Produced By Kishor Bhimji Shah
Featuring
March 2022 Calendar
Spirituality in Everyday Life
Pilgrimage
Chha Gaun Yatra
Being Jain
Women in Jainism
Science & Spirituality
Poetry
Happiness & Jainism
Mom
And Much More
Email: [email protected]
INSIGHTS | MARCH 2022
SPIRITUALITY IN EVERYDAY LIFE
Spirituality is, in essence, knowing how to live. Through this knowing
there is happiness. True spirituality is not a system of worship or ritual,
but a positive attitude towards ourselves and others, which makes life a
joy rather than a struggle.
The need for a happy life can be simply fulfilling relationships and a
sense of purpose. Happiness or a lack of it is not caused by external
things but comes from what is inside. For example, material well-being
does not bring happiness, nor does it bring unhappiness.
The great disease of human consciousness is looking only to the external
as a means of achieving happiness without examining personal values
and attitudes, simply hoping for the best.
Happiness cannot be found by simply hoping for the best. There are no
short cuts. No other person, no external thing can create a permanent
state of well-being. Creating this is our own responsibility. Things from
outside can contribute, guide, and inspire, but ultimately life is what we
make of it.
Exploring our deeper selves brings understanding. With this
understanding we can begin to create the lives we wish to live. Without
this understanding we cannot find release from crises.
Nowadays there seems to be a crisis, a dead-end disappointment at
every turn. This seems almost to have become the standard for a
human life.
When we are truly human, life is more than just surviving and
overcoming obstacles. It is a joyful experience of love and meaning.
BY ANTHONY STRANO
PaGE 5
MARCH 2022 | INSIGHTS
THE INNER SECRET OF JAINISM
They say that Jainism and its ahimsa-code have caught the
imagination of the Indian nation.
I say that Jainism and its ahimsa-essence have elevated the consciousness
of the entire world.
They say that the Jaina religion is practised only by the few.
I say that the Jaina code of life is destined to be practised by the many.
They say that Jainism is confined to the shores of our Mother India.
I say that the heart and soul of Jainism will eventually be embraced by
humanity as a whole. Indeed, that blessed day is fast approaching.
They say that Lord Mahavira and Lord Buddha were contemporaries, but
by no means equals. I say that Lord Mahavira and Lord Buddha were
perfect embodiments of the self-same Light of the ever-transcending
Beyond. Who are we to judge them? We have to be fully enlightened like
them before we can open our big mouths.
They say that Jainism is stark austerity-life. to
I say that Jainism expects austerity from those who have the capacity
renounce the world for the world-illumination, and self-control
from those who are still enjoying the pleasure-life.
They say that Jainism is too difficult.
I say that Jainism is easier than the easiest if you have but one
feeling deep inside your heart: love and sacrifice for each and
every living thing in the universe.
BY SRI CHINMOY
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INSIGHTS | MARCH 2022
VARSHITAP
This year on 24th March marks the beginning of
a special and hard Tap called Varshitap. Those
who participate in this austerity alternate
between completing an upvas ( day long fast)
and Biyashana (two meals during the day) for
approximately 400 days. During this period,
due to certain Tithis in the calendar, those
undertaking this Tap, sometimes complete
Chhat ( two consecutive day fast) and Attam
(three consecutive day fast).
Varshitap is done to commemorate Adinath
Bhagwan’s 13 month long fast completed after
taking diksha – the first person to do so in the
current half of the time cycle. According to our
scriptures, in one of his previous lives, Adinath
Bhagwan , he had mistakenly left a cloth over a
cow’s mouth overnight – cloth was used to keep
the cow from eating the grass that it ploughed.
The sin of starving the cow for a few hours led
him to acquire karma that resulted in a lengthy
fast in the next future life
When Adinath Bhagwan took diksha, asceticism
was new to the people. When he went for
gochari (alms), they offered him gold, jewellery,
gemstones, elephants, horses and expensive
garments but not food. He had to fast for 13
months and 13 days until finally he came across
a sugarcane farm near the town of Hastinapur
owned by his great grandson – Shreyanskumar,
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MARCH 2022 | INSIGHTS
who offered him sugarcane juice, thus breaking his fast. The day of this
parna is known as Akshaya Trithya.
In keeping with tradition, those who completed the Varshitap break their
fast with fresh sugarcane on the day of Akshaya Trithya. In addition,
great celebrations are held at the Hastinapur Tirth on this day to
commemorate the place where this auspicious event occurred.
The twenty Viharman Tirthankaras existing at present in the Mahavideh
area were born at the same time just after the Nirvana of the 17th
Tirthankara of Bharat area – Kunthunath Swami. All of them took diksha
together just after Nirvana of the 20th Tirthankara – Munisuvrat Swami.
Just after one month of becoming ascetics they all attained omniscience,
They all will get liberated at the same time after the Nirvana of the
seventh Tirthankar of future ascending cycle of time – Shree Udaynath
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INSIGHTS | MARCH 2022
Pilgrimage
BY KISHOR B SHAH
“Pilgrimages are sacred journeys extraordinary”
True pilgrimage as practised in India and elsewhere is guided
by the highly diversified motives of the pilgrims. Every pilgrim
has two destinations in mind when embarking on a pilgrimage
– a geographic one and a spiritual one. The difference
between being a tourist and being a pilgrim is that the mindset
of a pilgrims is to abandon all expectations and live in a state
of acceptance. Pilgrims often willingly endure hardships and
frugal living as these enable them to discipline the body as well
as a way of tempering and strengthening the soul. Pilgrimage
with like minded pilgrims is both an outer and inner journey
which ultimately strengths one’s spirituality and religious faith.
India is a land of spirituality and devotion and is often referred
to as ‘Tirth Bhumi’ – the land of pilgrimage. The many
pilgrimage sites in India are a holy confluence of different
faiths, sects, languages, traditions architecture and art, where
one can see ‘India’s diversity, her brilliant colours, her
pageantry and her intoxicating beauty.’ Religious atmosphere
at these sacred places inspires feelings of reverence.
Devotional sentiments permeate throughout and bring inner
happiness and peace which leads to the upliftment of the soul.
All the major religions have laid great emphasis on the
sacredness of certain places and have either enjoined or
recommended with great insistence, pilgrimages to them. It is
inspiring and uplifting to pray, contemplate and worship at the
place where the great religious leaders and saints once stood.
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Pilgrimage is nearly a universal practice in practically every religion in the
world. In Buddhism, the pilgrimage sites are called the ‘Eight Great
Places’ and include Lumbini in Nepal -birthplace of Buddha; Bodh Gaya
in India where bodhi or the highest insight or enlightenment was
achieved; the Deer Park at Sarnath near Banaras where Buddha “turned
the wheel of law” – i.e. preached his first sermon; Kushinagar in Uttar
Pradesh where Buddha attained nirvana; Rajgir; Vaishali; Sankassa and
Shravasti.
In Islam, the annual pilgrimage of Muslims to Mecca, in West Central
Arabia is known as hajj. All Muslims try to do this pilgrimage at least once
in their life as it is one of the five pillars of faith in Islam, the other four
being profession of faith in Allah and his apostle, prayers five times a
day, fasting during the month of Ramadan and compulsory alms giving
(Zakat). The hajj experience is an important expression of social and
religious unity and equality in Islam culture. Those who complete the
hajj are entitled to the epithet hajj or hajji (for males) and hajjah or
hajjiyah (for females). It is a recognition by the community that a sacred
duty has been performed by those who complete the hajj.
Pilgrimage is of paramount importance in Hinduism. Hindus go on
pilgrimages to many places, including temples, mountains, and rivers
such as the Ganges considered to be the holiest by Hindus. The Hindu
pilgrimage tradition recognises not merely the sacredness of specific
locations but the holiness of vast regions or rather the entire land of
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India. Once every 12 years, millions of pilgrims share in ritual bathing at
the Kumbh Mela festival, held where the waters of the Ganges and
Yamuna rivers combine.
Christians who go on pilgrimages visit places mentioned in the New
Testament in the Bible or are linked with saints or miracles. Pilgrimages
places include Lourdes in France and Bethlehem. Followers of Judaism
go on pilgrimage to the Western Wall or Wailing Wall in Jerusalem – their
holiest city.
Whilst researching for this article, I was surprised to learn that
pilgrimage is not a practice as such in Sikhism. Sikh saints such as Guru
Nanak said that ‘spiritual wisdom and God’s name is the real pilgrimage
place’. For Sikhs, Gurudwara (the Guru’s door) are of utmost importance.
In India today, there are four famous Gurudwaras visited by many –
Amritsar – site of the Golden Temple, Patna (the birthplace of Guru
Govind Singh), Nanded (where he died) and Anandpur.
“The Soul receives merit whilst the mind receives peace”
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PILGRIMAGE FOR JAINS
Pilgrimage is an integral practice in the Jain faith. Jains have settled in all
parts of the world and over time established their own sacred places
with beautiful temples wherever they live. Nevertheless, pilgrimage to
the many sacred Jain sites in India is a forever a constant wish to achieve
‘summum bonum’ of life. Personally, going on holiday to India that does
not include a Yatra is unthinkable.
Jain pilgrimage sites bear witness to its glorious past and present. They
symbolise devotion, philanthropy, selfless service, penance and
illuminate the message of non-violence, non-acquisitiveness, equanimity
as propounded by Tirthankaras, as preached by numerous Sadhus and
Sadhvis and many other pious souls.
Pilgrimage In Jainism is known as Tirtha Yatra. The sacred places of
pilgrimage are known as ‘tirthas or tirthakshetras’. Late LM Singhvi
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wrote that a tirtha is a “source of spiritual and ethical inspiration,
instruction and edification; it is meant to be a bridge for the aspirant to
facilitate his ‘crossing over’ of the river of his worldly existence” – i.e the
elimination of the birth-death-birth cycle called samsara.
A ‘tirthakshetra’ in Jainism can be anyone of the following categories:
• Siddha-kshetra – place where Tirthankaras attained liberation
or moksha/nirvana. This include Sammetashikhara or Paras
Natha. Twenty of the twenty four Tirthankaras attained moksha
here. All Jains aspire to go on pilgrimage at this site, at least
once. Other places include Pavapuri (Mahavir); Campapuri
(Vasapujya) in Bihar, Girnar (Neminatha) in Gujarat and Mount
Kailash now in Tibet where Adinatha attained Moksha.
• Kalyanaka Ksetra – places where any of the five auspicious
events – panch kalyanak of the Tirthankaras took place. Panch
Kalyanak – Chyavanan; Janma; Diksha; Kevalgyan; and Moksha.
• Atisaya Ksetra – place where some divine or other religious
event happened.
Kala Ksetra – place of art or architecture. Most famous places
include Mount Abu Dilawara, Ranakapur, Ajanta Ellora Caves,
Shravanbelgola.
These pilgrimage sites are invariably situated on tops of hills or
mountains, and often in beautiful natural surroundings which help in
cultivating self-reflection, devotion, attitude of mindfulness and
sometimes profoundly life changing experience.
Ratnasekhara – a Svetambara author of the 14th Century defined
Tirtha Yatra “as the visiting of scared sites such as Shatrunjaya, Girnar
where the atmosphere has been sanctified by association with the birth,
initiation, enlightenment or nirvana of Tirthankaras. Places like
Shatrunjaya, Girnar, Samet Shikhar, Abu, Ashtapad are regarded as
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Sthaavara Tirthas – immovable Tirthas, whereas Jain Sadhus &
Sadhavis are regarded as Jangama Tirtha – moving tirtha. Jains are
urged to visit both types of Tirths during their lifetime.
For Jains, some of the benefits of going on a Pilgrimage include:-
• Assists in our spiritual journey to achieve moksha in future lives.
• Assists in the reduction of negative Karmas (pap) and
accumulation of positive Karmas (punya).
• Provides an opportunity to reflect and introspect on one’s
spirituality and Jain way of life.
• A feeling of temporarily renouncing the world and enjoying the
eternal benevolence of holy and learned people.
• A form of penance as the pilgrimage is often challenging and a
test of endurance.
• An opportunity to escape for a short period, the routines and
habits that hold us captive and awaken the sacredness within
us.
• Generates a “good” feeling – a memorable experience.
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INSIGHTS | MARCH 2022
Shatrunjaya is an embodiment of sacredness and is often referred to as “
“Tirthadhiraj” - “King of pilgrimage places” or “Giri Raj” – “King of mou
Shatrunjaya is “Shashvat” – meaning it is eternal and indestructible. It wi
ever.
It expands and contracts in accordance with the ascending and descendin
of time. So in the First ara of Avasarpini, the holy hill had a height of 80 y
miles). In this current 5th Ara , we have to climb some 3500 steps to the to
will be just 7 hand high from sea level. It is thought that present day Girn
Shatrunjaya hills were once connected.
Only eternal place accessible to human beings in Bharat Kshetra in this d
Yuga”.
There are many Tirthas in the 15 Karmabhoomis in Adhi-dweep, but none
Human beings living in Mahavideh Kshetra crave to touch and pay their o
Shatrunjaya.
Infinite souls have attained liberation and infinite souls will attain liberati
Apart from Neminath Bhagwan, all other 23 Tirthankaras graced this plac
is said the all the next 24 Tirthankaras will grace this place.
Adinatha Bhagwan – the 1st Jina is responsible for initiating pilgrimage to
Shatrunjaya, which is now considered the most popular pilgrimage place
Adinatha Bhagwan,
Shatrunjaya means “conquering enemies” – which is a metaphor to conqu
kashayas namely Kodha, Mana, Maya and lobha.
Yatra to Shatrunjaya is thought to bring hundred times more spiritual mer
other holy sites.
It is said that anyone who puts one step towards Shatrunjaya with “Pure
from all pap of present and previous life.
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“Tirtha -raja” or MARCH 2022 | INSIGHTS
untains”
ill exist as a Tirth for POONAM (BHAV SIDDHACHAL YATRA)
PAGE 16
ng never ending cycles
yojans (approx. 640
op and in the 6th Ara it
nar Hills and
dark age – “Kali
e are like Shatrunjaya.
obeisance to
ion in the future.
ce giving discourses. It
o the eternal mountain
for the worship of
uer our inner enemies –
rit than yatra to any
Heart” can be free
INSIGHTS | MARCH 2022
CHHA GAUN YATRA
BY KISHOR B SHAH
One of the most auspicious days to undertake pilgrimage
(yatra) of Shatrunjaya is on the thirteenth day of the bright half
of the month of Fagan (February – March). Every year on this
day, thousands of pilgrims perform the Chha Gau Yatra.
Pilgrims are of the belief that performing this yatra will free the
devotee from all sins.
Chha in Gujarati means six and Gau is equivalent to two miles,
so in total the distance covered is about twelve miles (15 Km).
The route is the longest and most arduous, some over hilly
terrain, taking pilgrims to many lesser known but very
auspicious sites on the Shatrunjaya Hills. The dress code is
white clothes and the yatra takes four to five hours to
complete.
The yatra starts after exiting the Rampol Gate, where there is
a paved route on the right side of the road. Below are details
of the auspicious sites the pilgrims visit enroute.
Deri of Devaki’s 6 Sons
The first temple pilgrims reach is that of “Devakishatnandan” –
meaning six sons of Devaki. Devaki, as per the Ramayan is
wife of Vasudev and mother of Krishna, but before giving birth
to him, she had six other sons. Krishna was destined to kill
Kansa, the king of Mathura. When Kansa came to know about
this, he resolved to kill Devaki’s sons as they were born.
According to Jain belief, Kansa could only lay hands on six dead
bodies. It is said that Sulsa, wife of Nagdutta was very pious,
undertaking many austerities, summoned Harinigameshi (a
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demi God), who came and said “O Sulsa, its not in your destiny to give
birth to living ones but you will have them anyhow to bring them up”.
The story states that Harinigameshi swapped the living sons of Devaki
with those of the dead ones of Sulsa.
All six sons took diksha under Shree Neminath Bhagwan and achieved
salvation – Moksha near this location.
Ulkajal
The second site pilgrims reach is Ulkajal point. It is believed that water
used Shree Adinath Bhagwan’s abhishek gets collected at this site.
Nearby are the footprints of Shree Adinath Bhagwan.
Ajitnath & Shantinath Shrines
Further ahead of Ulkajal, pilgrims stop and do darshan at shrines of
Shree Ajitnath Bhagwan and Shree Shantinath Bhagwan, who both
stayed at Shatrunjaya during Chaturmas – four months of the rainy
season. To mark this auspicious event, temples were built facing each
other. As the story goes, Muni Nandishen during the time of Shree
Neminath Bhagwan (some say during Shree Mahavirswami Bhagwan)
once visited Shatrunjaya Giriraj and was performing chaityavandan in
front of one of these temples, which meant that he had his back at the
other one. He composed “Ajit Shanti Stotra” in praise of both these two
Tirthankaras. On reciting this miraculous prayer, both temples moved
and came next to each other.
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Chandan (Chillan) Talavadi
The pilgrim next come to Chillan Talavadi (lake), named after Chillan
Muni. He is considered to be a disciple of Pundarikswami – Chief
Ganadhar of Shree Adinath Bhagwan ( some say he was a disciple of
Sudharmaswami – the fifth Ganadhar of Shree Mahavir Bhagwan.
Chillan Muni, together with a large group of pilgrims visited Shatrunjaya
Giriraj. On the way, the pilgrims became very thirsty, unable to proceed
without water. It is said that the Muni with his Labdhi – special powers
created a pond of clean water. The pilgrims could thus quench their
thirst and complete their pilgrimage. People named it Chillan Talavadi
and in due course of time the name has changed to Chandan Talavadi.
While repenting for the water souls, Muni recited Iriyavahiya sutra and
became enlightened with Kevaljnan.
Siddhshila
Siddhshila is near Chandan Talavadi. ‘Siddh’ means one who has
attained liberation and ‘shila’ means rock. Infinite souls have attained
liberation in Shatrunjaya Giriraj. It is believed that Siddhshila is such a
place from which the highest number of souls have attained liberation
than any other place on Giriraj. Pilgrims stop here and do ‘Kaussage’ of
108, 27, 21 or 12 logassa in sleeping position on Siddhshila. For some
pilgrims this meditation can be difficult as it has to be done at about
noon, when they are fully exposed to the sun and water is not permitted.
Bhaadva Hill
The scene and surroundings for the pilgrims is mountainous. The path
leads to a slopy hillock known as Bhaadva Hill. On this very hill, Krishna’s
chief queens Rukmini and Jambvati’s sons respectively Pradhyumna and
Shamba attained liberation along with 8.5 crore monks on the
auspicious day of the thirteenth day of the bright half of the month of
Fagan. Chha Gaun Yatra is performed in memory of this auspicious
event.
The story associated with this is as follows. “Once upon a time, when
Shree Nemnath Bhagwan visited Dwarika City, Krishna enquired about
the fate of this city. Shree Nemnath replied that Dwarika city would be
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MARCH 2022 | INSIGHTS
destroyed as per the ‘niyana’ (niyana is a wish or a favour desired
intensely in exchange of all penances by a devotee) made by ‘Dwaipayan
Rishi’.
Pradhyumna and Shamba developed aversion to worldly pleasures on
hearing the discourse by Shree Nemnath and renounced it along with
many others. Following the burning of Dwarika City and death of
Krishna, monks practiced penance more intensely with more
unattachment to the material world. They moved from place to place –
‘vihar’ – and reached Shatrunjaya Giriraj. They visited Bhaadva Hill,
accepted ‘anshan’. Subsequently all the 8.5 crore monks attained
liberation.
Siddhvad
From Bhaadva Hill, the path for pilgrims begins to descend until it
reaches a large bunyan tree called Siddhvad. Vad means bunyan tree.
As mentioned before Infinite souls have attained liberation all over
Shatrunjaya Giriraj. However there are certain places where more souls
have attained liberation and these places have ‘Siddh’ as prefix in their
names such as Siddhshila, Siddhvad. Numerous souls have attained
liberation at Siddhvad.
It is said the Chha Gaun Yatra is considered incomplete if one does not
visit Siddhvad Derasar.
Siddhvad comes on the border of Adhipur village, named after Shree
Adinath Bhagwan.
As Jains, I am sure many of us have undertaken a pilgrimage to
Shatrunjaya. Let us pray that someday we can do the Chha Gaun Yatra
Sources: Visit to Shatrunjaya by PP Aacharyashri G Surishwarji MS | Jai Shatrunjaya by Panyas
Gunshilvjay Gani | Shatrunjay by M Doshi | various websites.
.
SIDDHACHAL CHHAGAU YATRA | PRADISHAMA
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INSIGHTS | MARCH 2022
BEING JAIN - A PRACTICE OF SELF
DISCOVERY & SELF MASTERY
BY SUDHIR SHAH, USA
Today, being Jain may mean different things to different
people. Historically too, Jain way of life has encompassed
many things and has been practiced many ways, but at the
core, it is a spiritual practice of introspection and self-discovery
that can ultimately lead to self-mastery. Self-Mastery is the
ability to recognize, understand, practice, and make the most
out of your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual self while
maintaining equanimity
My own study of our philosophical traditions, how human
brain functions and experiences of personal and interpersonal
relationships, also influenced my journey towards
introspection and self-discovery. I realized that I had a lot of
work to do towards self-mastery. The biggest challenge was to
get past my own preconceived world view, and my desire to
jump to conclusion. When one concludes, learning stops. My
guiding context in the journey of self-discovery and self-
mastery came from Pierre Chardin, a French philosopher who
said. “we are not human beings seeking spiritual experience,
we are spiritual beings undergoing human experience”
Here are some steps that guided me through my journey.
Steps to Self-discovery
Steps to Self-discovery
Be an observer and not a judge – Many of us have a tendency
to judge quickly, many a time before we know all the facts.
Listening and learning without judgement was a very
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important trait I needed to develop in exploring new ideas and
respecting views of the other. I found this to be a necessary step to make
any progress in collaborative efforts.
Be alone, solitude – I found it helpful spending time alone processing
what I had just read or learned, examining my thoughts, my triggers and
designing methodology to interrupt my knee jerk reactions. This was
also necessary to transcend distractions that life constantly throws at
you.
Be vulnerable – Although it is seen as a sign of weakness, it shows
ultimate courage to be vulnerable. It is a cornerstone to the path of being
transparent. Fear and shame are in our way of being totally transparent.
Being vulnerable lets you transcend fear and shame and helps to
strengthen your relationships not only with others but also with yourself.
It creates an opening for you to see yourself, as you are, without any
filters
Be forgiving – to yourself and others. I find forgiveness much easier
when I see myself and others as “just going through human experience”.
In this imperfect human form, we all do things that are hurtful to
ourselves and others. Forgiveness recognizes our human frailties
without diminishing the value of our spiritual self and thus charts the
path forward.
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Steps to Self-Mastery
Being Aware – who am I? (ex. spiritual being undergoing human
experience) Affirm who you are daily (I am love, I am grateful, I am
connection, I am contribution, I am joy, I am peace etc..) and let that be
the guide to all your actions and your experiences all day.
Make peace with the past – Our past may significantly affect our
present and our future because we tend to file our past into our future
as a useful learning experience that we can draw upon someday.
Unfortunately, our life is full of past experiences (mostly negative), we
continue holding on to it as if our life depends on it. This does not
provide us any room to create something new. Our future continues to
look like our past. Bringing closure to our past releases its insidious grip
on us and provides us freedom to create new possibilities. Imagine if you
can see your spouse every day as a new person you met for the first
time? You would create endless possibilities with them don’t you think?
This applies to all our relations, our actions, and interactions.
Check your Ego – Most of our thoughts, words and actions stem from
our need to look good/not look bad or our need to be right/making
others wrong or our need to dominate/avoid domination. Remember
when you had your last argument and at the end you even forgot what
you were arguing about but all you knew that you had to win? All our
hurts and emotional trauma are rooted in our ego. It robs us of
connection, love, joy and peace. Jain greeting “Jai Jinendra” is a great
antidote to check our ego. If we see the other person (and ourselves) as
an image of Jina our attitude and our behavior will automatically shift
don’t you think? Seeing ourselves and others as spiritual beings
undergoing human experience also helps with this.
Create Empowering Context –Human beings love stories. Life is very
little about what happens, it is all about the story we tell ourselves on
what happened. As soon as we create the story (our narrative) we forget
that it is a story and start believing that it is a reality. It becomes our
“truth”. Most of these stories are disempowering and severely hinder our
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spiritual progress. Since they are all stories, and we are the ones who
created them, why not create stories that empower us. For example,
someone in your family/friend says something to you and you feel hurt.
Instead of your story being he/she hurts me and is scornful, consider he/
she is your teacher, they revealed your “button” to you and now you have
an opportunity to neutralize it.
Physical Activity/Exercise – While we are undergoing human
experience, we have a human body. Like any machine, it needs to be
energized and maintained to function effectively. Regular physical
activity, yoga, etc. not only keeps the machinery fit, it also helps keep
your mind and your spirit vigilant. It is the water for your soul and your
spirit.
Practice…practice…. practice.
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WOMEN IN JAINISM
BY KISHOR B SHAH
Mahavir was one of the greatest reformers of ancient India.
He raised his voice against many social and religious systems
of his time. Mahavir gave equal opportunity to everybody,
irrespective of class, caste, birth, or sex to practice religion
according to one’s capacity. Everyone is equal in Jainism and
the utmost importance is given to refining the individual
character and behaviour to achieve the knowledge of the self.
Mahavir’s Jainism is unique in according equality to women in
the practice of religion and other social spheres. The roots of
empowerment of women in Jain society can be traced to the
teachings of Mahavir and the establishment by him of the
Chaturvidh Sangh – the four-fold order of Jain Sangh of Sadhu,
Sadhvi, Shravak and Shravika.
It is often stated that women provide the mainstay for the
furtherance of the Jain religion. The annals of Jain History have
recorded many tributes to exceptional women who have
shown rare blend of religion & spirituality, courage & fortitude,
impeccable character, piety & devotion, and abilities. Some
examples include: -
Chandanbala was a slave woman from whom Mahavir
accepted food and freed her from bondage. Besides being
learned, virtuous and devoted to penance, she became the
first Sadhvi of the Sadhvi Sangh established by Mahavir and
thereafter enjoyed the honour of being the first head of the
order of nuns of 35000 sadhvis. Her life conveys the message
that virtue is greater than gender, caste or creed.
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Sadhvi Poyani Some nuns who possessed extraordinary memories
have made significant contributions as authors. Arya Poyani enjoys a
unique place in Jain religion because of her versatility, purity of conduct
and quality of leadership. Arya Poyani’s life shows Jain nuns in the
manner of Jain monks also awakened the spiritual consciousness among
the Jain laypeople by travelling on foot and armed with utmost faith,
devotion, and spirit of adventure. King Kharvel organised the second
Agamvachana conference with an agenda to systemically compile and
thus preserve the Jain Agams. 300 learned sadhvis under the leadership
of Arya Potani participated in this conference. Arya Potani was an
authority on Agam literature and made a significant contribution in
determining the test of the Agam. She was scholarly, devoted to sacred
precepts and efficient in the management of the Sangh.
Anupamdevi. Tejpal and his brother Vastupal are famous for building
the Mount Abu Delawara Temples. Anupamdevi Tejpal’s wife. She was
highly intelligent and adapt at solving complicated problems for family
and others with uncommon common sense. She was the force behind
the building of the beautiful ‘Lunigavasahi’ temple atop of Mount Abu,
dedicated to Neminath Bhagwan. During the construction work,
Anupamdevi looked after the sculptors with motherly care and affection.
To keep them healthy and fit, she hired man for massage. She ensured
all were paid adequately. All her painstaking efforts made the Mount
Abu Jain temples a unique creation – as unique as she was – Anupam.
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Exceptional female ascetics in our in modern era include: -
Mahattara Mrugavti who was a key founder of the Vallabh Smarak – a
magnificent temple dedicated in the memory of her guru Vallabh – and
the B.L Institute in Delhi.
Ganini Jnana Matiji – author of more than 150 books and the key
personality in motivating the construction of the Jambudvipa model at
Hastinapur.
Mahaasati Shardabi – a well-known commentor on Mahavir’s teachings
and an outstanding orator.
Acharya Shri Chandnaji, affectionately known as Tai Maa recently
received the Padma Shri Award, from the Government of India, for her
50 years of selfless humanitarian service.
Born on 26 January 1937, in Ahmednagar (Maharashtra), the beloved
daughter of Katariya Jain family, Shakuntala, as she was known then
decided to take diksha at the tender age of 14. An extraordinary journey
began. She took a vow of silence for 12 long years.
Acharya Shri Chandnaji has stated that ‘religion is not only about finding
Moksha, but it is also for resolving everyday challenges and bringing
peace and bliss in day-to-day life.’ She firmly maintained that tradition
has restricted the illimitable philosophy and unconditional love of
Mahavir into narrow rituals. She decided that the universal values of
unconditional love and compassion taught by Mahavir must spread to
one and all. This is the journey that led her to the path of ‘compassion in
action’ and selfless service undertaken by the renunciate class for the
first time in modern history of Jain tradition.
Now in her eighties, she personifies simplicity, courage, and compassion.
To her, “obstacles are just milestones” and she somehow always finds a
solution to any obstacle she comes across. Since the early 1970’s she has
been the inspiration and driving force behind the Veerayatan
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INSIGHTS | MARCH 2022 Image By Anupriya19
organization, whose pillars are simple: through “Seva” (service to
humanity), “Shiksha” (education), and “Sadhana” (self-development).
Acharya Shri and her team have and continue to change so many lives
and alleviate human suffering regardless of gender, race, or religion.
In 1987 she was the first-ever Jain Sadhvi to receive the prestigious title
of “Acharya” in the Jain ascetic community since the time of Bhagwan
Mahavir. (2600 years). She accepted it as a respect for all women. She
wants to establish the thinking that any capable individual, Sadhu or
Sadhvi could be a high priest.
There are many individuals and organizations who are doing truly
remarkable, even heroic things to change the world, but Acharya Shri
Chandanaji stands out from the crowd because to her every child in
need is her child. Every village is her hometown. Every natural disaster
strikes a place in her heart. Her faith may drive her, but her belief in the
potential of humanity is what sustains her – a truly remarkable
woman.
Sources: Glory of Jainism & Jainism the Cosmic Vision by Kumarpal Desai ;
Jainism – World of Conquerors by N Shah | Jaina | various websites
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Mercy
She asks me to kill the spider.
Instead, I get the most
peaceful weapons I can find.
I take a cup and a napkin.
I catch the spider, put it outside
and allow it to walk away.
If I am ever caught in the wrong place
at the wrong time, just being alive
and not bothering anyone,
I hope I am greeted
with the same kind
of mercy.
By Rudy Francisco
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SCIENCE & SPIRITUALITY
“The present ecological crisis and the climate catastrophe offer
us the possibility to bring science and spirituality together
again. The urgent need for ecological restoration and
environmental regeneration offers us an incredible
opportunity and a common theme to create a confluence of
two traditions: scientific and spiritual.
At this time in history, we need to assert:
The cosmos is my country (cosmology)
The Earth is my home (ecology)
Nature is my family (biology) and
Love is my religion (theology)
We need fact and feeling, we need measurement, and we need
to meaning. We need to care for the outer world and we need
to care for the inner world. We need science and we need
spirituality. We need an alchemy of reason and intuition in
order to live a happy and harmonious life totally in tune with
the rhythms of the natural world.”
Extracted from an article by Satish Kumar
The great burden in life “As Jainism is a way of life, it can
is the false self be followed by a person of any
Drop it and see religion who looks upon such
things in life as the essence for a
how limitless you are
moral and ethical life”
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SCIENCE JAIN DARSHAN
• No God • No God
• The physical universe is • Living and non-living are
governed by Laws governed by Laws
• Laws are derived by observation • Laws derived by Meditation
• Laws verified by experience
of Nature • No miracles, no coincidences,
• Laws proved by experiments
no favours, Only purushartha
and Theoretical models • Moksha
• No miracles, no exceptions • Both jiva and Ajiva
• TOE (THEORY OF EVERYTHING) • Goes beyond logic
• Materialism: No consciousness • Based on Observations &
• Does not go beyond logic
• Based Only on observations Experience
• Objective • Subjective
What Jainism is NOT
Jain philosophy is a path to attain enlightenment and way of life. It
prescribes recipes to attain absolute freedom (moksha) from all worldly
bindings (bandha), which ultimately results in misery. The bindings are due
to ones own karma. Gyan is necessary to rid oneself of the karmas and true
gyan can only be attained by meditation. When one is immersed in deep
meditation, penances occur automatically. Rituals are not necessary. So
Jainism must start with Darshan, (correct perspective), attaining gyan and
then imbibe it in conduct
.
But it is observed that just the opposite sequence is being followed,
starting with penances, where much importance is given to fasting, rituals,
and type of food. Jainism is just not this or this only. It has more to do with
correct perception of the world rather than food practices, more to do with
Bhav (thoughts), than activity (physical acts), more to do with meditation
than with temple rituals and more to understand and follow the laws of
nature than to be dogmatic about what is written in the scriptures. So
Practical aspects of Jainism must involve Non-violent lifestyle, self-
discipline, meditation and penances.
By Dr. Narendra Bhandari, Ph.D. (Physics), Space scientist.
Founding Fellow of Jain Academy of Scholars.
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INSIGHTS | MARCH 2022
Poetry is a subliminal song, an astonishing art form, a linguistic feat. It
rhymes, charms and surprises the reader. At the same time, it tickles
curiosity, inspires awe and pulls your heart strings. For as long as
humans have existed, poetry has influenced our stories, permeated our
culture and subjugated our hearts. The oldest written works on Earth are
all presented in some poetic form. The style is believed to have aided
memorization and oral transmission
Poems encapsulate the world through words. Poets, with their delightful
& brilliant wordplay, paint fantastical ideas on the canvas of imagination.
Life would be dull and dreary without poetry.
There are many different types and formats of poetry. Blessed are those
who have this gift from God to write something so profound in a few
words that can result in thousands of words trying to fathom its
meaning.
Jain sutras, stutis, stotras, stavans, stories like Ramyana, Mahabharata
are in a poetic form. Just consider how many books have been written
about the 344 sutras of the Tattvartha Sutra and how profound the first
sutra is
Samyag - darsana -jnana - caritrani moksamargah … 1.1
Right perception, right knowledge and right conduct
constitute the path of liberation.
WORLD POETRY DAY
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MARCH 2022 | INSIGHTS
THE JAIN BIRD HOSPITAL IN DELHI
To this small, gentle order of monks and nuns
it is bright Vishnu and dark Shiva who are illusion.
They trust in faith, cognition, and nonviolence
to release them from rebirth. They think that birds
and animals—like us, some predators, some prey—
should be ministered to no less than men and women.
The Jains who deal with creatures (and with laymen)
wear white, while their more enterprising hermit brothers
walk naked and are called the sky-clad. Jains pray
to no deity, human kindness being their sole illusion.
Mahavira and those twenty-three other airy creatures
who turned to saints with him, preached the doctrine of ahimssa
which in our belligerent tongue becomes nonviolence.
It’s not a doctrine congenial to snarers and poultrymen,
who every day bring to market maimed pheasants.
Numbers of these are brought in by the Jain brothers
and brought, to grow back wing-tips and illusions,
to one of the hospitals succoring such small quarry.
When strong and feathered again, the lucky victims
get reborn on Sunday mornings to the world’s violence,
released from the roofs of these temples to illusion.
It is hard for a westerner to speak about men and women
like these, who call the birds of the air brothers.
We recall the embarrassed fanfare for Francis and his flock.
The above are some verses from poem –
“The Jain Bird Hospital in Delhi”
written by British Poet William Meredith (1919 -2007)
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INSIGHTS | MARCH 2022
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MARCH 2022 | INSIGHTS
Acrostic
An acrostic is a poem or other composition
in which the first letter of each line spells
out a word or message. Below is an excellent
example by Shreyans C Parekh, written
when she was only 11 years old.
Oh Lord, guide me to
Accept Ahimsa is the highest religion.
Have compassion for all living beings
Instil love and tolerance in every heart
Maintain kind attitude towards everyone
Stop harming and hurting other beings
Avoid Conflict and achieve inner peace
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INSIGHTS | MARCH 2022
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MARCH 2022 | INSIGHTS
Water Facts
• The Earth has 525 million km3 of water.
• 2% of it is frozen
• 97% of it is found in the oceans
• 80% of inland water are surface waters
• The remaining 20% are underground or
in the atmosphere
• Only 2.5% of the water on Earth is
freshwater ……Source Smartwater Magazine
“We not only drink water, but we swim in water, we
• sail or row in water, we walk along rivers, canals and
lakes. We look forward to going to seaside on
holidays. We cherish water in various ways, but often
neglect its social and cultural value at the same time.”
By Dr K Grecksch, Oxford University.
According to Jainism water, even a drop of
water has life. Jain ascetics use water
sparingly as if it is molten gold.
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HAPPINESS & JAINSIM
Sadhus are always happy to ashes. Because of longing, a
millionaire wants to be a
In life, sometimes, circumstances billionaire and a billionaire wants
are favorable, sometimes to be a man of trillion and the
unfavorable. Those who lose supreme man of the country. The
their cool or whose mental supreme man of one nation
equilibrium is lost in adverse wants to have his authority on
conditions, they cannot be the world. Thus, craving never
happy. Those are also restless lets a man peaceful.
who pay their attention on
collection the objects of senses Acharyas, monks, sadhus, saints
that give only momentary do not become restless under
satisfaction. Fire of craving burns adverse conditions – they do not
the mental peace and reduces it lose their mental balance –
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MARCH 2022 | INSIGHTS
instead of applying their mind in
the procurement of sense-objects,
they employ it for improving good
qualities and always keep away
from desires. In this way, there
being no reason to make them
restless and disturb their peace,
they always remain cheerful –
happy.
- Uttaradhyayana Sutra 12/31
PAGE 40
MOTHER’S DAY
WRITTEN, PRODUCED, DESIGNED BY KISHOR BHIMJI SHAH
If anything is written against the jinajna, or any unforeseen errors,
then by three ways (trividha-trividha) I ask Miccham Dukkadam
INSPIRED BY AND DEDICATED TO OUR LATE PARENTS AND BROTHER
BHIMJI KHUMBA SHAH & MONGIBEN BHIMJI SHAH
NARESH BHIMJI SHAH
Shivmastu sarva jagatah, Parhit nirata bhavantu bhutaganah,
Doshah prayantu nasham, Sarvatra sukhi bhavantu lokah.
May the entire universe attain bliss; may all beings engage in each others
well-being; May all weakness, sickness and faults be eliminated; May
everyone be healthy, prosperous, blissful and peaceful.