Jain and Jainism

Basant Panchami in Jainism

2012-01-22T10:21:00.000-08:00

Happy Vasant Panchami!!

Basant Panchami is generally known as a Hindu festival. Hindu people worship goddess Saraswati on the eve of Basant (Vasant) Panchami (Panchmi). However, Devi Saraswati is equally important in Jainism. Jain literature refers her as Shrut Devi who is Adhishthayika of all sacred Jain texts (Agam).

Basant Panchmi falls on Magh Shukla Panchami, the fifth day of the bright half of Indian lunar month Magh. The day is counted as auspicious in Indian astrology. Basant Panchmi will fall on January 28 this year 2012.

Thanks,

Vardhaman Infotech
A leading IT company in Jaipur
Rajasthan, India
E-mail: info@vardhamaninfotech.com

Pratishtha: Jin Dutt Suri Dadabadi, Dholka

2012-01-18T10:28:00.000-08:00

Dholka, 38 KM from Ahmadabad is the birth place of first Dadagurudev Sri Jin Dutt Suri. Jin Dutt Suri was a renowned saint possessing rare qualities and virtues of an Acharya. He was Yugapradhan. First Dadaguru is being remembered by his millions of devotees worldwide even after eight centuries passed his death.Jain community especially Khartar Gachchh worship Dadaguru with dedication and devotion.

Dholka is also renowned for Jain pilgrimage center Kalikund Parasnath. There is a big temple of Kalikund Parshwanath at Dholka. There is a Dadabadi opposite to Kalikund Parasnath temple which is rebuilt. Pratishtha ceremony will take place between February 3 and 6, 2012 at the new premises. Large numbers of Khartar Gachchh Sadhu (Monks) and Sadhwi (Nuns) including Sri Kushal Muni, Muni Sri Mahendrasagar and Sadhwi Sri Maniprabha Sri will be present with their disciples during pratishtha ceremony.

Travel Rajasthan: Malpura Dadabadi, Dadaguru Jin Kushal Suri

Vardhaman Infotech
A leading IT company in Jaipur
Rajasthan, India
E-mail: info@vardhamaninfotech.com

Lecture series in Indore Dadabadi on Jainism

2011-12-21T02:42:00.000-08:00

Sri Jain Vidya Adhyayan Sansthan, a newly established Jain education and training center at Dadabadi, Rambagh, Indore has been organizing series of lectures on various topics related to Jainism. Program was started from November 11, 2011 and has been continuing through all Sundays since then. They have organized seven lectures at a stretch so far. The organization has invited noted Jain scholars likes of Dr. Sagarmal Jain. Last lecture of the series will be delivered by Mr. Virendra Nahar, Director of the institute on the topic Jainism and physics.

Jyoti Kothari, Jaipur has delivered his speech on December 18, Sunday about Jeev and Ajeev. He explained Jeev and Ajeev according to Jain metaphysics and added that knowing Jeev and Ajeev is essential part of Jainism and spirituality. He also explained Ahimsa, non-violence. Mahattara Sadhwi Sri Vinita Sri Ji and her disciples were also present during the lecture.

It is worth noted that the institute, motivated by Adhyatmayogi Pujya Mahendrasagar Ji Maharaj, is running a training institute and a Jain library inside the dadabadi premises, Rambagh, Indore.

Vardhaman Infotech
A leading IT company in Jaipur
Rajasthan, India
E-mail: info@vardhamaninfotech.com

Happy Diwali, Veer Nirvan Diwas and Gautam Swami Keval Gyan

2011-10-21T06:20:00.000-07:00

I wish all of you a very happy and prosperous Diwali festive season starting from Dhan teras. Diwali or Deepavali is a day of salvation (Nirvan) of Lord Mahavira. Gandhar Indrabhuti Gautam, (Gautam Swami) attained omniscience (Keval Gyan) moments after Veer nirvan. Veer Nirvan samvat or Vir samvat (Jain New Year) starts from the next day of Diwali. Happy New Year!!

Festival of India: Dhan Teras and Diwali

Festival of India: Diwali in Jaipur

Delicious Indian sweet: Gujiya

Jyoti Kothari

Jain Karma Philosophy - Punya (Meritorious) and Päp (Sinful) Karma

2011-02-22T14:26:00.000-08:00

Introduction

In Jain philosophy, karma are classified in many different ways. They are classified as Ghäti or Aghäti karma depending upon whether they subdue the qualities or innate nature of the soul or create physical environment of a living being. The same karma are also classified in a different way into Punya and Päp karma categories. Also, in Jain literature we come across other types of Karma like Dravya Karma, Bhava Karma, and Nokarma. However this article is not discussing these three types of karma.

Acquiring Karma and its Consequences

Jain philosophy explains that Karma is a matter which is made up of very fine and subtle particles that one cannot see or feel by any physical means. The entire universe is filled with such particles (we need to believe this by faith only).

When these karma particles attach (bond) to the soul it is called the bondage of karma. In general the bondage of karma occurs due to the soul's Mithyätva (illusion or ignorance), Avirati (vowlessness), Pramäda (spiritual laziness), Kashäya (anger, ego, deceit, greed etc.) and Yoga (activities of the mind, body, and speech).

Such bondage occurs for certain duration only. We do not have any karma attached to us forever. When the time of the attachment of karma is over then these karma will create an environment surrounding the soul and then they will immediately separate from the soul. The soul that is surrounded by such environment may feel pleasure or pain based on the surroundings created by these various types of karma and hence we acquire new karma. This process occurs at every moment in our life. This way under normal circumstances we will never be free of karma because at every moment we remove some old karma and acquire some new karma.

Types of Karma

Ghäti Karma

Ghäti karma subdue the innate qualities of a soul namely; infinite happiness (faith and conduct), infinite knowledge, infinite perception or vision, and infinite power or energy. They are divided into four categories.

Mohaniya Karma	Deluding Karma obscures blissful nature or happiness (faith and conduct) of the soul
Jnänävaraniya Karma	Obscures infinite Knowledge of the soul
Darshanävaraniya Karma	Obscures infinite Perception of the soul
Antaräya karma	Obstructs infinite Power and Energy of the soul

Aghäti karma

Aghäti karma are non-destructive to the innate qualities of the soul but are responsible for the creation of physical body, physical mind, social environment, and life span for the soul. They are also divided into four categories.

Vedaniya Karma	Creates Favorable or Unfavorable Physical Environment for the Soul
Näm karma	Physical Body and Physique Determining Karma
Gotra karma	Status Determining Karma
Äyu karma	Life Span Determining Karma

The above 8 categories of karma are divided into many (about 120) sub-categories. The same sub-categories are also categorized differently into Punya and Pap karma categories.

Punya or Pious Karma

We acquire Punya or pious karma when we perform or reflect upon virtuous activity with or without a feeling of self-satisfaction and accomplishment. When Punya karma matures they produce a result; they will create favorable environment conducive to spiritual life such as human life, healthy body, comfort, moral family etc.

A person may use such circumstances to progress himself spiritually or a person may use it to increase his power, fame, luxury, and/or comfort. This depends upon the person's free will or self determination (Purushärtha). However, if a person decides to progress further spiritually his Punya karma will have created a proper environment for him to do so. All Tirthankars fall into this category. In contrast however a few Chakravarti kings used this type of environment to increase their power throughout their life and went on to hell to suffer.

Pap Karma

We acquire Pap or sinful karma when we perform or reflect on any non-virtuous work associated with violence, dishonesty, stealing, not behaving chastely, attachment to worldly objects, anger, conceit, deceit, lust, revenge, and having impure thoughts. When the Päp karma mature and the results come to fruition, they will create an unfavorable environment which may bring misery, discomfort, unhappiness, and dissatisfaction to the living being. Under such environment, one rarely progresses spiritually.

Muni Kuragudu's life is one example that comes close to this situation. Due to Punya karma, he attained human life and became monk. However due to some Pap karma he could not fast (Upaväs) even on Samvatsari day. Yet he attained Keval-Jnän and liberation because he remained equanimous under very adverse circumstances.

Relationship among Ghäti, Aghäti, Punya and Pap karma

All Ghäti karma subdue the innate qualities of the soul and hence all four categories of Ghäti karma and all their sub-categories are classified as Päp or sinful karma.

Only Aghäti karma that are responsible for the physical environment of a living being are classified as the result of Punya karma or Pap karma.

· Certain sub-categories of Aghäti karma that produce a human life, a healthy body, high social status, and a longer life span are considered the result of Punya or virtuous karma.

· Certain sub-categories of Aghäti karma produce an unhealthy body, a shorter life span, low social status, poverty, birth in hell, or as an animal, insect, or in a vegetative state or similar categories. These are considered the result of Päp or sinful karma.

In summary all Punya Karma are Aghäti karma while Pap karma belongs to both Ghäti and Aghäti karma.

Discussion on Ghäti, Aghäti, Punya and Pap karma

Under normal circumstances, the environment created by Päp or sinful karma are not conducive to the spiritual progress of a soul because it produces an unhealthy body, a shorter life span, low social status, poverty, birth in hell, or as insects, animals etc.

Only the environment created by Punya karma are conducive to attain higher spiritual state because they can result in human birth, healthy body, spiritual education, a longer life span and so on. Without a human life and spiritual environment one cannot attain a Vitaräga state (a spiritual state beyond attachment and aversion) and hence Keval jnän (infinite knowledge).

Jain philosophy states that the following karma related events occur in the life of every living being:

· At every moment all 8 categories of karma (4 Ghäti karma and 4 Aghäti karma) together produce results and then they are released from the soul.

· At every moment 7 of 8 categories of new karma are attached to the soul and only once in a life time a soul acquires all 8 categories of karma. Äyu karma of the next life is acquired only once in a current life time.

· Only the Mohaniya karma (Mithyätva and Kashäya together) is responsible for the bondage of new karma of all 8 categories.

· In the absence of Mohaniya karma, no new karma are attached to the soul because of the presence of Jnänävaraniya, Darshanävaraniya, Antaräya, Vedaniya, näma, Gotra, and Äyu Karma.

If we think in terms of Punya and Pap karma, we can conclude that at every moment a person, who is always under the influence of Mohaniya karma, may acquire either all Pap karma or both Punya and Pap karma by reflecting and doing non-virtuous or virtuous activities.

Under no circumstances, a person will acquire only Punya karma and no Pap karma. This happens because any virtuous work done under the influence of Mithyätva and Kashäya will result in acquiring some Pap karma along with Punya karma. This process continues until one attains a very high spiritual state known as Vitaräga state (Spiritual state of 12th Gunasthänak).

Therefore; at every moment, we should be very alert and try our best to acquire maximum Punya karma and minimum Pap karma. Under such effort a net reduction in Ghäti karma will occur because all Ghäti karma are Pap karma only.

This can be accomplished by continuously reflecting on to the reduction of our Mithyätva and Kashäya (reduce Karta Bhava or ego) while continuously reflecting and doing pious or virtuous activities of body, speech and mind.

The highest pious activities of body, speech and mind are the six Abhyantar Tapa (internal austerities): Präyashchitta (repentance for bad deeds), Vinay (humility towards all living beings), Vaiyävruttya (rendering selfless service all living beings), Swädhyäy (study of the spiritual literature), Dhyäna (meditation on the nature of the soul), and Käyotsarga or Vyutsarga (remain in a complete state of equanimity).

In practicing these activities one eliminates all Ghäti karma and attains Vitaräga state and Keval-jnän. After the attainment of Keval-jnan, a person will have only punya karma left to shed. This will happen at the end of current life and results in the person attaining liberation.

Discussion of Two Important Questions

1. Sometimes people argue that "pap karma is an iron chain and punya karma is a golden chain for the soul”. Since both are ‘matter’, neither can liberate the soul. The soul is liberated by becoming free of ‘matter’; both punya and pap.

Spiritually the above logic is not correct because when a person removes all his Ghäti Pap Karma he attains Keval-jnän. All his Punya karma and other Aghäti Pap karma matter is still attached to him, but those karma cannot stop him in the attainment of liberation.

However, the above logic has created a incorrect perception in our community’s mind that Jainism is a selfish religion and hinders the people from doing virtuous work.

2. In my teaching of Jain religion, I generally ask the following question:

Mahävir swämi attained Keval-jnän at the age of 42 and then he travelled for 30 years to preach the truth he has realized to the people. At the age of 72 he attained nirvana or liberation.

Why did he travel for 30 years to preach? He could have stayed at one of the cave in a meditation and still attain the liberation.

I get only one answer - Because of Tirthankar Näma Karma

In my opinion this is an incorrect statement, and here is my logical explanation:

Keval-Jnäni possesses "Yathäkhyäta Chäritra"; meaning his conduct is natural and according to the innate nature of the soul. In this state no karma can influence him. Karma has maximum influence on the people who are at Mithyätva state (1st Gunasthänak) and have no influence who are in a Keval-Jnäni state (13th Gunasthänak). So the answer does not fit the Jain philosophy at all.

The correct answer is that "Because of Compassion" Mahavir Swami preached two or three times a day every day and travelled for 30 years. Compassion is the innate nature of the soul. To indicate that "because of näma karma" he traveled and preached does not fit into the definition of what is natural conduct for a Keval-Jnäni.

A Word of Caution with Regards to Punya Karma

While doing virtuous activities, many a times due to our ignorance of reality (Mithyätva) and ego (Kashäya), a person feels (reflects) that because of his good effort or action many people are being helped or that because he is a big donor, a temple or hospital was able to be built. In doing such deeds, he receives a high social status and he takes great pride of this status.

But in acquiring these valid Punya or virtuous karma for his good deeds, he at the same time acquires maximum Pap karma because he has done the good work under the very high influence of Mohaniya karma to gain power and fame (Karta Bhava).

Hence Jainism warns that any virtuous activity done under Mithyätva and Kashäya state ultimately results in a sinful activity to that person even though other people and animals, and environment are being helped.

Only Ghäti karma and in particular Mohaniya karma hinders the soul in acquiring the Vitaräga State. Once one attains a state of Vitaräga by removing all Mohaniya karma, other three Ghäti karma become powerless and they are destroyed within 48 minutes without any effort and a person attains Keval-jnän. A Keval-Jnäni person attains liberation at the end of the current life and no fallback occurs during this time.

In the absence of Mohaniya karma, all other karma become totally powerless even though their present exist. None of them can provide any obstacle in the attainment of soul's liberation. Now theoretically one can say that any karma is a hindrance to the attainment of liberation, but it has no spiritual value.

Are We Capable of Removing Aghäti Karma before their Maturity?

No human being is capable of removing any Aghäti karma before their maturity. At the most we can modify them from one sub-category to another sub-category within the same group. Hence everyone has to complete these karma. Even after the attainment Keval-jnän, a person is not capable of removing such karma. They all have to wait until the completion of Äyu karma, because Äyu karma cannot be modified in the last life.

In case of a kevali person, if his time of Äyu karma is less than the maturity time of the remaining three Aghäti karma, then the kevali performs Samudghat near the end of his life. He expands his soul and spreads it across the entire universe (spreads throughout the 14 Rajlok area). This way he forces the remaining three Aghäti karma to mature earlier and produce their result in a very short time. After the completion of the three Aghäti karma, he withdraws his soul into his body. Then he withdraws his activities of body, speech, and mind. Now his spiritual state is considered 14th Gunasthänak. He stays in this state for few seconds and attains Nirvana.

In conclusion, we can say that we have to complete the maturity cycle of all Aghäti karma. Only Kevali can force the Aghati karma to mature earlier to coincide with the maturity time of the Ayu karma. However no one can force Ayu Karma of the last life to mature earlier.

Summary

One can easily conclude that in order to attain liberation, Jain philosophy teaches us that we continuously need to do virtuous activities like helping others, showing compassion to all beings, following a strict vegetarian (Vegan) diet, study and discussion of religion (Svädhyäya), and protecting the environment. However, while doing virtuous activities, we should remain very alert and should not get trapped by fame, power, high social status or frustration of not accomplishing the result. In other words we continuously need to reduce or eliminate Mohaniya (Mithyätva and Kashäya) karma.

Never think that Jainism teaches that Punya is a karma that hinders the soul in attaining liberation. Punya is a good Aghäti karma and no Aghäti karma hinders any innate qualities of the soul and hence Vitaräga state and Keval-jnäna. On the contrary Punya karma provide a favorable environment for the soul to attain Keval-jnän. It is our free will or determination (Purushärtha) that determines how we use of the favorable environment.

The Mohaniya karma is the single most dangerous karma because due to this karma we acquire all other karma and hence one cannot attain Vitaräga state and in result, Keval-jnän.

The Mohaniya karma can easily be removed if we properly use the environment created by Punya karma for our spiritual growth, which is a human life-form, a healthy body, a good spiritual education, and so on. In conclusion, the essence of Jain philosophy is very clear. In order to attain liberation, one should continuously do virtuous activities without any expectation of the fruits of his work. In future this will provide a more conducive environment to eliminate Mohaniya karma which is the only karma that hinders a person's ability in attaining Keval-jnän and liberation. Without the presence of Mohaniya karma, all other karma become powerless.

Pravin K Shah

Jaina Education Committee

education@jaina.org

Raleigh, NC USA

February 18, 2011
Vardhaman Infotech
A leading IT company in Jaipur
Rajasthan, India
E-mail: info@vardhamaninfotech.com

New Jain website

2010-12-29T14:28:00.000-08:00

We are in process of creating a new web site about Jain religion, philosophy, society, travel, arts and culture, education, pilgrimage, heritage, history, organizations, business, jobs, food etc. we are adding more topics to the list.We will try to load information as much as possible.

The website will content exhaustive information about Jain, Jain society and Jainism (anything and everything) irrespective of sects that means we will include information of Shwetambar, Digambar et al.It can also be seen as a Jain portal.

We are gathering information about all these. If you have any information which you think useful for the site, please inform us at jyoti_kothari@yahoo.com.

Anti Fur Day....ASMP

2010-11-30T15:19:00.000-08:00

I have received an e mail from a Pakistani ASMP and found useful. Please view the same and spread he words to save animals.

Picture.jpg
Picture 001.jpg

Anti Fur Day

26th,Nov. 2010

Multan, city garden .Anti Fur Day exists to celebrate animal life and humankind's special relationship with the animal .

Animal Save Movement Pakistan celebrated international Anti Fur Day on 26th Nov, 2010. in city garden Multan.

with ASMP volunteer and social workers . All participants took an oath to protect the lives of animals and to continue peaceful campaigns against cruelty to animals . Participants took an oath also that they will boycott all leather and fur things . ASMP continue to strive for day when no animal will live in fear or pain. In this occasion,

Khalid Mahmood Qurashi, President, Animal Save Movement said, ASMP is working for the welfare of animals since a long back & will continue its effort to reach its vision to help building a prospective society through animal welfare where co-existence of human and animal is symbiotic” . He said our Mission is to safeguard the rights of animals. To create sympathy, affection, love and respect in the minds of human beings towards animals by giving talks, writing, peaceful processions, seminars, workshops and discussions. To save the animals from being cruelly killed, hunted, caged and used in experiments. To create the feeling that animals have feelings and show emotion such as sorrow, anxiety and depression the same as humans .

Please to save the lives of innocent speechless creatures . GOD loves those who loves His creatures .
FARASAT ALI Bhatti ( advocate)
ANIMAL SAVE MOVEMENT PAKISTAN

Us President Barack Obama remembered "Jain" while extending Diwali greetings

2010-11-04T11:51:00.000-07:00

US President Barack Obama remembered "Jain" while extending Diwali greetings.

Barack Obama, President of America extended his greetings from White House, Washington on the occasion of Diwali Thursday November 4, 2010. He is looking forward to visiting India in the next few days.
.
'Tomorrow, Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and some Buddhists, here in America and around the world, will celebrate the holiday of Diwali - the festival of lights. This is a day when members of some of the world's oldest religion celebrate the triumph of good over evil,' President Obama said in a message. .

He reminded that he had lighted a 'Diya (lamp)' last year in the White House to mark the holiday of Deepavali. 'This lamp symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance,' said Barack Obama.

He ended his message with his good wishes. The US President Barack Obama said, 'And to all those who will celebrate this joyous occasion on Friday, I wish you, your families and loved ones Happy Diwali and Saal Mubarak'.

President Obama will be in a four day visit to India from November 6, 2010. just after Diwali.

President Obama's Diwali Message for Jainism

Education camp (Swadhyay Shivir) on Jainism in Bikaner, Rajasthan

2010-10-26T09:44:00.000-07:00

A three days Jain education camp (Swadhyay Shivir) was organized at Kushal Bhawan in Bikaner, Rajasthan between October 23 to 26, 2010.

The camp was organized in the auspices of Jain Nun Sadhwi Kalpalata Sri Ji etc. Sadhwi Kalpalata Sri ji is principle disciple of late Sadhwi Hemprabha Sri Ji. The educational camp ran in three shifts morning, afternoon and night. Approximately fifty gentlemen and ladies participated as students in this camp.

Jyoti Kothari, Jaipur led and taught Jainism through out the educational camp (Swadhyay Shivir).

News and articles on Navpad Oli (Ayambil Oli)

2010-10-16T09:14:00.000-07:00

This is the third day of Navpad Oli (Ayambil Oli) and Jain community has worshiped Acharya Pad today. The previous two days were meant for Arihant and Siddha Pad.

There are several news reports and articles on the topic. Please click and view those. You can click below to stay tuned for latest news.

Thanks,
Jyoti Kothari

Navpad Oli (Ayambil Oli) begins on October 14, 2010

2010-10-07T10:37:00.000-07:00

Navpad Oli (Ayambil Oli) will begin on October 14, 2010. Navpad Oli will continue till October 22. Sharad Purnima falls on this day, October 22.

Jain community will observe nine days' Ayambil (Amil) during these nine days of Navpad Oli. Navpad Oli will be observed in different parts of India.

Sri Jain Swetambar Khartar Gachchh Sangh, Jaipur will organize great ceremony on this eve at Malpura Dadabadi on the auspices of Param Pujya Sadhwi Maniprabha Sri Ji.

Please view this article:

Jain Festival of India: Navpad Oli (Ayambil) in Jainism

Articles about Jain and Jainism

2010-10-07T10:27:00.000-07:00

There are several articles about Jain religion, philosophy, culture, pilgrimage, temples, dadabadi and many other Jainism related topics.

Internet helps us writing and finding these articles easily. Many one like to read and write such articles know about Jainism, Jain culture, Jain temples etc.

I have written few articles on these topics and posting links to those articles for your perusal.

Please click and view these articles:

Jainism and Environment

Jainism: Concept of Universe Palitana: Jain pilgrimage center: Photo gallery

Palitana: Jain pilgrimage center: Photo gallery

Shrimad Rajchandra Ashram Agas: A spiritual place: Photo gallery

Photo Gallery: Jain Temples in Murshidabad

Photo Gallery: Parasnath Jain Temple (Glass temple) in Kolkata

Photo Gallery: Parasnath Jain temple (glass temple) in Kolkata part 2

Photo Gallery: Kolkata Jain Dadabadi

Khoh: Oldest Jain temple in Jaipur

2010-09-30T12:50:00.000-07:00

Suparshwanath Swetambar Jain temple Khoh Nagorian is the oldest Jain temple in Jaipur. It is situated at Khoh Nagorian, 4 KMs from Chulgiri. Time of establishment of the emple is unknown but it is as old as seven hundred years or more.

Khoh was the oldest capital of Kachhawa dynasty who ruled Rajputana for several centuries.

There is a huge Patt of Sammet Shikhar inside the temple. The Patt is unique in its nature. This is the Only Patt of Sammet Shikhar in which one can offer Puja to all Tonks (temples).

Annual program of the temple will be celebrated on October 3, 2010. Satrah Bhedi Puja followed by a lunch will be included in the annual program.

Shiv Ji Ram Bhawan: New blog of Khartar Gachchh Sangh, Jaipur

2010-09-25T10:23:00.000-07:00

Sri Jain Swetanbar Khartar Gachchh Sangh, Jaipur is one of the most important Jain Sangh in India.
Shiv Ji Ram Bhawan (Bhavan) is the official Head Quarter of Sri Jain Swetanbar Khartar Gachchh Sangh, Jaipur.
A new blog is created for the Sangh which is named as Shiv Ji Ram Bhawan. This blog has compiled information about Temples, Dadabadi and Dharamshala (including maps) managed by the said Sangh, activities of the Sangh and many others. Please view the blog for more information related to Jaipur Khartar Gachchh Sangh.

Ahimsa

2010-09-16T00:39:00.003-07:00

Vipasyana

2010-09-16T00:39:00.001-07:00

Jainism

2010-09-16T00:38:00.013-07:00

Terapanth

2010-09-16T00:38:00.011-07:00

Swetambar

2010-09-16T00:38:00.009-07:00

Shrimal

2010-09-16T00:38:00.007-07:00

Rishabhdev

2010-09-16T00:38:00.005-07:00

Parasnath

2010-09-16T00:38:00.001-07:00

Oswal

2010-09-16T00:37:00.006-07:00

Mahavira

2010-09-16T00:37:00.004-07:00

Digambar

2010-09-16T00:37:00.002-07:00

Adinath

2010-09-16T00:37:00.000-07:00

Live Web cast of Ashtapadji Patishtha Mahotsav can be viewed on June 19th and 20th

2010-06-19T10:42:00.001-07:00

Jai Jinendra,

1. Ashtapadji Pratishtha will be broadcast live via internet on June 19th & 20th. Please inform all your friends and relatives local or abroad
who are not able to attend can watch live via the internet on June 19 & 20th from 7 am to 3 pm eastern standard USA time.

You may go to the JCA web site at www.nyjca.org and click on the link below the Patrika or Click here to start viewing the web cast. This will be available only on� June 19th and 20th.

"Again please forward this email to all your friends who like to be part of this occasion even remotely on June 19th and 20th."

2.� Asthapadji actual 24 Pratimas has been displayed in the basement of the Ithaca Temple till June 19th 2010. Anyone who wishes to do the Darshan closely� has a once in a life chance to see the actual Pratimas just inches away. We request all to take this opportunity to visit and do the Darshan.

Process of Chaturmas in Jain Agam

2010-06-17T12:33:00.000-07:00

Chaturmas is near by. Jain Sangh at different places are preparing for chaturmas of Jain monks and nuns. It is the right time to know process of chaturmas as defined in various Jain Agam (Sacred Text).

Monks and nuns can not declare their chaturmas prior to samvatsari according to Jain agam "Kalpasutra".
Why?

If they do so, the house holds repairs, paints etc in the upashray or other places specified for chaturmas. Violence is involved in all these acts and the monks and nuns are held liable for these violence. Hence, they are not allowed to declare their chaturmas pre-samvatsari.

It is also said in Jain Agam (Shastra) that the monks and nuns ask house holds for accommodation. If they agreed monks and nuns can stay there for chaturmas. However, the present day practices are different. Shravak Sangh (Jain house holds) approach monks and nuns for chaturmas. If they agree they arrange for chaturmas. This practice is against Jain Agam.

Should all of us rethink?
Detailed post in Hindi

Thanks,
Jyoti Kothari

जैन साधू साध्विओं के चातुर्मास की शास्त्रीय (आगमिक) विधि

2010-06-17T12:18:00.000-07:00

चातुर्मास का समय नजदीक आ रहा है. विभिन्न स्थानों के जैन संघ पूज्य साधू साध्विओं के चातुर्मास की व्यवस्था में लगे हैं. लगभग सभी जैन साधू साध्विओं के चातुर्मास तय हो चुके हैं. इसमें जैन धर्मं के सभी समुदाय श्वेताम्बर, दिगंबर, मूर्तिपूजक, स्थानकवासी, तेरापंथी सभी सम्मिलित हैं.

ऐसे समय में यह जानना बेहद जरुरी है की जैन साधू साध्विओं के चातुर्मास की शास्त्रीय (आगमिक) विधि क्या है? क्या जो कुछ परंपरागत रूप से हो रहा है वह शास्त्र सम्मत है? अथवा सब कुछ मनमाने तरीके से चल रहा है?

दिगंबर परंपरा एवं शास्त्रों के संवंध में मुझे ठीक से पता नहीं है परन्तु श्वेताम्बर समुदाय के सभी वर्गों के लिए शास्त्र आज्ञा स्पष्ट है. जैन आगमों के अनुसार साधू साध्विओं का चातुर्मास पहले से तय नहीं हो सकता है. कल्पसूत्र के अनुसार साधू साध्वी गण अपना चातुर्मास संवत्सरी प्रतिक्रमण करने के बाद ही घोषित करते हैं.

पहले से चातुर्मास तय होने पर श्रावक गण उपाश्रय या तत्सम्वंधित स्थानों पर मरम्मत, रंगाई, पुताई आदि जो भी काम करते हैं वो चातुर्मास के निमित्त होता है. ऐसे में उन सभी आरंभ समारंभ का दोष चातुर्मास करने वाले साधू साध्विओं को लगता है. ऐसी स्थिति में उनका प्रथम प्राणातिपात विरमण (अहिंसा) व्रत खंडित होता है.

अतः शास्त्र आज्ञा स्पष्ट है की साधू साध्वी गण अपना चातुर्मास पहले से घोषित न करें.

जैन आगमों के अनुसार साधू साध्वी गण चातुर्मास काल में एक स्थान पर रहने के लिए श्रावक संघ से प्रार्थना करते हैं. श्रावक संघ अथवा कोई व्यग्तिगत रूप से साधू साध्विओं की प्रार्थना स्वीकार कर उन्हें रहने का स्थान उपलब्ध करवा दे तो साधू साध्वी वहां पर ठहर सकते हैं एवं अपना चातुर्मास व्यतीत कर सकते हैं. यदि गृहस्थ उन्हें स्थान देना स्वीकार न करे तो वे अन्यत्र विहार कर जाते हैं.

आज इस शास्त्र आज्ञा से विपरीत स्थिति प्रचलन में आ चुकी है. आज श्रावक संघ साधू साध्विओं से चातुर्मास हेतु प्रार्थना करते हैं. प्रायः संघ के सैंकड़ों लोग एकत्रित हो कर बस , ट्रेन या हवाई जहाज से दूर दराज क्षेत्र में रहे हुए साधू साध्विओं से चातुर्मास की विनती करने जाते हैं. ऐसा देखने में आता है की साधू साध्वी गण भी बहुत बार ऐसी स्थिति को प्रोत्साहित करते हैं. प्रायः बहुत मन मनुहार एवं अनेको वार विनती करने पर ही साधू साध्वी गण चातुर्मास की स्वीकृति देते हैं. इस तरह से संघ का बहुत समय व धन का अपव्यय होता है, साथ ही आरम्भ समारंभ भी होता है.

विचारणीय बिंदु ये है की जब शास्त्र का स्पष्ट निर्देश है की साधू साध्वी गण चातुर्मास में ठहरने के स्थान के लिए गृहस्थों से स्थान की याचना करे, तब उससे विपरीत क्यों श्रावक संघ उनसे प्रार्थना करने जाता है? साधू साध्वी गण भी क्यों निरंतर इस स्थिति को प्रोत्साहित करते हैं?

जैन आगमों के अध्ययन से ये बात स्पष्ट रूप से सामने आती है की साधू साध्विओं का चातुर्मास पहले से तय होना शिथिलाचार को बढाने में मुख्य हेतु है.

समस्त आचार्य एवं उपाध्याय भगवंतों एवं पूज्य साधू साध्विओं से निवेदन है की इस स्थिति के संवंध में पुनर्विचार करें एवं शास्त्र (आगम) आज्ञा के अनुसार व्यवस्था को पुनर्प्रतिष्ठित करें. श्रावक संघ भी जागरूक बन कर इस पूरी प्रक्रिया पर पुनर्विचार करे.

Vardhaman Infotech
A leading IT company in Jaipur
Rajasthan, India
E-mail: info@vardhamaninfotech.com

Malpura: A pilgrimage center of Dada Jin Kushal Suri

2010-06-07T14:29:00.000-07:00

Malpura is a famous Jain pilgrimage center in Rajasthan near Jaipur. Malpura is renowned for Dada Jin Kushal Suri. Dada Jin Kushal Suri left for his heavenly abode some seven centuries back at Deraur (Pakistan). It is told that a devotee of Dada Jin Kushal Suri at Malpura could not believe the news. He told himself,"I will believe the sad news if Dada himself will tell me the same."

Dada Jin Kushal Suri came from the heaven to satisfy the urge of his devotee. He shew himself standing over a stone. The stone is kept as it is and being worshiped by the devotees. A beautiful Dadabadi is build to pay homage Dada saheb.

It is worth noted that Dada Jin Kushal Suri was an Acharya in Khartargachchha clan of Jain. He is widely worshipped among his devotees all over India and overseas. Hundreds of Dadabadis are built in his name all over India and some places overseas.

View images and Videos of Malpura Dadabadi

Jai Kumar Baid elected as President of Mahakaushal Murtipujak Jain Sangh

2010-06-06T06:28:00.000-07:00

Sri Jai Kumar Ji Baid is elected as President of Mahakaushal Murtipujak Jain Sangh. Sri Jai Kumar Ji Baid belongs to a religious Murtipujak Jain family of Raipur, Chhattisgarh. He had been trained for Jain religion in the Jain religious training camps in the 1960s. He volunteered himself as a trainer of the said Shivirs (Camps) later on.

He is in cloth business.

He devoted his time in teaching Jain religion and philosophy in Mahakaushal and other parts of India such as Kolkata and Jiaganj. I was a student of his Shivir at Jiaganj in 1980.

He had served Mahakaushal Murtipujak Jain Sanghseveral times as executive member and office bearer in the past.

As a tradition Mahakaushal Murtipujak Jain Sangh elect their President and the President himself chose a committee of 31 including Vice President, General Secretary, Joint secretary and a treasurer. Two senior members are co opted as Patrons.

Jai Kumar Ji, in a telecon, told me that he is in process of selecting his committee and nominate the members soon. He has some new plans to take the Sangh ahead. He informed that he will endeavor to build low cost new Jain temples in the remote areas of Mahakaushal.

वर्त्तमान स्थिति में धार्मिक स्थलों के चुनाव: विचारनीय तथ्य

2010-05-19T14:08:00.000-07:00

वर्त्तमान युग प्रजातंत्र का युग है. बिभिन्न सरकारी निकायों में निरंतर चुनाव होते रहते हैं चाहे वो लोकसभा हो या विधान सभा. पंचायत हो या नगर पालिका. इन में राजनीती होती ही रहती है. अलग अलग राजनैतिक दल मतदाताओं को लुभाने एवं अपने पक्ष में करने के लिए तरह तरह के हथकंडे अपनाते हैं. अधिकतर समय ये हथकंडे नैतिकता की सीमायें लांघ जाते हैं.

इसी प्रकार बिभिन्न सार्वजनिक संस्थाओं के भी चुनाव होते रहते हैं. उनमें भी स्वार्थ परक राजनीति की दूषित परम्पराएँ देखने को मिल रही है. सामाजिक एवं धार्मिक संस्थाएं भी अब इस रोग से अछूती नहीं रही. धार्मिक संस्थाओं के चुनाव भी अब राजनैतिक अखाड़ों में परिवर्तित होने लगे हैं. सेवा, सद्भावना, आस्था का स्थान अब धनवल एवं इसी प्रकार की अन्य वस्तुओं ने ले लिया है. प्रायः आज के साधू साध्वी वर्ग भी राजनीति में लिप्त होते नजर आ रहे हैं.

यहाँ स्थिति विषम तो है ही साथ ही सामाजिक समरसता को भी भंग करने वाली है. जैन समाज के चुनाव भी इस बीमारी से अछूते नहीं हैं. अब चुनाव प्रायः कर के अपने अपने अहम् की तुष्टि के लिए लड़ा जाणे लगा है. किसी भी प्रकार से धन उपार्जन करने वाला समाज का श्रेष्ठी वर्ग प्रायः सामाजिक पदों को प्राप्त करने के लिए अपने धनवल का उपयोग करते हैं. आज ये भी देखने में आता है की साधू साध्वी वर्ग भी इन्ही श्रेष्ठीओं को अपने अपने प्रोजेक्ट्स को पूरा करने के लिए तबज्जो देता है.
समाज का साधारण वर्ग भी ऐसी स्थिति में किसी एक या अन्य गुट में सम्मिलित हो जाता है.

फिर शुरू होती है एक दुसरे से आगे निकलने की अंधी दौड़. प्रायः एक गुट एवं उसके कार्यकर्ता अन्य गुट को नीचा दिखाने का कोई अवसर हाथ से जाने नहीं देते. इस तरह शुरू हो जाती है वैमनस्यता, लड़ाई झगडे. इन चुनाव एवं चुनावोत्तर परिश्थितियो में कषायों को खुला पोषण मिलता है.

ऐसी स्थिति में "धर्मं" कहन टिक पायेगा? ये एक ऐसा विचारनीय बिंदु है जिस पर साधू, साध्वी, श्रावक, श्राविका सभी को मिल बैठ कर विचार करना चाहिए.

क्या हम ऐसी स्थिति का फिर से निर्माण नहीं कर सकते जहाँ विनम्र, सेवा भावी, कर्मठ एवं धर्मात्मा लोग सामाजिक संस्थाओं के पदाधिकारी बनें जिससे जिन शासन की निरंतर एवं उत्तरोत्तर वृद्धि हो सके.
निवेदक
ज्योति कोठारी

Akha Teej: Varshi Tap Parna of Sadhwi Hempragya Shree

2010-05-16T13:02:00.000-07:00

Varshi Tap Parna of Sadhwi Hempragya Shree took place at Mohanbadi, Jaipur on the eve of Akha Teej (Akshay Tritiya). Sadhwi Hempragya Shree is disciple of famous Jain nun Sadhwi Shri Vichakshan Shree.

Sadhwi Mridula Shree of the same group has also observed Varshi Tap (First year). It is to be noted that Varshi Tap continues for more than two years. One has to observe four hundred days of fasting (alternate days) to accomplish Varshi Tap.

The function started with discourses of several nuns of Sadhwi Maniprabha Shree group. Vimal Chand Surana, convener of the program also delivered his speech and admired the Varshi Tap. MS. Sushma, director, Vardhaman open university, Kota, described significance of Tap in Jainism.

Varshi Tap is connected with Lord Adinath. He observed it by doing four hundred fasts continually. He broke his fast with Ikshuras (Sugarcane juice) offered by his grandson Shreyansh Kumar on the auspicious day of Akshay tritiya, Akha Teej.

Sadhwi Hempragya Shree humbly told that her Varshi Tap could not be compared with that of Lord Rishabhdev, the Adinath.

Pranimitra Kumarpal V.Shah, a renowned social worker and philanthropist told in his discourse that hunger is the basic instinct of all living beings. One endeavor to conquer the very instinct of hunger while observing fast.

Sadhwi Maniprabha Shree also delivered her speech.

Pranimitra Kumarpal V Shah offered sugar cane juice at first to Sadhwi Hempragya Shree to break her fast. Thousands of devotees followed him by offering the same to the nuns.

The ceremony was followed by Adinath Panch Kalyanak Puja and Sadharmi Vatsalya (Lunch). The Surana family sponsored the lunch.

Jain Swetambar Khartargachchh Sangh have organized the whole event.

Akha Teej (Akshay Tritiya): Varshi Tap Parna at Mohanbadi

Akshaya Tritiya, the auspicious day

Akha Teej (Akshay Tritiya): Varshi Tap Parna at Mohanbadi

2010-05-14T10:43:00.000-07:00

Akshay Tritiya alias Akha Teej falls on May 16, 2010, Sunday. There will be several thousands Varshi tap parna in Palitana, Hastinapur and many other pilgrimage centers.

Sadhwi Hempragya Shree, disciple of Sadhwi Maniprabha Shree is also observing Varshi tap since last two years. Her parna will be occurred at Adinath Jain Temple, Mohanbadi, Jaipur on the auspicious day of Akha Teej.

There will be a three days celebration on this occasion arranged by Khartar gachchha sangh, Jaipur.

Akshaya Tritiya, the auspicious day

Sadhwi Maniprabha Shree enters Jaipur today

2010-05-11T12:01:00.000-07:00

Renowned Sadhwi Maniprabha Shree has reached Jaipur from Malpura. She will enter in to Shivjiram Bhawan tomorrow morning. A procession will start from the Bunglow of Mr. Dharmendra Tank, 23, Moti Dungri road and reach to Shivjiram Bhawan, MSB Ka Rasta, Johri Bazar via Dadabadi, Moti Dungri.

Sadhwi Maniprabha Shree is born and brought up in Jaipur. She has come to Jaipur after a long interval. People are enthusiastic about her visit to Jaipur.

She will stay here for about one and half months with her disciples. There will be "Varshi Tap Parna" of Sadhwi Hempragya Shree on May 16, Akha Teej.

Acharya Mahapragya left for his heavenly abode

2010-05-11T11:36:00.000-07:00

Acharya Mahapragya, Terapanth had left for his heavenly abode on May 9. He was 90 at the time of his death. He was the tenth Acharya of Jain Swetambar Terapanth Sangh.

He was in Sardarshahar, Rajasthan and breathed his last after a heart attack. Hios funeral was conducted on Monday, May 10, 2010.

Acharya Mahapragya was the successor of Acharya Tulsi. He has started "Preksha Dyan" which became very popular among Jain and non Jains.

Acharya Mahapragya was a renowned scholar. He was author of several hundreds of books and articles.

Jyoti Kothari

आनंदघन जी के पद : अब हम अमर भये न मरेंगे

2010-05-11T02:00:00.000-07:00

अब हम अमर भये न मरेंगे (अब),
या कारण मिथ्यात्व दिए तज, क्यों कर देह धरेंगे.

राग द्वेष जग वंध करत है, इनको नाश करेंगे,
मर्यो अनंत काल ते प्राणी, सोऽहं काल करेंगे.

देह विनाशी, हूँ अविनाशी, अपनी गति पकरेंगे,
नाशी जासी हम थिरवाशी, चोखे हैं निखरेंगे.

मर्यो अनंत वार बिन समझ्यो, अब सुख दुःख विसरेंगे,
आनंदघन निपट अक्षर दो, नहीं समरे सो मरेंगे.

आनंदघन जी के पद : आशा औरन की क्या कीजे

आनंदघन जी के पद : अब हम अमर भये न मरेंगे

ज्योति कोठारी

आनंदघन जी के पद : आशा औरन की क्या कीजे

2010-05-11T01:49:00.000-07:00

आशा औरन की क्या कीजे, ज्ञान सुधा रस पीजे (आशा.)

भटके द्वारी द्वारी लोकन के, कुकर आशा धारी,
आतम अनुभव रस के रसिया, उतरे न कबहु खुमारी.

आशा दासी के जे जाये, ते नर जग के दाशा
आशा दासी करे जे नायक, लायक अनुभब पाशा.

मनसा प्याला, प्रेम मसाला, ब्रह्म अग्नि पर जाली,
तन भाटी उबटाई पिए कष, जागे अनुभव लाली.

अगम प्याला पियो मतवाला, चिन्हे अध्यातम वासा,
आनंदघन चेतन वै खेले, देखे लोक तमाशा.

आनंदघन जी के पद : आशा औरन की क्या कीजे

आनंदघन जी के पद : अब हम अमर भये न मरेंगे

ज्योति कोठारी

Vardhaman Infotech
A leading IT company in Jaipur
Rajasthan, India
E-mail: info@vardhamaninfotech.com

Vegetarianism: The way of healthy life

2010-04-13T14:09:00.000-07:00

Vegetarianism: The way of healthy life

Thanks,
Jyoti Kothari

(Jyoti Kothari, Proprietor, Vardhaman Gems, Jaipur represents Centuries Old Tradition of Excellence in Gems and Jewelry. He is also ISO 9000 professional)

Mahavira Jayanti in Jaipur

2010-03-28T03:39:00.000-07:00

Jaipur has celebrated Mahavir Jayanti today with full enthusiasm. Mahavir Jayanti is birth day celebration of 24th Jain Tirthankara Lord Mahavira. Mahavir Jayanti procession started from Mahavir Park and proceeded through Choura rasta, Badi Choupad, Johri bazar to its final destination Ramlila ground MI road. The theme of the procession was "Jainism and environment".

Elephants, Chariots, vehicles, band etc were adding attraction to the procession. Thousands of people from Jain communities participated in this procession. Several Mandals including Mahila Mandals participated in the procession in Jaipur. The procession was converted in to a huge Dharma Sabha at Ramlila ground.

Approximately 300 units of blood were collected in a blood donation camp.

Read full news:
Mahavir Jayanti in Jaipur
Mahavir Jayanti today

Mahavira Jayanti today

2010-03-27T14:07:00.000-07:00

Today is Mahavira Jayanti. Mahavira Jayanti is Janma Kalyanaka or birth day celebration of Lord Mahavira. Entire Jain community all over the world celebrates this festival with great enthusiasm.

Mahavira Jayanti comes on Chaitra Shukla Trayodashi every year according to Indian Lunar Calendar. This day falls on March 28, Sunday, this year 2010.

Jain community observes this day with offering Puja, processions, enactment, symposium on Lord Mahavira and Jainism. Central Government of India has declared Mahavira Jayanti as a holiday in India.

Mahavira Jayanti is observed as Ahimsa Diwas (Non-violence day) and butcheries are closed in many states. It is also a dry day in many states in India.

Read News
Mahavira Jayanti

Jain Websites and web pages

2010-03-23T13:05:00.001-07:00

Navpad Oli starts today

2010-03-21T21:18:00.000-07:00

Navpad, Siddhachakra Yantra

Rambag Jain Temple, Azimganj

Navpad Oli is starting from today. This is Chaitra Oli starting from Chaitra Shukla Saptami, March 22, 2010 and will prolong till March 30, Chaitra Shukla Purnima. Navpad Oli comes twice in a year, in Chaitra and in Ashwina.

This is nine days Jain festival dedicated to Navpad alias Siddha Chakra. Jain people observe nine days Ayambil (A special type of fast) to offer their homage to Navpad (Siddhachakra), the nine ultimate virtues of the universe. Navpad or Siddhachakra has ultimate value in Jainism.

These nine ultimate "Pad: (Post) are as follow:
1. Arihant
2. Siddha
3. Acharya
4. Upadhyaya
5. Sadhu
6. Samyag Darshan
7. Samyag Jnyana (Gyan)
8. Samyag Charitra
9. Samyag Tapa

Jain observes one pad each day, first pad on the first day, second pad on the second day and so on. Today, the first day is to observe "Arihant" pad.

Read More:
Navpad Oli in Jainism

Our web sites:

MCX
Ahimsa

Lipindia

Corpsecy

Merger Bazaar

Vansh Vriksh

Vansh-Vruksh

Google Reseller

Hubber

Narendra Modi

NDTV India

NSE India

Rambagh Gems

Reliable Jewelry

Vipasyana

Agrawal

Akha Teej

Bikaner

Haryana

Hindi-Movies

Micheal Jackson

Mumbai Net

Rambagh

Bailout

Bhubaneshwar

Bhuramal Rajmal Surana

BSE India

Cartier

Census India

Coimbatore

Dalal Street

Eastern Railways

Festival India

Gemstones

Golden India

Gujrat

Indian-Airlines

India Tour

Maharashtra

Manipur

Murshidabad

Sonia Gandhi

Tamilnadu

Vardhaman Gems

West Bengal

Baroda

Diamond Necklace

Gems Jewelry

Gemstones-Jewelry

Indian Railways

Jaipur Gemstones

Karnatak

Maps of India

Meghalaya

News India

Orissa

Punjab

Rambagh Jewelry

RBSE

Reserve Bank of India

Suranas

Tourism India

Writer

BCCI

Chandigarh

Economy-America

Get Jobs

Green Collar Jobs

Hangseng

Hindi Songs

Indian Cities

Indian Jewelry

India Results

Kanpur

Kerala Tourism

Mizoram

Mumbai Central

Nifty-Online

Pune

Red Fort

States of India

Torrent Download

Tripura

Web Jainism

Website Optimization

Western Railways

Ahmadabad

Andhra Pradesh

Business Credit

Google Directory

Hollywood-Bollywood

Howrah

Indian States

Katrina Kaif

Mysore

Online Nifty

Swetambar

Visakhapatnam

Aryabhatt

Assam

Bihar

Business-America

Charminar

Jodhpur

Maheshwari

Monuments

Shanghai China

Arunachal Pradesh

Barmer

Dhan Teras

Economic Crisis

Guwahati

Hawamahal

Nagpur

Ncdex

Nifty Online

Photo-Video

Sensex

Terapanth

Varanasi

Web Dunia

Aaj Tak

Business Finance

Google Backlinks

Mount Abu

Northern Railways

Photos-Videos

Sikkim

Andaman & Nicobar

Chettiar

Digambar

Mumbai

Naukri

Shenzhen-China

Shrimal

Southern Railways

Victoria Memorial

Bhutan

Himachal Pradesh

Jammu & Kashmir

Khandelwal

Lucknow

Nagaland

Tajmahal

CBSE

Chennai

Rishabh Dev

World Cup Cricket

Madhya Pradesh

Patna

Rahul Gandhi

CWG Delhi 2010

Hub Page

Jaisalmer

India Tourism

Secunderabad

New Delhi

Bulgari

Kolkata

Oswal

Tendulkar Sachin

Mahavira

MCDEX

Jain Samaj

Parasnath

Agra

Rajasthan

Uttar Pradesh

Adinath

Directory Google

Raipur

Icc-Cricket

Business India

Allvoices News

Incredible India

Navratri
IPL T20

Vegetarianism: Way of healthy life

2010-03-15T11:57:00.000-07:00

Jainism advocates strongly for vegetarianism. Jain community also follow the rule of Jainism till date. In fact, it is difficult to find a non vegetarian Jain.

Vegetarianism is a healthy way of life. It helps keep us healthy. Vegetarian diet is better than Non vegetarian food. Non vegetarian food leads to high cholesterol, hypertension, obesity, cardiac diseases, cancer etc. vegetarian diet help us preventing these diseases and keep us healthy.

Please read this article about Vegetarianism.

Vegetarianism: Way of healthy life

Akha Teej will come twice this year

2010-02-24T12:00:00.000-08:00

There will be two Baisakh (Vaisakh) months in this year. This is because of Adhimas system in Indian lunar calendar (Panchang). Akha Teej falls on the lunar month of Baisakh. Hence, there are two days for Akha Teej or Akshay Tritiya in this year. The first day falls on April 17 and the second on May 16, 2010.
Akshay tritiya or Akha teej is largely celebrated in Jain communities.

There is a dispute between different sects of Jain community regarding this auspicious day. Some sects will be following Akha Teej on the first date i.e. April 17 and some on the second i.e. May 16.

Lord Rishabhdev, Adinath, broke his year long fast (Varshi Tap Parna) on this day in Hastinapur. Jain community celebrates this auspicious day to commemorate Parna of Lord Rishbh Dev. Large numbers of Varshi Tap Tapaswi go for Parna on this day to Palitana and Hastinapur.

Concept of universe in Jainism

2010-02-11T15:02:00.000-08:00

The Universe is eternal entity according to Jainism. It is never created hence beginning less. According to Jainism beginning less substances are also endless. The universe is eternal.

Most of the religions and philosophies believe that the universe has a beginning and a creator God has created the Universe. However, Jainism does not believe in a creator God and concept of Universe in Jainism is self supported. This is the unique concept of Jainism that also matches by and large with modern sciences and astronomy........
Read more:
Jainism: Concept of Universe

Thanks,
Jyoti Kothari

(Jyoti Kothari, proprietor, Vardhaman Gems, Jaipur represents centuries old tradition of excellence in Gems and Jewelry. He is also a Quality Management System, ISO 9000 Professional.)
(Jyoti Kothari, Proprietor, Vardhaman Gems, Jaipur represents Centuries Old Tradition of Excellence in Gems and Jewelry. He is also ISO 9000 professional)

Old Jain idols in Bikaner brought out for Darshan and Puja

2010-02-06T08:15:00.000-08:00

Bhanda Shah Jain temple

Bhamda Shah Jain Temple, Toran Dwar

Old Jain idols kept underground for centuries at Chinatamani Parasnath temple in Bikaner, Rajasthan are brought out for Darshan and Puja. The temple trustees have decided to bring all these 1100 Prachin Jain Tirthankara Pratima for public viewing and worship.

Most of these Jain idols are Panch Tirthi and made of Panch Dhatu. Some of these idols are of Marble and one is of rock crystal (Sfatik Ratna). These idols were kept underground since Mogul period to save them from Muslim invaders.

Bikaner Jain Samaj has organized Dasanhika Mahotsava to celebrate this event between January 31 and February 10, 2010. Thousands of devotees from all over India and overseas have been coming to visit, view and worship those old idols.

Bikaner is a major Jain district with 35 Jain temples. Chintamani Parasnath, Bhanda Shah, Neminath and Adinath temples are the most famous Jain temples in Bikaner.

Pungalia temple anniversary in Jaipur

2010-01-28T14:25:00.000-08:00

Pungalia temple situated near Railway station, Jaipur is a century old temple built by the Pungalia family. This temple is dedicated to the main deity Rishabhdev alias Adinath, the first Tirthankar. The Jain temple has beautiful wall paintings worth visit. The temple is built with environment friendly green way.

There is a Dadabadi inside the temple campus along with a Dharmashala. The Pungalia family organize Satraha Bhedi Puja every year on the eve of anniversary of the temple. Sri Shantichand Vimalchand Padamchand Pungalia family hosted anniversary program this year on January 27, 2010.

Jagdish Sharma, a renowned Indian classical singer sang the Puja. Jain Vidhikarak Yashwant Golechha, Manakchand Golechha and Jyoti Kothari accompanied Jagdish Sharma in singing the classical devotional songs of सत्रह भेदी पूजा. Premchand Shrishrimal was the Vidhikarak of the Puja.Hundreds of devotees took part in this devotional program.

Pungalia family hosted for tea and snacks after completion of the program.

Thanks,
Jyoti Kothari

Jain Yoga Conference

2010-01-25T11:45:00.000-08:00

Image via Wikipedia

I have received an E-Mail from SOAS about their conference on Jain Yoga and presenting here for your perusal. SOAS is working under London University.

JAINA YOGA

18-19 March 2010
Brunei Gallery Lecture Theatre, SOAS

Registration details can be found below.

Lecture
18 March 2010, 6-8 pm
Speaker: Sagarmal Jain
The Historical Development of the Jaina-Yoga System and the Impact of other Indian Yoga Systems on it. A Comparative and Critical Study

Workshop
19 March 2010, 9-6 pm
Speaker details can be found on the online page (see link above)

Participants & Talk Titles:

Piotr Balcerowicz (University of Warsaw)
Extrasensory Perception (yogi-pratyakṣa) in Jainism and its Soteriological Implications
Bansidhar Bhatt (University of Münster)
Study in Meditational Techniques in Early Jainism
Johannes Bronkhorst (University of Lausanne)
Kundakunda versus Sāṃkhya on the Soul
Samani Chaitypragya & Samani Rohinipragya (Jaina Vishva Bharati)
Concept of ‘Sandhi’ In Jain Scriptures - A Hermeneutic Approach
John E. Cort (Denison University)
When Will I Meet Such a Guru? Images of the Yogī in Digambara Hymns
Chris Chapple (Loyola University, Los Angeles)
The Jaina Yogas of Haribhadra
Andrea R. Jain (Rice University, Houston)
Prekṣā: A Jain Form of Modern Yoga
Smita Kothari (University of Toronto)
A Case Study of Prekṣā Dhyāna and the Terāpanth
Jefferey Long (Elizabethtown College)
Yaśovijaya’s View of Yoga
Olle Qvarnström (Lund University)
On the Concept of Yoga in Jainism
Jayandra Soni (University of Marburg)
Yoga in Jaina Philosophical Works

Supported by:
Swedish Research Council
Oscar och Signe Krooks stiftelse
The Lars Hierta Memorial Foundation
Victoria & Albert Museum Jain Art Fund
Lund University

The event is free and open to the public.

Registration:
Contact Centres & Programmes (REO)
events@soas.ac.uk or 020 7898 4892/3

All Welcome
Brunei Gallery Lecture Theatre (BGLT)
Brunei Gallery, SOAS, Russell Square
London WC1H 0XG

Karma Theory Part 1
Karma Theory Part 2
Karma Theory Part 3
Karma Theory part 4
Karma Theory part 5

Thanks,
Jyoti Kothari

Jyoti Kothari is an author and hubber who writes about Gems and Jewelry, India, Economy, Finance, Management, Skills, Job, Employment, Food, Environment, Jainism and on many other topics.
He is proprietor, Vardhaman Gems, Jaipur, representing centuries old tradition of Excellence in Gems and Jewelry.

Karma Theory Part 5: Charitra Mohaniya Karma

2010-01-18T13:37:00.000-08:00

In Karma theory Part 4 I have mentioned that Charitra Mohaniya Karma is divided into two parts
1. Kashaya and 2. No-Kashaya.
Kashaya are further divided into four groups of four each. These are
1. Anantanuvandhi
2. Apratyakhyanavaraniya or Apratyakhyani
3. Pratyakhyanavaraniya or Pratyakhyani
4. Sanjwalan

These four groups demonstrate capacity of a Kashya to restrain Atma from ascending Gunasthana. Anantanuvandhi resists Atma to obtain Samyaktwa and keeps in Mithyatwa.

Apratyakhyanavaraniya or Apratyakhyani resists from taking any vows keeps Atma in Avrati stage.

Pratyakhyanavaraniya or Pratyakhyani resists Atma from obtaining monk hood or complete vows. It resists Jeeva from total sacrifice and keeps in Desh Virati stage.

Sanjwalan Kashaya restricts Jeeva from obtaining Veetrag dasha i.e. total abolution of Mohaniya Karma.
These four Kashaya (Each) are further classified into four categories according to the nature of the particular Kashaya. These four are

1. Krodh (Anger)

2. Man (Ego)

3. Maya (Deceiving)

4. Lobh (Greed)

Hence, Kashaya are of 4X4 types i.e. 16.

No- Kashaya: Here "No" means supporting. There are nine No-Kashaya those are not themselves Kashaya but act as catalyst to Kashaya. These motivates and provoke Jeeva to act on Kashayik Bhava or Parinam.

1. Hasya (Laugh)

2. Rati (Liking)

3. Arati (Disliking)

4. Bhay (Fear)

5. Shok (Mourning)

6. Duganchha or Jugupsa (Hatred)
Above mentioned six are referred as Hasyadi Shatak.

There are three Veda which are also included among nine No- Kashaya. Veda represents sexual desires.

1. Purush Veda (Male sex)
2. Shtree Veda (Female sex)
3. Napunsak Veda (Impotent)

Please note that these Veda are not related to physical appearances but to sexual desires.
Sixteen Kashaya and nine No- Kashaya altogether are twenty five types of Charitra Mohaniya Karma. While we include three types of Darshan Mohaniya karma we get a result of twenty eight types of Mohaniya Karma.

Please remember that Mohaniya karma is the emperor of all Karma. Jain karma theory warns to be cautious of these karma. Karma theory of Jainism preaches to eradicate Darshan Mohaniya karma and Anantanuvandhi kashaya at first stage to achieve Samyaktwa or Samyag Darshan. And then to eradicate rest of twelve Kashaya and nine No- Kashaya including Hasyadi Shatak and three Veda to obtain Veetraga dasha. Veetraga dasha is the only way to achieve Keval Jnyan (Gyan) or omniscience.

Wish every reader eradication of Mohaniya karma to obtain Veetraga dasha.

Karma Theory Part 1
Karma Theory Part 2
Karma Theory Part 3
Karma Theory part 4
Karma Theory part 5

Thanks,
Jyoti Kothari

Jyoti Kothari is an author and hubber who writes about Gems and Jewelry, India, Economy, Finance, Management, Skills, Job, Employment, Food, Environment, Jainism and on many other topics.
He is proprietor, Vardhaman Gems, Jaipur, representing centuries old tradition of Excellence in Gems and Jewelry.

जैन विधि विधान

2010-01-11T07:40:00.000-08:00

किसी भी कार्य को करने के तरीके को विधि कहते हैं. जैन धर्मं में अनेक प्रकार के धार्मिक अनुष्ठान होते हैं. इन धार्मिक अनुष्ठानों को करने के तरीके को ऍम तौर पर विधि विधान कहते हैं. अंजनशलाका, प्रतिष्ठा, दीक्षा, पूजा, महापूजन आदि अनेक प्रकार के अनुष्ठान होते हैं जिनमे काफी विधि विधान होते हैं.

वर्त्तमान प्रचालन के अनुसार इन अनुष्ठानों को संपन्न करने के लिए विधि कारकों को बुलाया जाता है. आम तौर पर ये कार्य किसी साधू या साध्वी भगवंतों की निश्रा में विधि कारक के सहयोग से संपन्न होता है.

विधि कारक जैन धर्म के सिद्धांतों एवं परम्पराओं के अनुसार उपरोक्त सभी कार्य संपन्न करवाते हैं.

जयपुर के प्रख्यात विधि कारक श्री यशवंत गोलेछा ने उपरोक्त जानकारी दी.

श्री यशवंत गोलेछा ने प्रख्यात एवं मुंबई निवासी वयोवृद्ध विधिकारक श्री वंकिम भाई के. शाह के सान्निध्य में लम्बे समय तक रह कर विधि विधान की शिक्षा ग्रहण की.

उन्होंने रावतभाटा, गांधीसागर, कोटा, जयपुर, जोधपुर, रतलाम, मुंबई, भुज, मांडवी, अंजार आदि अनेक स्थानों में प्रतिष्ठा करवाई है. साथ ही विभिन्न स्थानों पर अनेकों महापूजन, पूजाएँ एवं पर्युषण आदि भी करवाए हैं.
Karma Theory Part 1
Karma Theory Part 2
Karma Theory Part 3
Karma Theory part 4

Thanks,
Jyoti Kothari

Jyoti Kothari is an author and hubber who writes about Gems and Jewelry, India, Economy, Finance, Management, Skills, Job, Employment, Food, Environment, Jainism and on many other topics.
He is proprietor, Vardhaman Gems, Jaipur, representing centuries old tradition of Excellence in Gems and Jewelry.

Karma Theory in Jainism: Mohaniya Karma Part 4

2010-01-02T11:14:00.000-08:00

Karma theory of Jainism depicts that Karma is divided into eight parts and we have discussed Darshanavaraniya Karma in the last part of the discussion. Third of the Ghati karma is Mohaniya Karma. Mohaniya Karma is the king of all Karma. In fact all Karma exists for infinite period due to Mohaniya Karma. This is the strongest, long lasting and most powerful of all Karma.

Mohaniya Karma is further divided in two parts:
1. Darshan Mohaniya
2. Charitra Mohaniya

Darshan Mohaniya is the main reason and root cause of Samsara. It restricts Samyag Darshan or right View. Mundane soul rotates in the earthly perspectives and can not attain Moksha (Nirvana) because of this Karma. Darshan Mohaniya Karma is always accompanied by Ajnyana. There are three types of Darshana Mohaniya according to Jain theory of Karma.

1. Mithyatva Mohaniya
2. Mishra Mohaniya
3. Samyaktva Mohaniya

Mithyatva Mohaniya causes Mithyatva or wrong belief (wrong view) and resist soul to attain Samyaktva. It has the highest time period (Sthiti) among all Karma i.e. 7000 trillion Sagaropama.

Mishra Mohaniya also resist Soul in attaining Samyaktva or Samyag Darshan. The very nature of the karma keeps the soul in ambiguity and does not let the Soul to determine the substances (Tatva).

Samyaktva Mohaniya can exist even with Samyak Darshan. It is a type of impurity that resist the soul from attaining Kshayik Samyag Darshan.

Charitra Mohaniya is divided in to two parts according to Karma Granth. Jain Karma theory speaks that these are Kashay and No- kashay.

I will discuss the theory about Charitra Mohaniya Karma in the next part.

Karma Theory Part 1
Karma Theory Part 2
Karma Theory Part 3
Karma Theory part 4
Karma Theory part 5

Thanks,
Jyoti Kothari

Jyoti Kothari is an author and hubber who writes about Gems and Jewelry, India, Economy, Finance, Management, Skills, Job, Employment, Food, Environment, Jainism and on many other topics.
He is proprietor, Vardhaman Gems, Jaipur, representing centuries old tradition of Excellence in Gems and Jewelry.

Happy New year !!

2009-12-30T14:00:00.000-08:00

Dear visitors,
May heaven bless you, your family and friends to a prosperous 2010. Wish you a very very
Happy New year !!!

Thanks,

What are Gemstones?

Vardhaman Gems

Map

My articles

Dr. Ashok Parakh, Chairman, Private University Regulatory Commission, Chhattishgarh

2009-12-30T13:06:00.000-08:00

Dr. Ashok Parakh, Raipur has been appointed as Chairman, Private University Regulatory Commission, Chhattishgarh. Dr. Ashok Parakh is a renowned scholar in business and commerce.

He acted previously as Professor in Durga college, the biggest college in Raipur, capital of Chhattisgarh. Durga college comes under Ravi Shankar Shukla university, Raipur.

Dr. Parakh is author of many text books. He has also been instrumental to many research projects and guide to Ph.D thesis.He writes regularly in various News papers such as Nai Dunia, Dainik Bhaskar and Navbharat.

Dr. Parakh is not only academicians but also serves Jain society and Jainism with his heart. He is trustee of Rishabhdev Jain temple, Sadar Bazar, the main and oldest Jain temple in Raipur.

Dr. Ashok Parakh spoke about state of Private universities in Chhattisgarh in an exclusive interview with Jyoti Kothari on his recent visit to Jaipur, Rajasthan.

Interview with Dr. Ashok Parakh Video

Pearls are not for Jain
Karma Theory

Thanks,

Jyoti Kothari

(Jyoti Kothari, proprietor, Vardhaman Gems, Jaipur represents centuries old tradition of excellence in Gems and Jewelry. He is also a Quality Management System, ISO 9000 Professional.)

Karma Theory in Jainism Part 3

2009-12-28T11:57:00.000-08:00

Continued from Part 2.....

As I have mentioned earlier that there are eight principal Karmas and these are further divided into sub parts. I have already mentioned about Jnyanavaraniya Karma or Gyanavaraniya Karma. Here is the description of Darshanavaraniya Karma.

1. Chakshu Darshanavaraniya Karma
2. Achakshu Darshanavaraniya Karma
3. Avadhi Darshanavaraniya Karma
4. Kevala Darshanavaraniya Karma

Chakshu Darshanavaraniya Karma is liable to restrictions and disabilities related to Chakshu (Eyes) where as Achakshu Darshanavaraniya Karma is liable for senses (Indriya) other than eyes. These senses are touch, taste, smell and hearing.

Avadhi Darshanavaraniya Karma restricts Avadhi Darshan. Avadhi Darshan is similar to Avadhi Jnyana. Subject of Jnyana is Vishesha and that of Darshan is Samanya.

Kevala Darshanavaraniya Karma restricts soul to obtain Kevala Darshana. Keval Jnyan and Keval Darshan always stay together.
Karma Theory Part 1
Karma Theory Part 2
Karma Theory Part 3
Karma Theory part 4
Karma Theory part 5

Thanks,
Jyoti Kothari

Jyoti Kothari is an author and hubber who writes about Gems and Jewelry, India, Economy, Finance, Management, Skills, Job, Employment, Food, Environment, Jainism and on many other topics.
He is proprietor, Vardhaman Gems, Jaipur, representing centuries old tradition of Excellence in Gems and Jewelry.

Pearls are not for Jain

2009-12-26T14:46:00.000-08:00

Pearls are used as gems since ancient times. Jewelers make beautiful Jewelry from pearls all over the world. However, pearls are not for Jain community. Most of the pearls are obtained through a highly violent and Cruel process. We know that Jainism is known for Ahimsa, the non-violence.

Pearls were found naturally from both sea water and fresh water since time immemorial and people were using those in strings and other varieties of Jewelry. However, Mikimoti in Japan invented a method to culture pearls artificially. As real pears were rare, cultured pearls soon became very popular.

Later on many other varieties of artificial pearls came in the market such as Bibaco pearls, fresh water pearls and finally the Chinese pearls. Chinese pearls are also known as Hyderabad pearls in India.

All these pearls are obtained by killing oysters. Oysters are living beings, hence it is not advisable for Jain community to use these pearls.

Millions of oysters are nurtured and injected artificially to get pearls. Those are killed to obtain pearls. It is seen that some of the Jain Jewelers are involved in this business. Though most of them do not farm oysters but they obtain pearls from fishermen who kill the oysters. Using pearls causes acute Karma Vandh.Users have to face Karmic bondage in this life or another birth.

Ghor Himsa also leads to Narak gati according to the philosophy of Jainism as preached by the Jain Tirthankar Mahavir.

I request these Jewelers to leave the business and adopt some other business that is less violent.
Jain, Jainism, Jain Temples,

Karma Theory Part 1
Karma Theory Part 2

Thanks,

Jyoti Kothari

(Jyoti Kothari, proprietor, Vardhaman Gems, Jaipur represents centuries old tradition of excellence in Gems and Jewelry. He is also a Quality Management System, ISO 9000 Professional.)

Paush Dashmi Festival in Jaipur

2009-12-11T11:16:00.000-08:00

Paush Dashmi is the birth date of Lord Parshwanath commonly known as Parasnath, 23rd Tithankar of Jain. Jain community all over India observe birth day of their Tirthankar with great enthusiasm.

Jain offer Puja in various temples. Ceremony was organized in Deraur Parasnath temple with a Puja. Vidhikarak Yashwant Golechha conducted Puja. Puja was followed by a Sadharmi Vatsalya.

A Barghoda (Procession) is traditionally brought from Mohanbadi Sanwalia Parasnath Temple to Panchayati Mandir in Johri Bazar.

Paush Dashmi Festival in Jaipur Video

This video is about a traditional procession (Barghoda or Julush) from Mohanbadi to Suparshwanath Jain temple in Jaipur, Rajasthan. The procession starts from Mohanbadi, an old Jain temple and Dadabadi and progresses thorugh Ramganj and Manak Choupad to Johari Bazar. It enters in to the streets of Johri Bazar and reach Suparshwanath Jain temple in Dada, Gheewalon Ka Rasta via Vichakshan Bhawan.
People welcome the procession there and worship Lord Parshwanath (Parasnath) with Bhajan, Arati and Mangal Dipak.

Jain, Jainism, Jain Temples, Festivals

Jainism and Environment
Green collar job: Environment friendly way of employment
Jainism and Environment Part 1
Jainism and Environment Part 2

Thanks,
Jyoti Kothari

Video: Jalgaon Dadabadi

2009-12-09T14:40:00.001-08:00

View Video of Jalgaon Dadabadi in Maharashtra, India

Pratishtha in Jalgaon

Jain Temples in India

2009-12-09T12:41:00.000-08:00

Shrimad Rajchandra Ashram Agas: A spiritual place: Photo gallery

Spiritual place Agas Ashram is established to observe teachings of Shrimad Rajchandra. He was an enlightened person contemporary to Swami Vivekanand. He was spiritual Guru of Mahatma Gandhi.
25 comments

Photo Gallery: Parasnath: Glass Temple in Kolkata

Shree Sheetalnath Swami,The Tenth Teerthankara. The Parasnath Temple Wanna visit Kolkata, Capital of West Bengal, India? A must visit is Parashnath Jain temple built by Rai Badridas Bahadoor Mookim. Rai...
18 comments

Photo Gallery: Jain Temples in Murshidabad

Tirthankar Parswanath in White marble. 24 Tirthankaras. Six in each side. Murshidabad is a historical district in West Bengal province in India. Nawab Mursheed coolie Khan established the city of Murshidabad...
4 comments

Photo Gallery: Kolkata Jain Dadabadi

Magnificent front view of Kolkata Jain Dadabadi Beautiful back view of Kolkata Jain Dadabadi Kolkata is now the capital of West Bengal and the second biggest city (After Mumbai) in India. It was the Capital...
7 comments

Palitana: Jain pilgrimage center: Photo gallery

Jain sacred symbol Hrimkara with 24 Tirthankaras Rshabhadeva in Palitana Jain sacred symbol Omkara with Pancha Parameshthi Sri Adinath Rshabh Deva, Mulanayak, Agam mandir, Palitana Talheti Tirthankar...
2 comments

Pratishtha in Jalgaon

2009-12-09T12:27:00.000-08:00

Pratishtha ceremony of Jalgaon Jain Temple is scheduled on December 12, 2009. Suresh Dada Jain, a well known political entity in Jalgaon and Maharashtra has built this temple. He built a Dadabadi few years back In Jalgaon and announced building a temple at that time.

The newly built Jain temple is situated on the other side of road of the Dadabadi. Suresh Dada Jain built both jain temple and Dadabadi to honor his parents. Jain Sadhwi (Nun) Shree ManiprabhaJain temple and Dadabadi. Sri Ji inspired him to built

Pratishtha of the temple will be accomplished in the auspices of the same Sadhwi Maniprabha Sri Ji. Sadhwi Maniprabha Sri Ji is disciple of famous Jain Sadhwi Jain Kokila Shree Vichakshan Sri Ji. She belongs to Khartar Gachchha sect of Jain Shwetambar Jainism in Jalgaon and other parts of Maharashtra. community. Pratishtha of this jain temple will help expansion of

Suresh Dada Jain has invited Jain communities from all over the world to participate in the Pratishtha ceremony. Large numbers of devotees are expected to reach there from various parts of India and overseas. Major overseas participation is expected from the US and the UK.

Jain, Jainism, Jain Temples

Jainism and Environment
Green collar job: Environment friendly way of employment
Jainism and Environment Part 1
Jainism and Environment Part 2

Thanks,

Jyoti Kothari

President Obama's Diwali Message for Jainism

2009-11-17T14:39:00.000-08:00

President Obama, US refers to Lord Mahavira and the Tirthankaras in a video that you can watch here:
American President Obama's Diwali Message states:-

"On behalf of the American people ...In Jainism the occasion celebratess the Nirvana of Lord Mahavira, one of a long line of spiritual leaders known for achieving enlightenment by freeing themselves of base human impulses and emotions. ..."

Incidentally in the video at :-
http://www.whitehouse.gov/video/The-President-Observes-Diwali/
Obama refers to Jainism at about 12 minutes and 45 seconds.
Never has an American President spoken so accurately about Jain and Jainism.

I am thankful to Suraj Nowlakha for information.

Thanks,

Jyoti Kothari

America, American, Economy, Economic Crisis, Recession, Finance, Money, Business, Income, Invest, Investment, Stock Exchange, Stock Market, Dow Jones, Jain, Jainism, Jain Temples

Know more about Rajasthan

Know more about Jaipur

Bahushruta Jain monk Muni Jambuvijayaji killed in a road accident

2009-11-16T12:29:00.001-08:00

An E-mail from Shikhar Kochar, Chennai informed me of this sad incident. I reproduce the mail as it is.

Bahushruta Jain monk Muni Jambuvijayaji was killed in a road accident. His tragic death is deeply mourned.

In the morning of 12 November, 2009 Jambuvijayaji was traveling on foot along with other monks from Balotra in Rajasthan to Jaisalmer and they were hit by a speeding truck. Two monks, Jambuvijayaji and Namaskarvijayaji died in the accident and others are seriously injured. Jambuvijayji was 87 years old.

I am deeply saddened to hear of this grave loss. Muni Jambuvijaya was a scholar in the tradition of Upadhyaya Yashovijaya. He was only interested in the Agamas and his work. He had no interest in sectarian politics, in building temples, etc. All he did was produce high class critical editions of the Agamas for the Mahavira Jain Vidyalaya series.

I have been fortunate enough to meet him in 2004. One of his students, Prof Dr Sin Fujinaga had taken me to meet him. We were in Ahmedabad as we were both presenting papers at the World Peace Conference there.

Dr Fujinaga took me to Koba and there we spent about 7 - 8 hours with pujya maharaj Shri Jambuvijayaji.

Jambuvijayaji was kind enough to spare a lot of time for us. He knew my great-grandfather, Pandit Nathuram Premi, very well and reminisced about his meetings with him. Fortunately for me, Shri Chitrabhanuji also arrived at about the same time to meet Jambuvijayaji. And since I am close to Chitrabhanuji, it was wonderful to spend the day in the august presence of such learned scholars.

We discussed several issues. Jambuvijayaji spoke of his tremendous reverence for Acarya Kundakunda, Acarya Pujyapada, Acarya Akalanka and Acarya Joindu and both Chitrabhanuji and Jambuvijayaji expressed their immense admiration for the Samayasara.

Jambuvijayaji spoke of the many occasions when he has visited Digambara Jain temples and said in a light vein. - 'Pitaji to pitaji hote hain, aankh lagaao to, nahiin lagaao to bhii.' (My father is my father, whether he is fitted with external eyes or not). He was referring to the Jinas, and saying that whether the Jina image was a Shvetambara image (with external eyes affixed to it) or a Digambara image (without external eyes affixed to it).

Both Jambuvijayaji and Chitrabhanuji, also, the Bandhu Triputi (Titthal) were all antevasi (direct) students of Acarya Prem Suri (of Pindwada). Acarya Prem Suri was one of the most important Jain monks of the 20th century. His students were all masterpieces.

Acarya Bhuvanabhanu Suri, Acarya Ram Suri, Acarya Jayaghosha Suri were all Gacchadhipatis. Jambuvijayaji, Chitrabhanuji, Acarya Jayasundara Suri, the Bandhu Triputi are all widely respected and learned scholars.

Jambuvijayaji was a student of Premi Suri and then became a student of Bhuvanabhanu Suri. I still retain with pride, my copy of JAIN DARSHAN by Dr Mahendrakumar Nyayacarya, autographed by Jambuvijayaji. I will treasure my meeting with him in Koba and am thankful to my friend Sin Fujinaga for having taken me there to meet him.

Jambuvijayaji was a credit to Jainism. He worked all his life to create critically edited volumes of the Agamas. After his death, I can only think of Shilacandra Suri who is doing this kind of work in Shvetambara murtipujaka parampara. There is no monk in the Digambara parampara who is doing this kind of critical editing work. I have hopes from the Shvetambara Terapanthi parampara. Hopefully, they will carry on this noble task of producing critically edited texts of all Agamic literature. It is a very crucial task and Jambuvijayaji, like Jinavijayaji and Punyavijayaji before him, stuck to this low profile task manfully.

His death is a blow to all of Indological studies, not just Jain studies. Eminent Western scholars of Jainism such as Prof Dr Padmanabh S Jaini, Prof Dr Nalini Balbir, Dr Paul Dundas, Prof Dr Phyllis Granoff, Prof Dr Willem Bollee, Prof Dr Adelheid Mette, Prof Dr John Cort, Prof Dr Sin Fujinaga, Prof Dr Olle Qvarnström, Dr Peter Fluegel, Dr Kornelius Kruempelmann, Dr Eva DeClercq and Dr Piotr Balcerowicz will all be deeply saddened by this loss. As indeed is all of India.

I bow in reverence to his profound scholarship and remember with gratitude his kindness to me

Mangal Prabhat Lodha elected MLA

2009-11-14T13:10:00.000-08:00

Sri Mangal Prabhat Lodha, former President, Akhil Bharatiya Khartar Gachchha Mahasangh, has been elected as member of legislative assembly, Maharashtra in the Maharashtra assembly election 2009. Akhil Bharatiya Khartar Gachchha Mahasangh is one of the top bodies of Jain Shwetambar communities representing Khartar gachchha sect of Shwetambar Murtipujak community.

Mangal Prabhat Lodha is son of Justice Guman Mal Lodha, former member of Parliament. He is elected from Malabar hill, constituency, Mumbai. He has been elected for the fourth time from Mumbai. Voters of Malabar hill is among one of the richest communities in India. The constituency has a large number of Jain voters.

Congratulations!

Jain authors and writers invited

2009-11-02T09:25:00.000-08:00

Authors and writers on Jainism are invited to send their bio-data with experience for professional free lance assignments.
We are in process of making a data base of Jain authors needed by publishers as wel as institutions. Many Jain institutions and publishers have contacted us for a varieties of services in the field of publication of Jain writings, such as:

1. Original Jain writings
2. Editing of Jain writings
3. Copy editing of Jain writings
4. Translating of Jain writings
5. Subject editing of Jain writings
6. Proof reading of Jain writings
7. Illustrating of Jain writings and other allied jobs.

You may also indicate your expected services charges for these writing and other jobs. This data base will help those who are searching for writing jobs in Jainism.

Jain authors and writers,
Please use comment box for contacting us with your e mail addres for Jain writing jobs.

Thanks,

Jyoti Kothari

Jyoti Kothari is an author and hubber who writes about Gems and Jewelry, India, Economy, Finance, Management, Skills, Job, Employment, Food, Environment, Jainism and on many other topics.

He is proprietor, Vardhaman Gems, Jaipur, representing centuries old tradition of Excellence in Gems and Jewelry.

Sunil Shrimal, Delhi Passed away

2009-10-25T13:44:00.000-07:00

Sri Sunil Shrimal, former, secretary, Akhil Bharatiya Khartar Gachchha Mahasangh left for his heavenly abode on October 19, 2009. He was a sinccer and dedicated worker of Jain society.
He was the eldest son born of Sri Mansingh and Smt. Kamala Devi Shrimal in Didwana on October 21 1950. He was a brilliant student and obtained his B. E. degree from BITS, Pilani, a prestigious institute and awarded with gold medal.
Later on he chose career path in Gems and Jewelry business in Delhi. His maternal uncle, Sri Rajendra Shrimal, cousin of Sri Rajroop Tank, was also a famous social and religious worker. Sri Rajendra Shrimal adorned chair of vice President of Akhil Bharatiya Khartar Gachchha Mahasangh.
Sri Sunil Shrimal married to Ms. Rajbala, daughter of Seth Manilal Doshi of Delhi. He also was a famous person and treasurer of Akhil Bharatiya Khartar Gachchha Mahasangh.
Jaipur Shrimal Sabha organized a condolence meeting in his memory at Moti Dungri Dadabadi today morning October 25, 2009.
Various societies from Jain community of Jaipur paid homage to departed soul. Organization likes of Rotary club, Royal club and Mahaveer international also expressed their deep concern.
Jyoti Kothari, conducted the meeting and informed audience about life of Mr. Shrimal. The meeting was ended with spiritual preaching and Shanti path by Sadhwi Sulochana Sri Ji maharaj.

Jain Diwali: Nirvana Kalyanaka of Lord Mahavira

2009-10-18T08:14:00.000-07:00

Lord Mahavira Attained Nirvana (Salvation) on Diwali night. Jain community celebrates Diwali to worship Nirvana Kalyanaka of Lord Mahavira.

Mahavira, last of all twenty four Tirthankara, liberated from Pawapuri, Bihar on Kartik Krishna Amavasya. Pawapuri was called Madhyam Apapa Nagari at that time.

Mahavira, got enlightened and became omniviscent at the age of 42 in Jrimbhika village, Bihar on the bank of river Rjubalika. He eliminated all four Ghati Karma in process of Asseticism. His holiness lived and preached in the earth for 30 years after that. He has got Indrabhuti Gautama as his principal desciple alongwith ten other Ganadhara.

Lord Mahavira preached continuously and spontaneously for fourty eight hours before attaining Niravana on Diwali. He preached fifty five chapters of Punyafal Vipaka, fifty five chapters of Papafal Vipaka and thirty six chapters of Aputthabagarna alias Uttaradhyayana Sutra during these two days according to Kalpa Sutra.

There was fourteen thousands Monks and thirty six thousands Nuns in his Sangha. Indrabhuti Gautama was the head of Shramana (Monks) Sangha and Chandanvala was the head of Shramani (Nuns)Sangha of Lord Mahavira.

Indrabhuti Gautama became omniscient just after Nirvana of Lord Mahavira. Jain community observes Diwali to worship Kevala Jnyana of Indrabhuti Gautama too.

According to Kalpa Sutra, a sacred Jain text, people lighted "Dipak"(Like candle) to get earthly light. Mahavira was divine light.

Dipak also spelled as Deepak produces light. People put Deepak in series and rows. Aavali means row or line. Hence the word derived combining both Deep and Aavali was Deepavali. The word Diwali is inherited from word Deepawali or Deepavali.

Festival of India: Dhan Teras and Diwali
Diwali in Jaipur

Thanks,

Jyoti Kothari

Jyoti Kothari is an author and hubber who writes about Gems and Jewelry, India, Economy, Finance, Management, Skills, Job, Employment, Food, Environment, Jainism and on many other topics.
He is proprietor, Vardhaman Gems, Jaipur, representing centuries old tradition of Excellence in Gems and Jewelry.

Karma Theory in Jainism: Origin, History, Texts and other descriptions Part 2

2009-10-13T13:09:00.000-07:00

Continued from Part 1

As I have mentioned earlier there are six parts in Karma Grantha by Acharya Devendra Suri. Names of those six are as follows:

1. Karma Vipaka

2. Karmastava

3. Vandha Swamitva

4. Shadashiti

5. Shataka

6. Saptati

The first Karma Grantha "Karma Vipaka" deals with four types of Vandha that means bondage of karmik particles with the soul.

These four are:

1. Prakriti

2. Pradesh

3. Sthiti

4. Anubhaga or Rasa

Prakriti means nature. When a mundane soul involves in any actions, it attracts Karma Vargana (Karmik particles) from the nature and create a bond with that. This bonded particles further divide into eight types of Karma according to the nature of actions. These eight types are:

1. Jnyanavaraniya (Gyanavaraniya)

2. Darshanavaraniya

3. Mohaniya

4. Antaraya

5. Nama

6. Gotra

7. Vedaniya

8. Ayushya

First four of these are Ghati Karma and the next four are Aghati Karma. Ghati Karma restricts a soul to obtain Kevala Jnyana (omniviscence) and Aghati from Moksha (salvation).

1. Jnyanavaraniya (Gyanavaraniya) Karma: A soul is full of wisdom and knowledge. However, Jnyanavaraniya Karma puts a cover over it and restricts a soul to obtain knowledge and wisdom. Jnyana means knowledge and Avaran Menas cover. Hence Jnyanavaraniya means which covers or restricts to aqquire knowledge. There are five types of Jnyana or knowledge

1. Mati Jnyana (28)

2. Shruta Jnyana (14)

3. Avadhi Jnyana (6)

4. Manah Paryava Jnyana (2)

5. Kevala Jnyana (1)

Jnyanavaraniya (Gyanavaraniya) Karma is also divided into five types according to their capabilities of covering each Jnyana such as Mati Jnyanavaraniya, Shruta Jnyanavaraniya and so on. These five further have sub-divisions as mentioned in the bracket above.

Karma Theory Part 1
Karma Theory Part 2
Karma Theory Part 3
Karma Theory part 4
Karma Theory part 5

Thanks,
Jyoti Kothari

Jyoti Kothari is an author and hubber who writes about Gems and Jewelry, India, Economy, Finance, Management, Skills, Job, Employment, Food, Environment, Jainism and on many other topics.
He is proprietor, Vardhaman Gems, Jaipur, representing centuries old tradition of Excellence in Gems and Jewelry.

Karma Theory in Jainism: Origin, History, Texts and other descriptions Part 1

2009-10-12T15:04:00.000-07:00

Most of the Indian philosophies believe in Karma theory. Vedic, Buddhist and Jain, all have a faith on Karma and Karmafal. However, they differ in many points.

Jainism has the most subtle description of Karma. Ninth of the fourteen "Purva" is dedicated to Karma theory and named as "Karma Pravaad Purva". This is part of "Drishtivaada", the biggest, greatest, most complicated part of teachings of Lord Mahavira.

We can not find Drishtivaada as people can not retain it in their memory some centuries after the Lord. Probably, Acharya Aryarakshita Suri was the last to retain Karma Pravaad Purva with him.

Karma theory is described in many places in ancient Jain texts, Aagama. Bhagwati Sutra, the fifth Anga Sutra describes a lot about Karma. We get references in many other anga such as Sthananga and Samavaayaanga Sutra, Uttaraadhyayana Sutra etc. A separate Anga Vipaka Sutra is dedicated to Karma Vipaka that means fruits of Karma.

Tons of texts are written about Karma theory later on such as "Kamma Payadi" in Shwetambara and "Gommatsara" in Digambar school.

However, the most popular is "Karma Grantha" by Acharya Devendra Suri, It is so popular that almost every reader of Jainism reads it. This is didided into six parts. The last part describes that this text is a drop from the ocean of Drishtivada.

Karmagrantha falls into the category of "Ganitaanuyoga" alias Karanaanuyoga among four divisions of Jain texts. Rest of three Anuyoga are Kathaanuyoga alias Prathamaanuyoga, Charanaanuyoga and Dravyaanuyoga.
Ganita / Karana means mathematics in Sanskrit language. Hence, tons of mathematical calculations are there in Karma Grantha to describe specific theories of Vandha, Udaya, Udirnaa, Satta, Sankraman, Upashamana, Apavartanaa, Udvartanaa, Nidhatta and Nikaachana.

Karma Grantha also deals with five causes of Karma Vandh, Avadhaa Kaala, eight types of Karma Prakriti and sub types and many other topics.. It also deals with fourteen Gunasthana, stages of spiritual development of a soul.

To be continued......
Karma Theory Part 1
Karma Theory Part 2
Karma Theory Part 3
Karma Theory part 4
Karma Theory part 5

Thanks,
Jyoti Kothari

Some questions and answers about Jain philosophy

2009-10-05T13:20:00.000-07:00

I have got some interesting questions in Jain communities that I have answered. Some of those are reproduced here.

Q1 Does the soul have to wait till the "right" kind of gati, in the right circumstance is available? if it has to wait where does it wait? in the same bhoomi where the body passed away or in some other place?

Ans: No, the soul has not to wait. It starts immediately from the place of death and body. Other questions therefore not applicable.

Q2 Does a soul that has left the body still have its past memories? or does it lose them after having left the body? or does it maintain them and then loses them as soon as it takes another birth?

Ans: All these depend on a particular soul. In most of the cases soul looses its memory with in few moments.

Q3 Does a soul experience time the way humans do? like does it have to "wait" from one transition to another?

Ans: As answered earlier it has not to wait. The time span is so short that it can not even perceive (not more than four samayas)

Q4 If many bodies have died together, like in a war or bomb blast etc, can these souls interact with one another in any way? or with people (like ghosts) Can they see the world without eyes the way we see things with our eyes? can they hear and smell and taste and feel without any of those organs? if yes then how? if no then what do they experience?

Ans: No they can not interact with each other. As they do not have any senses (dravya indriya) they can not feel touch, taste etc. They experience Karmafal only.

Q5 If a soul has to travel from one Kshetra to take birth in another, how fast does it travel? Is the journey immediate or is there a speed limit for souls, like there is for light... this question sounds silly but its very fundamental in numerous ways

Ans:There is no speed limit. Time factor is decieded upon turns. If it goes in straight line it takes one samaya. If it turns once it takes two samayas. At a maximum it takes three turns, hence four samayas.

Thanks,
Jyoti Kothari

Burning issue: Demolition of Jain temples

2009-10-03T17:40:00.000-07:00

*
Jain temples are representatives of our culture and tradition. Large number of old Jain temples are demolished and reconstructed nowadays in the name of Jain architecture. Many so called Jain Acharya and monks / nuns are being instrumental in demolishing old Jain temples in the name of Jirnoddhar.

Some instances:

1. An old Jain temple in Patna city was demolished few years back for reconstruction. a famous Jain Acharya was behind this.
2. An old Jain temple is demolished recently for new construction in Kota. A member of Shwetambar Jain community, Kota has reported that a renowned Jain Sadhwi is instrumental to this demolition.
3. Famous Jain pilgrimage center Jeerawala Parasnath (Parshwanath) temple was demolished 5-6 years back and reconstructed with expenditures of crores of rupees.
4. An old Jain temple in Mundra, Kutchchh is also demolished and under process of reconstruction. It is reported that a Jain monk is working behind the scene.

There are many other examples of demolishing old Jain temples. Many of us believe that this is destroying our own rich culture and tradition.

Should we be silent?
Thanks,

Posted by
Jyoti Kothari

(Jyoti Kothari, Proprietor, Vardhaman Gems, Jaipur represents Centuries Old Tradition of Excellence in Gems and Jewelry. He is also ISO 9000 professional).

जैन धर्म की मूल भावना भाग ३: एक गंभीर प्रश्न

2009-09-21T08:43:00.000-07:00

आज एक बार फिर से यह प्रश्न सामने आया की क्या हम जैन धर्म की मूल भावना को समझ पा रहे हैं? जयपुर के विचक्षण भवन में पूज्या साध्वी श्री सुलोचना श्री जी का चातुर्मास है। आज वहां पढाते हुए एक बात सामने आइ। अद्यात्मा योगी श्री आनंदघन जी के नवे स्तवन का स्वाध्याय चल रहा था, जिसमे तीर्थंकर परमात्मा के दर्शन पूजन आदि की चर्चा है। स्वाध्याय के दौरान साध्वी प्रीतिसुधा जी ने पूछा की अलग अलग गाँव व शहर के नम के हिसाब से तीर्थंकर मन्दिर की स्थापना होती है।

अनेक लोग ऐसा कहते हैं की यदि राशी के हिसाब से मुलनायक भगवन की प्रतिष्ठा नहीं हो तो वस्ति को नुकसान होता है। गाँव या शहर उजड़ तक जाते हैं। वो कह रहीं थी की बड़े लोग यहाँ तक की कई आचार्य भगवंत भी ऐसा कहते हैं।

मैंने पलट कर पूछा की क्या आनंदघन जी, देवचंद जी या यशोविजय जी जैसे महँ पुरुषों ने भी ऐसा कहा है? उत्तर में उन्होंने कहा की नहीं उनलोगों ने तो ऐसा नहीं कहा।
मैंने कहा तो फिर ये बातें कैसे आई? उनने कहा की क्या ज्योतिष शास्त्र सही नही है? मैंने फिर से कहा की क्या ज्योतिष शास्त्र अरिहंत परमात्मा से बढ़ कर है?

ये एक गंभीर प्रश्न है। अरिहंत परमात्मा जगत के सर्व श्रेष्ठ कल्याणकारी तत्त्व हैं। वे सिद्धचक्र अर्थात नवपद के भी केन्द्र में हैं। अनेक भवों की साधना से ही कोई व्यक्ति जगत के इस सर्व श्रेष्ठ पड़ को प्राप्त कर सकता है। अपने पूर्व भवों में भी अरिहंत परमात्मा जगत के सभी जीवों के कल्याण की कामना करते हैं। उसी के परिणाम स्वरुप तीर्थंकर के भावः में उनके जन्म, दीक्षा आदि कल्याणक कहलाते हैं। उन कल्याणकों के समय में नारकी जीवों तक को सुख पहुँचता है। अब प्रश्न यह उठता है की जिनके रोम रोम में जगत के सभी जीवों की कल्याण की कामना वासी है ऐसे तीर्थंकर का मन्दिर किसी भी स्थिति में अमंगलकारी कैसे हो सकता है? शाश्त्राकारों का कहना है की सभी तीर्थंकर एक जैसे होते हैं उनमे कोई भेद नहीं। फिर यदि किसी शहर के लिए यदि एक तीर्थंकर कल्याण करी हों तो दुसरे तीर्थंकर कैसे अमंगलकारी हो सकते हैं? क्या तीर्थंकर परमात्मा इतने क्रूर हैं की मात्र राशी के अनुसार विराजमान नही करने मात्र से शहर उजड़ जाए? नहीं ऐसा नहीं हो सकता। तीर्थंकर परमात्मा अपने सभी रूपों में, सभी अवस्थाओं में कल्याणकारी ही होते हैं। किसी भी स्थिति में वे अमंगलकारी या अकल्याणकारी नही हो सकते।
इस प्रकार अरिहंत परमात्मा के संवंध में कहना की अमुक स्थान पर अमुक तीर्थंकर की प्रतिमा राशी के अनुसार नहीं होने से वसति उजड़ गई क्या तीर्थंकर परमात्मा के प्रति अश्रद्धा का द्योतक नहीं है? क्या यह तीर्थंकर परमात्मा का अवर्ण वाद नहीं है? क्या हम तीर्थंकर परमात्मा, उनके गुन, उनकी शक्ति, उनकी कल्याण करने की क्षमता को समझ पाए हैं?
क्या आज के तथा कथित आचार्य गण व अन्य मुनि गण इस बात की और ध्यान देंगे? सुविहित गीतार्थ आचार्य भगवंतों से प्रार्थना है की जैन धर्म व समाज में फैली इस भ्रान्ति को दूर करने की कृपा करें।

साथ ही सुज्ञान श्रावकों से भी गुजारिश है की हर किसी की बातों में आ कर जिनेश्वर देव अरिहंत परमात्मा (तीर्थंकर भगवन) की आशातना कर घोर पाप के भागी न बनें। ध्यान रखने योग्य बात ये है की अरिहंत परमात्मा के वचनों के अनुसार नही चलना ही सभी पापों के मूल में है। उनकी आशातन से बढ़ कर और क्या बड़ा पाप हो सकता है?

मुझे विश्वाश है की मेरी इस बात पर ध्यान दे कर योग्य निर्णय किया जाएगा एवं हम जैन धर्म की मूल भावना के अनुसार चल सकेंगे।

जैन धर्म की मूल भावना भाग 1
जैन धर्म की मूल भावना भाग 2
जैन धर्म की मूल भावना भाग 3
जिन मंदिर एवं वास्तु
प्रस्तुति:
ज्योति कोठारी

*
Thanks,

Posted by
Jyoti Kothari

(Jyoti Kothari, Proprietor, Vardhaman Gems, Jaipur represents Centuries Old Tradition of Excellence in Gems and Jewelry. He is also ISO 9000 professional).

नवपद पूजा के कुछ दोहों का अर्थ

2009-09-18T11:26:00.000-07:00

पर्युषण हेतु मेरे कलकत्ता प्रवास के दौरान श्री दिनेश जी धूपिया ने मेरे से इन गाथाओं एवं दोहों का अर्थ लिखने के लिए कहा था। श्री दिनेश जी के पिता श्री केशरी चाँद जी धूपिया अत्यन्त धार्मिक व्यक्ति एवं जैन धर्म के विद्वान थे। उन्होंने नवपद जी की पूजा का अर्थ लिखा था। उसकी पाण्डुलिपि दिनेश जी के पास है। उस पाण्डुलिपि में कुछ प्राकृत की गाथाओं एवं गुजराती दोहों का अर्थ नही था। इस कारण उस पुस्तक का प्रकाशन नहीं हो रहा था। दिनेश जी की तीव्र इच्छा है की उस पुस्तक का प्रकाशन हो जाए जिससे लोगों को इस पूजा का अर्थ जानने में मदद मिल सके। मुझे आशा है की यह पुस्तक जल्दी ही लोगों के हाथ में आ जायेगी।

कलकत्ता प्रवास के दौरान व्यस्तता के कारण मैं यह काम नही कर पाया। अब नवपद जी की ओली प्रारम्भ होने वाली है एवं उसमें मात्र एक सप्ताह का समय वचा है। इस लिए मैंने इस कम को अभी करने का निर्णय लिया। कल मैंने नवपद ओली के संवंध में एक विस्तृत लेख भी लिखा है। मैं दिनेश जी का शुक्र गुजार हूँ की उन्होंने मुझे ऐसा सु अवसर प्रदान किया। दोनों ही कृतियाँ लोगों के काम आ सके इस लिए प्रकाशित किया जा रहा है। इसमें कोई त्रुटी हो तो सुज्ञ जन सुधार करने की कृपा करें।

(सिद्ध पद पूजा)
जाणे पिण न सके कही पुर गुण,
प्राकृत तिम गुण जास
ओपमा विण नाणी भवमाहें,
ते सिद्ध दियो उल्लास।

अरिहंत परमात्मा सिद्ध भगवान के सभी गुणों को अपने केवल ज्ञान से जानते हैं परन्तु जगत में उस लायक कोई उपमा नही होने के कारण कह नही सकते। जैसे कोई आदिवासी व्यक्ति जो सदा जंगल में ही रहता हो और एक वर किसी नगर में आ जाए तो नगर के वैभव को देख लेता है। वह नगर की समृद्धि को जनता तो है परन्तु अन्य वनवासियों को वहां वता नही सकता क्योंकि जंगल में नगर की शोभा की उपमा देने लायक कोई वस्तु नही होती।

(आचार्य पद पूजा)
नमूं सुरिराजा सदा तत्त्व ताजा ,
जिनेंद्रागमें प्रौढ़ साम्राज्य भाजा ।
षट वर्ग वर्गित गुणे शोभमाना
पंचाचारने पालवे सावधाना।

मैं सूरी अर्थात आचार्य भगवंत को नमस्कार करता हूँ जो की जिन शासन में राजा के समान हैं। सदा स्वाध्याय करने के कारण तत्वों से ताज़ा हैं। जिनेन्द्र भगवान के आगमों के प्रौढ़ व निष्णात हैं एवं शासन साम्राज्य को भली भांति संभालते हैं। छः का वर्ग अर्थात छत्तीस गुणों से शोभायमाण हैं एवं पाँच आचारों को सावधानी पूर्वक पालन करते हैं।

ध्याता आचारज भला,
महामंत्र शुभ ध्यानी रे।
पञ्च प्रस्थाने आतमा
आचारज होए प्राणी रे।

आचार्य भगवंत महामंत्र अर्थात सूरी मंत्र के ध्यानी होते हैं। श्रावकों के लिए नवकार, मुनिओं के लिए वर्धमान विद्या, एवं आचार्यों के लिए सूरी मंत्र महामंत्र होता है। एवं अपनी अपनी भूमिका के अनुसार वो उसकी साधना करते हैं। सूरी मंत्र में पञ्च प्रस्थान होते हैं जो की पञ्च परमेष्ठी के ही द्योतक हैं। ऐसे पञ्च प्रस्थान में रहने वाली आत्मा ही आचार्य होती है।
(उपाध्याय पद पूजा)
सुत्तत्थ वित्थारण तप्पराणं
णमो णमो वायग कुंजराणं।
गणस्स संधारण सायराणं
सव्वप्प्णा वज्जिय मच्छराणं।

सूत्र व अर्थ के विस्तार में तत्पर रहने वाले वाचक अर्थात उपाध्याय रूपी कुंजर अर्थात हाथी को वारंवार नमस्कार
हो। गणों को धारण करने में सागर के समान एवं सभी प्रकार की मत्सरता अर्थात इर्ष्या से दूर ऐसे उपाध्याय भगवंत हैं।

(साधू पद पूजा)
साहूण संसाहिय संजमाणम
नमो नमो शुद्ध दया दमाणं।
तिगुत्ति गुत्ताण समाहियाणं
मुणिण माणंद पयट्ठियाणं।

जिन्होंने संयम को अच्छी तरह से साध लिया है, जो शुद्ध दया एवं दमन से युक्त हैं उन साधुओं को वारंवार नमस्कार हो। जो तीनों गुप्तियों से गुप्त व समाधिस्थ हैं ऐसे मुनि आनंद में प्रतिष्ठित हैं।

(सम्यग दर्शन पद पूजा)
जिनुत्त तत्ते रुई लक्खणस्स
नमो नमो निम्मल दंसणस्स।
मिच्छत्त नासाई समुग्गमस्स
मुलस्स सद्धम्म महा दुमस्स।

जिनेश्वर देव कथित तत्व में रूचि जिसका लक्षण है ऐसे निर्मल संयाग दर्शन को वारंवार नमस्कार हो। मिथ्यात्व के नाश से जिसका उद्गम होता है ऐसा सम्यग दर्शन सत धर्म रूप महा वृक्ष का मूल है।

(सम्यग ज्ञान पद पूजा)
अण्णाण सम्मोह तमो हरस्स
णमो णमो णाण दिवायरस्स।
पंच्प्पयारस्सुवगारगस्स
सत्ताण सव्वत्थ पयासगस्स।

अज्ञान एवं सम्मोह रूप अन्धकार को हरण करने वाले ज्ञान रुपी दिवाकर अर्थात सूर्य को वारंवार नमस्कार हो। यहाँ ज्ञान पञ्च प्रकार का है एवं उपकार करने वाला है एवं सभी पदार्थ की सत्ता को प्रकाशित करनेवाला है।

(सम्यग चरित्र पद पूजा)

आराहियाखंडीय सक्कियस्स
णमो णमो संजम विरियस्स।
सब्भावणा संग विवट्टियस्स
निव्वाण द्नाणाइ समुज्जयस्स।

सत्क्रियायों के द्वारा जिसकी अखंडित आराधना की गई है ऐसे संयम में वीर्य अर्थात पुरुषार्थ को वारंवार नमस्कार हो। यह सद्भावनाओं के साथ विवर्तित होता है एवं निर्वाण देने में समुद्यत है।

लेख पढने के लिए इस पर क्लिक करें:

Festival of India: Navpad Oli in Jainism

ज्योति कोठारी

Jain festival Navpad Oli starts from September 26

2009-09-17T15:50:00.000-07:00

Navpad Oli, a Jain festival will be starting from September 26 this year 2009. The Navapad is also referred as Siddhachakra. Jain community worship Navapad by performing nine Ayambil in nine days between Shukla Saptami and Purnima of lunar month Ashwina. The Navpad Oli is also observed in Chaitra.

Read more:
Festival of India: Navpad Oli in Jainism

नवपद पूजा के कुछ दोहों का अर्थ

Architecture of Jain temples

2009-09-14T15:06:00.000-07:00

Jain temples are built from time immemorial. How ever there was no fix architecture or Vaastu for the same. It had been changing according to time and place. It was also changed according to wish and capabilities of the builders.

Most of the Jain temples we see today are built within 1000 years. Jain temples older than that period are not generally visible. Different types of Jain temples were built at the time of Lord Mahavira. Some of them were cave temples. A cave temple is yet exist at Rajgir and perhaps this is the oldest existing Jain temple. Unfortunately, this is not being treated and worshiped as Jain temple. It is in the Swarna Bhandar of Rajgir and an inscription in Brahmi script clearly depict it as Jain temple. The inscription also mentions name of the inscriber Acharya Bhagwant. The cave temple is almost contemporary to Lord Mahavira.

Emperor Samprati, Grandson of Ashoka the Great, (2200 years back) built huge number of Jain temples and Jain idols. Large number of Jain idols are even found in these days but no temple.

Paramarhat Maharaja Kumarpal, King of Gujrat, built large number of Jain temples (Before 1000 years) after Emperor Samprati. Rashtrakut Pratihar school of architecture for building temples had been developed by that time. Famous Somnath temple is an explicit example of that school. Maharaja Kumarpal built Jain temples with architecture of his time. Actually, he built Jain temples in such a large number that the school of architecture became a symbol of Jain temple art in Gujrat.

Most of the Jain temples built with the same architecture after Kumarpal. Some parts of present days Rajasthan was in Gujrat at that time. The same architecture was also famous in those areas. Renowned personalities like Vastupal and Tejpal also built Jain temples of Mt. Abu with the same architecture.

However, it does not mean that all the Jain temples at every place were built with the same architecture at that time. Jain temples in Malava were built in diffrent style at that time. Famous Suparswanath Temple of Mandavgadh, that was converted into a mosque forcefully by the Muslims, was the best example of different architecture.

Jain temples in other parts of Rajasthan such as Bikaner and Jaipur were built in different style and architecture. Jain temples of Delhi, Madhya pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Bengal and Orissa were also built in different style. Old Jain temples of pilgrims like Sammet Shikhar, Pawapuri, Kshatriyakund Parasnath Glass temple of Kolkata are examples of the same. Temples in Chandni Chowk, Delhi; Temples of Varanasi and Lucknow, Azimganj and Jiaganj, Mahimapur (Kasauti temple), and Kolkata also represents the Eastern India style. and world famous

Some people with ignorance or vested interested had been campaigning wrongly against these types of temples. This is going on since last 30 - 40 years. It is being told that temples other than Rashtrakut Pratihar school architecture are improper (Avidhi) and not according to Jain Vastu. But the campaign is completely baseless. It is clearly with vested interested and malafied intention. Frankly speaking, there is no fix architecture of Jain temples since ancient times.

Sompuras (Present days architects of Jain temples) are dominant now-a-days. They are not Jains. They design Jain temples according to the architecture of Somnath (Shiva temple) temple in Gujrat. The astonishing fact is that many of the Jain Acharyas, monks and nuns are supporting them. They are wrongly speaking that the Jain temples built by the Sompuras are only with right architecture.

It is regretable that many old Jain temples are destroyed intentionally in the name of Vidhi and reconstructed with the advice of Sompuras. Some times it is done to satisfy egoes of those so called Jain Acharyas, monks and nuns.

Are they doing Dharma by destroying and dismentaling unnecessarily and reconstructing old Jain temples just to inscribe their names on those temples? Renowned Jain temple of Jeerawala Parshwanath, famous pilgrim in Rajasthan, is detrimentaled and is being reconstructed with expenses of crores of rupees. There are many other examples.

Gujrat and Gujratis are dominant in Jain society since past few decades. most of the monks and nuns are also from there. Hence, it is natural for them to think Gujrat architecture the right one. It is also one of the reasons of destroying and dismentaling old Jain temples.

Raga-Dwesha of Gachchha is also involved in the matter. Most of the Acharyas, monks and nuns from Gujrat are of Tapagachchh. Whereas, Khartar Gachchh and some other gachchhas were dominant in other parts of the country. Most of the temples in those places are pratisthit by ancient Acharyas of Khartar Gachchha, Vijay Gachchha, Paychanna Gachchha, Lonka gachchha etc. Hence, those temples are being dismentaled and new temples are built. Pratishtha of most of those new temples are done by Acharyas of Tapagachchha. Historical evidences of other Gachchhas are destroyed in this way.

Doing such things has become a fashion nowadays. Even monks and nuns of Khartargachchha have qued before them. They are becoming instrumental in destroying temples and Dadabadis installed by their own ancestor Acharyas. A Jain temple is dismentaled in Mundra, Cutch, by a Khartargachchha Jain monk. It is being told that the temple had ben shaken in earth quake to justify the work.

So called Vidhikarak and Sompura also support these for their own interests. Jain Shravakas and Shravikas also join them either because of their ignorance or devotion to monks and nuns. Some times rich Shravakas are also join hands to satisfy their own ego.

We should think logically and judiciously before becoming part of it. It is advisable to be cautios. Otherwise, we will not only misuse public funds (Devadravya) of billions but also involved in sinful act of destroying our own old culture.

जैन धर्म की मूल भावना भाग 1
जैन धर्म की मूल भावना भाग 2
जैन धर्म की मूल भावना भाग 3
जिन मंदिर एवं वास्तु

Thanks,
Jyoti Kothari

(Jyoti Kothari, Proprietor, Vardhaman Gems, Jaipur represents Centuries Old Tradition of Excellence in Gems and Jewelry. He is also ISO 9000 professional).

Jain and Jainism

Basant Panchami in Jainism

Pratishtha: Jin Dutt Suri Dadabadi, Dholka

Lecture series in Indore Dadabadi on Jainism

Happy Diwali, Veer Nirvan Diwas and Gautam Swami Keval Gyan

Jain Karma Philosophy - Punya (Meritorious) and Päp (Sinful) Karma

Introduction

Acquiring Karma and its Consequences

Ghäti Karma

Aghäti karma

The above 8 categories of karma are divided into many (about 120) sub-categories. The same sub-categories are also categorized differently into Punya and Pap karma categories.

Punya or Pious Karma

Pap Karma

Relationship among Ghäti, Aghäti, Punya and Pap karma

Discussion on Ghäti, Aghäti, Punya and Pap karma

Discussion of Two Important Questions

A Word of Caution with Regards to Punya Karma

Are We Capable of Removing Aghäti Karma before their Maturity?

Summary

New Jain website

Anti Fur Day....ASMP

Addressbook Contacts

Us President Barack Obama remembered "Jain" while extending Diwali greetings

Education camp (Swadhyay Shivir) on Jainism in Bikaner, Rajasthan

News and articles on Navpad Oli (Ayambil Oli)

Navpad Oli (Ayambil Oli) begins on October 14, 2010

Articles about Jain and Jainism

Khoh: Oldest Jain temple in Jaipur

Shiv Ji Ram Bhawan: New blog of Khartar Gachchh Sangh, Jaipur

Ahimsa

Vipasyana

Jainism

Terapanth

Swetambar

Shrimal

Rishabhdev

Parasnath

Oswal

Mahavira

Digambar

Adinath

Live Web cast of Ashtapadji Patishtha Mahotsav can be viewed on June 19th and 20th

Process of Chaturmas in Jain Agam

जैन साधू साध्विओं के चातुर्मास की शास्त्रीय (आगमिक) विधि

Malpura: A pilgrimage center of Dada Jin Kushal Suri

Jai Kumar Baid elected as President of Mahakaushal Murtipujak Jain Sangh

वर्त्तमान स्थिति में धार्मिक स्थलों के चुनाव: विचारनीय तथ्य

Akha Teej: Varshi Tap Parna of Sadhwi Hempragya Shree

Akha Teej (Akshay Tritiya): Varshi Tap Parna at Mohanbadi

Sadhwi Maniprabha Shree enters Jaipur today

Acharya Mahapragya left for his heavenly abode

आनंदघन जी के पद : अब हम अमर भये न मरेंगे

आनंदघन जी के पद : आशा औरन की क्या कीजे

Vardhaman InfotechA leading IT company in JaipurRajasthan, IndiaE-mail: info@vardhamaninfotech.com

Vegetarianism: The way of healthy life

Mahavira Jayanti in Jaipur

Mahavira Jayanti today

Jain Websites and web pages

Navpad Oli starts today

Vegetarianism: Way of healthy life

Akha Teej will come twice this year

Concept of universe in Jainism

Old Jain idols in Bikaner brought out for Darshan and Puja

Pungalia temple anniversary in Jaipur

Jain Yoga Conference

I have received an E-Mail from SOAS about their conference on Jain Yoga and presenting here for your perusal. SOAS is working under London University.

JAINA YOGA

Karma Theory Part 5: Charitra Mohaniya Karma

जैन विधि विधान

Karma Theory in Jainism: Mohaniya Karma Part 4

Happy New year !!

Dr. Ashok Parakh, Chairman, Private University Regulatory Commission, Chhattishgarh

Karma Theory in Jainism Part 3

Pearls are not for Jain

Paush Dashmi Festival in Jaipur

Thanks,Jyoti Kothari

Video: Jalgaon Dadabadi

Jain Temples in India

Pratishtha in Jalgaon

President Obama's Diwali Message for Jainism

Vardhaman Infotech
A leading IT company in Jaipur
Rajasthan, India
E-mail: info@vardhamaninfotech.com

Thanks,
Jyoti Kothari