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Quotations from scriptures: Enjoy the logical and systematic presentation of the sophisticated concepts of reality in Jainism by Acharya Umaswati in TATTVAARTH SUTRA. |
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Different individuals indulging in similar activities may acquire karmas having different nature, quantity, duration and degree of fruition depending upon differences in their mental states and environment. |
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Guest Editorial: Have we polluted the pristine stream of the unique principles of the Jain religion through our indulgence in insignificant charades for the purpose of meaningless repute, recognition and vanity? |
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by Dr. Nemi Chand Jain These are times of trial for Jains. At present it is imperative that we get involved in a serious study of ethics as taught by our scriptures and literally live up to them in temples, in places of worship, in study halls, in business, in factories. |
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From Religious Books: In the present article, the eminent scholar presents the Jain concept of reality in the context of scientific process. His work, 'Theory of Reality in Jaina Philosophy' brings out the highly logical approach of the various Indian schools of thought, in general, and of Jainism, in particular. |
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by Dr. J. C. Sikdar The concept of substance is the central theme of Jain metaphysics. It is related historically to the notion of scientific knowledge, which involves unveiling the essential nature or the real definitions of the various natural kinds of entity existing in the universe. |
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Is our future predestined or do we have our destiny in our hands? Can faith in a scripture or supreme personality lead to deliverance? Are rituals helpful? How did Bhagwaan Mahaveer resolve this predicament? |
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by Manish Y. Modi While experiencing the results of positive or negative karmas, we should keep our feet firmly on the ground and remember that karmas are external to the soul. Their effect is only temporary. Whether we experience pleasure or pain, it is only fleeting. Only the bliss attained by the liberated souls, who are free from all temporal bonds, is real bliss because it is invariable, irreversible and everlasting. Temporal happiness is momentary and fleeting. ... Mahaveer realized that each soul is a unique, separate and distinct entity. He remained in himself, thought for himself. He did not indulge in any rituals. He did not worship anyone, he did not build temples, and he did not go on pilgrimages. |
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Religion & Society: Here is a stimulating article depicting a dispassionate, objective and candid history of religious systems. It describes how a religious system diverges from the teachings of its founder or propagator. |
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by Dr. Mahip Singh It is observed that many religious personalities who desire to give up materialism, become deeply mired in material possessions. Their followers, who have a blind faith in them, are responsible for this. It appears that religion goes hand in hand with blind faith. And it is impossible to avoid corrupt practices in the serfdom of blind faith. In the final analysis, as time goes by, all religious traditions become engulfed in corruption. |
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Religion & Society: Jainism is SHRAMAN DHARM - a religion of the self-reliant, those who do not depend on any supernatural or supreme being for their mundane existence or spiritual progress. The present article, based on excerpts from scriptures, describes what is entailed in being a true follower of Jainism - a self-reliant individual. |
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In RATNAKARAND SHRAAVAKAACHAAR, Acharya Samant Bhadra states: Individuals, who have rational perception, do not honor
and respect, |
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Religion & Society: A frequently asked question about Jainism: Is the theory of evolution compatible with your religion? |
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Jain scriptures say that the universe is continuously evolving according to the laws of nature and the attributes of the entities such as souls, matter and energy, space and time. Further, according to Jainism, the absolute truth comprising the nature of reality exists but we can know it only partially. Thus it is not possible for us to ascertain Darwin's theory of evolution. It should be pointed out that the theory of evolution and many other scientific concepts are not relevant to the practice of our code of ethics. |
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Observations & Views: It is hoped that our readers will enjoy the thought-provoking concepts presented in this column. |
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The Scourge Of Fundamentalism Prayer In Jainism: A Rational View Charity And The Basic Principles of Jainism Two Views Of Call Centers In India: |
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From the Jain Study Circle: |
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Readers' Comments: An Exchange Of e-Mails Mitesh Gandhi: While browsing internet for jainism, came to about jain study circle. Could you let me know more about you and your functions? Regards, DCJ: Dear Mitesh, Jai Jinendra The constitution of Jain Study Circle, posted on our web site, describes the goals and functions of Jain Study Circle. Jain Study Circle publishes the Jain Study Circular which you must have seen on our web site. If you are in US or Canada, please send us your postal address and we will include it in our mailing list. Sincerely, Mitesh Gandhi: Does it mean that Jain Study Circle is active only USA and Canada? I am residing at Gujarat, India. People have very limited knowledge about jains and their beliefs. I have seen lot of Jains, not clear about what they are following like fasting, not eating under earth vegetable, and lot more. Even myself was not clear about all these, though I am also a Jain. After going through your website, I got clear picture about many things that Jains are following. Probably, this was the reason for approaching you. DCJ: Dear Mitesh, Jai Jinendra Thanks for your kind words about Jain Study Circle and its web site. Unfortunately, we have extremely limited resources. In general, Jain institutions in India and elsewhere have substantial resources and they can 'reform' the Jain system so that our beliefs and practices conform to the basic tenets of our religion. With the resources that Jain Study Circle has we have been able to publish the quarterly Jain Study Circular and mail it free to about 5000 Jain families in USA and Canada. We do send the Circular to India and other countries for an annual subscription of US $10. I hope that this answers your curiosity. Sincerely, Annual Meeting Of The Jain Study Circle Jain Study Circle holds quarterly meetings in the New York Metropolitan Area. Those who wish to attend the meeting and participate in the discussion of the principles of Jainism published in the Jain Study Circular should write to: Jain Study Circle, 99-11 60 Avenue, #3D, Flushing NY 11368-4436 or call (201) 967-9344 or (718) 699-4653 or send us an e-mail at jainstudycircular@earthlink.net - Board of Directors Complimentary Copies Of Studies In Jainism: Primer and Reader 2 The Jain Study Circle is offering complimentary copies of the series 'Studies In Jainism' to all individuals and institutions. The charges for postage and handling are:
The offer is valid till supplies last. Click here for Printable Order Form Please make a check payable to "Jain Study Circle" for the postage and handling charges and mail it with your complete address to: Jain Study Circle, 99-11 60 Avenue, Apt. 3 D, Flushing NY 11368 Held on February 26, 2006 The annual meeting of Jain Study Circle was held at Ms. Alpa Jayant Sanghvi's residence in Hicksville, New York on February 26, 2006. After Mr. Vinay Vakani's opening remarks, the account for the period from January 1, 2005 to December 31, 2005, was presented by Mrs. Chaula N. Vora. The account accepted at the meeting is presented below. The detailed account was available at the meeting for the perusal of all members. The Jain Study Circle expresses sincere gratitude to the individuals who participate in editing and proofing the Jain Study Circular. They are: Mr. Vinay K. Vakani, Mrs. Sunita Jain, Dr. Ahamindra Jain, Mrs. Richa Jain, and, Rashmi and Ranita, daughters of Dr. Suresh D. & Mrs. Manikanta Jain of Wise, VA. The Jain Study Circle also appreciates Mrs. Richa Jain's contribution in maintaining the web site of the Jain Study Circle. At the meeting all members who were present expressed concern about the dwindling attendance at the quarterly meetings. A number of suggestions were presented by the attendees. The meeting was adjourned with a vote of thanks to the host family. Account Accepted at the Annual Meeting Held on February 26, 2006
Jain Study Circular Survey 2006 The directors of the Jain Study Circle greatly appreciate the encouraging responses to the survey received from the readers. The readers who have not responded so far are requested to return the survey at their earliest convenience. To print a copy of our survey, please click on the link at the top of this page. Please send your comments on the articles published in the Circular. You can contact us at jainstudycircular@earthlink.net. Thank you. - Board of Directors |