Jai Jinendra.
Sometime ago an e-mail article about Samyag Darshan (Please see a
copy below) was being circulated by a few e-mail groups. In this
Pancham Age (5th Ara) it is always wonderful to hear someone talk or
write about Samyag Darshan and how to go about attaining it. Jnanis
say that it is an indication of many Punyas (Good Karmas) for one to
even think and talk about attaining Samyag Darshan. I hope the
following discussion helps aspirants of Samyag Darshan
The intentions of the writer of the e-mail article on Samyag Darshan
are noble and efforts put in the preparation of the article are
indeed admirable. However, there are some fundamental flaws in the
article which must be addressed otherwise the article may do more
harm than good to people by making them complacent in their effort to
attain Samyag Darshan when they really should not be complacent at
all. It is also `Anantanubandhi Kashay' to think, say or do anything
that contradicts the intent of a Satdev or a Satguru.
It is possible to become an engineer, or a doctor or an attorney or
any other professional simply by reading the books on the subject,
doing trial and error and acting like a professional. But it is not
allowed in this day and age. If a person wants to be a professional,
one has to go to the respective institution, learn the profession
from another professional in the same field, finish necessary course
work, pass the exams successfully and finally get a degree and then
is allowed to practice that profession.
How can then one attain Samyag Darshan simply by reading a few books
and have faith in someone who is not around anymore to teach ? Or by
acting like one? The simple answer is, one can not attain Samyag
Darshan that way. The reason is that there is a method of attaining
Samyag Darshan. The problem is, this method is not written in any
scripture! The method has always been in the heart of a Satdev or a
Satguru! Why? Because that is the nature of the subject, and
therefore it has always been a tradition where, a Satdev or a Satguru
learnt the method from their Satdev or Satguru before them and passed
it down to their disciples and so on.
This tradition existed in Jainism until only a few hundred years ago.
Then it stopped for some reasons. Unfortunately, this method of
attaining Samyag Darshan is not readily available to the aspirants in
the `Traditional Jainism' or the `Mainstream Jainism' of today. And
therefore when an aspirant of Samyag Darshan asks how to attain
Samyag Darshan? The answers the aspirant generally gets from the
Scholars and the Swathyaykars are same as written in the e-mail
article below. The reason (with all due respect) for this is that the
Scholars and the Swathyaykars themselves do not know the method of
Samyag Darshan and do not have Samyag Darshan. Their vague answers
are based on their knowledge of the scriptures and are not enough to
attain Samyak Darshan as it is not something that happens by chance
or by reading the scriptures. One has to put in right efforts to
attain it under the guidance of a Satdev or a Satguru.
What one needs to do then to attain Samyag Darshan in this day and
age? Have we missed the boat 2,500 years ago when Mahavir Bhagwan was
around? The answer is a definite `NO". We have not missed the boat.
Satdev is not around anymore but Satguru(s) are still around who
truly know the method of attaining Samyag Darshan even in this 5th
age. Therefore We have to find a Satguru If we want to attain Samyag
Darshan otherwise Samyag Darshan is simply impossible to attain on
our own.
As a matter of fact, if we find a Satguru the entire process to
attain Samyag Darshan becomes easy and focused. If we start pursuit
of Samyag Darshan under a Satguru's guidance we can attain Samyag
Darshan in this life if we put in right efforts. And after we achieve
Samyag Darshan, Moksh is not very far, only a handful of lives are
left to go.
What happened to Mahavir Bhagwan was an exception not a rule. He had
to suffer for many lives after attaining Samyag Darshan because of
the extent and intensity of his Karmas. Even in the Tirthankar's
life, he had to suffer many Upsergas and Parishahs. But in general,
for most souls the path of Samyag Darshan, Jnan and Charitra is
relatively very easy provided they find a Satdev or a Satguru. So,
let us not get disheartened by thinking that we will also have to
bear same or worst Upsergas and Parishahs as Mahavir Bhagwan did.
A Great Jain Saint, named Shrimad Rajchandra was born only 141 years
ago in India . Shrimad lived very short life of 34 years. Being a
householder, Shrimad never came out in public and preached Jainism to
anyone because people were very orthodox then. (And unfortunately
many still are.)  All of Shrimad's writings were meant only for a few
people who really knew his internal state and wanted Shrimad's help
to attain Samyag Darshan. Had Shrimad lived a longer life, he would
have been able to finish his householder duties. If he had been able
to come out in public after that, the face of Jainism might have been
much different than what it is today.
It is through Shrimad's writings I got answers to my questions about
Samyag Darshan and how to go about attaining it. Today, Kartik Sud
15, is Shrimad Rajchandra's Birthday. On this very special day, I
wanted to share what I have learnt from Shrimad Rajchandra, with
those few of you out there who are aspirant of Samyag Darshan and is
also one of the reasons for writing this e-mail.
I also want to take the opportunity on this auspicious day to pay my
deepest and most sincere homage to the Great Compassionate Saint of
the Modern Day Jainism who through his brilliant writings showed this
poor soul the path to Samyag Darshan and consequently to Moksh as
laid out by Mahavir Bhagwan 2,500 years ago, in a very simple and
eloquent Gujarati language.
Most of Shrimad Rajchandra's writings were compiled about 5 years
after his deh vilay and published in the form of a book
called `Shrimad Rajchandra Granth" This collection includes Shrimad
Rajchandra's Bhavnabodh, Mokshmala, his letters to Samyag Darshan
seekers and his great poem, Shri Atmasidhhi Shashtra, in which, the
intent of the entire Jainism is included in only 142 verses and
written in one sitting of only about 1.5 hours. No doubt, Shri
Atmasidhhi Shashtra is a true classic. In many places in the Granth
and also in the Shri Atmasidhhi Shashtra, Shrimad Rajchandra explains
the true characteristics of a Satguru to help us find one.
I urge all those aspirants of Samyag Darshan to study Shrimad
Rajchandra's writings diligently and with complete openness of mind,
leaving behind all your past opinions and beliefs. If you do so,
there is no doubt in my mind that you too will be on your way to
Samyag Darshan and eventually to Moksh! An aspirant of Samyag Darshan
can not go very far in this age without using the help available from
Shrimad's writings.

A word of caution, before using a reference or guidance from someone,
please remember, a Scholar is not a Satguru, a Swathyaykar is not a
Satguru or anyone known in general as Gurudev is not a Satguru unless
he or she has attained Samyag Darshan in this or a prior life under
the guidance of a Satdev or a Satguru and can also guide a seeker to
Samyag Darshan with the same knowledge. This criterion must be a
basis for one's search of a Satguru if one wants to succeed in this
mission. Please understand a Scholar, a Swathyaykar or anyone known
in general as a Gurudev are all admirable and respectable people for
what they know. We can learn many things from them before we meet a
Satguru, however, they can not take place of a Satguru if they do not
have and know the method of Samyag Darshan.

In the end, I want to extend my kind apologies, if I have offended
anyone with harsh thoughts or words. That certainly was not intent
here.

God bless you all.

Mahavir Sevak.
1, Samayg Darshan Road ,
Shidhh Shila, Moksh Patan, Zip-000000.
Phone:000 000 000 000.

Reference: Shrimad Rajchandra Granth.





SAMYAG DARSHAN
Anop R. Vora, Rochester, NY

Dansan Moolo Dhammo������������������....Lord Mahavir
Samyagdarshanjn� nch�ritr�ni Moksham�rgah�������.Umaswati
Tattv�rthshraddh� nam Samyagdarshanam�������... Umaswati
Tuh Sammatte Laddhe�.Jiv� Ayay�maram Th�nam���Uvasaggaharam Suttam


Many of us who have been brought up in the Jain tradition have heard
the term "Samyag Darshan(Right Perception)" or its equivalent quite
often while listening to the monks or to our parents, or while
reciting prayers or hymns or while reading the religious books. They
all contain one central message: Until we succeed in acquiring the
virtuous state called "Samyag Darshan", there can be no liberation.
In this article, I would like to discuss this unique Jain concept by
answering questions such as: What is it? Why is it so important? What
is the process of acquiring it? How do we know whether we have
acquired it? If we have acquired it, how do we maintain and reinforce
it? How does it relate to the 14 stages of spiritual elevation
(gunsthanaks) outlined in Jain scriptures?

Judging from the width and depth of thought that has been given to
the subject of Samyag Darshan by Jain seers over many centuries, it
is clear that they have held it in high esteem and treated it as the
most important goal of human life. They have asserted very
emphatically that since Samyag Darshan puts the soul on the path of
liberation for the first time, it must be looked upon as a very
valuable spiritual achievement. Because of its very high
significance, they have described Samyag Darshan in metaphors such as
dawn before sunrise, lightening, sudden glimpse of self realization,
swift flash of insight, spiritual awakening etc. and regarded it as
an indicator of inner spiritual transformation. They have said that
without its presence, scriptural knowledge remains merely the
information in one's memory bank; neither does this knowledge nor
conduct transform into the instruments of liberation. With Samyag
Darshan, knowledge becomes Samyag Jn�n (Right Knowledge) leading
eventually to Samyag Ch�ritra (Right Conduct) and finally to
liberation.

Meaning:

Samyag Darshan (synonymous with Samkit, Samyaktva, Bodhi, Samyag
Drusti etc) is described as the total faith in the teachings of
Tirthankaras and in the truth explained by them about the soul and
the laws governing it. Samyag Darshan also means having right
perception/vision of these core tenets and genuine interest in them.
At the very simplest level, it means having an insight as well as
conviction to recognize "truth as truth and untruth as untruth"
regarding the soul and body and their true nature.

Studying the scriptures, performing rituals, and listening to the
sermons are useful steps to get to the initial stage of Samyag
Darshan but not sufficient. Until we have clarity about the
fundamental truths and unwavering faith in what was enunciated by
Jain seers, our scriptural knowledge and other religious activities
provide only a limited benefit. Once the truth is known, the vision
is clear and the conviction is there, other things start falling in
place. Perhaps this can be better understood through the example of a
potter who has a diamond in his possession but is unaware of its
worth because he is regarding it as just a stone. When he finds out
the truth about what he has, its nature and value, and believes in
it, his behavior and his actions change naturally and for good. In
other words, once his vision and his belief are straight and he has
realized the true value, he starts doing the right things.

In the same manner, once Samyag Drashti is obtained, one becomes
clear about his goal or focus in life ( dhyeya) and then the right
conduct falls in place. The clarity of "What" leads to the knowledge
of "How" which in turn leads to the "right actions".

Stage before Samyag Darshan:

The stage before the onset of Samyag Darshan is defined as Mithyatva
(first gunsthanak). This stage is considered as one of darkness, soul
being under the dark cloud of Darshan Mohaniya (perception eluding)
karma. Under its influence, the soul remains spiritually ignorant,
possesses wrong beliefs about the reality and lacks a sense of
discrimination. He may be knowledgeable but acts with a distorted
vision. His thoughts and actions are permeated with attachment and
aversion (Rag and Dvesh) most of the time. The resulting emotions of
anger, arrogance, deception, greed, etc. keep adding additional
layers of karmic particles on the soul. Under this condition, the
knowledge acquired or religious activities such as temple worship,
rituals, charity, fasting etc. performed remain at the superficial
level and does not contribute much to the spiritual advancement.
Unfortunately, most of the human souls remain in this stage during
their entire life span without being even aware of their deluded
condition.

Journey from Mithyatva (First Gunsthanak) to Samyag Darshan (Fourth
Gunsthanak)

At the very early stage, humility, open mindedness and receptivity to
religious concepts are a must. Deep respect and faith in the preacher
as well as his message, and overcoming infinitely lasting
emotions/defilement s (Anant�nubandhi Kash�yas) are also other
required prerequisites. Without these ingredients, no spark can
ignite. Taking the example of Naysar, we can observe that being a son
of a wood cutter, in all probability he did not have much scriptural
knowledge at his first encounter with the wandering Jain monks but
must have possessed these important virtues- most likely as a result
of his spiritual progress in the previous lives. He displayed
profound humility and respect towards the monks, listened to their
sermon with a pure heart, experienced an inner change and the
lightening of Samyag Darshan struck-the lightening that guided him
until he became Lord Mahavir after only 26 more births. His
innocence and pure feelings (Bhava's) proved to be an excellent
fertile ground for the spiritual seed only to blossom into a full
blown tree in Mahavir's life. Although he did not realize the full
potential until he became Mahavir, his first step was a turning
point. Naysar's example proves that even when one gets a glimpse of
Samyag Darshan for a short duration, he starts the beginning of an
end of the journey from that auspicious moment.

Samyag Darshan is the beginning of spiritual awakening but achieving
liberation is a long drawn out process for most souls and requires
Samyag Darshan and Samyag Jn�n to be implemented into Samyag Charitra
in a perfect form. Even after the lightening strikes, the soul goes
through twists and turns along the way, advancing sometimes and
retracting at other times. The soul may ascend spiritually from the
first to the fourth gunasthank but may fall back. The soul loops
around under the primary influence of Mithyatva Moyaniya Karmas for
many births but the power of Samyag Darshan-acquired earlier and his
own self efforts-eventually propel him into the fourth stage of self
realization for further progress.

In the 4th gunsthanak�also called Avirat Samkit, as the grip of
Darshan Mohaniya Karmas loosens, the light of Samyag Darshan gets
brighter and consciousness unfolds further. Brighter this light,
faster one ascends spiritually. This light of Samyag Darshan has been
classified in 3 states: (1) Aupashamik Samyaktva (2) Ksh�yopashamik
Samyaktva (3) Kshayik Samyaktva. When the soul suppresses his
mohaniya Karmas but does not destroy them, he is considered to have
acquired Aupashamik Samyaktva, meaning he has been able to change his
external behavior but he is on a shaky ground because the Mohaniya
Karmas are still dormant and could over-power him at any time and
slide him back.

Kshayik Samyaktva at the other end of the spectrum -only possible in
human life-represents a state of soul where the Darshan Mohaniya
Karmas are totally destroyed and the soul moves faster towards the
goal of reaching the emancipation (12th Gunsthanak). According to
Jain scriptures, King Shrenik had achieved Kshayik Samyaktva during
his life time. He is destined to be one of the tirthankaras in the
future era, after destroying his remaining karmic particles. The 2nd
state- Ksh�yopashamik is a mixed and wavering state, falling
somewhere in the middle of the spectrum. At the 4th gunsthanak the
soul could be in any of the first two states (rarely in the third
state)-alternating back and forth for many years and then either
moving up the spiritual ladder or falling back to the first
gunsthanak depending upon his will power and motivation.

When a person starts making spiritual progress in the 4th stage, his
behavior patterns show a remarkable change. He starts differentiating
between body and soul (jiva and ajiva), becoming more introspective,
staying close to his true self, showing deep interest in the
spiritual matters, and begins acquiring more knowledge. As he ponders
over the newly acquired knowledge, he changes his priorities, becomes
detached from the superficial worldly life and begins moving away
from it. He starts developing equanimity and stops reacting to the
pleasant as well as unpleasant situations. He becomes a different
person because he lives like a lotus-staying in the world but
untouched by its dirty aspects.

Jain masters have said that the person who possesses Samyaktva will
exhibit the following attributes (virtues) the degree of which will
depend upon his spiritual progress:

a. Upsham: Lessened intensity of the destructive emotions of
anger, arrogance, deception, greed and related other passions, AND
development of divine virtues such as forgiveness, humility, honesty,
& contentment, equanimity (subdued reactions to life's problems),
peace and tranquility.
b. Samveg: Total focus on achieving liberation (Moksha) and
detachment from the worldly matters.
c. Nirveg: Disinterest in worldly affairs, genuine interest to
escape the cycle of death and birth, meditative mood, self absorption.
d. Anukampa: Compassion towards all living beings, treating
every one with respect, always thinking well of others, charity work
(Dravya Daya) as well engaging in activities designed to show the
path of religion to the people who are not on that path (Bhav Daya).
e. Astha (Astikya): Total and unwavering faith in the teachings
of Tirthankaras. Always believing that Tirthankaras who acquired
perfect knowledge (Keval Jn�n) had no reason to misguide or preach
the wrong path. Their only motive was to guide the souls towards the
path of emancipation by sharing their knowledge and experience.

Two important points are worth noting:

1. The sequence shown above is in the order of importance. These
virtues in reality are developed in the opposite order. This means
the starting point is Astha -the total faith in the teachings of
tirthankars and the ending point is Upsham.
2. The person with Samyag Darshan exhibits the above virtues-
implying that Samyag Darshan is the cause and virtues are the effect.
But the reverse is also true! The efforts to develop the above
virtues could also result in one acquiring Samyag Darshan.

These virtues do not manifest in their highest form until one
achieves Keval Jn�n. The important point to remember is that what is
needed is just a humble beginning with Astha with the right attitude.
Using this strong foundation as a spring board, one moves up as he
perfects the other steps.

Steps to maintain Samyag Darshan

Jain masters have identified several ways to maintain and reinforce
the virtuous state of Samyag Darshan. They have advised to resolve
doubts in the teachings of Tirthanakaras soon after they arise and
never to retain them. They have further recommended to stick to
one's own religion and use interfaith exposure only to strengthen
one's own faith, avoid suspicion in the outcome of one's efforts, and
suggested not praising any Mithyatvi in public thus- albeit
unintentionally- promoting his deluded path of liberation.

To reinforce Samyag Darshan, Jain sages have recommended continual
self study and contemplation, participating in the religious rituals,
staying in touch with monks, nuns, scholars and the like minded
community members. They have also asked them to use their wealth and
talents to help the Jain community and promote JAINISM actively in
the public at large.

Practical Suggestions to start the process

� Since total faith in the teachings of Tirthankaras is the
first critical step for Samyag Darshan and since Tatvarth Sutra and
Theory of Karmas contain the core teachings, it may be a good idea
for us to start with a few very simple books on these two topics. We
need to focus on the parts we can relate to in every day life and
skip the parts that are difficult to comprehend in the first go
around. We need to look at the real message instead of getting bogged
down into the details.
� Most importantly, we need to contemplate on the material
learned and try to integrate it with day to day life.
� If we put our heart and soul into the above steps and do so
every day for a long time, our life will change and hopefully the
lightening will strike one day!

Conclusion:

Through this article, I have made a humble attempt to address just
the overall concept of Samyag Darshan and hope it inspires the
readers to pursue further and study it in more details. There is a
vast amount of knowledge available on each and every aspect of Samyag
Darshan.

It is possible that we may not be able to comprehend fully and/or
achieve Samyag Darshan during this life time. But this should not
discourage us from making a beginning. More we dig in, more
enlightened we will become. The good news is that the time spent on
this critical issue will never be a loss because the understanding we
develop in this life will stay with us in the next life and beyond.

Another important point to remember is that to achieve the level of
Samyag Darshan expected at the 4th gunsthanak, we do not have to have
an in depth knowledge of scriptures, nor does it require a full
compliance with the canonical rules of living a moral and ethical
life. But it does require a total faith in the basic teachings and a
dramatic shift in our thought process and feelings. Thoughts and
feelings are important because they eventually lead to attitudes,
attitudes become beliefs, and beliefs become the basis for actions.
Fortunately, the Jain sages have discovered and documented this
process in minute details and we are fortunate that they have shared
with us their process knowledge which offers hope and promise for us
all.

(This article reflects my current understanding of Samyag Darshan
based upon interpretation of the material listed below and a review
by a few Jain scholars. Please read it a few times and study it
critically to get the most benefit. Although I have spent a fair
amount of time in preparing it, I do recognize the limitations of my
own comprehension as well as the limitations of language. Please
contact me at Vora5000@yahoo. com if you have suggestions for
improvement. )

************ ********* ********

References:

In Gujarati

1. Samyag Darshan by Kirtiyash Vijayji Ganivar (Disciple of
Ramchandra Suriji Maharaj)
2. Samkit na Sadsath Bol ni Sajjay-Composed by Yashovijayji
Maharaj and translated by Dhirajbhai Pandit
3. Karma Vipak by Dhirajbhai Pandit

In English

1. Tatvarth Sutra by Manubhai Doshi
2. Karma- The Mechanism & The Key to the Center of the Universe
(A two volume set) by Herman Kuhn
3. Atma Darshan by Atamanandji Maharaj
4. Samyag Darshan: Right Belief by Dr. Sushma Singhvi (Fourth
International Summer School for Jain Studies notes)

 

Little Things in Life

 

Too often we don't realize
What we had  until it is gone;
Too often we wait too late to say
"I'm sorry - I was wrong."
Sometimes it seems we hurt the ones
We hold dearest to our hearts;
And we allow foolish things
To tear our lives apart.

 

Far too many times we let
Unimportant things into our minds;
And then it's usually too late
To see what made us blind.

 

So be sure that you let people know
How much they mean to you;
Take that time to say the words
Before your time is through.

 Be sure that you appreciate
Everything you've got
And be thankful for the
Little things in life
That mean a lot.

 

Remind your friends to appreciate the little things in life!

   

18th Marathi Jain Sahitya Sammelan at Aurangabad

Eighteenth All India Marathi Jain Sahitya Sammelan will be held at
Aurangabad (Maharashtra) on 7th and 8th February 2009. There will be
various seminars on Marathi literature by Jains and Jain literature in
Marathi. Selected writers and scholars will be awarded for their
works. There will be a Kavi Sammelan also.

Many Marathi books will be published on the occasion.

This is first time that Marathi Jain Sahitya Sammelan is being held in
Marathwada region of Maharashtra.

Justice Bhalchandra Vagyani is elected as President of this sammelan,
while Mr. Rajendra Darda (MLA), the editor of Marathi daily Lokmat is
the host.

The venue is Hirachand Kasliwal Gandharv Vidyalay Parisar at
Shahaganj, Aurangabad.

This was announced by Dr. Ravsaheb Patil, Secretary of Maharashtra
Jain Sahitya Parishad, Kolhapur in a Press conference at Solapur.

For further details, please call Dr. Ravsaheb Patil on 0 9822978747

-Mahavir Sanglikar
9096082940
http://jainsamachar.blogspot.com/

We wish you and your family a Beautiful Holiday Season and a very Happy New Year full of Love, Laughter, Peace, Prosperity, Happiness, and higher Spirituality.

With Warm Regards

____________________________________
Pravin and Arti Shah and
Members of Jaina Education Committee
919-859-4994
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Book of the Year

1.  Jainism I � Basics of Jainism (JES 102) � Cost $5.00

This book is compiled by our youth P�thash�l� teacher Parinda Shah of Chicago.  The book focuses on non-violence, vegetarianism, and universal virtues such as kindness and honesty.  This way by exposing young children to Jain virtues at an early age, we are well on the path keeping Jainism alive in the Western world.  The book consists of 28 lessons and also includes more than 150 color photos.  We have sold more than 1500 copies this year.

2.  English Pratikraman (JES 931) � Cost $1.00

Pratikraman means to go back, to reflect and review, to confess and atone for transgressions of mind, body, and speech in one's daily activities.  It also means returning to and reaffirming the path of nonviolence, truthfulness, and non-attachment.  The English Pratikraman Book includes the sutras from various Shvet�mbar traditions.  The meaning of each Pratikramana Sutras is explained in simple English, which covers six essentials.  This way youth can perform this ritual with proper understanding and within one hour.  We have sold more than 1300 books this year and additional 700 copies were distributed at the YJA convention.

YJA Convention of Chicago (July 2008)

Generally all youth conventions are well managed and properly focused on the theme of Jainism.  I have attended almost all YJA conventions since 1994.  However the keynote speaker of this year created a lasting impression upon me. 

Dr. Will Tuttle is an award-winning speaker, educator, author, and musician. His music, writings, and presentations focus on creativity, intuition, and compassion.  He and his wife live a very simple life and possess a very minimum possession to live their life.  He is the author of the book "The World Peace Diet" which has been called one of the most important books of the 21st century. 

After listening to his speech, many youth became vegan (strict vegetarian who consumes/uses no animal products including milk, cheese, butter, Ghee, sweets, ice-cream, silk, wool and leather).  In North America we estimate more than 15% Jain youth are vegan as compare to about 1% to 2% of Jain adults.  According to New York Times, more than 6 million Americans are now vegan.  Hats off to our Jain youth who truly practice our religion in its true spirit.  In future Jainism is going to be in better hands with our youth than what we practiced as adults in America today

Jain Philosophy and Practice I (JES 302) Updates

This is a level 3 book which is under revision for the new edition print.  We hope to complete the book by the end of February 2009.  If you have any comments or suggestions, please send us an e-mail.

Story of Stuff

Please review the video presentation on the following website. The presentation is very impressive.  It covers the essence of Jainism in its true spirit.  It was circulated by Amitaben Desai, the most dynamic and energetic P�thash�l� teacher of JCSC (Los Angeles).  Thanks Amitaben for circulating this video. 

www.storyofstuff.com  (click PLAY once you are on website)

eLibrary Project :

To protect, preserve, and disseminate the ancient and contemporary Jain literature, the Education Committee of Federation of JAINA, North America, has launched a JAINA eLibrary project.  Under this project the Jain literatures is converted electronically into eBooks (pdf files) and make them available via the website to the readers worldwide who are interested in Jain religion and its philosophy.  The entire project is financed through contribution from the Jain communities of North America, India, and other parts of the world.

The committee has launched this project two years ago.  During the first phase of the project we had published two DVDs consisting more than 600 books scanned by Digambar �ch�rya Shri Suvidhi S�garji's trust.  We extended the project with the full cooperation and support from Shri Mah�vir Jain �r�dhan� Kendra Kob� Ahmedabad (P.P Muni Shri Ajay Sagarji M.S.) and Dr. Sagarmal Jain of Sajapur (near Indore) MP.  We have enhanced the scanning specification from 72 dpi to 300 dpi and put in place a proper quality control procedure.  With the improved specification we have scanned more than 1000 books.  Following is the summary of completed scanning work and all the books are available on our eLibrary website.

*** We have rescanned about 40 books that were originally scanned at 72 dpi.

Summary of Scanned Books

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• Jain �gam Literature
• Commentary on �gams
• Digambar Literature
• Four Anuyogas
• Karma Grantha
• Complete set of Biawar Published �gam Literature
• Shrimad Rajchandra Literature
• Punya Vijayji and Jambu Vijayji Literature
• Pr�krit Text Society Literature
• Veerayatan - Shri Amar Muni's literature
• Kanji Swami � Songadh Literature
• Pundit Dhirajlal D. Mehta Literature
• Jaina Education P�thash�l� Literature
• Several Memorabilia Proceedings, Dictionaries and Manuscript Catalogs

eLibrary Website

The eLibrary website is developed by JVS Technology Group (www.jvsgroup.com) specialized for Healthcare Medical Software.  Mr. Saket Singhi who is a director of the company appreciated our effort and offered to join the committee and will take the total responsibility of the development of the website as per our requirement.  He has completed the development phase and now the website is operational and is also at the final debug stage.  The website will be fully operational within two weeks.  The website address is:

www.jaineLibrary.org   or   www.jainlibrary.org.

Please review the website and provide us any feedback you might have.  This is going to be Jaina Education Committee primary website.  You can also buy any Jaina Education Material from this website using your credit card. Thanks to Mr. Saket Singhi for joining Jaina Education Committee team to carry on such a noble task.

Financial Status

The yearend balance of Jaina Education committee is $10,400.  We have already spent more than $35,000 to our eLibrary project since its conception two years ago.  We project to spend $25000 per year for the next three years to scan our ancient and contemporary Jain literature and make them available to our readers without any cost to our readers. Our website is also non-commercial.

Please support Jaina Education and eLibrary activities by contributing to this noble task.  You can make contribution using our website � www.jainelibrary.org or send your contribution directly to JAINA as follows:

     Federation of Jaina � Education Committee
      Mailing address
      509 Carriage Woods Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607 USA
      Tele � 1-919 859 4994 USA

Do not send your contribution directly to the Jaina headquarters.  After proper recording, your contribution is sent to the Jaina treasurer.

Organised attack on Jain heritage by local officers ( Archaeology dept,
Village officer and Tehsildar) in Tamilnadu ( 2000 years old Jain
heritage of Archaeological importance in rural Tamilnadu)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUC4o1Kn2_k

Video of recently destroyed Jain heritage by local village officer at
Sholipandipuram in Tamilnadu.

See description on side along with video. ( Rock miners are quarring
this place illegally by bribing- Site is of archaeological importance,
As per ASI law this site should be protected for 300 mts range and no
construction quarring or any activities are allowed).

There was a blind girl who hated herself because she was blind. She 
hated everyone, except her loving boyfriend. He was always 
there for her. She told her boyfriend, 'If I could only see 
the world, I will marry you.'

One day, 
someone donated a pair of eyes to her. When the bandages 
came off, she was able to see everything, including her 
boyfriend.

 

He asked 
her,'Now that you can see the world, will you marry me?' The 
girl looked at her boyfriend and saw that he was blind. The 
sight of his closed eyelids shocked her. She hadn't expected 
that. The thought of looking at them the rest of her life 
led her to refuse to marry him.
 
 

Her 
boyfriend left in tears and days later wrote a note to her 
saying: 'Take good care of your eyes, my dear, for before 
they were yours, they were mine.'
 

This is 
how the human brain often works when our status changes. 
Only a very few remember what life was like before, and who 
was always by their side in the most painful situations.
  

Life Is a Gift
 

Today before you say an unkind word - 

Think of someone who can't speak.
  

Before you complain about the taste of your food -

Think of someone who has nothing to eat.
  

Before you complain about your husband or wife -

Think of someone who's crying out to GOD for a companion.
  

Today before you complain about life -

Think of someone who died too early on this earth.
  

Before you complain about your children -

Think of someone who desires children but they're barren.
  

Before you argue about your dirty house someone didn't clean or sweep -

Think of the people who are living in the streets.
  

Before whining about the distance you drive -

Think of someone who walks the same distance with their feet.
  

And when you are tired and complain about your job -

Think of the unemployed, the disabled, and those who wish they had a job.
  

But before you think of pointing the finger or condemning another -

Remember that not one of us is without sin..

And when depressing thoughts seem to get you down - Put a smile on 
your face and think: you're alive and still around.

Lets Make A New Year resolution of NOT COMPLAINING for whatever we have or we don't have.

Let us  Thank our Friends & Dear ones this NEW YEAR ,

who have stood by our side in our times of distress & pain.

Jay Jinendra


SOAS JAINA STUDIES MA SCHOLARSHIP 2009

This award is sponsored by Jain Spirit. The total value of this
scholarship is £5000, and it is awarded to students registered at SOAS
for an MA degree with a major in Jaina Studies. Applications by
letter, accompanied by a short CV, should be submitted by e-mail to
the Centre of Jaina Studies at the Department of the Study of
Religions at SOAS, University of London before September 2009.

Contact:
Dr Peter Flügel
jainstudies@...

--
Dr Peter Flügel
Department of the Study of Religions
Faculty of Arts and Humanities
School of Oriental and African Studies
University of London
Thornhaugh Street
Russell Square
London WC1H OXG
Tel.: (+44-20) 7898 4776
E-mail: pf8@...

Jay Jinendra

Dear All,

The Victoria and Albert Museum Jain Art Fund offers grants to support
study, research or training in the field of Jain cultural, historical
and art historical studies. They will support both Indian-based scholars
and museum curators spending time in the UK, and UK-based scholars and
curators visiting India for study and research purposes.

There are scholarships available in four different categories: please
see the website of the Nehru Trust for the Indian Collections at the V&A
www.nticva.org

We welcome applications.

The deadline for applications is 31 January for grants from April 2009-2010.

However, if you make an expression of interest to
Rosemary Crill r.crill@...
or
Nick Barnard n.barnard@...
by 31 January we will be able to hold the deadline for a week or two,
as we realise the time is short.

With thanks,
Nick Barnard
Victoria and Albert Museum

JAINA SCRIPTURES AND PHILOSOPHY
(11th JAINA STUDIES WORKSHOP AT SOAS, 12 - 13 MARCH 2009)

Thursday 12.3.2009, 18.00-19.30, Brunei Gallery Lecture Theatre
School of Oriental and African Studies, Russell Square

THE 9th ANNUAL JAINA LECTURE
(followed by a reception)

Bansidhar Bhatt
(University of Münster)

Is Pārśva the Twenty-Third Jina a Legendary Figure?
A Critical Survey of Early Jaina Sources


Friday 13.3.2009, 9.00-18.30, SOAS, Russell Square, Brunei Gallery
Lecture Theatre

CONFERENCE

9.0       Tea and Coffee

9.15     Welcome

9.30     Prem Suman Jain (Śravaṇabeḷagoḷa)
One Rare Manuscript of the Prakrit Text Bhagavatī Ārādhanā

10.00   Sin Fujinaga (Miyakonojo, Miyazaki)
Śvetâmbara Āgamas in the Digambara Scriptures

10.30   Jayendra Soni (University of Marburg)
Aspects of Philosophy in the Ṣaṭkhaṇḍâgama

11.00   Tea and Coffee

11.30   Piotr Balcerowicz (University of Warsaw)
Do Attempts to Formalise Syād-vāda Make Sense?

12.00   Anne Clavel (University of Lyon)
Sensuous Cognition - Pratyakṣa or Parokṣa? Jinabhadra's Reading of the
Nandīsūtra

12.30   Olle Qvarnström (University of Lund)
Jaina Critique of Sāṃkhya Philosophy

13.00   Lunch, Brunei Gallery Suite

14.00   Nalini Balbir (University of Paris)
Layman's Atonements: The Sâvayapacchitta and the Shrâddhajîtakalpa

14.30   Paul Dundas (University of Edinburgh)
Pokkhali's Visit to the Fasting Hall: The Ramifications of a Canonical Episode

15.00   Kenji Watanabe (Tokyo)
A Bee and Mendicant: Two Different Versions in  the Extant Jaina Āgamas

16.00   Tea and Coffee

16.30   Johannes Bronkhorst (University of Lausanne)
What Happened to Mahāvīra's Body?

17.00   Herman Tieken (Leiden University)
The Composition of the Uttarajjhāyā

17.30   Peter Flügel (SOAS)
Reflections on the Origins of the Jaina Doctrine of Karman

18.00   Final Remarks

All Welcome!

(Voluntary Contributions Invited)

Contact: Centre of Jaina Studies,
Department for the Study of Religions,
Faculty of Arts and Humanities,
SOAS, Thornhaugh Street, Russell Square,
London WC1H OXG,
Phone: 7898 4028, E-mail: js64@...

Co-organised and co-sponsored by the Centre of Jaina Studies at SOAS
(http://www.soas.ac.uk/jainastudies),
Centre for Theology and Religious Studies at the University of Lund
(www.sasnet.lu.se/indrellund.html), and the
Victoria and Albert Museum in London (www.vam.ac.uk).

PRAKRIT - HINDI SHABDAKOSHA
Compiled and Edited by Dr. Uday Chand Jain
With a 106 page essay on Prakrit Linguistics
written in Prakrit & Hindi by Dr. Uday Chand Jain
And the Ashokan Inscriptions in Prakrit
Prakrit + Hindi
Set of 2 books
2005 220 x 140 mm 1256 pp
Hardcover Rs. 1600

Jainism is one of the three ancient religions of India. It
has made manifold contributions to Indian culture, ethics
and spirituality. Jains have played an active role in
shaping India's astrology, astronomy, mathematics,
philosophy, ayurveda, linguistics, literature and languages.

Jain literature is vast. There are thousands of works on diverse
topics written in Prakrit, Sanskrit and Apabhramsha as well
as in modern Indian languages.

Apart from the Jain contributions, there is a huge corpus of
secular literature in Prakrit.

There is evidence to show that Prakrit could not have
developed out of Sanskrit. The presence of Prakritisms in
the Vedas is indicative of the fact that spoken Prakrits
existed in the Vedic Age.

Scholars divide Prakrit into three stages:

The first stage of Prakrit, or Middle Indo-Aryan is 600 BCE
to 200 CE, consists of the Shauraseni Prakrit of the Ashokan
inscriptions and the Digambara works; the oldest of the
Shvetambara Ardhamagadhi canon and the Prakrit found in the
Sanskrit plays of Ashvaghosha.

The second stage of Middle Indo-Aryan, 200 CE to 600 CE,
comprises the Prakrit used in classical Sanskrit plays,
Hala's Gaha Sattasai, and Prakrit grammars in Shauraseni,
Magadhi, Ardhamagadhi and Maharashtri.

The third stage of Middle Indo-Aryan, 600 CE to 1000 CE,
saw the emergence of Apabhramsha.

1000 CE onwards, New Indo-Aryan came about, comprising
of modern Indian languages like Khadi Boli, Gujarati,
Marathi, Bengali, etc.

Despite this, there has been an acute shortage of scholarly
lexicons in Prakrit. The early twentieth century saw the
Illustrated Ardhamagadhi Kosha and in the fifties, the
Paiasaddamahannavo. No new Prakrit Dictionary had emerged
from India after the Paiasaddamahannavo.

Unfortunately, both these works are not in print any more.

The current work makes up for lost time and is a marvelous
effort by Professor Dr. Uday Chand Jain who has taken all
of Prakrit literature, both sacred and secular, into account
in order to compile this brand new dictionary on Prakrit.

He covers about 70000 Prakrit words in this dictionary.

The dictionary comprises of two volumes and has been
beautifully printed with a large clear typeface.

A unique feature of this work is that Dr. Jain has written
a 106 page essay on Prakrit linguistics in both Prakrit and
Hindi.

Dr Jain is a scholar of Prakrit, Sanskrit and Jain Darshana.
His PhD was written in Prakrit. He belongs to the North
Indian (Bundelkhandi) Digambara lay scholar tradition.

He is known for being an ashu kavi in Prakrit.

He has already published the following works:

Shauraseni Prakrit Vyakarana
Kundakunda Shabdakosha
Hema Prakrit Vyakarana Shikshaka
Dhammarasayana
Prakrit Vyakarana
Bala-rupa Prakrit Vyakarana
Anuppekkhi (Novel in Prakrit)
Jogabandha (Mahakavya in Prakrit)
Sanskrit Hindi Shabdokosha (in three volumes)

This and other book on Prakrit, Sanskrit and Jainism are available at:

HINDI GRANTH KARYALAY
Publishers Since 1912
9 Hirabaug C P Tank
Mumbai 400004 INDIA

Phones: + 91 (0)22 2382 6739, 2035 6659
Email: manishymodi@...
Yahoogroup: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Hindibooks
Yahoogroup: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/JainandIndology