Transcript JAINISM A Way of Life & A Religion Jain Society Of Metropolitan Chicago 435 N.

JAINISM
A Way of Life & A Religion
Jain Society Of Metropolitan Chicago
435 N. Route 59, Bartlett, IL 60103
Phone: (630) 837-1077
Website: www.jsmconline.org
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Agenda
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Jainism
Jainism – A Religion
Jainism and World Religions
Jainism – A Way of Life
Jainism in USA
JSMC Chicago
JSMC Expansion Project
Q&A
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Jainism
A Religion
Jain Society Of Metropolitan Chicago
435 N. Route 59, Bartlett, IL 60103
Phone: (630) 837-1077
Website: www.jsmconline.org
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What is Jainism?
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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?
Non-violence
(Ahimsa)
• Not to cause harm to any living beings by thoughts, speech or body
• Non-violence towards all living creatures, in both thought and action
Multiplicity of
Views (Anekäntväd)
• Strengthens autonomy of thoughts & speech, and
non-possessiveness
Non-Possessiveness
/ Non-Attachment
(Aparigraha)
• A complete detachment from people, places, and
material things
Truthfulness (Satya)
• To speak the harmless truth only
Non-Stealing
(Asteya / Achaurya)
• Not to take anything that is not properly given
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What are Basic Philosophies of Jainism?
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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 one’s 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
Equality
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?
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The principles governing the successions of life cycles
(birth, life, and death) is Karma.
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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?
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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
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.
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.
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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
Year’s 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?
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Environmentalism
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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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Jainism
and World Religions
Jain Society Of Metropolitan Chicago
435 N. Route 59, Bartlett, IL 60103
Phone: (630) 837-1077
Website: www.jsmconline.org
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World Religion
“What holds one from falling from
spiritual degeneration is religion.”
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Timeline
Judaism
2600BC
Abraham
2200BC
Exodus from Egypt
1940sAD Israel
Christianity
30BC
Christ
Islam
571AD
Mohammed
Jainism
Beginning-less / Endless
557BC, Mahavir
Buddhism
483BC
Gautam Buddha
Beginning-less / Endless
Hinduism
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External God & Internal Soul
Western:
God
Jainism:
Soul
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Life Cycles
Western:
Linearity of Life
Jainism:
Cycle of Life
nirvana
heaven
cycle of
life/death
death
birth:
pure state
enlightenment
hell
elimination of
karmic bondage
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Different Core – Similar Outcome
Western Religions
External god controls you
Religion/philosophy/science separate
Eastern Religions
God is the soul within you
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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Jainism
A Way of Life
Jain Society Of Metropolitan Chicago
435 N. Route 59, Bartlett, IL 60103
Phone: (630) 837-1077
Website: www.jsmconline.org
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Jain Beliefs
All souls are equal
Non-Violence
Multiplicity of views
Non-possessiveness
Karma
Three jewels: Right Knowledge, Right Faith, Right Conduct
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What is Daily Life of a Jain?
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Code of Conduct for Monks & Nuns (stricter)
Code for Laymen and Laywomen
Vegetarianism & Non-Violent Practices
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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
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Jainism is the World’s Only Religion Emphasizing the Environment
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How Does Jainism Bring Change?
Control of destructive emotions (mental)
• Anger, Arrogance, Deception, Greed
Abstain From (physical)
• Violence, Lies, Stealing, Lust
• Unlimited possessiveness
Jain Family Characteristics
• Vegetarian
• Family values
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Multi Step Approach
Control anger through forgiveness
Arrogance through humility
Deception through honesty
Greed through contentment
Major emphasis in Jainism is on non-violence
(Ahimsa)
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Lord Mahavir
• “In happiness & suffering, in joy & grief, we must regard all
creatures as we regard our own self.”
Mahatma Gandhi
• “Non-violence is the greatest force at the disposal of the
mankind. It is mightier than the mightiest weapon ever devised
by the ingenuity of man.”
Pope John Paul II
• “There is no religious goal, which can possibly justify the use of
violence by man against man.”
Dr. Martin Luther King
• “We must learn to live together as brothers and sisters or perish
together as fools.”
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Jainism
In USA
Jain Society Of Metropolitan Chicago
435 N. Route 59, Bartlett, IL 60103
Phone: (630) 837-1077
Website: www.jsmconline.org
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Jainism in USA – History
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Two events anticipated the future arrival of Jainism in the
United States
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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 Gandhi’s non-violent struggle
for India’s independence from Britain.
Dr. M. L. King (USA) and Nelson Mandela (S. Africa)
applied the first principle of Jainism (ahimsa/nonviolence) in Civil Rights struggles
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Jainism in USA – Timeline
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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
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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
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does contain an “a” sound at the end.
Jainism in USA - In 2020
EVOLVE
EXPAND
(Our Practices)
(Community Awareness)
EDUCATE
(Impact trends)
ENERGIZE
(Our organization)
JAINA
NA
Jains
Jain
Centers
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JSMC
Chicago
Jain Society Of Metropolitan Chicago
435 N. Route 59, Bartlett, IL 60103
Phone: (630) 837-1077
Website: www.jsmconline.org
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JSMC - History
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1969
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1983
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1988
1992/1993
1995/2001
2008
2008
Inception of the idea of organizing a Jain Society in Chicago
(Mr. & Mrs. Solanki)
Adopted the Constitution for the purpose of JSMC on Jan 11, 1970
Organization of the Federation of Jain Associations In North America
(JAINA)
Purchased 15.4 acres of land for the Jain Center
Opening Ceremonies of the Jain Temple / Jain Community Center
JAINA Conventions hosted by JSMC in Chicago
Approximately 1,500 member families
YJA Convention will be held in Lincolnshire, IL
Jain Society of Metropolitan Chicago
435 N. Route 59, Bartlett, IL 60103
(630) 837-1077 / 1088
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Jain Society of Metropolitan Chicago
“JSMC”
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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
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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
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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.
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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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JSMC’s Vision for the Future
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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 “can’t live without” for the community
 Attracts visitors as a “must visit” place on Chicago’s list
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JSMC – In 2020
Digambar
JSMC JAINS
Stanakvasi
Terapanthi
Svetambar
Deravasi
JAINA
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JSMC – Temple
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JSMC
Expansion Project
Jain Society Of Metropolitan Chicago
435 N. Route 59, Bartlett, IL 60103
Phone: (630) 837-1077
Website: www.jsmconline.org
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JSMC Expansion Project - Scope
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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
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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
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$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 templerelated marble work ($1.5 million)
 Targeted completion 2009
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For More Information
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Jain Center of Chicago www.jsmconline.org
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BBC Website
http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/jainism/index.shtml
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http://www.cs.colostate.edu/~malaiya/jainhlinks.html
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www.jainworld.com
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www.jainstudy.org
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www.jaina.org
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Over 1.5 Million Google References
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Thank You
Jain Society Of Metropolitan Chicago
435 N. Route 59, Bartlett, IL 60103
Phone: (630) 837-1077
Website: www.jsmconline.org
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About JSMC
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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
(630) 837-1077 / 1088
Mr. Dipak Doshi
Chairman of the Board of Trustees
(847) 420-9025
Mr. Hemant Shah
Membership Secretary
(847) 977-5462