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From the Series 'Studies in Jainism' (Available from the Jain Study Circle) |
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Volume 29, Number 2
Editorial Advisers:
Manish Y. Modi
(Mumbai), Ahamindra Jain, Richa Jain,
Sunita Jain, Rashmi Jain, Brian Jain, Brittany Jain,
Ranita Jain, Sean D. DeWitt and Dr. Chandrakant P.
Shah
Glimpses of the April 2008 Issue
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Quotations from scriptures: Enjoy the logical and systematic presentation of the sophisticated features of the Jain concept of reality presented by Acharya Umasvati in TATTVAARTH SUTRA. |
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Jain scriptures state: BHED entails breakup of aggregates on account of intrinsic or extrinsic causes. This fact can be compared to the phenomenon of radioactivity, which is related to the internal structure of atom and thus is intrinsic. The emission of alpha particles from a nucleus of uranium and other elements is an appropriate illustration of BHED. |
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From Religious Books: This article by Shri Dulichand Jain brings out that we can achieve happiness and peace of mind in all kinds of circumstances by following the Jain scriptural teachings. |
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In These Turbulent Times by Shri Dulichand Jain, Chennai, India UTTARAADHYAYAN Sutra states that victory over self is most significant, though extremely difficult: Victory over thousands of external enemies Victory over self is superior to the victory over thousands of other enemies. The real winner is one who conquers the self. Such a victory can be achieved through suppressing the four passions of anger, pride, intrigue and greed. |
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Religion & Society: The following poem depicts the undesirable character of religion based on adherence to blind faith and archaic beliefs. |
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(A Reflection On Contemporary Society) by Dr. Sagar Mal Jain By making an offering of a coconut and one
rupee, |
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Religion & Society: The following article by the insightful writer Shri Surendra Bothra presents views of some undesirable aspects of the culture of consumerism and materialism. |
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by Shri Surendra Bothra Modern economic theories, ironically, deem consumerism as an index of development. The more a country consumes, the more developed and civilized it is considered. This has turned the benign terms consume and consumer into the global devil of consumerism. The communications revolution has added fuel to the fire. Some activists are making a serious effort to tackle these problems. However, in many instances, instead of dealing with the root causes of the problem, they are treating the symptoms. Thus their efforts are misdirected and so they are adding fuel to the fire. |
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Immortal Love Legend: |
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This is a story from the epic Mahabharat. The moral of the story is that one can beat all odds in life through true love and devotion. The story exemplifies the interplay of karmas and pseudo-karmas. The thoughts, gestures and actions of one individual serve as pseudo-karmas (instrumental cause, NIMITTA KAARAN) in modifying the fruition of karmas of another individual. |
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From January 1986 Issue: |
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by Duli Chandra Jain Life, liberty and pursuit of happiness are the fundamental rights of all human beings. According to Jainism, these are the fundamental rights of all living beings. Religion helps us define the kind of life, the kind of liberty and the kind of happiness. Further, religion guides us in our pursuit of life, liberty and happiness. Thus religion is the science of living. |
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Observations & Views: Please enjoy the articles presented in this column: |
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Dr. Harish Chandra writes, "The founder of a religion (or his later followers) may have some selfish ulterior motives in misleading the God-fearing innocent people. Religions have caused maximum number of wars. Even today's 'hot spots' are due to religions." Rationalism Versus Fundamentalism Fundamentalists, on the other hand, adopt a one-sided view. They insist that their respective scriptures contain the absolute truth and that no other religious concepts need be studied. Labyrinth Of Irrationalism Hymns like the following were sung: "God has blotted them out. God has blotted them out. My enemies mocked and scoffed at me. He blotted them out when he set me free. God has blotted them out. God has blotted them out." Subtle Messages Versus The Soul Of Indian Culture Mini Krishnan continues, "The training received by the virtual game kicks in and the phantom mentor in the game who instructed you to pick up a gun pushes its virtual 'get set Go!' call through the centre of your consciousness." Two Sides Of A Coin "'Too many children end up exercising only their thumbs and fingers these days. Weight issues are usually the first health problem parents of inactive children have to contend with,' says nutritionist Rekha Sharma .... She gets several young patients who are ready to do anything to lose weight, except give up their television and gaming time. ..." |
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Readers' Comments |
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Chidrup Jhanjhari [01/03/08; by e-mail] I highly appreciate your initiatives. ... Navin S. Dedhia, San Jose, CA Congratulations as Jain Study Circular enters 29th year. You have done an excellent service to the Jain Community for publishing and enlightening over the years. ... I have preserved most of the past issues and used them occasionally. Sonal Shah, Portland, OR The articles were great and good idea for people to go to the website and read - with so little time available these days - it is difficult to pick up a book and read - but easier to go to a website and browse! Dr. Tushar Mehta, Toronto, Canada Please inform me when new issues are posted. For years I have enjoyed your journal, though rarely do I get to read the whole thing. I admire and support your work. Is it true that you do not send out the paper journal anymore? Please let me know. I do think that an e-journal is a great idea. DCJ: Individuals like you keep the Jain Study Circular going. Your comments and suggestions are welcome. Please send us an e-mail if you wish to participate in the process of editing the Jain Study Circular. You can e-mail us at jainstudycircular@earthlink.net Thank you |
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From the Jain Study Circle: |
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The Jain Study Circle will continue to publish the Jain Study Circular on our website, www.jainstudy.org. If you would like to be informed when a new issue is posted on our website, please send us your e-mail address at jainstudycircular@earthlink.net We will use your e-mail address only for providing information to you about the Jain Study Circular. Please write to the Jain Study Circle if you want any portion of your subscription to be refunded to you. We are grateful to our readers, writers, friends and contributors for their support. We greatly appreciate all readers who have responded to the Jain Study Circular Survey 2006. Above all, we are grateful to the office bearers and volunteers of the Jain Study Circle who will continue to share the responsibility of the publication of the Jain Study Circular.
Complimentary copies of Studies in Jainism are available |