Fwd: Jain Center of Southern California Announces Dignitaries to Speak During Eleven-

[Guest guest]

Spiritual Leaders Speak on Jainism at the New Temple Complex in

Buena Park, California

 

Last update: 2:40 p.m. EDT Sept. 15, 2008

BUENA PARK, CA, Sep 15, 2008 (MARKET WIRE via COMTEX) -- The Jain

Center of Southern California (JCSC) today announces its program of

dignitaries to speak at the eleven-day cultural and spiritual event

inaugurating the new Derasar (Temple) and Aradhana (Meditation and

Reflection Hall) taking place on September 26 to October 6, 2008 in

Buena Park, California. The dignitaries, recognized for their

extraordinary knowledge in the Jain philosophy mastering its

fundamentals in thought, practice and spirituality, include Gurudev

Chitrabhanuji, Shri Rakesh Bhai Jhaveri and Shri Kumarpal Desai,

among others. These distinguished figures will discuss the role and

relevance of Jain beliefs across the globe.

" For many followers of the Jain Religion, an occasion to listen to

these leaders in one place is rare, " said JCSC President Ashok

Savla. " This is an incredible opportunity for us to share the wisdom

of such highly regarded figures with the people of Southern

California. The opening of the new temple complex along with

presentations by scholars establishes this event as a milestone for

the JCSC and Jain religion. "

The schedule of lectures during the JCSC event includes:

Gurudev Chitrabhanuji: Friday, September 26 from 7:30pm - 8:00pm

Shri Rakesh Bhai Jhaveri: Monday, September 29 - October 1 from

10:30am -

12:30pm

Shri Kumarpal Desai: Monday, September 29 from 5:00pm - 5:30pm

 

 

The Derasar and Aradhana Hall inauguration are part of the new Jain

Complex, over a three-phase plan at an estimated cost of $20 million

raised from the community. The plan includes a Cultural Complex --

Phase 1, Religious Temple and Meditation Hall -- Phase 2, and

National Library and Study Rooms -- Phase 3. The Library will

eventually hold over 15,000 books, manuscripts and multi-media

resources and will begin construction after the inauguration of the

new Temple and Meditation Hall.

Decorated with paintings, murals, tapestries and sculptures to

depict the Jain way of life, the opulent features of the

architecture reflect the famed ancient Jain temples in India. When

completed, the Jain Complex will become a prominent international

Tirth (pilgrimage site) for spiritual and scholarly pursuits.

For more information please visit www.jaincenter.net

About the Jain Center of Southern California

The Jain Center of Southern California (JCSC), located in Buena

Park, California was founded on September 15, 1979 by 30 families

with one important mandate -- to practice, promote and teach Jain

Religion with no sectarian bias. Today, with over 1000 families as

members, the JCSC's major activities include: religious

celebrations, educational programs, lectures from visiting

dignitaries, free medical camps open to all, humanitarian relief

projects, supporting animal welfare programs and much more. The JCSC

is one of the four original Jain organizations that helped establish

the Jain Associations in North America (JAINA) in May 1981 which has

been honored with numerous awards and honors, including one from the

United Nations.

About Jain religion

Jain Religion, along with Hinduism and Buddhism, is one of the most

ancient Indian religions still in existence. Jainism is a religion

that has a strict code of non-violence and compassion above all

else, and has had a significant influence on the Indian culture for

thousands of years. The distinguishing features of Jain philosophy

are:

-- strong emphasis on non-violence on any living organism,

including the

environment;

-- morality and ethics based on the ultimate objective of

liberation of

soul through shedding of all " karmic " matter; and,

-- an individual's soul alone is ultimately responsible for its own

liberation and a strong belief in taking personal responsibility

for all

actions.

 

 

 

Media Contact:

Stephanie von Tesmar

Michael Terpin

Terpin Communications for JSCS

Email Contact

310-821-6100x109

 

 

 

SOURCE: Jain Center of Southern California

 

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