JAINISM A Way of Life A Religion

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 1

Agenda Jainism n Jainism – A Religion n Jainism and World Religions n Jainism – A Way of Life n Jainism in USA n JSMC Chicago n JSMC Expansion Project n Q&A n 2

Jainism A Religion Jain Society Of Metropolitan Chicago 435 N. Route 59, Bartlett, IL 60103 Phone: (630) 837 -1077 Website: www. jsmconline. org 3

What is Jainism? n n n 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 have always practiced non-violence, vegetarianism, meditation, yoga, and environmentalism. 4

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 5

What are Basic Philosophies of Jainism? n n n 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 n Each person is responsible for improving life by one’s self-endeavor n Each person is capable of achieving Godhood All Living Beings have Souls & are Equal n All life is sacred n Therefore, living in peace & harmony is essential Equality Elimination of our Karmas is the Path to Liberation & Achievement of Godhood n It requires multiple re-births Ultimate Goal of Life n To be free from all karma 6

What is the Karma Theory? n The principles governing the successions of life cycles (birth, life, and death) is Karma. n 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. n 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. 7 n

Who Is Lord Mahavir? n n Lord Mahavir - 24 th (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. 8

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. 9

Major Jain Religious Events n Mahavir Jayanti – celebration of the birth of Lord Mahavir n Paryushan Parva – festival of forgiveness n Samvatsari Pratikraman – 3 hour prayer to ask forgiveness n Mahavir Nirvan – celebration at Diwali/New Year’s per the lunar calendar 10

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. 11

What does Jainism Teach about Ecology? n Environmentalism n n n 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. 12

Jainism and World Religions Jain Society Of Metropolitan Chicago 435 N. Route 59, Bartlett, IL 60103 Phone: (630) 837 -1077 Website: www. jsmconline. org 13

World Religion “What holds one from falling from spiritual degeneration is religion. ” 14

Timeline Judaism 2600 BC Abraham 2200 BC Exodus from Egypt 1940 s. AD Israel Christianity 30 BC Christ Islam 571 AD Mohammed Jainism Beginning-less / Endless 557 BC, Mahavir Buddhism Beginning-less / Endless 483 BC Gautam Buddha Hinduism 15

External God & Internal Soul Western: God Jainism: Soul 16

Life Cycles Western: Linearity of Life Jainism: Cycle of Life nirvana heaven cycle of life/death birth: pure state enlightenment hell elimination of karmic bondage 17

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 18

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 19

Jain Beliefs All souls are equal Non-Violence Multiplicity of views Non-possessiveness Karma Three jewels: Right Knowledge, Right Faith, Right Conduct 20

What is Daily Life of a Jain? n n n Code of Conduct for Monks & Nuns (stricter) Code for Laymen and Laywomen Vegetarianism & Non-Violent Practices n n n 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 n Jainism is the World’s Only Religion Emphasizing the Environment 21

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 22

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) 23

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. ” 24

Jainism In USA Jain Society Of Metropolitan Chicago 435 N. Route 59, Bartlett, IL 60103 Phone: (630) 837 -1077 Website: www. jsmconline. org 25

Jainism in USA – History n Two events anticipated the future arrival of Jainism in the United States 1. 2. n n 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 26

Jainism in USA – Timeline n n n 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 27

Jains in USA - Today n n n 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, 28 it does contain an “a” sound at the end.

Jainism in USA - In 2020 EVOLVE (Our Practices) EDUCATE (Impact trends) NA s n Jai JAIN A in Ja ers t en C EXPAND (Community Awareness) ENERGIZE (Our organization) JAINA NA Jains Jain Centers 29

JSMC Chicago Jain Society Of Metropolitan Chicago 435 N. Route 59, Bartlett, IL 60103 Phone: (630) 837 -1077 Website: www. jsmconline. org 30

JSMC - History n 1969 n 1970 1983 n n n 1988 1992/1993 1995/2001 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 31

Jain Society of Metropolitan Chicago “JSMC” n n n 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 1 st significant Jain Temple of North America on 15. 4 acre property For further information, visit www. jsmconline. org. 32

The Purpose of JSMC n n n n 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. 33

The Mission of JSMC n To offer a trustworthy and structured ground for projecting a common voice of all Jains for Promoting principles of Jain religion n Providing Jain education to the community n Celebrating Jain social and cultural events in a manner that is compassionate, vibrant, & dynamic. n n In doing so, the organization shall execute its affairs ethically based on a sound infrastructure and responsible conduct, while creating a sustainable financial position. 34

JSMC’s Vision for the Future n Establish an inspiring Jain lifestyle that n Focuses on youth involvement n Boasts the highest membership among Jain centers outside of India n Demonstrates having a positive impact on every stakeholder n Grows financially to a stable and sustainable debt-free position n Becomes a “can’t live without” for the community n Attracts visitors as a “must visit” place on Chicago’s list 35

JSMC – In 2020 Digambar JSMC JAINS Stanakvasi Terapanthi Svetambar Deravasi JAINA 36

JSMC – Temple 37

JSMC Expansion Project Jain Society Of Metropolitan Chicago 435 N. Route 59, Bartlett, IL 60103 Phone: (630) 837 -1077 Website: www. jsmconline. org 38

JSMC Expansion Project - Scope n Upper Level n 78, 000 Sq Ft of State of the Art Facility n Expanded Temple with Additional 1, 100 Sq Ft n Larger Rang Mandap, Larger Pooja Room, New Storage Room n New Prayer Hall and Stage n Double the Previous Capacity to 1, 500 People n Nursery Room n Conference Rooms n Expanded Coat and Shoe Areas n Expanded Restrooms / Showers n Larger Reception and Offices 39

JSMC Expansion Project - Scope n Lower Level 8 New Pathshala Class Rooms n Teachers Lounge n Expanded Library Facility n Larger Modern Kitchen n Expanded Dining Hall n Medical / First Aid Room n Youth Room n Fitness Center n 2 Elevators and Stairways n 40

JSMC Expansion Project - Status n n n $9. 5 Million Expansion Project Launched – 2005 Jain Center Construction Expansion – 2005 / 2007 n The Community Center expansion substantially complete ($6. 5 million) n Will require expanded audio/video system, stage curtains, stage lighting, and other furnishings ($1. 5 million) Jain Temple Construction Expansion – 2008 / 2009 n Temple reconstruction remains unfinished pending marble work requiring availability of skilled marble craftsmen (artisans) that are expert in templerelated marble work ($1. 5 million) n Targeted completion 2009 41

For More Information n Jain Center of Chicago www. jsmconline. org n BBC Website http: //www. bbc. co. uk/religions/jainism/index. shtml n http: //www. cs. colostate. edu/~malaiya/jainhlinks. html n www. jainworld. com n www. jainstudy. org n www. jaina. org n Over 1. 5 Million Google References 42

Thank You Jain Society Of Metropolitan Chicago 435 N. Route 59, Bartlett, IL 60103 Phone: (630) 837 -1077 Website: www. jsmconline. org 43

About JSMC n n n 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 1 st 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