra, sound, color, concentration of the mind, Chakra visualization and the flow of energy, ultimately leading to the awakening of the Kundalini, realization of past lives, knowledge of inner anatomy and samadhi. Various Mantras may be used in combination with the breath to travel inward, but SO-HUM is easily used since it is the actual sound of the breath: `SO' for inhalation and `HUM' for exhalation. For any meditation technique, it is necessary to sit with the back erect (or lie down in the corpse pose if you have a back problem). You should preferably face north or east and prepare your body and mind with some deep breathing and relaxation from one part of the body to another. The qualities of a meditator: - Feels oneness with all living beings - Is always living in love, peace, and harmony - Is merciful - Thinks of the welfare of others - Remains in a balanced state even if someone threatens his life - Has no attachments, no hates, no desires - Does not think of the results of his work - Cannot feel insulted - Does not feel discomfort in cold, heat, storms, birth, or death - Is steady like the mountains (Himalayas) - Is deep like the ocean - Is non-attached like air - Gives happiness like the moon - Has pure and complete knowledge This kind of person is able to meditate.
Source : http://www.ibiblio.org/jainism
Jain Study Class Corner
Jai Jinendra
Quote for the month:
Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.
Tim Notke
Study class Improvents Study class begin its new session in last year and with lots of drive and suggestions from Guruji Mahendrabhai – Study class has done following improvements to run classes smoothly and improve student experiences
1. Adding new teachers and retaining old teachers 2. New set up and organization to fit all classes in rooms ( no class in social hall) 3. Streamline and publishing curriculum for each class 4. Introducing twice a year exams 5. Teachers team for Sutra, Stavan, Skits and Stories 6. Semester Exams – Starting first on March 6, 2016
Essay Competition - 2016
2016 Annual Essay competition is kicked off and topics for this year are –
Grade Study Class Group
Essay Topic
Grade 3 4 Significance and Meaning of Nav-Angi Puja
Grade 4 and 5 5A Living a Jain way of life
Grade 6 5B Jainism goes further than vegetarianism
Grade 7 6 Significance of Jainism in today’s technology dependent society
Grade 8 and 9 7A What makes me a JAIN
Grade 10 7B Which modern leaders are using principles of Jainism to create a cohesive society
Grade 11 and 12 8 How can Jainsim be an answer to Gender and Racial discrimination
All entries will be due by April 17th 2016
Teachers and Student recognition
Study class humbly recognized folioing teachers during the Diwali program for long contribution. Khub khub Anumodana
1. Sureshbhai Shah ( Teacher 34 years ) 2. Purviben Shah ( Teacher 30 years ) 3. Jagrutiben Patrawala ( Teacher 30 years )
Study class welcomes new teachers this session. Thanks for helping the Study Class 1. Sejalben Doshi 2. Chandniben Haria
Recognition for students with 100% attendance last year – Congratulations!!! 1. Rishabh Sheth 2. Risit Sheth 3. Keval Shah
Study Class Website Study Class Teachers and Co-ordinators collaborated to update the Study Class Group Curriculums. They can now be found on each Study Class tab on website. Also all the pictures, posters and other material from past which was stored in storage area have been digitized and these posters are available online on study class website under Teacher resources.. For the Session in progress, study class has ordered new books for all classes from Jaina for our students. These books are available during regular study class. Pravinbhai Shah is books coordinator from study class. Study Class Sponsorship:
Lifetime sponsorship is $1001 and you can select a month of your choice for lifetime. The monthly sponsorship is $125. For sponsoring study class, please contact Kamlesh Shah at or email [email protected]
You may also sponsor lunch at study class to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries or maybe you need no reason. Please contact Rachna Parakh or Pratiksha Shah
Hindi Class time is 9:45 am – 10:30 AM Jain Study Class time is 11:00 – 1:00 PM http://www.jsgd.org/studyclass.php Upcoming Study Class Dates for 2016 March 6th March 13th April 3rd April 17th
Jain vani – kids section
Join the Dots and Identify important Swapna of Mata Trishala
Jain Vani Kids Section– Story Abhayadevsuriji
Abhayadevsuri ji has earned immense fame by composing Sanskrit commentaries on 9 of the Jain agamas (Jain canonical literature). These commentaries provide a key to the innermost deep meaning of Jain agama literature. Besides being brief and well-worded, these commentaries depict and discuss many topics. Thus his name ranks at the top of those Acharyas who have written books with a view to immortalizing the pure tradition of Jinagama. Acharya Abhayadevsuri was born in a Vaishya (merchant) family in 1015 A.D. He was born to Mahidhara Sheth and Dhandevi in the famous city of Dhara of Malavdesha. Once, Shri Jineshwarsuri and Shri Buddhisagarsuri came to Dhara. Having listened to their religious discourses, he felt an inclination for renunciation. With the permission of his parents he accepted initiation from Jineshwarsuri. He began his studies of Agama literature at a very young age and in course of time he was honored with the title of Acharya (head of a mendicant group). It is said that one night when Acharya Abhayadevsuri was engrossed in meditation, Shasana Devi (the guardian Goddess) revealed herself before him and said that the commentaries of two agamas namely, Acharanga and Sutrakrutanga, were well-preserved but other commentaries were lost and destroyed with the passage of time. The goddess then asked him to make efforts to remedy that deficiency so as to serve the interests of Shrisangha (congregation). Acharya Abhayadevsuri accepted this enormous task. He commenced the writing of commentary by performing ayambila tapa, type of religions austerity. After prolonged and laborious efforts he wrote volumes of commentaries on anga-agama (canonical text, one of the twelve). Because of constant penance of Ayambila and working for many nights together, he developed a leucoderma like disease. Consequently his opponents spread the rumor that the mother-goddess had cursed him with this disease as a penalty for having wrongly interpreted the scriptures. Acharya Abhayadevsuri invoked Shasana Rakshak Dev (the guardian God) Dharanendra at night and as the god appeared before him, Acharya said, “O Lord! I am least afraid of my death but I can’t endure the false charges and criticism that the slandering people level against me since I am afflicted with the disease. Hence I have decided to undertake fast till I die.” Shasana Rakshak Dev Dharanendra assured him that he was quite innocent and provided him necessary guidance. As guided by Dharanendra, Abhayadevsuri, together with the shravaka sangha, came at the banks of river Sedhi in Stambhangrama. Acharyashri discovered the place where a cow was yielding milk automatically. Soon he composed a stotra of 32 shlokas entitled Jayatiahuan. As the stotra was composed, a very ancient and bejeweled idol of Shri Stambhan Parshvanath emerged from under the ground. Shri sangha performed all the rituals of bathing and as soon as the holy water was applied to the body of Abhayadevsuri ji, he was cured of the disease. Acharyashri regained his usual health. Presently the same idol is installed at the temple in Cambay. Then Acharyashri completed the task of writing Navangi commentary, and he expired at Kapadvanja in Gujarat and the samadhi, the memorial structure, exists there in Tapagaccha upashraya.
Source : http://www.ejainism.com
JOY Board 2015-16 President Riya Shah
Vice President
Chintan Maheshwari
Community Services
Kush Madhani
Treasurer Shilpi Shah
Public Relations
Bhumika Jain
Publications Shreyans Munot
Media Manager Chintan Ajmera
Advisors
Rahul Munot
Mamta Maheshwari
JOY Web Page http://jsgd.org/joy.php
Jai Jinendra,
In December, JOY held an event which had not occurred in a long time: the JOY lock-in. It was a fantastic event to kick off this JOY term. Relevant and interesting Jain topics were provided to fuel debate among the JOY members at the lock-in. We had a great turnout and response to the event that we would like to make it an annual event.
In January, JOY held a charity event for World Medical Relief, a charity headquartered in Detroit. We had roughly 10 JOY members come out and help package medical kits to be shipped out to various locations that were in dire need. In February, JOY held its marquee event: the annual JOY Winter Camp. Surprisingly, we had a winter camp without any snow this year. It was a great way for new JOY members to connect with senior JOY members as, once again, various thought-provoking topics were discussed. As always, scrumptious Jain food was provided throughout the weekend. JOY winter camp had one the highest turnouts it has ever had with a staggering amount of 23 kids. We really hope this wonderful tradition of mixing the young with the seniors will continue. The Fundraising Dinner is right around the corner as JOY members are practicing around the clock to put on a wonderful performance for everyone that comes out. We have some world-class choreographers directing our members. We do hope you do come out for an evening filled with fantastic activities for people of all ages. Thank you for your continued support towards JOY! JOY Board 2015-2016
Jain Vani Advertisement Rates We are taking new advertisements in Jain Vani. We publish around 6 Jain Vani in a year, which reaches to more than 500 member's family. We have also started to take one time advertisement in Jain Vani. Please contact any EC member if you or anyone you know would like to publish their advertisement. Diamond Level (Full Page) – $1,400 for full year Platinum Level (Half Page) – $800 for full year Gold Level (Quarter Page) – $500 for full year Silver Level (1/8 Page - business card size) – $300 for full year Bronze Level : ONE TIME Publication
a. 1/8 Page - business card size – $100, b. 1/4 Page - $150, c. 1/2 Page - $200
