Vision For the Next 25 Years for Jain Center of Greater Boston (& Jains in NA)

Jain Center of Greater Boston Pratishtha Ceremony – June 2009

June 2002 - Pratistha Celebration

Our Plan for the day Bhavana 2:30 to 3.00 PM Vision for JCGB/ and Jains in North America

Evolve – our JWOL practices Educate – our Jains and Non-Jains Expand – Awareness of our JWOL Energize – our local and national organizations

Gurudev Chitrabhanuji (Cont.) Vision for Jains in JCGB/NA General Body announcements Dinner

Why we need a Vision?

What must accompany a vision?

5

Vision

JAIN

A

Jain

Centers

NA

Jains

JAINAJain

CentersNA

Jains

What was our Vision when we started JCGB in mid-1970?

Early Years

Our Dream Came True

Our Dream Came True

Inauguration in 1981- Acharya Sushil Kumarji was present to inaugurate our temple

Jains and Non Jains joined in celebration

Jain Center of Greater Boston

A rich history and heritage 1st temple (1981) and 2nd Jain center (1973) in

USA Serves over 300 families in New England

area Innovative, progressive and pioneer in many

areas Hosted 1st Pathshala Teachers

Convention(1998)

Evolve – Educate – Expand - Energize#1 EVOLVE maintain and update traditional Jain practices and adopt new relevant JWOL practices for NA

Evolve: Unity in Diversity 18 days of Paryushana/Das Laxan Hosts two distinguished Scholars Practice Anekantvad and Unity

Pathshala students joint Puja Asthprakari Puja (Swetamber tradition) and Dev Shastra Guru Puja (Digamber tradition) Learn different rituals, appreciate Diversity

Pathshala (Religious+Language) classes every month

New Idols Pratishtha - 2002 Added two marble

murti’s and namokar mantra shila

Pratishtha ceremony performed by Bhattarak Devendrakirtiji and Gurudev Chitrabhanuji

What new rituals and practices should we add / modify? For Youths, Adults, Seniors

For Non-Jains

SilkLeatherDairyLimits on Shoes, Shirts..Dietary limitsAlcohol

17

TODAY

5%

Avoiding Silk, Leather, animal tested

products

Live and Promote JWOL

#1 EVOLVE- our JWOL practices

Year 2020

15%

Rituals

6 6

Refresh New

18

Evolve - our traditional Jain practices by adopting the Jain Way of Life to the modern, North American lifestyle.

Yr. 2005 Yr. 2020

# Rituals Refreshed and Added   6 Ref., 6 Add

% Jains Practicing Vegan Diet 1% 10%

% of Jain Men Abstaining from Alcohol 10% 25%

% of Jains Avoiding Animal Product 3% 15%

# Hours of Learning / Meditating / Practicing 1 4

# of Copies of Jain Literature in Hands of Non-Jains   100,000

Average Hours/Year Social Service Per Person 10 hr. /yr 80hrs

% Jains Proactivley Practicing Anekantvad 10% 25%

Live and Promote JWOLEvolve – Educate – Expand -

EnergizeEDUCATE Jain and non-Jains in JWOL to create a strong, united, and vibrant Jain community

Pathshala Directors & Teachers Rajendra Jain

Ratilal Dodhia Yogendra Jain Kishore Shah

Pankaj Shah Hemant Shah Preeti Jain Vandana Jain Rajesh Mehta Mamta Mehta

JCGB Publications Book by Dr.Prem Suman Jain 1984 “

Essentials of Jainism Free mailings of Jain Study Circular

(1981-87) Prayer Book 1987 Pathshala Books – Dr. Dodhia,

Yogendra Jain, Rajendra Jain Numerous Puja Books, Prayers Books,

Sutras, etc.

(cont.) Leadership in Original publication Essential of Jainism edited by Dr.

Prem Jain (1984) Prayer Book – 1st in USA (1987) Sponsored publications of Tattvarth

Sutra, Bhaktambar Stotra CD Jain Food – published by Laxmi Jain

(2006) JWOL – published by Yogendra Jain

(2007)

JCGB has been very active in educating Jains in North America?- Educational Materials- Plays- Lectures/Seminars- Displays

Active Participation in JAINA 1993 Pittsburg - Theme “Jain Experience”

Exhibits included samovasaran, philosophy of Jain food, history and timeline of Jainism, path to liberation, life story of Lord Mahavira, Nem-Rajul drama and a computer quiz

1995 Chicago- Academic Bowl and cultural program 1997 Toronto- Multimedia presentation of Tattvarth Sutra,

Ancient Scripture Comes Alive. 1999 Philadelphia- Jain Bowl, Gunasthan presentation, 21st

century Jain Life Play, Tapestry – An interactive map of Jainism. 2001 Chicago- Comparative study of world religions

presentation, Cultural presentation 2003 Cincinnati- Reconciling and Strengthening our Faith,

Rebranding and Repackaging of Jainism, and Cultural presentation.

2005 Santa Clara, California- Jain way of life JWOL presentation by Young Jains of Boston, Jain Bowl, Cooking competition Iron Chef with Tarla Dalal

2007 New Jersey, Jain Way of Life

Strong Focus on Education In late 70’s pathshala began with

few students. Teaching material was handwritten

Regular pathshala began in 1982 with 25 kids. Teaching material was prepared for different levels. This material later became a guide for current JAINA educational books

1998 First pathshala teachers convention

Presently 120 kids, Level 1 to 6 and now for ages 2+ and up

Great past in educating Pathshala – What is the future? - How do we need to change?

33

Live and Promote a JWOL

#2 EDUCATE- Jains/Non-Jains in JWOL

TODAY

20%

FollowJain Way of Life

Yr.2020

50%

Great past in educating Jains – but mostly for

Jains – what about for Mix-Jains?Non-Jains?

Live and Promote JWOLEvolve – Expand – Educate -

EnergizeEXPAND and create awareness and impact trends through strategic partnerships with media, institutions, and non-Jain organizations

Expand - AwarenessWhy are we such an unknown

religion and organization in Boston area (& NA) – despite being here for 35 years?

Do we want to be well known?

37

Deepak Chopra

12x500K Jains

6M for Buddhism

20x152 Jainism

3,300 Buddhist

Live and Promote JWOL

#3 EXPAND – Awareness

Message

Promote

Brand Position

Alliance

Early Years – 1975-1994

Gurudev Chitrabhanuji conducted classes for Jains and non Jains in Belmont every month

Early Years – 1975-1994 1975 Acharya

Sushilkumarji with his 2 disciples and 20 leading Jains arrived from India. All were hosted at Rindge Towers.

1980-87 Distribution of Jain Study Circular, published by D.C. Jain of NY

1982-1994 Conducted National Essay Competition

Use of Media in our Early Years!November 18, 1975 Channel 4

TV, WNBC aired a JCGB program of Aarti and Mangal Devo in their “Show of Faith” Sunday morning program (with Sushil Muni)

41

Live and Promote JWOL

#3 Expand – Awareness

TODAY

.5 M

Heard of Jainism/

JWOL

Year 2020

6M

Active participation @JAINA & YJA conventions

Presentations, workshops, skits, Surveys e Tattavarth Sutra, JWOL, Comparative Religions

Exhibition – Jain Experience, History of Jainism, Jain temple replica

Cultural programs (Rishabhdev Play at JAINA 2006, Nem-Rajul Dance Drama, Jaina Rap, Dances)

Jain Quiz and games Jain Academic Bowls

Think outside of the box (or Jain center!) Jain Directory for North America &

Canada Forge alliances with organizations

having Jain compatible values Participate in interfaith activities Participate in Vegetarian Food festival Expose to Jainism and promote it’s core

values Service projects: Vegetarian Dinner for

Homeless, Walk for Hunger Jain Link - on-line Jain community

Expand - AwarenessHow do we expand awareness among Non-Jains?

Who should we share JWOLHow should we do it?

45

EXPAND – awareness through strategic partnerships with media, institutions, and non-Jain organizations. 

Yr. 2005 Yr. 2020#Non-Jains Who Know about JWOL   6 mill.

# NA Vegetarians/Animal rights/Yoga teachers that have had 1 hour of Exposure to Jainism 1000 50000

# of Jain books in Bookstore 0 3

On-line magazine; portal; news; web 2 TVweb/wk 

% of High Schoolers Who Know that Gandhi and MLK Influenced by Jains 0% 3%

Number of talks (in non-Jain forum) given by Jains on Jainism 10 /yr 2000/yr

# NA Major Press Coverage on Jainims / JWOL per year 20 1500

Jain Temples (with Jain Exhibits) Being Tourist Attractions for Non-Jains 1 50

Other Innovative Promotions: Jain Movie, University Chairs, etc. 015 PhD/2Chairs

Jain representation on Board/Management of Non-profit Org. 0 10

# Active Dialogs with NA/International Companies to Protest Anti-JWOL Issues 5 1500

Inclusion of Anekantvad and Non-Violence in Business Management Teachings 1 Univ. 40 Univ.

Evolve – Educate – Expand - EnergizeENERGIZE our organization through volunteers and donations and create a strong vibrant professionally run central Jain organization

Past Presidents of JCGB Vinay Jain Dinesh Dalal Rati Dodhia Vasant Gandhi Chandrakant

Khasgiwala Chandrakant Vora Mukund Mehta Anil Shah

Pradip Gosalia Ashok Shah Suren Shah Viren Shah Ambuj Jain Shrey Shah Jitendra Vora

Second Jain Center in North America

1973 Small groups of Jain Families celebrated Jain festivals at Rindge Ave, Cambridge.

September 9, 1973 at Paryushan parv celebration meeting in Malden, Mass it was decided to establish a Jain Center

Religious discourse and Parv celebrations were conducted in the halls of the MIT, Harvard, and other community centers

JCGB – Our Core Active Vibrant Community 300 plus members No membership fee, but people donate

generously Unity, nonsectarian approach in all our

activities Education- Pathshala and Publication Not a local center but a national center and a

leader

Attributes of Best Practices for a Jain Center Be innovative and progressive

thinkers Don’t be afraid of change! Respect Diversity + Practice unity Involve Everyone!! Empower them

Effect of Pathshala on our younger generations

How do our kids benefits from it

How to encourage more participations?

Why is Pathshala more important in US then in India?

Increase volunteerism: Kids (take leadership roles)

Young ProfessionalsAdults

Are we happy with the way our Jain Center is running now? Any regrets?

What will be our member’s need over the next 10 to 30 years

What new projects and initiatives?

How should we (re-)organize to meet these projects/initiatives?

56

Live and Promote JWOL #4 ENERGIZE– our organization

TODAY Year 2020

JAINA - .5 staff$7 per family

$200K/yr. budget

15 full time staff$200 per family$11 M budget

57

Energize – our organization through volunteers and donations and create a vibrant professionally run central Jain organization.

Yr. 2005 Yr. 2020

Donation Per Family $7 $200

JAINA Paid Staff 0.5 15JAINA Leaders Under 40 as JAINA Directors/

Committees   35%

JAINA/Jain Center Leaders Trained   1,000 Facilitate Integrated Practices between Local

Centers and JAINA 0 40 centers

Awareness of JAINA Vision/Mission in NA Homes 60%

JAINA Understanding of Membership Needs and tracking trends in NA

ResearchResearch /Update Plan

Involve Youths from local colleges

Live and Promote Jain Values in everyday life

Keep Jain traditions alive Promote marriages between

people with same religious backgrounds

Start Swadhyaya group Make a commitment to come

to center every Sunday

Challenges Ahead

59

VisionLive and Promote

JWOL

JAIN

A

Jain

Centers

NA

Jains

JAINAJain

CentersNA

Jains

Jain Center of Greater Boston

1973 – forever

Search for a Building – First Jain Temple in North America

1976 Mahavir Jayanti Program at MIT, Acharya Sushil Kumarji put forth the idea of having our own building

Donations $1200. Loans $5500 Executive committee and members

made a 5 year plan (by 1981 we should collect enough funds to have our own building)

Finally purchased this building, which was Anglo Italian Church built in 1898

First building bought for Jain Temple in North America

Evolve – Expand – Educate - Energize EVOLVE maintain and update traditional Jain practices

and adopt new relevant JWOL practices for NA EDUCATE Jain and non-Jains in JWOL to create a

strong, united, and vibrant Jain community EXPAND and create awareness and impact trends through

strategic partnerships with media, institutions, and non-Jain organizations.

ENERGIZE our organization through volunteers and donations and create a strong vibrant professionally run central Jain organization

Cultural Activities 1981 Nem-Rajul dance drama, probably first dance

drama in US 1983 Performed Nem-Rajul dance drama at New

Jersey Jain Center 1993 Performed Nem-Rajul dance drama at

Pittsburgh convention 1994 Musical evening by Rajendra Jain & party at

MIT’s Kresge Auditorium Various Cultural activities by our Pathshala Students JCGB team presented cultural items at many JAINA

conventions

Active Participation in JAINA

65

Ingredients for Success #1 VISION

Must evoke passion, action, and must do attitude

#2 MEASURABLEOur goals and progress must be measurable entities

#3 CONDUCIVE ENVIRONMENTAccommodates growth with evolving trends (ecological, legal, political, social, and technological)

#4 FINANCIAL Resources Allows accelerated implementation of vision/mission

#5 PEOPLE Resources Must have a strong organization and leadership; Need devoted individuals and families

66

What is Needed for Vision 2020 Success Actionable plan & measureable Diversity – expertise from different areas Resources – human capital, financial Marketing plan Energy, drive, passion Commitment Deeper discussion & training Include YJA, YJP, YJI – Sept 23 leadership conf,

Spring Kellogg conf Communication – www.jainleadership.org, and more Outreach to all communities, especially remote orgs

In year 2020 (10 years from now) - what is your vision as to where JCGB will be? Over the past 30 years of so – JCGB has been the most well recognized leader in

North America.  What do you see over the next 30 years as to landmark projects and activities that will keep us in the forefront?

What are the five most critical challenges that we face today which we must overcome to continue flourishing

What trends are impacting our ability to get more resources, volunteers, ideas, funds, etc.

What “innovation” and “projects” should we undertake to lead all Jains in North America

Why are we such an unknown religion and organization in the Boston area – despite being here for 30 years.  Can we change that over the next 30 years?  Do we want to be well known and why?

What advise do you have for the current and near future president of JCGB and EC committee

Why do we (as well as other Jain Centers) have so few vibrant and active members Select your own relevant topic (please let me know the topic).

Evolve – Expand – Educate - Energize EVOLVE maintain and update traditional Jain practices

and adopt new relevant JWOL practices for NA EDUCATE Jain and non-Jains in JWOL to create a

strong, united, and vibrant Jain community EXPAND and create awareness and impact trends through

strategic partnerships with media, institutions, and non-Jain organizations.

ENERGIZE our organization through volunteers and donations and create a strong vibrant professionally run central Jain organization