ARTICLE

JVB International Reflections...

JVB Orlando

Samani Bhavit Pragya

Samani Sangha Pragya

www.jainvishwabharati.org

JVB New Jersey

Samani Sanmati Pragya

Samani Jayant Pragya

www.jvbnj.org

JVB Houston

Samani Parimal Pragya

Samani Amit Pragya

www.jvbhouston.org

JERF, Miami

Samani Chaitanya Pragya

Samani Unnata Pragya

Highlights

of this issue:

Ocean In Drop

-Acharya Mahashraman

News - JVB Orlando

News - JVB New Jersey

News - JVB Houston

News– FIU Miami

Volume 4 Issue 2 May-Aug 2012

Acharya Shree Mahashraman’s

Jasol Chaturmas Making a History

Thousands of people listen Pravachan of Acharya Mahashraman everyday in Jasol, India

JVB ORLANDO News May–Aug 2012

Tampa, Fl.

On the 20th of May Samani Bhavita Pragya and Samani Sangha Pragya visited the Jain Center of Tampa and discussed

“how to lead a meaningful life”. The art of life means a combination of body, breath, mind, vital energy, speech, emo-

tion, and soul. The program was concluded with melodious songs.

Jupiter, Fl.

On the 3rd of June the Samanijis traveled to Jupiter to conduct lectures to Jain and Non-Jain community. Samani Bhavita

Pragya gave a lecture on “miracle of mantra” and sang spiritual songs to the audience. Samani Sangha Pragya presented

a lecture on “path to liberation”. This program was arranged by Varsha and Naresh Shah at their house. The program

was very much enjoyed by everyone.

Jacksonville, Fl.

The Samanijis were invited by Bajrang and Bharati Kundalia to speak about the concept of soul in Jain religion. Samani

Bhavita Pragya presented her views on self realization and Samani Sangha Pragya directed a practical exercise session

on physical fitness and mental wellness. At the end of the program a vote of thanks were given by the Kundalia family

to the people who attended.

Tampa, Fl.

The YJA Convention 2012 was hosted by the Jain Society of Tampa Bay and Jain Society of Central Florida from July 5

-8th. Samani Bhavita Pragya and Samani Sangha Pragya were invited to participate. The chanting of mantra session was

enjoyed by attendees. The Samanijis also took part in panel discussions with two different groups. Pranayam and Yoga

exercises were conducted by Samanijis.

Detroit, Mi.

The Samanijis were invited by the Jain center of Michigan for program on

July 8-16. During this

period a workshop

on Preksha Meditation

was con- ducted by

Samaniji for adults as

well as for children.

Samaniji also talked

about Jainism, Preksha meditation, Karmavad, twelve

vows of Shravakas, and several other topics. They were so happy to learn about meditation and Jainism. They had a

dialogue with Americans on many current issues. The program was enjoyed with full joy and happiness. The Jain socie-

ty was very thrilled with the events and asked the Samanijis to return each year.

Orlando, Fl.

Paryushan at JVB Orlando Center: 14 August – 21 August 2012

The event was celebrated in the morning 9:30 – 11:30am with Bhaktamar, meditation, and spiritual study. At 7:30-8:30

pm Pratikraman was held. From 8:30-9:15pm lectures were given by Samanijis on various topics. Sunday, a twelve

hour continuous mantra took place. On Sunday 26th August all Tapasvi as Viral Doshi-15days fasting.

Devendra Mehta-12 days, Puja-

12 days, Dheeren Mehta – 8 days,

Deesha -8 days, were welcomed

by JVB center. This event was

filled with great joy and spiritual

awareness. The attendees came

from Florida cities such as ; Tam-

pa, Ocala, Daytona Beach, Mel-

bourne. as well as the Greater

Orlando area.

JVBNA NEWS May–Aug 2012

May 19, 2012 – Mahasati Draupadi-An Awe-inspiring and Impassioned Play

JVBNA, NJ in association with Timeless Mahatma Trust, Mumbai

presented a play “DRAUPADI” in Hindi on May 19th, 2012 at

Union County Performing Arts Center, Rahway, NJ. Guided by

Samanijis and under the direction of Aswaniji a combined team of

more than 125 volunteers from both US and India worked tireless-

ly for several months to prepare and present this grand show. The

lead character of princess Draupadi was played by popular TV,

film and theatre artist Upasana Singh from India and a team of

more

than

forty

local cast members and volunteers from JVBNA. The sold out

performance was attended by an audience of over 1200 from

the tri-state area. The tireless efforts of the chairman Mr.

Surendra Kankariya, the entire JVBNA BOD, the president

Mr. Ramesh Parmar, the entire JVBNA EC and all the JVBNA

volunteers was on display. The event was covered by TV Asia

and the South Asia Times, the media sponsors of this play.

Many other dignitaries including leaders of the Jain and other

community organizations from the tri-state area were present

at the event.

Navkar Mantra Jaap-

Monthly Navkar Jaap and Pravachan were held at Jaychand

Dugar, Nagji Vira, Shrenik Talati, and Sunil Mehta. Samanijis’

pravachans are really very uplifting and enriching the soul.

Important Events-

Shraman Gata Jae…Music Album launched

Gyanshala Annual and Draupadi play volunteers appreci

ation

India day Parade Participation

Samaniji’s Speech at Holistic Inner Science

Paryushan MahaParva Celebration

Bhikshu Jaap & Bhajan Sandhya with Maestro Kumar Chatterjee

Bi-monthly Special sessions of Preksha Meditaion

Samanijis visited other Jain Organization on different occasions- JCNJ: On the grand inauguration of new temple, Jain Center of Cleveland: On the occasion of 24 Thirthankars

Pratistha, Siddhachalam: On the auspicious event of Shikharji Pratishtha.

JVB HOUSTON News May–Aug 2012

Paryushan Mahaparv celebration at JVB Center

JVB Houston members celebrated Paryushan under the guidance of Samani Parimal

Pragyaji & Samani Amit Pragyaji. Discourses were given on Mahavir's life every

morning followed by lectures in the evening on topics like “Why we do Paryushan”, “

A Journey of Purification”, “Self Realization”, “How to Cleanse Oneself of Sin”.

They conducted special programs during weekend “Jainism Brain Quest” and “Jain

Olympic 2012”.

Paryushan festival gives us inspiration to clean

our sins for spiritual advancement and salvation.

Samani Parimal Pragyaji said that we all make mistakes in life, occasionally, as we

have not received Siddhatv so far. Each action has bondage with it until soul attains

salvation, so we must aim for purification. Samani Amit Pragyaji explained how

Paryushan means staying close to your soul. She added that this is an important fes-

tival for spiritual and self-cleansing and also we should focus all efforts for for-

giveness on such occasions; and we should be aware the each moment is utilized for

the development of our soul.

Workshop on Jeev and Ajeev—Aug 2012 The Jain community of San Antonio organized a two day workshop on Jeev & Ajeev.

Samani Parimal Pragyaji emphasized how this knowledge is important to every person.

It strengthens our faith in the teachings of Bhagwan Mahavir. Samani Amit Pragyaji

complemented the session by conducting exercises for the development of memory

power and concentration power with students.

Children Summer Camp—July 2012 To strengthen the foundation of moral values of children, summer camp is organized

every year by JVB Houston. Under the direction of Samani Parimal Pragyaji and Samani Amit Pragyaji, a five day sum-

mer camp was held in Houston. JVB extends all the volunteers.

Workshop on Cancer Awareness—June 2012 A Cancer Awareness Workshop was organized by JVB in collaboration with India Culture Centre & Seva international.

Informative speech on cancer was given by Dr. Sewa Singh Legha. Preksha Meditation techniques were taught by Sa-

mani Parimal Pragyaji.

Jain Vishwa Bharati Houston receives recognition by ICC JVB Houston along with a few other local organizations received a special award for Out-

standing Community and Social Services to the local community on August 19th during IC-

C’s annual festival to celebrate India’s Independence Day, in the presence of Mayor, Coun-

sel General of India, Consul General of Sri Lanka, two congress representatives, and others.

Other events- Holistic Inner Science Institute Seminars– Jul 2012

Thoureau Unitarian Universalist Congregation—Jul 2012

12th JCNC Anniversary—Aug 2012

A Solidarity and Prayer Meeting –Aug 2012

Upcoming Events: Saturday Oct 13th - Monthly Preksha Medita-

tion Workshop 9 AM - 1 PM, Sunday Oct 14th - 3rd Annual Day, October 16-23—Navratri Jaap, Center’s daily Sched-

ule can be viewed at the following-http://jvbhouston.org/dailyschedule.htm

FIU MIAMI News May–Aug 2012

The 10th Biennial YJA Convention at Tempa:

Four Samanijis participated in YJA to enrich young Jains. Sci-

entific Jain Philosophy was presented by Dr. Samani Chaitanya

Pragya. Samani Unnata Pragya guided youth to trance experi-

ence of meditation. Further a discussion session headed by Sa-

mani Bhavit Pragya led the youth in a wonderful discussion

session. This helped them to open up there modern day con-

cerns and dive into an awareness of Jain Principles and values.

Claremont Lincoln Jain conference on ‘Bioethics

Religious and Spiritual Approaches’: Samani Chaitanya Pragya presented as a key note speaker in the

panel session of Sanlekhana and Euthanasia. Dr. Mahendra pre-

siding the session applauded Samaniji’s intellectual effort. The

session came up with a vision to bring to the light Jain way of

hospice to assist a peaceful death. Samani Unnata Pragya present-

ed on a critical topic of Defective fetus and abortion.

Acharanga Course: Jain Sacred texts are treasures of science and spirituality. This is the message

rendered by Samani Chaitanya Pragya in her discourse on Acharang; the first of the Agams. This bi-

weekly session organized at Miami Jain Temple, opens up discussion, participants return home with awe.

This is followed by a peaceful meditation session.

Samanijis at Vero Beach: A week long program on Tatvartha Sutra and Spiritual Healing for

Jain and Hindu community. The experience was spiritual awaken-

ing for one and all.

Summer Study Abroad Program: A 21 days International

Summer School offered by Jain Vishwa Bharati University, India.

Five graduate and undergraduate students from FIU visited this

program to enrich their knowledge and experience of Jain princi-

ples. This is an every year program offered at JVBU for anyone

interested to learn Jainism, Meditation at University.

Paryushan: West Palm Beach and Miami were organized Samanijis’ Paryushan with session of med-

itation, chanting and discourse. The festival was joyous rendering a touch to the inner self.