Shree Jain Svetamber Derawasi Sangh Mombasa
e-Newsletter
December 2015
Jai Jinendra & Pranaam,
Welcome to the December e-Newsletter. We have ventured beyond Mombasa in this issue and bring you some photos of the newly constructed Derasar in Kampala and the one under construction in Nakuru. Our Sangh contributed handsomely towards the construction of both these Jinalay. It's not often that we get to see the construction of a Jinalay in our lifetimes, so watch this space for more pictorial updates next year. We have some contributions in Gujarati and the usual section of Q&A in English. The questions have been posed by young people. Loads of photos of activities that have taken place in the last one month fill up the many pages of this newsletter - it has been an active past one month! A lot is going to happen in the coming days, weeks and months. Maun Ekadashi and Parshvanath & Mahalaxmi Poojan will be held this month. Next year a 3 month course starts and we request you to enrol in it. It is a follow on from the Basic Course though its not necessary to have done the Basic Course. Posh Dashami is also celebrated early January. An essay competition is coming up soon - details will be circulated by email as soon as it has been finalised. We wish you happy holidays, happy reading, and not to forget basic Jain principles over the festive period! All views expressed in the articles are those of the writers and not necessarily of the Sangh. Editorial Team.
INDEX Parshvanath / Mahalaxmi Poojan
Pages 2 , 3
Pathshala Students Diwali Party
Page 11
Samat Shikharji Yatra
Page 3
Pathshala visit to Children’s Home
Page 12
Dravya Sangraha Course
Page 4
Diwali Craftwork Display
Page 13
Basic Course in Jain Philosophy
Page 5
Pathshala visit to the Derasar
Page 13
Gujarati articles
Page 6
Kartaki Poonam pictures
Page 14
Posh Dashami / Maun Ekadashi
Page 6
Jain Samaj in Kampala, Uganda
Page 15
Chopda Poojan Pictures
Page 7
Jinalaya construction in Nakuru
Page 15
Gnan Pachami Picture Quiz
Page 8
M M Shah & M V Shah Academy news
Page 16
Reader’s Questions & Answers
Pages 9, 10
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Samat-Shikharji Yatra—7th February to 18th February 2016 Our Jain temple Mombasa Pujari Mr Dipakbhai Vyas is organizing a Samat-Shikharji Yatra from 7th February to 18th February for eleven days which is very auspicious and every Jain should do it if possible. Anyone wishing to join to please give your names as soon as possible to Mr Dipakbhai and also contact him for any further details on his telephone No. 0737285550. Yatra details on the temple notice board also.
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Posh Dashami Posh Dashami is celebrated over 3 days and the next one falls on 3rd, 4th and 5th January 2016. Parshvanath Bhagwan's Janma Kalyanak or birth is celebrated over these 3 days. A Kalyanak is an important event that occurs in the lives of all Tirthankars - there are 5 Kalyanak that take place in the lives of all Tirthankars : Chyavan (conception), Janma (birth), Diksha (renunciation of worldly life), Kevalgnan (attainment of omniscience) and Nirvana (liberation of soul). All Kalyanak are auspicious days when Jains undertake fasts.
Maun Ekadashi One of the most auspicious days in the Jain Calendar is on 21st December 2015, known as Maun Agyiras or Maun Ekadashi when 150 Kalyanaks took place. Maun means to remain silent, avoid all speech and thoughts of worldly life and concentrate on dharma only. 6 SJSDS Newsletter December 2015
Pictures of Chopda Poojan on Diwali Day
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Quiz on Gyan Panchami—16th November 2015
1. Name the 5 types of Gyan.
2. How many Agams are there in the Svetamber tradition ? All were displayed.
3. What is this Jain art called ? 5. Who brings these books, pencils and rulers ? Why ? 6. What useful purpose are they used for later ?
4. Why are Musical instruments displayed togather with the scriptures ?
7. Name the 5 grains displayed and their significance of their colour ?
8. In the above display, name at least 5 items and their significance. 9. Why is Vasakshep sprinkled on the scriptures and music instruments ?
Please send replies by 31 December 2015 to the Sangh office or via email to mombasajains@gmail.com. Names of all winners and the correct answers will be in the next edition. 8 SJSDS Newsletter December 2015
10. What is the full name of the child playing the drums ?
Reader’s Question and Answer Question : Because Jainism is such an ancient way of life (according to the scriptures), does it mean that it is supposed to be followed rigidly throughout all these eons? What would be the correct way of following Jainism in the 21st century and in context of our lifestyles here in Kenya which are slightly (if not radically) different from the way of life in ancient and even modern India? Is it practical and possible to mould our lives around Jainism or should Jainism be moulded around to fit our lives, and how?
Answer by Vibhuti M Mehta, Member of the Institute of Jainology Education Team. Let us first examine the word ‘Jainism’. Simplistically, a Jain is a follower of a Jina. A Jina is one who on conquering delusion and all inner negativity like anger, pride, greed and deceit attains keval jnan – perfect/infinite knowledge. A Tirthankara is a Jina often described as a ford-maker - one who is able to influence during his time, a huge number of people to follow the path of salvation that he knows because of attaining keval jnan. Our last Tirthankara was Mahavir Svami (599 – 527 BCE). One is not born a Jain. Neither does one need to seek approval of a higher religious authority to become a Jain. Anyone who has faith in the philosophy of the Tirthankaras and lives by it, is a Jain. So the question of moulding Jainism around our lives does not arise. If a practice is adopted because one believes in the philosophy behind it, it is not a burden. A single rigid doctrine is not prescribed in Jainism. However, the path to liberation is succinctly defined in Tattvartha Sutra by Umaswati. For today’s Jains, this text can be considered to be an accurate and concise source of Jain Philosophy and equivalent to the Bible of the Christian faith, or the Q’uran of the Islam or Bhagavad Gita of the Hindus. The opening three verses of Tattvartha Sutra state: 1.
a combination of genuine faith, critical knowledge and pure conduct are the path to salvation (moksa)
2.
belief in the categories of truth described in Jain scriptures is the way to achieve genuine faith. Genuine faith leads to critical knowledge and pure conduct.
3.
genuine faith may arise spontaneously or through learning.
These three verses are liberating for an inquiring mind as one feels that they can choose their own methods to achieve salvation, provided they fully comprehend and trust the categories of truth. This can be learnt through scriptural studies. Over time, changes of practice become necessary, otherwise a religion cannot serve its purpose. But the changes must abide by the categories of truth described in the scriptures, as there can only be one truth. It is said that there were four vows during the time of Parshvanath, but Mahavir Svami introduced a fifth vow during his time to correct the laxity that had evolved in the society. A contradiction has also been stated between Rushabhdev, the first Tirthankara and Mahavir Svami, the last Tirthankara. Rushabhdev introduced classification into the society and Mahavir Svami abolished the caste system in his time. But examining this closely, there is no difference between the two, as Rushabhdev’s classification was skills-based and Mahavir Svami’s objection to the caste system was that of birth-right. For example, for Mahavir Svami, it was not acceptable that an individual born in a Brahmin family automatically had privileges irrespective of their ability or character. But for Rushabhdev it was important to introduce division of labour for existence of the society. So, those who learnt to grow crops were called farmers and those who made pots were called potters, etc. One can imagine that the classification introduced by Rushabhdev, became a source of discrimination and rights through the times and so Mahavir Svami had to correct this situation. Mahavir Svami introduced the four-fold Sangha consisting of mendicants (sadhu/sadhvi) and laypeople (shravak/shravika). The leader of a Sangha, in the absence of a Tirthankara, is an Acharya who is charged with the task of guiding the Sangha’s spiritual practice over time. So, changes have occurred on a continual basis and minor differences between Sanghas are also common in India. Note that sects began to emerge after Mahavir Svami’s time. The Digambara/Svetambara split occurred during the initial writing of scriptures, following which other sects have emerged over time. 9 SJSDS Newsletter December 2015
However, P. S. Jaini has observed in his book ‘The Jaina Path of Purification’ that religious scholars are particularly struck by the level of similarity between the sects, when compared with other religions like Hinduism and Buddhism. This indicates the strength of the basic tenets of Jainism. The differences seen are accepted under the doctrine of Anekantvad. The issue facing ‘Jain’ families following migration abroad is that the link to their Sangha has been lost resulting in a lack of spiritual guidance.
It therefore becomes important to belong to a community where regular study groups are established with links to relevant Jain scholars to study the philosophy and relevant application to our daily lives . Having said that, it must be added that links to Sanghas are also gradually eroding in India.
Hence the concern that we could lose this great religious ideology which has the capability of saving this planet and the life on it.
Micchami dukkadam if anything stated above is inconsistent vis-à-vis the scriptures.
Question : What makes Jainism the 'correct' religion to follow, how are any of the other religions 'wrong'? I have used strong words for this question, but their meaning is subtle. In the light of other major religions of the world (this question needs thorough research on the religions) would a non-Jain from every other religion praise and indeed acknowledge that Jainism is the right (and to some extent, only) path to liberation?
Answer by Vibhuti M Mehta, Member of the Institute of Jainology Education Team. Comparative religions is a major area of academic studies in Religion. Every religion claims that their path is the ‘right’ one. That does not necessarily mean that others are wrong. By the doctrine of Anekantvad Jains say that they are all right in some respect. Jain ascetics are renowned for their studies and debates on other religions and non-religious spiritual philosophies. Libraries in Jain monasteries are famous for holding collections of such literature.
The doctrine of Anekantvad alone would imply that Jains do not reject any of the other religions. Simply putting it, Anekantvad means that reality can be seen from many angles and that it cannot be understood from a single viewpoint. For us, who lack the perfect knowledge of the Jinas, the full truth can be glimpsed in the partial truths (Nayavad) from different viewpoints, even if they seem to contradict each other. The doctrine states that all views have equal validity. Onesidedness (Ekant) which means asserting that a single view is the truth, is always to be avoided. This doctrine urges each one of us to seek for the truth. Every individual desires to be a ‘better person’ and be in a ‘better place’ than they currently are, leading us to search for the ultimate – ‘best’ – heaven or beyond (Moksha). Religions show us the path to this ultimate ‘best’. So no one needs to judge any religion. There is no benefit in others’ opinions in this matter – what truly matters is what the individual concerned believes. If one believes that the Jain philosophy is based on the Jinas who themselves attained the ultimate that one desires, then that path must be worth following. It is an individual’s choice and will lead to a corresponding outcome for themselves only. The ultimate mentioned above will be experienced by that individual, if/when they have made the right choices.
In order to reinforce our own faith, it is helpful to widen our understanding of other religions. This in turn will develop our critical knowledge and purify our conduct. Interfaith dialogue should therefore be encouraged.
Micchami dukkadam if anything stated above is inconsistent vis-à-vis the scriptures. 10 SJSDS Newsletter December 2015
Pathshala Students Diwali Party This was organized to show the children that Diwali can be enjoyed without doing fireworks. Many parents supported us in organising this day but special mention must go to Mrs. Priyaben Asish Majethia, Mrs. Heenaben Bijal Dodhia, Mrs. Dipaliben Parit Shah and Mrs. Poonamben Neer Shah. The children started with prayers, played Raas and finally learnt the Kaka Bapa dance.
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Pathshala Children’s visit to Tumaini Children’s Home
Saturday 21st November 2015
Tumaini home houses 58 orphan children. The morning started with prayers by both sets of children and then we all played games together. The children learnt that time can also be shared.
Our children brought with them, clothes, books and toys to share with the children in the home. Parents also supported us by donating blankets, shoes, stationery sets, sweets and biscuit packs and cake for each child.
Left : These 3 children joining our M M Shah & M V Shah Academy on its scholarship program from January 2016.
When we asked the children, how they felt when they saw the smiles on the faces of the children in the home, they replied, "We feel happy too!" The lesson learnt was that we gain a lot by making others happy. 12 SJSDS Newsletter December 2015
Pathshala Diwali Craft Work display Mrs. Svetaben Mukesh Malde taught children how to make sathiya mobiles by recycling kankotris. The children thoroughly enjoyed this class and the final work was displayed in Deraser over Diwali.
Pathshala Visit to the Derasar— Saturday 28th November 2015 The Lil Jains ( Nyali Pathshala ) children visited the derasar to learn how to do Darshan and short Chaityavandan. The children did Chandlo, put naman, 3 Pradakshinas round the deraser, sang stutis and performed Pooja ( using the dhoop, dipak, darpan & chamar) and rang the ghant. They were also taught when to say “Namo Jinanam”, “Nisihi” and “Avasahi”. They did short chaityavandan and were taught how to do the sathiyo. They all brought rice , mistan / sakar and fruit from home. All the kids thoroughly enjoyed this visit and happily accepted the ladoo given by Mrs Sadhnaben Doshi. Lesson learnt : By praying- one becomes humble!
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Kartaki Poonam Wednesday 25th November 2015 This year the Kartaki Poonam Sukhu Bhaathu was sponsored by Family of Late Lilavantiben Popatlal Kapurchand Doshi. A navanu (99) prakar ni puja was conducted from 2 pm onwards. After this puja, a chaityavandan was done in-front of siddhachal pat- picture. Aarti and mangal divo followed straight after. Shanti Kalash was done by the sponsor’s family.
Bahuman of Lalitbhai Doshi by the Sangh
“Sukhu Bhaathu—Bundi Ladoo, Gathiya and lot vara Marcha ! “ 14 SJSDS Newsletter December 2015
Jain Samaj in Kampala, Uganda
Pratishtha was done in December 2013. The temple complex has : Digamber Jain Mandir, Sthanakwasi Upashraya and Shwetamber Jinalaya.
Jinalaya Construction in Nakuru
Anjan Shalaka Vidhi on 23 August 2016. Derasar Pratistha possibly in December 2016.
Below : Murtis ready at Palitana
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M M Shah & M V Shah Academy Kindergarten Graduation Day on 7th November 2015 Guest of Honour : Hon. Lewa Tendai Mtana — Executive Secretary, Education & Children, County Government of Mombasa . Theme : Kick Malaria and Germs out of Africa
Dancing with graduates Hon. Tendai and Vijaybhai R Shah, Sangh Committee member
Anantbhai M P Shah and his niece, Vaishaliben Shah, gave a courtesy visit to the school on Friday 27th November 2015. Left : Pictures with the School staff and JEB chairman. Below : Comments in the visitors book.
Annual end of year Staff Lunch—Tides Inn, Bamburi on 25th November 2015 Over 80 staff members and committee members had a vegetarian lunch to appreciate efforts of the all staff members for a great 2015.
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