JAINISM A Way of Life

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JAINISMA Way of Life A Religion
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Agenda

• Jainism
• Jainism A Religion
• Jainism and World Religions
• Jainism A Way of Life
• Jainism in USA
• JSMC Chicago
• JSMC Expansion Project
• QA

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JainismA Religion
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What is Jainism?

• Jainism is a way of life and one of the oldest
  religions of the world.
• It believes in a cyclical nature of universe. It
  discourages superstition and blind faith and
  encourages free and rational thinking.
• Jainism lays heavy emphasis on non-violence
  (ahimsa) and discipline.
• According to Jain philosophy, all Tirthankaras
  were born as human beings but they have attained
  a state of perfection or enlightenment through
  meditation and self realization. They are the
  Gods of Jains.
• Jains have always practiced non-violence,
  vegetarianism, meditation, yoga, and
  environmentalism.

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What are the Principles of Jainism?
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What are Basic Philosophies of Jainism?

• Jainism believes in Godhood but does not believe
  God to be the First Cause. God is not a Creator,
  Preserver or Destroyer of the universe.
• God does not Punish or Reward
• Each person is responsible for improving life by
  ones self-endeavor
• Each person is capable of achieving Godhood
• All Living Beings have Souls are Equal
• All life is sacred
• Therefore, living in peace harmony is essential
• Elimination of our Karmas is the Path to
  Liberation
• Achievement of Godhood
• It requires multiple re-births
• Ultimate Goal of Life
• To be free from all karma

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What is the Karma Theory?

• The principles governing the successions of life
  cycles (birth, life, and death) is Karma.
• The Theory of Karma is founded on the simple law
  of cause and effect. What we experience now is
  the result of our own past action and our future
  is a function of our own choice and making.
• Explains the role that karmas play in our lives,
  how we accumulate karmas, and how we get rid of
  them.
• Actions of mind, speech, and body bind us with
  karma and our intentions and the passions
  determine the duration, strength and the results
  of the bondage.

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Who Is Lord Mahavir?

• Lord Mahavir - 24th (and final) Tirthankara
• Born on March 30, 599 B.C. (about 2600 years ago)
  as a prince in Bihar, India. He attained nirvana
  in the year 527 B.C. at the age of 72.
• The ultimate objective of his teaching is how one
  can attain the total freedom from the cycle of
  birth, life, and death, and achieve the permanent
  blissful state (known as liberation, nirvana,
  absolute freedom, or Moksha.)
• He shaped the present form of Jainism. Lord
  Mahavir envisioned men and women to be on equal
  footing in the matters of spiritual advancement.

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Jain Symbols
Digit of moon (region of liberated souls)
Three dots (Right Perception/Faith, Right
Knowledge, and Right Conduct) Overall meaning
After removing all of their karmas, living beings
will reside in the world of liberated souls.
Palm signifies assurance to have faith and
change the path of righteousness. Wheel of Dharma
24 spokes represent the 24 Tirthankaras. The
word inside the wheel is ahimsa.
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Major Jain Religious Events

• Mahavir Jayanti celebration of the birth of
  Lord Mahavir
• Paryushan Parva festival of forgiveness
• Samvatsari Pratikraman 3 hour prayer to ask for
  forgiveness
• Mahavir Nirvan celebration at Diwali/New Years
  per the lunar calendar

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Jain Temples
The idols of the 24 Tirthankaras are the same
because they represent the quality and virtues of
the Tirthankaras, not the physical body. A
unique symbol at the bottom of each idol
differentiates them. For example, Lord
Mahavir's idol is recognized by the symbol of a
lion.
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What does Jainism Teach about Ecology?

• Non-Possessiveness / Aparigraha
• Self-restraint is the second most important Jain
  principle.
• Minimizing consumption provides respect for
  others life and environment.
• Reuse / Recycle Products Do not waste the gifts
  of nature.
• Share resources.
• Nature provides enough for our NEED, but not
  enough for our GREED.

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Jainismand World Religions
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World Religion

• What holds one from falling from
• spiritual degeneration is religion.

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Timeline
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External God Internal Soul
Jainism Soul
WesternGod
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Life Cycles
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Different Core Similar Outcome
Eastern Religions
Western Religions
External god controls you
God is the soul within you
Religion/philosophy/science separate
Religion and philosophy are intertwined
Linear nature of life/death
Cyclic nature of life/death - nirvana
As you sow so you reap on judgment day
Karma determines your next life
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JainismA Way of Life
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Jain Beliefs
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What is Daily Life of a Jain?

• Code of Conduct for Monks Nuns (stricter)
• Code for Laymen and Laywomen
• Vegetarianism Non-Violent Practices
• No Silk, Leather, Animal Products
• Simplicity of Lifestyle, Non-Materialism
• Meditation and Introspection
• Forgiveness is a Moral Doctrine
• Compassion, Charity Community Service
• Preservation of the Environment
• Jainism is the Worlds Only Religion Emphasizing
  the Environment

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How Does Jainism Bring Change?
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Multi Step Approach
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JainismIn USA
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Jainism in USA History

• Two events anticipated the future arrival of
  Jainism in the United States
• The arrival of Virachand Gandhi in 1893 at
  Chicago's World Parliament of Religions. He is
  therefore, considered the father of American
  Jainism.
• The construction of a "Jain temple" at the St.
  Louis World's Fair in 1904-1905.
• Jainism inspired Mahatma Gandhis non-violent
  struggle for Indias independence from Britain.
• Dr. M. L. King (USA) and Nelson Mandela (S.
  Africa) applied the first principle of Jainism
  (ahimsa/non-violence) in Civil Rights struggles

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Jainism in USA Timeline

• 1850 - American Vegetarian Society established
• 1893 - Arrival of Virachand Gandhi to participate
  in Chicago's World Parliament of Religions
• 1904 - Jain Temple at St. Louis World's Fair
• 1944 - First Jain settlers in USA
• 1966 - Jain Center of America in New York
  established
• 1973 - Jain Center of Greater Boston established
• 1981 - First Jain convention in Los Angeles
• 1983 - Formal organization of JAINA (Jain
  Associations in North America)
• 1991 - Founding of Siddhachalam, the Jain Tirtha
• 1993 - Temple Pratishtha, Jain Society of
  Metropolitan Chicago
• 2000 - Jain Vishwa Bharati Orlando
• 2002 - Jain population estimated to be about
  100,000

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Jains in USA - Today

• 66 Jain Centers in USA
• 113,000 Approximate Jains in USA (vs. 6 Million
  out of 1.1 Billion people in India)
• 26 Billions Assets
• 4.2 Billions Estimated Collective Total Income
  of NA Jains
• Today there are Jain centers in 25 of the 50 U.S.
  states
• Refer to Harvard Pluralism Project's Directory of
  Religious Centers

Why is Jain sometimes spelled Jaina? Words
often have an inherent a (pronounced uh as in
under) sound at the end of them. Though English
is not very particular about this sound (many
English words are not pronounced phonetically),
Indian languages are very particular about sound.
Thus, the word Jain, spelled in Hindi or
Gujarati, does contain the inherent a sound at
the end. In order to negate this sound, a
special marker is placed under the particular
letter. Therefore, to translate the word Jain
from Prakrit or Sanskrit, it may be spelled with
our without the a, simply because when spoken,
it does contain an a sound at the end.
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Jainism in USA - In 2020
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JSMCChicago
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JSMC - History

• 1969 Inception of the idea of organizing a Jain
  Society in Chicago (Mr. Mrs. Solanki)
• 1970 Adopted the Constitution for the purpose of
  JSMC on Jan 11, 1970
• 1983 Organization of the Federation of Jain
  Associations In North America (JAINA)
• 1988 Purchased 15.4 acres of land for the Jain
  Center
• 1992/1993 Opening Ceremonies of the Jain Temple /
  Jain Community Center
• 1995/2001 JAINA Conventions hosted by JSMC in
  Chicago
• 2008 Approximately 1,500 member families
• 2008 YJA Convention will be held in
  Lincolnshire, IL

Jain Society of Metropolitan Chicago 435 N. Route
59, Bartlett, IL 60103 [phone] / 1088
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Jain Society of Metropolitan Chicago JSMC

• A non-profit tax exempt organization registered
  in State of Illinois and operating under IRC
  Title 26 U.S.C.  501(c), Section 501(c)(3)
  status
• Largest membership representation of the Jain
  Centers in North America
• Member of the Federation of Jain Associations In
  North America (JAINA)
• Built the 1st significant Jain Temple of North
  America on 15.4 acre property
• For further information, visit www.jsmconline.org.
    

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The Purpose of JSMC

• Increase the awareness of the principles of
  Jainism.
• Achieve the unity of all Jains.
• Provide a platform wherefrom to project the voice
  of Jain religion.
• Promote the feeling of amity and brotherhood
  among Jains and to promote inter-faith
  understanding.
• Fulfill social, cultural, educational and
  economic needs of the Jain community.
• Establish communications between scholars of Jain
  philosophy and members of the Society.
• Celebrate Jain festivals and holidays.

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The Mission of JSMC

• To offer a trustworthy and structured ground for
  projecting a common voice of all Jains for
• Promoting principles of Jain religion
• Providing Jain education to the community
• Celebrating Jain social and cultural events in a
  manner that is compassionate, vibrant, dynamic.
• In doing so, the organization shall execute its
  affairs ethically based on a sound infrastructure
  and responsible conduct, while creating a
  sustainable financial position.

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JSMCs Vision for the Future

• Establish an inspiring Jain lifestyle that
• Focuses on youth involvement
• Boasts the highest membership among Jain centers
  outside of India
• Demonstrates having a positive impact on every
  stakeholder
• Grows financially to a stable and sustainable
  debt-free position
• Becomes a cant live without for the community
• Attracts visitors as a must visit place on
  Chicagos list

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JSMC In 2020
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JSMC Temple
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JSMCExpansion Project
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JSMC Expansion Project - Scope

• Upper Level
• 78,000 Sq Ft of State of the Art Facility
• Expanded Temple with Additional 1,100 Sq Ft
• Larger Rang Mandap, Larger Pooja Room, New
  Storage Room
• New Prayer Hall and Stage
• Double the Previous Capacity to 1,500 People
• Nursery Room
• Conference Rooms
• Expanded Coat and Shoe Areas
• Expanded Restrooms / Showers
• Larger Reception and Offices

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JSMC Expansion Project - Scope

• Lower Level
• 8 New Pathshala Class Rooms
• Teachers Lounge
• Expanded Library Facility
• Larger Modern Kitchen
• Expanded Dining Hall
• Medical / First Aid Room
• Youth Room
• Fitness Center
• 2 Elevators and Stairways

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JSMC Expansion Project - Status

• 9.5 Million Expansion Project Launched 2005
• Jain Center Construction Expansion 2005 / 2007
• The Community Center expansion substantially
  complete (6.5 million)
• Will require expanded audio/video system, stage
  curtains, stage lighting, and other furnishings
  (1.5 million)
• Jain Temple Construction Expansion 2008 / 2009
• Temple reconstruction remains unfinished pending
  marble work requiring availability of skilled
  marble craftsmen (artisans) that are expert in
  temple-related marble work (1.5 million)
• Targeted completion 2009

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For More Information

• Jain Center of Chicago www.jsmconline.org
• BBC Website http//www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religion
  s/jainism/index.shtml
• http//www.cs.colostate.edu/malaiya/jainhlinks.ht
  ml
• www.jainworld.com
• www.jainstudy.org
• www.jaina.org
• Over 1.5 Million Google References

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Thank You
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About JSMC

• Founded in 1970, the Jain Society of Metropolitan
  Chicago (JSMC) is a non-profit tax exempt
  organization registered in State of Illinois and
  operating under IRC Title 26 U.S.C.  501(c),
  Section 501(c)(3) status. JSMC has a membership
  of about 1,500 families, the largest membership
  representation of the Jain Centers in North
  America. JSMC is a proud member of the
  Federation of Jain Associations In North America
  (JAINA) and has a distinctive honor of having
  built in 1992 the 1st significant Jain Temple of
  North America on 15.4 acre property it owns in
  Bartlett, Illinois.
• The primary purpose of JSMC is to provide a
  temple for religious services and a community
  center for social, cultural, educational and
  economic needs of the Jain community. Other
  objectives of JSMC are to increase the awareness
  of the principles of Jainism, achieve the unity
  of all Jains, provide a platform wherefrom to
  project the voice of Jain religion, promote the
  feeling of amity and brotherhood among Jains and
  to promote inter-faith understanding, establish
  communications between scholars of Jain
  philosophy and members of the Society, and
  celebrate Jain festivals and holidays.
•  For Further Information please visit
  www.jsmconline.org or contact  

Jain Society of Metropolitan Chicago 435 N. Route
59, Bartlett, IL 60103 [phone] / 1088
Mr. Dipak Doshi Chairman of the Board of
Trustees [phone]
Mr. Hemant Shah Membership Secretary (847)
977-5462