OshwalNewsI - Oshwal Centre

OshwalNewsI 

Oshwal Association of the U.K— (Registered Charity No: 267037) 

www.oshwal.org 

NCN 

Walk the Talk 

Live the Jain Way of Life 

Diwali Issue 2006

Happy Diwali - Oshwal News 

PAGE 

CONTENTS 

EDITORIAL 3 

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE 5 

Four Divas 

F F F F 

YOUNG OSHWALS UK REPORT 6 

E.C - GENERAL MEETING 9 

NE AREA / DHAJA 11 

NE AREA REPORT (G) 13 

BHAVANA 3 & 4 14 

NORTH AREA REPORT 16 

NORTH /LUTON AREAS REPORT 17 

TAPASVIOS 18-19 

NORTHAMPTON AREA REPORT 20-21 

EAST AREA REPORT 22 

DIWALI (G) 25 

GAUTAMSWAMI 27 

MAHAVIR (G) 28 

FESTIVAL OF DIWALI 29-32 

JAIN WAY OF LIFE 30-31 

JAINISM IN A NUTSHELL 33 

STORY 34 

JAIN DHARMA (G) 36 

EYE OPENER 39 

BE LIKE A TREE 40-41 

HAPPINESS IS WITHIN REACH 42-43 

PARASAPAROPGRAHO JIVANA 44 

MAHAVIR - ‘NOT IN HURRY’ 45 

SERVICE & COMPASSION 48 

GUJARATI ARTICLE 49 

MORAL VALUES 50 

MAHAVIR’S COMPASSION 51 

GUJARATI ARTICLE 52 

NON-HURRYING 55 

OBITUARIES 57-59 

EVENTS DIARY 60 

Four divas slowly burned. The ambiance was so soft, 

one could almost hear them talking. 

The first diva said 

I am Peace 

The world is full of anger and fighting. Nobody can keep 

me lit. Then the flame of Peace went out completely. 

Then the second diva said 

I am fate 

I am no longer indispensable. It doesn’t make sense that 

I stay lit another moment. Just then a breeze softly 

blew out Faith’s flame. 

Sadly the third diva began to speak 

I am Love 

People don't understand my importance. Sadly they put 

me aside. They even forget to love those who are 

nearest to them. I haven't the strength to stay lit. And 

waiting no longer Love’s flame went out. 

Suddenly a child entered the room and saw three divas. 

Why aren’t you burning You are supposed to stay lit till 

the end. Saying this child began to cry. 

Then the fourth diva answered 

I am Hope 

While I am still burning we can relit the other divas. 

With shining eyes the child took the diva of hope and 

relit the other divas. The flame of hope should never go 

out from your life and with Hope each of us can live a 

life with Peace, Faith and Love 

There are magical moments in life that come unexpectedly 

when the darkness disappears and the sun rises above the 

horizon. This happens when there is hope, there is faith, 

when there is faith, there is love and when there is love in 

our hearts, Miracles happen! Blessed are those in whose 

hearts faith flows freely and whose dreams are shaped by 

their hopes with the heralding of the New Year, bringing in 

peace and happiness around us. 

WISHING EVERYONE 

“A HAPPY DIWALI AND PEACEFUL NEW YEAR”. 

MAY ALL YOUR DREAMS COME TRUE ! 

……. Kishor Bhimji Shah, Editor 

1


Oshwal Association of the U.K 

Registered Office: Oshwal Centre, Coopers Lane Road, Northaw, Herts, EN6 4DG 

Registered in accordance with the Charities Act 1960. Charity Reg No: 267037 

The Executive Committee 

Board of Advisor 

Jinalay Committee 

All Area Committees 

Wish 

All Oshwals 

A Very Happy Diwali & 

A Prosperous & Peaceful 

New Year 

FFF 

Oshwal Centre Office 

Coopers Lane Road Northaw 

Hertfordshire EN6 4DG 

Telephone No: 01707 643838 

Fax: 01707 644562 

Sadadi Information Line: 01707 661066 

Oshwal Centre Office is open and manned 7 days a 

week from 9.00AM to 5.00PM 

Change of Address 

Please advise in writing to the Administrators giving 

your Membership Number together with your current 

and previous address. 

Oshwal Mahajanwadi - South London 

1 Campbell Road, Off London Road 

Croydon. Surrey CR0 2SQ 

Tel: 020 8683 0258 

The Office is open and manned Monday to Saturday 

from 2.00PM to 5.00PM 

Website: 

www.oshwal.org 

Be Proud To Be An Oshwal 

OSHWAL NEWS is the magazine of the OSHWAL ASSOCIATION OF THE U.K 

and is distributed freely to all its members 

Copyright : Oshwal Association of the U.K 

Design, Graphics & 

Typesetting, Cover by 

Kishor Bhimji Shah 

Assisted by 

Kastur / Damyanti 

And Hansha 

Editor of Oshwal News: Kishor Bhimji Shah 

All items for publication must be sent to: 

The Editor, Oshwal News 

99 Briar Avenue, Norbury, London SW16 3AG 

Tel: 020 8764 8363 (H) Email: KShah12179@aol.com 

(If you require your original item to be returned, please enclose a SAE) 

Editor reserves the right to amend / edit or delete any articles. 

The Editor’s decision on the inclusion or non-inclusion of any material sent to him will be final. 

We apologise for any unforeseen errors in this Issue of Oshwal News 

Views expressed or implied in articles are those of the Authors and must not be construed as those of the Association. The 

Association is no way responsible for the personal views of its contributors nor is it responsible for the claims /statements 

made by the advertisers. It is up to the individual acquiring the goods or services to verify the facts to their satisfaction before 

entering into any agreement or contract. 

2


Editorial ... 


Media & Communication 

Chairperson 

Editor - Oshwal News 

Jai Jinendra 

Pranam & Namo Arihantanam 

It gives me great pleasure to present the Diwali 2006 Issue of Oshwal News. 

Diwali, the Festival of Light is one of the most celebrated festivals on Earth. Uniting all members of 

the Indian community, whether they are Hindu, Sikh or Jain, young and old, rich or poor, the 

lighting of the lamps represents our commitment to living the values that bring us closer to 

divinity. Diwali, which leads us into Truth and Light will be celebrated this year on 21 October 

2006. In this modern world, Diwali is a timely reminder for us all to uphold the true values of life. 

We as Jains celebrate Diwali to mark the passing into Nirvana of Bhagwan Mahavir. Mahavir said 

that you have to kindle the light within you first. Diwali reminds us to illuminate our minds, body 

and soul so as to eliminate the darkness of ignorance, greed, jealousy, lust, anger, ego and sloth. 

Lighting the lamps also reminds each one of us to light the lamp of love within our hearts. This is 

what Bhagwan Mahavir did. 

Diwali, also serves to bring about the message of maintaining harmony and peace within the world 

and ourselves. It is an opportunity to spend some time on self-reflection, as human beings, as 

Jains so that we may make resolutions to bring about the changes we wish to see. 

Thank you to all those who took time to phone or sent emails with their very positive comments for 

the Paryushan Issue. We have had several requests for the magazine to be mailed overseas!!. 

This issue contains a message from our President, various reports as well a wide range of articles, 

including one from Pujya Jinchandraji Maharaj, who had such a profound effect on all who heard 

him during the Paryushan Festival. During the festival, It was quite evident that there is growing 

interest within our community to learn more about our faith and the Jain Way of Life. We have 

spent countless hours in the planning and preparation of this Issue and hope that all who read this 

Issue finds something of interest. 

Finally, during the Diwali Festival, let us all dive deep within the ocean of compassion and open our 

hearts to the doors of non violence, understanding, non possessiveness, peace, love and harmony 

with all living beings and nature. 

On behalf of my family and myself, I wish everyone ‘ A Happy Diwali and best wishes for a peaceful 

and healthy New Year’. May the Light of Diwali last you throughout the coming year. 

Welcome to the Diwali 2006 Issue. 

Jai Mahavir, Jai Oshwal 


FORTHCOMING EVENTS - PLEASE SEE ACCOMPANYING BOOKLET 

3

Jai Jinendra 


Many of you must have already realised that twelve months 

have passed since we joyously celebrated the Pratishta 

Mathosav at our Jinalay. My mind goes back to that time and I 

recall how we all came together as a united force and made it 

a memorable occasion. It makes me feel humbled and proud 

that I represent such a fine community made up of people who 

are kind, generous and so helpful. Together we can make all 

our future dreams come true. 

During the Paryushan Parva celebrations, my colleagues as 

well as myself from the Executive Committee with our families 

visited some of the Areas. We were welcomed with heart 

warming hospitality and I would like to thank you all for your 

all kind words and wishes. 

This year North West Area had the pleasure of having the presence of Pujya Munishree 

Jinchandraji Maharaj during the festival and the members within the Areas attended in 

great numbers. Some Areas also benefited with an insight of Jain Dharma by his 

discourses at these Areas after Paryushan. We were also fortunate to have him present 

during the Dhaji Din, the first after Pratishta on 3rd September 2006. Guruji made the 

whole event very special and moving for all those who were present. 

The Executive Committee have decided to have the Formal Opening of our Jinalay on 

Sunday 26 th August and Monday 27 th August 2007 (Bank Holiday weekend), after all the 

works have been completed on the Landscape. Due to dry winter and also an unusually 

dry summer the water authorities have imposed a hose ban. It appears that this type of 

weather is going to be “normal”. The Executive Committee have decided to drill a bore 

hole that can meet the needs of the Association. This will help to speed up the planting 

of the trees and finish the Landscape around the Jinalay and the Bhavan Gham. By 

summer 2007, our Jinalay Landscape will look marvellous. We will send out details in 

March/April 2007 to allow members to take part in this historic event. 

Remember, all that we think, say and do also has a long term effect on the intricate and 

delicate web of the continuous existence of all beings. So let us acknowledge our own 

responsibility, let us forgive and ourselves ask for forgiveness. On behalf of the 

Executive Committee I would like to take this opportunity to beg forgiveness if we have 

knowingly or unknowingly hurt anyone’s feelings through words, thoughts or actions. 

Micchami Dukaddam. 

Once again Diwali & New Year is upon us and it is a welcome pause to give thanks, take 

stock of previous year’s challenges and plan ahead for the next year. Let us as members 

resolve to play our part to forget our differences and unite together for the betterment of 

our Association. 

Finally my Colleagues on the Executive Committee join me in wishing all the members 

and friends a VERY HAPPY DIWALI AND A PEACEFUL PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR. 

Jai Oshwal 

Ashwin Dharamshi Shah 

President’s Message ... 

u 

u 

u 

u 

u 

u 

u 

u 

u 

u 

u 

u 

u 

u 

u 

u 

u 

u 

u 

F 

5


Summer BBQ REPORT 

We started of on a cold wet Saturday morning; the 

weather was doing us no favours at all. But when faced 

with a problem the YO! Team will always over come...!!! 

We had the bouncy castle set up in the LV hall, and 

when people started to arrive the fun and games 

began. 

As this was happening the rain had stopped and we 

decided to get the BBQ started. Before we got it going 

the rain was upon us once more; all was not lost 

however as the marquee came to the rescue. 

Just as the food was ready the masses began to arrive. 

We had to work hard to keep up with demand as people 

huddled around the BBQ’s trying and get food as soon 

as it was done. There was more than enough to go 

around, and everyone thoroughly enjoyed it. 

After lunch we were back in the hall for more fun and 

games, followed by the prize giving. 

A BIG THANK YOU TO ALL WHO HELPED 

THROUGHOUT THE DAY 

We all look forward to seeing everyone at our 

upcoming events: There’s the Halloween Party on 

Sunday 29 th October and Xmas Party on Sunday 

17 th December. 

YO! Team 

w 

w 

F 

‘Welcome the challenges, Look for opportunities, in every situation, to learn and to grow. 

Delight in the beauty that is around you. Offer your sincere kindness 

and caring to others. This is the stuff of life.’ 

‘Your thoughts can be your prison or they can set you free to soar’ 

6


GENERAL MEETING AT OSHWAL CENTRE, POTTERS BAR 

ON SUNDAY 19 TH NOVEMBER 2006 

The Executive committee would like to invite all the members to a General Meeting on Sunday 

19 th November 2006 at 2pm. 

The purpose of this meeting is to brief members on current projects, including the running of the 

Jinalay Complex and any outstanding works still pending from the Derasar Project. 

Oshwal Centre has now been running over 20 years and has been a focal point for our community. 

The Jinalay Complex has enhanced the beauty of our Community Centre and draws a large volume 

of regular visitors. 

The Property Management Committee (PMC) have been actively working on maintaining and running 

the centre and have identified some major renovation works and projects which now need to take 

place. 

At this meeting we will present to the members; details of the current works we have carried out; 

immediate works that are required, and what ideas we have for the future. 

The Care Homes Committee would also like to brief you on future plans and ideas for the 

development of a facility for our members. 

This is an opportunity for the members to express their views on all our plans and inform us what 

extra facilities they would like the EC to consider for future projects. 

Refreshments will be served. 

We look forward to seeing you. 

Executive Committee ... 

Oshwal Association of the U.K - The Executive Committee 

JJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJ 

DONATIONS & SPONSORSHIPS 

FOR THE OSHWAL YOUTH 

Dear Readers 

For many years Oshwal has been organising 

events for our younger generation to encourage 

them to become more actively involved within our 

Association. We rely heavily on donations and 

sponsorships to keep these events going. 

We would welcome all donations or sponsorships 

towards our future events. There are many 

different ways in which you can help, from 

sponsorship of individual events to donation of 

trophies, food or prizes for the events we hold. 

The youth are the future of our Association and it 

is this younger generation that will keep the spirit 

of Oshwal alive for years to come. 

For further information please contact Nimish 

Shah: nimish.shah@hotmail.co.uk 

Nimish Arvind Shah 

OAUK – Youth Activities Sub-Committee Chairperson 

T 

T 

T 

T 

T 

T 

T 

T 

T 

T 

T 

T 

T 

T 

T 

T 

T 

T 

T 

T 

T 

Dear Oshwals 

OSHWAL DIRECTORY 

It is nearly three years since our last Directory 

was published and I know that many of you wish 

to amend your entries for one reason or other 

and there are many Oshwals who are still not 

listed. Please complete and return the ‘OAUK 

Directory Update Listing’ form as soon as 

possible as such information has to be published 

very quickly before it starts changing again. 

The ‘OAUK Directory Update Listing’ form is 

printed in the accompanying booklet and is also 

available on our website to download and send 

off after completion. 

If you have any questions or wish 

to assist in any way please contact 

me by E-mail on : 

ashok@coppernob-fashion.com 

Ashok Mulchand Shah 

OAUK – Fund Raising & Oshwal 

Directory Sub-Committee Chairperson 

F 

9


North East Area Sakhi Mandal 

Indulgence Afternoon - 24 th June 2006 

at Southgate School, Sussex Way. Cockfosters EN4 0BL 

RECEPTION DESK THAI YOGA THERAPY KURTA TOPS, BAGS AND JEWELLERY 

This Indulgence Afternoon was organised by North 

East Area for the first time. The event was very 

successful. Over 150 people attended and was 

enjoyed by all. There were therapists, beauticians 

and different stalls selling Indian outfits, jewellery, 

bags, shoes etc. Home made food was available 

and drinks were served free. 

THE HALL 

HOSTING THE HOLY FLAG - DHAJA 

The symbolic meaning behind the 

white and saffron coloured flag with a 

long staff that flutters from the steeple 

of our Jinalaya is ‘May the glory of the 

temple eternally be victorious and 

continue to inspire the followers of the 

faith to its principles and purpose’. 

This year the Dhaja was taken by 

Hansaben and Jayantilalbhai of 

Wellingborough, Northampton 

F 

11


±ÉÅeô{É {ÉÉàoÉÇ >»`ò +à−÷Ò«ÉÉ ~É«ÉÖÇºÉiÉ ©É¾úÉ~É´ÉÇ 

~É´ÉÉÇyÉÒ−÷ÉWð ~É«ÉÖÇºÉiÉ ©É¾úÉ~É´ÉÇ ~ÉÚiÉÇ oÉ«Éà±É Uïà. ~É«ÉÖÇºÉiÉ ~É´ÉÇ©ÉÉÅ §ÉÉÊ´ÉHíÉà+à §ÉÉ´É~ÉÚ´ÉÇHí HíÊcó{É lÉ~É»«ÉÉ Hí−÷Ò Wðä{É ÉÉ»É{É{ÉÒ 

ÉÉà§ÉÉ ´ÉyÉÉ−÷Ò Uïà lÉà+Éà{ÉÒ +{ÉÖ©ÉÉàqö{ÉÉ Hí−÷Ò+à UïÒ+à. 

+ÉàÉ´ÉÉ³ +à»ÉÉàÉÒ«ÉàÉ{É{ÉÉ +É©ÉÅmÉiÉ{Éà ©ÉÉ{É +É~ÉÒ{Éà Wðä{É yÉ©ÉÇ{ÉÉ ©É¾úÉ +{ÉÖ§É´ÉÒ §ÉÉ>¸ÉÒ ©É¾àúÉ§ÉÉ> ~ÉÅeôÒlÉ lÉoÉÉ 

Ê´É{ÉÉàqö§ÉÉ>+à +¾úÓ ~É´ÉÇ qö−÷©«ÉÉ{É +É´ÉÒ »É−÷»É +É−÷ÉyÉ{ÉÉ Hí−÷É´Éà±É Uïà. 

»ÉÉÅWðà Yð{ÉÉ±É«É©ÉÉÅ »ÉÅPÉ »ÉÉoÉà ©É³Ò ¡É§ÉÖ qöÉÇ{É{ÉÒ §ÉÉ´É{ÉÉ Hí−÷Ò, +É−÷lÉÒ, ©ÉÅNÉ³ qöÒ´ÉÉà Hí−÷Ò ~ÉUïÒ qàö´É ´ÉÅqö{É ¡ÉlÉÒJí©ÉiÉ 

É°÷ Hí−÷lÉÉ. qö−÷−÷ÉàWð ¡É§ÉÖ{ÉÒ +ÉÅNÉÒ »É−÷»É oÉlÉÒ. ~É´ÉÇ{ÉÉ Êqö´É»ÉÉà ¥É¾ÖúWð `ÚÅòHíÉ ~Éeàô Uïà. 

¾úÉà±É©ÉÉÅ ~É«ÉÖÇºÉiÉ{ÉÉ ~É¾àú±ÉÉ mÉiÉ Êqö´É»É +º`òÉÎ{¾úHíÉ{ÉÉ ¡É´ÉSÉ{É +É~«ÉÉ, SÉÉàoÉÉ Êqö´É»ÉoÉÒ Hí±~É»ÉÖmÉ{ÉÉ ´ÉÉÅSÉ{É ~É−÷ 

¡É´ÉSÉ{É +É~«ÉÉ. »ÉÉoÉà »É−÷³lÉÉoÉÒ »É©ÉX´ÉlÉÉ +É ¥ÉyÉÖÅ »ÉÉÅ§É²«ÉÉ ¥ÉÉqö ~É«ÉÖÇºÉiÉ Hàí`ò±ÉÉà ©É¾úÉ~É´ÉÇ Uïà lÉà{Éà L«ÉÉ±É +É´Éà. 

§ÉÉ>¸ÉÒ ©É¾àúÉ§ÉÉ> +{Éà Ê´É{ÉÉàqö§ÉÉ>+à ÉÖJí´ÉÉ−à÷ qö¾àú−÷É»É−÷©ÉÉÅ ¥ÉÉ³HíÉà{Éà »{ÉÉmÉ ©É¾úÉàl»É´É, ÉÉÅlÉÒ Hí³É, +É−÷lÉÒ 

Hí−÷É´Éà±É. {ÉÉ{ÉÉ ¥ÉÉ³HíÉà+à ´ÉÒ−÷ ¡É§ÉÖ{ÉÒ ~ÉÚX ~ÉiÉ Hí−÷Ò. 

©É¾úÉ´ÉÒ−÷ Wð{©É ´ÉÉÅSÉ{É{ÉÉ Êqö´É»Éà {ÉÉ{ÉÒ ¥ÉÉ³É+Éà ©ÉyÉÖ−÷ »ÉÅNÉÒlÉ{ÉÉ »ÉÖ−÷ »ÉÉoÉà SÉÉäqö »´É~É{ÉÉ ±É>{Éà +É´ÉÒ +{Éà »ÉÉoÉà 

SÉÉäqö qöÒ´ÉÉ ~ÉiÉ ±ÉÉ´«ÉÉ. ¥ÉÉ³É+Éà+à +É{ÉÅqö§É«ÉÖÈ ´ÉÉlÉÉ´É−÷iÉ »ÉXÇ´«ÉÖÅ. ¸ÉÉ´ÉHíÉà{ÉÒ ¾úÉWð−÷Ò PÉiÉÒ ¾úlÉÒ. ©É¾úÉ´ÉÒ−÷ Wð{©É{ÉÉ 

»É©É«Éà »ÉÉä{ÉÉ Êqö±É {ÉÉSÉÒ Acó¬É ¾úlÉÉ. +É Êqö´É»Éà §ÉÎGlÉ{ÉÉà ±ÉÉ§É ~ÉÉÅSÉ ~ÉÊ−÷´ÉÉ−à÷ ±ÉÒyÉà±É. +É ~ÉÉÅSÉà ~ÉÊ−÷´ÉÉ−÷{ÉÉà {ÉÉàoÉÇ 

>»`ò +à−÷Ò«ÉÉ »ÉÅPÉ LÉÚ¥É +É§ÉÉ−÷ ©ÉÉ{Éà Uïà. 

HÖí©ÉÉ−÷~ÉÉ³ ©É¾úÉ−÷ÉX{ÉÒ +É−÷lÉÒ §É´«ÉlÉÉoÉÒ oÉ«Éà±É. −÷ÉX −÷ÉiÉÒ −÷ÉWðqö−÷¥ÉÉ−÷{ÉÉ ~ÉÊ−÷´ÉÉ−÷ »ÉÉoÉà +É´«ÉÉ l«ÉÉ−à÷ »ÉÉä 

¸ÉÉàlÉÉWð{ÉÉà+à »ÉÅNÉÒlÉ{ÉÉ »ÉÖ−÷ »ÉÉoÉà LÉ−÷É §ÉÉ´ÉoÉÒ ´ÉyÉÉ´Éà±É. »ÉÉÅWðà ¡ÉÊlÉJí©ÉiÉ{Éà ¡É´ÉSÉ{É©ÉÉÅ ©ÉÉà`òÒ »ÉÅL«ÉÉ©ÉÉÅ ¸ÉÉàlÉÉWð{ÉÉà{ÉÒ 

¾úÉWð−÷Ò ¾úlÉÒ. ¡ÉÊlÉJí©ÉiÉ{ÉÉ »ÉÚmÉÉà ¥É¾ÖúWð »ÉÖuölÉÉoÉÒ ASSÉÉ−÷lÉÉ ¾úlÉÉ. ¡ÉÊlÉJí©ÉiÉ ¥ÉÉqö +É−÷lÉÒ, ©ÉÅNÉ³ qöÒ´ÉÉà oÉ«ÉÉ ¥ÉÉqö 

oÉÉàeôÒ´ÉÉ−÷ Ê´É{ÉÉàqö§ÉÉ> §ÉÉ´É{ÉÉ©ÉÉÅ »ÉÉä{Éà ©ÉNÉÖ±É Hí−÷Ò qàölÉÉ, ~ÉUïÒ ©É¾àúÉ§ÉÉ>{ÉÉ +hõ³Hí LÉX{ÉÉ©ÉÉÅoÉÒ oÉÉàeÖÅôHíWð 

~ÉÒ−÷»ÉlÉÉ ¾úlÉÉ. »É©É«É{ÉÉ +§ÉÉ´Éà +É ©É¾úÉ +{ÉÖ§É´ÉÉà ~ÉÉ»Éà »ÉÉä{ÉÖÅ PÉjÅ ¥ÉÉHíÒ −÷¾úÒ NÉ«ÉÖÅ Uïà. 

SÉÉàoÉ{ÉÉ Êqö´É»Éà ¥ÉÉ−÷»ÉÉ »ÉÚmÉ ´ÉÉÅSÉà±É, »ÉÉoÉà »ÉÉä{Éà ¡É§ÉÖ{ÉÉ Yð´É{ÉSÉÉÊ−÷mÉ{ÉÒ lÉ»´ÉÒ−÷Éà{ÉÉ qöÉÇ{É Hí−÷É´Éà±É. +¾úÓ NÉÖ−Ö÷ 

§ÉNÉ´ÉÅlÉÉà{ÉÉà XàNÉ {ÉoÉÒ ~ÉiÉ +É´ÉÉ [ÉÉ{ÉÒWð{ÉÉà +É~ÉiÉÉ +ÉÅNÉiÉà +É´ÉÒ »ÉÉä{Éà Wðä{É yÉ©ÉÇ{ÉÉ ©ÉÉNÉâ Wð´ÉÉ{ÉÒ qöÉà−÷´ÉiÉÒ +É~Éà 

Uïà. 

lÉ~É»´ÉÒ{ÉÉ ¥É¾Öú©ÉÉ{É{ÉÉà HíÉ«ÉÇJí©É »ÉÖÅqö−÷ −÷ÒlÉà AWð´ÉÉ«ÉÉà. »ÉÅPÉ©ÉÉÅ Al»ÉÉ¾ú ´ÉyÉÉ−÷´ÉÉ©ÉÉÅ §ÉÉ−÷lÉoÉÒ ~ÉyÉÉ−à÷±É »ÉÉyÉÌ©ÉHí ¥ÉÅyÉÖ 

lÉà©É Wð −÷ÒlÉàÉ§ÉÉ> Wðà©ÉiÉà +Écàó Êqö´É»É »ÉÖÅqö−÷ −÷ÒlÉà hõÉà±É ´ÉNÉÉeàô±É lÉà Ê{ÉÊ©ÉnÉ oÉ«ÉÉ Uïà. »ÉÊ©ÉÊlÉ{ÉÉ »É§«ÉÉà lÉà+Éà{ÉÉà LÉÚ¥É 

Wð +É§ÉÉ−÷ ©ÉÉ{Éà Uïà. 

~ÉÚº~ÉÉ¥Éà{Éà »`àò>Wð{Éà »ÉÖÅqö−÷ »ÉX´«ÉÖÅ. ~É´ÉÇ qö−÷©«ÉÉ{É ´ÉÉà±«É{É`ò−÷Éà+à HíÊ©ÉÊ`ò{Éà ¥É¾ÖúWð ©Éqöqö Hí−à÷±É Uïà. »ÉÉä ´ÉÉà±«É{É`ò−÷Éà{ÉÉà 

»ÉÊ©ÉÊlÉ{ÉÉ »É§«ÉÉà LÉÚ¥ÉWð +É§ÉÉ−÷ ©ÉÉ{Éà Uïà. ~É´ÉÇ qö−÷©«ÉÉ{É XiÉlÉÉ Hàí +XiÉlÉÉ HíÉà>{ÉÖÅ qöÒ±É qÖö§ÉÉ´«ÉÖÅ ¾úÉà«É lÉÉà »ÉÉä 

~ÉÉ»Éà +©Éà Ê©ÉSUïÉ©ÉÒ qÖöHíeôeÅô ©ÉÉNÉÒ+à UïÒ+à. 

»ÉHí³ »ÉÅPÉ{Éà Ê©ÉSUïÉ©ÉÒ qÖöHíeôeÅô - Wð«É ÊWð{Éà{rö 

The true meaning of life 

is to plant trees, under whose 

shade you do not expect to sit 

F 

F 

F 

F 

F 

F 

F 

F 

F 

F 

F 

F 

F 

F 

F 

F 

F 

F 

F 

F 

13

North Area : 

Update on recent events 

The community spirit continues in the North Area with 

the new committee organising plenty of events catering 

for all ages. 

The Culture and Heritage team organised a Gujarati 

comedy play “Parnu To Aenej Parnu” at the Finchley 

Arts Depot on 13 May. With an overwhelming 

response, the theatre was fully packed with people and 

the cast of the show had the audience in fits of laughter. 

The Gujarati school team organised a mini variety 

show in April. This was a very colourful and memorable 

event displaying the culture and morals achieved by the 

school and the talents of the children. 

The students who undertook their Gujarati GCSE this 

year all passed with outstanding results as follows: 

Gujarati School GCSE Results 2006 

Kirun Chavda - A* 

Parita Gorasia - A* 

Bansi Patani - A* 

Jannat Shah - A* 

Meera Ashok Shah - A* 

Meera Dines Shah - A* 

Sahil Patel - B 

Many congratulations to the students, teachers and the 

North Area Education Committee. 

The Sakhi Milap team, as ever has been busy 

organising various events. The first event by the new 

committee was a flower arrangement demonstration by 

Nilamben Shah on 9 May. This was a very interesting 

and enjoyable event where Nilamben worked with three 

to four vibrant displays using flowers and fruit. 

A Father’s Day Special Salads and Smoothies 

demonstration took place on 27 June. On this occasion, 

Ketan Jayantilal Shah, Ketan Premchand Shah and 

Paren Shah demonstrated their culinary skills showing 

off their colourful and healthy salads and smoothies. A 

very pleasant and humorous evening with the audience 

enjoying all the tasty food and drinks prepared by the 

multi-talented gentlemen! 

The Welfare Committee organised a very informative 

talk on Cancer Awareness by a specialist nurse from 

CancerBACUP with translation in Gujarati 

on 25 June. People of all ages attended 

and found it interesting. Harishbhai Haria, 

F 

Chairperson of the North Area took the 

opportunity to introduce the new North 

Area Committee and this was followed by a 

dal-roti evening and bhajans. 


Priyani Patel - A 

Shivani Patel - A 

Aneeka Shah - A 

Nisha Shah - A 

Chandni Vora - A 

Rina Hema Visavadia - A 

Area Reports ... 

The Youth Committee have had a busy time 

organising a Whist Drive evening on 24 June which 

proved to be a very enjoyable evening for those who 

attended. They also organised a camping trip at Frith 

Manor Camp Site in Mill Hill for under 12s on 15 and 16 

July. The weather was just right for camping and the 

children had a fantastic time. On Sunday 16 July, family 

and friends joined in for a barbeque – with blasting hot 

sun, everyone had a whale of a time! 

Paryushan Mahaparva 2006 Once again, the 

Paryushan festival was a very colourful event, 

celebrated peacefully, each day starting with 

pratikraman followed by Aarti, Mangal Deevo, Bhavna 

and Raas Garba. Everyone who participated enjoyed 

the 8 days. We are very fortunate to have local talented 

musicians who provided the music and entertained 

everyone throughout the evenings. 

On 25 August, the 14 sapnas of Trishlamata were 

celebrated in style. The 108 Deeva Aarti was 

performed by a family dressed up as Kumarpar Raja 

and his parivar – the whole procession looked stunning 

and bright. 

Tapasvi Bahuman took place on Sunday 27 August. 

There were 8 Tapasvis in the North Area: 

Nimuben Ramji Shah 

Nilaben Hitesh Shah 

Rekhaben Ramesh Shah 

Pragnaben Nilesh Shah 

Nitin Keshvaji Mulji Shah 

Dilip Ranmal Dodhia 

Jaimal Dilip Dodhia 

Sagar Hasmukh Shah 

6 upvas 

6 upvas 

6 upvas 

8 upvas 

8 upvas 

8 upvas 

8 upvas 

8 upvas 

After the Savantsari Pratikraman on the last day, a 

Samo Aarti of 108 Deevas was performed by many 

families. 

All the Committee members and sub-committee 

members worked hard as a team to make this a very 

special and enjoyable event of the year. 

EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE 

What will you do today, that will 

matter tomorrow ; 

What you do today can improve all 

your tomorrows 

16



North Area Forth Coming Events 

Diwali Bazaar – 14 October 2006. All the 

committee and sub-committee members and volunteers 

have been enthusiastically working together to bring a 

closer community spirit in North Area. Our aim is to 

make this a very special, exciting, colourful and funfilled 

festive event for the whole family to enjoy with 

plenty of activities, games, exhibitions, Indian 

delicacies, workshops, arts and crafts, mouth-watering 

food stalls with cuisine from North and South of India. 

Luton Area : 

Culture and Heritage Committee presented Dinner and 

Dance with Live Musical Group Arpan Melody on 10th 

June 2006 at Lewsey Community centre. Committee 

decided all proceeds after expense goes to Luton and 

Dunstable Hospital. We had a good response from 

Oshwal Members and other Hindu communities. 

Culture and Heritage Committee arranged Seaside trip 

to South End on Sea on 10 th July 2006. 

Oshwal Gujarati School runs at Denbigh High School 

between 10.am to 1.00pm. 

I arranged a religious trip to Oshwal Derasar and 

Swaminarayan Mandir. The children, parents and 

teachers really enjoyed the day. Manubhai from Oshwal 

center explained to the children regarding how the 

Derasar was built and where all the material for the 

Derasar came from. The Pujari explained the Jain 

Religion and performed Arti in the afternoon specially 

for us. We would like to thank Manubhai and Pujari. We 

had a picnic at Oshwal House. Every one enjoyed the 

Day. 

Paryushan Mahaparva was celebrated at Sanatan Seva 

Samaj (Hindu Mandir) from 21 st August to 28 th August 

2006. During the first part of the evening the members 

practiced pratikaman under the guidance of learned 

members. The Mantra and Sutra was read by 

Nemchandbhai Mulchand, Kanchanben Ratilal, 

Shantaben Jayantilal, Jyoti Jayesh and followed by 

other members. Each Day after Pratikaman members 

from different household gave prabhavna to devotees. 

Bhavna Geet and Garba took place daily after 

pratikaman. Ghee bidding for Arti, Mangaldivo took 

place daily by Nemchandbhai Mulchand, Dr. Dipakbhai 

Vidhu and Amubhai Sumaria. Mahavir Janam Kalyanak 

was celebrated on 25 th August 2006. Shantaben 

We hope that people from all areas will come and join 

us to enjoy and support this special Diwali event. 

Whist Drive – 25 November 2006. The Sakhi 

Milap will be organising Whist Drive on 25 November 

2006 For more details please contact, Rakhee Shah 

on :- 

Tel: 0208-369-5876 or e-mail: 

rakhee@haveamassage.co.uk. 

Report submitted by Daksha Dilip Maroo 

IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII 

Jayantilal was fortunate to have bidding for Mahavir 

Swami Parna. Many Devotees attended Shantaben’s 

residence for Mahavir Janam Kalyank celebrations. 

Prabhvna for Mahavir Jayanti was given by Kiranben 

Kantilal Gathani as usual to all the devotees who 

attended for celebration. We had a samuh Arti on the 

last day of paryushan and lots of devotees took part. 

Raxitbhai and Tusarbhai from EC Committee visited 

Luton Area on 27 th August 2006. Raxitbhai invited every 

member to visit the Derasar at Oshwal Centre. They 

were very pleased with the Luton Area Committee. 

The following people were the Tapasvi’s of Luton Area. 

Shantaben Zaverchand Shah 

Ranjanben Kantilal Sumaria 

Chandriben Kirit Shah 

Ramaben Vadher 

Swami Vatsalya Bhojan was held o 17 th September 

2006 between 1.00pm to 3.00pm. 

Oshwal Satsang is held at Bury Park Community Centre 

every Friday between 1pm to 3pm. 

Please forward your name if you’d like to visit the 

Derasar in Oshwal Centre to Chandraben on : 

01582 575129 

Future Events: 

Diwali Celebration on 28 th October 2006 

Mehfil Nite December 

Dal Rotli Nite 

Annual General Meeting 

8 days fasting 




Report submitted by Chandra Shah, Luton 

"When we were young kids growing up in America, we were told to eat our 

vegetables at dinner and not leave them. Mothers said, 'Think of the starving 

children in India and finish the dinner.' And now I tell my children: 'Finish your 

maths homework. Think of the children in India who would make you 

starve, if you don't.'" 

……. New York Times 

F 

17


N ORTH WEST AREA 

Paryushan 2006 Tapasvios 

Amratben Lakhamsi Visaria 8 Mamta Veni Shah 8 

Ashaben Piyush Shah 8 Maniben Govindji Mepa Shah 11 

Daxaben Veni Shah 8 Maniben Kishori Shah 8 

Dharmini Kavit Shah 8 Manoramaben Anil Malde 8 

Dhruti Ketan Shah 8 Neera Motichand Haria 8 

Dimpleben Pravin Ramji Shah 9 Palviben Keshaval Savla 8 

Dimpleben Keshvlal Popat Harania 8 Priti Paresh Shah 8 

Dipali Alpesh Sumaria 8 Priyaben Navin Gada -19 years 8 

Hansaben Jayantilal Malde 9 Purnimaben Dhanji Shah 8 

Harshaben Pramod Shah 8 Rushina Mukesh Nanji Shah -15 Years old 8 

Harshni Jayant Shah - 18 Years old 11 Sangitaben Mittal Sumaria 8 

Heenaben Shamit Shah 8 Suriyaben Jayantilal Shah 8 

Jayaben Shah 8 Surupa Mahesh Haria 8 

Kanchanben Mulchand Shah 8 Sushilaben Jayantilal Shah 8 

Kanchanben Ramnik Shah 8 Ushmi Chandrakant Shah 8 

Kusumben Mohanlal Harania 8 Vijayaben Keshvlal Popat Harania 8 

Lilavantiben Motichand Shah 8 Vimlaben Harkchand Jivraj Shah 8 

Anuj Kumar Arvind Shah - 21 Years 8 Mahesh Khetshi Gosrani 8 

Chandrakant Khetshi Savla 8 Mansukhlal Padamshi Ramji Visaria 9 

Chandrakant Zaverchand Malde 8 Nimish Arvind Shah - 23 Years 8 

Devendra Virchand Shah 8 Pankaj Lalji Ladha Shah 8 

Dharmesh Hasmukh Doshi 8 Ratilal Kasturben Shah 8 

Hemal Dliip Kumar Shah 10 Ratilalbhai Chunilal Bharmal Shah 8 

Hitesh Amritlal Shah 8 Saaven Mahen Shah 8 

Jayantilal Sojpar Gosar Shah 9 Sanjay Meghji Sumaria 8 

Jayendra Punja Savla 8 Sunil Nangpar Shah 8 

Kavit Mansukhlal Shah 8 

18


N ORTH EAST AREA 

Kumar Neel Ramesh Shah (Maun) 8 Kumar Kunal Prabodh Shah 6 

Kumar Ronak Dilip Maroo 8 Shreeman Atulbhai Somchand Shah 9 

Shreeman Ajnishbhai Virchand Shah 8 Shreeman Shantilalbhai Merag Shah 8 

Shreeman Rajendrabhai Hirji Shah 8 Shreeman Dipakbhai Mansukhlal Shah 8 

Shreeman Nishadbhai Himatlal Gudhka 7 

Kumari Nishma Ramesh Shah 8 Gangaswaroop Devkurben Fulchand Shah 8 

Shreemati Bhakiben Virendra Shah 8 Shreetmati Bhavnaben Rashmikant Shah 8 

Shreemati Ranjanben Nalin Shah 8 Shreemati Nirmalaben Rohit Shah 8 

Shreemati Rekhaben Mahesh Shah 8 Shreemati Nitaben Rajesh Shah 6 

Shreemati Diptiben Prabodh Shah 6 Shreemati Darshnaben Vijay Khetia 8 

L EICESTER AREA 

Mrs Amitaben Anil Shah 8 Mrs Shusmaben Nitin Shah 8 

Miss Kavita Rashmi Shah 8 Mrs Jayaben Lakhamshi Shah 6 

Mrs Jyotiben Dhiru Shah 6 Mr Nandlalbhai Ranmal Shah 6 

S OUTH AREA 

Shree Harshadbhai Nandlal Sanghrajka 

Varshee Tap 

Paryushan 2006 Tapasvios 

Shree Prakashbhai Kanji Shakerchand Patalia Varshee Tap 

Shreemati Ninaben Prakash Patalia 

Varshee Tap 

Shree Amritlal Khetshi Lakhman Shah 8 Shree Hasmukh Khetshi Lakhman Shah 8 

Shree Mansukhlal Raishi Meghji Dhanani 8 Kumar Neil Chunilal Khetshi Lakhman Shah 8 

Shreemati Diptiben Dipak Shah 8 Kumari Jinal Bharat Mehta 9 

Shreemati Dakshaben Naresh Bhavser 8 Shreemati Shardaben Jivraj Malde 8 

Shreemati Nimishaben Nikunj Rasik Kachra Shah 8 Kumari Mira Nandkumar Shah 8 

Shree Urvesh Bakhai 9 Kumari Foram Bakhai 8 

Shree Dhaval Bakhai 8 Niral Dilip Shah 8 

If I have been of service, if I have glimpsed more of the nature and essence of 

ultimate good, if I am inspired to reach wider horizons of thought and action, 

if I am at peace with myself, it has been a successful day. 

…….Alex Noble 

19


Would you know what to do 

A First Aid Skills Night by the British Red Cross 

On Saturday 1 st July, 40 Oshwal members from the 

Northamptonshire area gathered to learn First Aid skills. 

For some it was a chance to brush up on old skills and 

for others it was a chance to learn something totally 

new. However for whatever reason people decided to 

come, for me I was just happy to see so many 

enthusiastic people give up their Saturday night to learn 

about something which I feel is essential for everyone to 

know a little about. Unfortunately none of us know when 

we can be faced with a life threatening situation and 

therefore having that little bit of basic knowledge on first 

aid skills, could save a life, whether it be someone in 

your family, a friend or even someone walking down the 

street. 

We were very fortunate to have 4 members from the 

Red Cross Service to facilitate this night and also Ravi 

Sharma from Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue 

Service to carry out some basic Gujarati interpretation. 

The night started of with talking and demonstrating on 

what you would do if you came across an unconscious 

casualty. The principles of ‘CPR’ and rescue breaths 

were shown and also how to put someone in the 

recovery position. The audience were keen to learn 

more and due to audience requests the same principles 

were shown for children and babies too. 

sliced potatoes or butter We were told the best 

treatment for burns is to put nothing on them apart from 

water and a sterile dressing, so next time you may get 

burnt please don’t start chopping potatoes as a 

treatment! 

Finally the topics of Severe Bleeds, Shock and Diabetes 

were looked at. 

The final section of the evening was a chance to get 

hands-on and have a go practising the skills that we had 

just been shown. We split into small groups and had a 

go practising CPR on the dummies and also had a go 

practising putting on bandages and slings. 

Oshwal members practising their First Aid skills 

The Red Cross demonstrating CPR on 

child & adult dummies 

Keeping with the same topic of the heart and breathing, 

the topic of choking was also covered. We then moved 

on to what to do if someone was having a heart attack. 

After the break, the topic of Burns was looked at. It was 

a chance to explore a few old wives tales on treatments 

for burns such as can you put toothpaste on burns or 

Throughout this night the audience were very engaged 

and asked many questions to the Red Cross staff. Many 

were also keen to progress further with this taster of 

First Aid and enquired about achieving a recognised 

qualification in First Aid. 

F 

Life is no brief candle to me. It is a sort of splendid torch which 

I have got a hold of for the moment, and I want to make it burn as brightly as 

possible before handing it on to future generations. 

…… George Bernard Shaw 

20


At the end the Oshwal committee were very proud to 

hand over a cheque of £101.25 on behalf of the Oshwal 

community to the Red Cross staff to thank them for their 

time, effort and hard work that they had provided for us 

all. 

At the end of the day we all hope that we are never 

faced with a situation where we have to use any First 

Aid skills. However if by organising this night 40 more 

people in the world now know some basic First Aid then 

for me, I feel that is better than nothing. For those of you 

reading this that have never had the chance to learn any 

First Aid then I urge you to contact your local branch of 

the Red Cross or St. John Ambulance and find out 

where you can go to do a basic course. It will take just a 

few hours of your precious time, but those hours could 

potentially save someone’s life. 

I really enjoyed organising this night and really hope that 

people will make an effort to remember and practice 

what they have learnt, as with all skills without practice 

they tend to wither away. 

Could I also take this opportunity to make people aware 

of the volunteering opportunities that are available with 

the Red Cross such as befriending people, fundraising, 

care in the community and offering support in times of 

crisis. They are always looking for volunteers and are 

lacking representation from the ethnic minority 

community. So if anyone could spare even just a few 

hours a month, then please do contact myself or your 

local Red Cross branch for more details. 

I would like to thank those in the committee that have 

continued to support me with organising events as 

without this support, nothing would be possible. And 

once again I would like to thank all the staff from the Red 

Cross and the Fire Service for their time, effort and 

enthusiasm. 

Report by Rupal Jatish Somchand Khimasia 

OAUK - Northamptonshire Area Committee 

This photo was taken at a programme organised on 

Thursday 20 April 2006 to inform staff from the 

Northampton Fire Services about the principles of 

Jainism and the local Oshwal Community. 

Please see our website - www.oshwal.org 

for a full report and more photos. 

Northamptonshire Area Paryushan Report : 

MICHCHHAMI DUKKADAM to all the Oshwals from the 

Northants Committee. 

Our yearly religious and spiritual Paryushan festival for 

the whole Northants County took place at Hindu Mandir 

at Wellingborough. This auspicious was celebrated by a 

good regular attendance and it was a pure joy to see so 

many young aspiring disciplines taking part with 

emphasis on fasting principals. 

Our congratluations to the following seven TAPASVIS 

for contemplating this virtues. 

Mrs Geetaben Anil Shah 

Mrs Fuluvantiben Shah 

Mrs Minabenashwin Shah 

Mrs Kanchanben Steve Shah 

Miss Deepaben Mahendra Shah 

Mr. Savanbhai Narendra Shah 

Mr. Nikhilbhai Ashwin Shah 

Our Savantsari Swamivatsalya Bhojan took place on 

Sunday 10th.Sept 2006 at Hindu Community Centre , 

Highfield Road , Wellingborough. 

And finally to end this short report on annual repentance 

we the Northants Committee would ask for your 

forgiveness and would like to wish another 

good passion year for our JAIN platform. Though I am 

not much involved in this area I would like to express my 

sincere PARYUSHAN Thank You to our Chairperson 

Bhikubhai, Secretary Ushaben, Religion person 

Hansaben , and always at hand Rashimibhai for all the 

hard work, organising , and making it happen for our 

small but great Northants Oshwal Community. While all 

of you are there we will keep our spiritual tradition alive. 

And once more Thank You to the whole team - we all 

work really well together for taking our Oshwals forward. 

Report submitted by: 

Jatish Somchand Nathoo Shah 

Maybe GOD wants us to meet a few of the wrong people before meeting the right ones 

So when the right ones come along, we will know how to be grateful 

and thankful for the gift 

F 

21

East Area Paryushan Report : 


The paryusan was cerebrated very successfully in our area from 

21st August to 28th August 2006. During the eight days of the 

festival, it was pleasing to see so many people participating, young 

as well as old. Each day after Pratikaman, we had vachan, Bhavna 

geet, Arti and Mangal Divo, followed by Raas garba and Dandia 

raas with music. Mahavir Janam Kalyanak was celebrated on 

Friday 25th August 2006. On Saturday 26 th August, a large number 

of families took part in samuh aarti 

We were also fortunate to have eight Tapasvis in our area - see 

below for details and photo. 

Savantsari Bhojan was held on 2nd September 2006. 

The East Area Committee wishes to thank all the members for their 

generous donations, prabhavna and assistance during the 

Paryushan and Savantsari Bhojan. 

We were also fortunate to have Pujya Munishree Jinchandra 

Maharaj visit our area on Wednesday 30 th August, who gave a very 

practical and enlightening Pravachan, which was appreciated by the 

large audience that attended. 

We would like to thank everyone for their help and support in 

making our area activities successful. 

Finally, the East Area Committee asks for your forgiveness if 

we have knowingly or unknowingly hurt your feelings in any 

respect during the year – ‘MICHHAMI DUKKADAM’. 


Forthcoming Programmes and Activities: 

Regular Thursday Club 

(except 1 st Thursday of the month) 

Sunday Youth Club 

starting mid September 2006 

Dal Rotli and Bingo 

16 th September 2006 

Diwali Getogether 

23 rd October 2006 

Kathiawadi Dairo 

26 th November 2006 

In addition, subject to enough people willing 

to support and participate, we also hope to 

start the following regular activities in our 

area: 

Bridge club for beginners 

Yoga 

Monthly get-togethers 

For further details, please contact any area 

committee member or e-mail us at: 

oauk.east@googlemail.com 

IIII 

EAST AREA TAPASVI - (8 UPVAS) 

Seated Left to right: 

Bharat Rupshi Shah 

Alka Bharat Shah 

Hema Milan Narendra Shah 

Bhavna Ramesh Shah 

Rupen Dhirajlal Shah 

Deepal Kaushik Zaverchand 

Hansa Raymond Corker 

Hemalatben Zaverchand Shah. 

IIII 

A KID ON POVERTY 

One day a father and his rich family took his son to a trip to the country with the firm purpose to 

show him how poor people can be. They spent a day and a night in the farm of a very poor family. 

When they got back from their trip the father asked his son, “How was the trip “Very good Dad! 

“Did you see how poor people can be The father asked. “Yeah!”, he replied. “And what 

did you learn” The son answered, “I saw that we have a dog at home, and they have 

four. We have a pool that reaches to the middle of the garden, they have a creek that 

has no end. We have imported lamps in the garden, they have the stars. Our patio 

reaches to the front yard, they have a whole horizon. When the little boy was finishing, 

his father was speechless. His son added, “Thanks Dad for showing me how poor we are!” 

F 

22


w 

w 

w 

w 

w 

w 

w 

w 

w 

w 

w 

w 

w 

w 

w 

w 

w 

w 

w 

F 

25


GAUTAMSWAMI 

Indrabhuti, son of Vasubhuti and Prithvi Gautam who 

were Brahmins was born in 607 B.C in the village of 

Gobargaon. He had two younger brothers named 

Agnibhuti and Vayubhuti, and all three were well versed 

in the Vedas and other rituals from an early age. They 

were great scholars and each had many disciples. 

Once, in Madhyam Pava which was a prominent 

centre for Vedic religion, Som Shrama, a 

Brahmin had organised a great Yajna 

(sacrificial ceremony). Eleven famous and 

great scholars headed by Indrabhuti 

Gautam and over 4400 disciples were 

there to take part in the ritual 

ceremonies. Som Shrama became 

worried on hearing of the sudden arrival 

of Bhagwan Mahavir in Madhyam Pava. 

He conveyed his misgivings to 

Indrabhuti, who assured him that 

“Mahavir is no match for us as our 

knowledge is far superior. We need not 

worry. We should prepare ourselves to oppose 

him”. Indrabhuti, with his five hundred 

disciples left to challenge Mahavir. 

From a distance, Indrabhuti saw the astonishing glow on 

the face of Bhagwan Mahavir. His advancing steps lost 

firmness and he started shaking with uncertainty. 

“Indrabhuti Gautam ! You have arrived” 

The deeply resonant words of Mahavir fell on 

Indrabhuti’s ears the moment he entered the assembly, 

and he was dumbstruck. “Indrabhuti Gautam, although 

you are a great scholar of the Vedas, you are still doubtful 

about the existence of the soul”. Mahavir’s words echoed 

in the ears of Indrabhuti and he was stunned. “This is a 

secret nobody knows. How is it that Mahavir knows 

about it Is he really a Omniscient, he thought. 

“Indrabhuti, your doubt about soul is based on your 

knowledge of the Vedas. But the same Vedas contain 

undeniable proofs of the independent existence of the 

soul….” Mahavir explained everything in his penetratingly 

sweet voice. Mahavir’s irrefutable logic removed all 

Indrabhuti’s doubts and his ego melted. 

Indrabhuti then became the first and chief 

disciple of Mahavir. Indrabhuti was fifty 

years old at the time, and from then he was 

called Gautamswami, because he came 

from Gautam family. The other 10 

scholars and disciples also became 

Mahavir disciples. 

Gautamswami had great attachment and 

affection for Mahavir and this proved to 

be an obstacle in his attaining absolute 

knowledge (Kevaljnan). On the day when 

Mahavir was to attend nirvana, Mahavir 

sent him to preach to a Brahmin in a nearby 

village. On his return journey he learned that 

Mahavir had attained nirvana and reached the 

Moksha. He was grief sicken and went on lamenting and 

started weeping. Then all of sudden he realised the folly 

and futility of it - (“maybe this was destined to happen 

this way. No one can live for ever; no relationship is 

permanent. Why was I so attached to Mahavir”) - And at 

that very moment he attained absolute knowledge. This 

occasion is celebrated by Jains on New Years day. 

Gautamswami taught and spread Jain principles for the 

next 12 years and attained Moksha at age of ninety two. 

MAHVIR SWAMI NIRVANA KALYANAK - RECITATION ON DIWALI DAY 

Perform 20 malas mediating on each line on every bead (108 beads in one mala) 

Before Midnight 

‘Mahavir Swami Sarvagnaay Namah’ 

j j 

From Midnight to 4.00AM 

‘Mahavir Swami Paarangataay Namah’ 

From 4.00AM 

‘Guatam Swami Sarvagnaay Namah’ 

What you desire for yourself, desire for others too; 

What you do not desire for yourself, do not desire for others too. 

……. This is the essence of Jain Dharma 

F 

27

Y 

Y 

Y 

Y 

Y 

Y 

Y 

Y 

Y 

Y 

Y 

Y 

Y 

Y 

Y 

Y 

Y 

Y 

Y 

F 


HíÉ«ÉÉË~ÉWð−÷ l«ÉÉNÉÒ{Éà, ©ÉÖGlÉ oÉ«ÉÉ ©É¾úÉ´ÉÒ−÷ 

§ÉNÉ´ÉÉ{É ©É¾úÉ´ÉÒ−÷{ÉÉ ~ÉÊ−÷Ê{É´ÉÉÇiÉ{ÉÉà »É©É«É {ÉYðHí +É´«ÉÉà. ~ÉÉ´ÉÉ~ÉÖ−÷Ò{ÉÉ ¾úÎ»lÉ~ÉÉ±É −÷ÉX{ÉÉ lÉ±ÉÉ`òÒ{ÉÒ HíSÉà−÷Ò©ÉÉÅ mÉiÉ 

©ÉÊ¾ú{ÉÉ ´ÉÒlÉÒ NÉ«ÉÉ ¾úlÉÉ +{Éà SÉÉàoÉÉà ©ÉÊ¾ú{ÉÉà ~ÉiÉ +eôyÉÉà ~ÉÚiÉÇ oÉ«ÉÉà ¾úlÉÉà. §ÉNÉ´ÉÉ{É{ÉÉ Ê{É´ÉÉÇiÉ »É©É«É{ÉÒ ©ÉÉÊ¾úlÉÒ 

©É³lÉÉÅ ~ÉÉ´ÉÉ~ÉÖ−÷Ò{ÉÉ PÉ−÷PÉ−÷©ÉÉÅ ÉÉàH, AqöÉ»ÉÒí +{Éà NÉ©ÉNÉÒ{ÉÒ Uï´ÉÉ> NÉ«ÉÉÅ ¾úlÉÉÅ. 

+É »É©É«Éà »ÉÉ©ÉÉ{«É Wð{ÉÉà ´«ÉÉHÖí³ ¥É{ÉÒ NÉ«ÉÉ ¾úlÉÉ +{Éà Ê´ÉSÉÉ−÷lÉÉ ¾úlÉÉ Hàí ¡É§ÉÖ{ÉÒ +É +±ÉÉäÊHíHí Uï¥ÉÒ £í−÷Ò G«ÉÉÅ +{Éà 

G«ÉÉ−à÷ Ê{É¾úÉ³´ÉÉ ©É³Éà «ÉÖNÉÉà ~ÉUïÒ »ÉÉÅ~Éeàô±ÉÒ +É +©ÉÞlÉ´ÉÉiÉÒ G«ÉÉÅoÉÒ »ÉÉÅ§É³´ÉÉ ©É³Éà [ÉÉ{ÉÒ+Éà ÉÉàHí +{Éà 

+É{ÉÅqö{Éà »É©ÉÉ{É NÉiÉÒ{Éà −÷¾àú´ÉÉ{ÉÖÅ Hí¾àúlÉÉ ¾úlÉÉ. §ÉNÉ´ÉÉ{É ©ÉÖÎGlÉ{Éà ´É−÷Éà +{Éà qàö¾ú{ÉÒ qöÒ´ÉÉ±É qÚö−÷ oÉÉà, +É©É UïlÉÉÅ 

lÉà©É{ÉÖÅ ¾äú«ÉÖÅ ~ÉiÉ ¾úÉoÉ −÷¾àúlÉÖÅ {É¾úÉàlÉÖÅ. qàö´ÉÉà +{Éà EìÊºÉ+Éà ©ÉyÉÖ−÷ ÉÅLÉ ¥ÉX´ÉÒ −÷ÂÉ ¾úlÉÉ. +à©É{ÉÒ »Éà´ÉÉ©ÉÉÅ +É´Éà±ÉÉ 

qàö´ÉÉà{ÉÉ »´ÉÉ©ÉÒ >{rö ~ÉiÉ ©ÉÞl«ÉÖ Al»É´É{ÉÒ ¥ÉyÉÒ −÷SÉ{ÉÉ Hí«ÉÉÇ ¥ÉÉqö ¾äú«ÉÖÅ ¾úÉ−÷Ò ¥ÉàcóÉ. +ÅÊlÉ©É ~É³à ¡É§ÉÖ{ÉÉ +§ÉÉ´É{ÉÒ 

Hí±~É{ÉÉ +à©É{Éà +Hí³É´É{ÉÉ−÷Ò ±ÉÉNÉ´ÉÉ ©ÉÉÅeôÒ. >{rö−÷ÉWðà ¡É§ÉÖ{Éà HíÂÖÅ, "+É~É{ÉÉ NÉ§ÉÇ, Wð{©É, qöÒKÉÉ +{Éà Hàí´É³[ÉÉ{É 

¾ú»lÉÉàlÉ−÷É {ÉKÉmÉ©ÉÉÅ oÉ«ÉÉ ¾úlÉÉ. +l«ÉÉ−à÷ +É~É{ÉÉ Ê{É´ÉÉÇiÉ{ÉÉ {ÉKÉmÉ©ÉÉÅ §É»©ÉNÉÞ¾ú »ÉÅJíÉÅlÉ oÉÉ«É Uïà lÉÉà »É´ÉÇ[É +{Éà 

»É´ÉÇÉÎGlÉ©ÉÉ{É +à´ÉÉ +É~É Ê{É´ÉÉÇiÉÒ PÉeôÒ oÉÉàeôÒ ±ÉÅ¥ÉÉ´ÉÒ qöÉà lÉÉà"í 

qàö´ÉÉà{ÉÉ »´ÉÉ©ÉÒ >{rö{ÉÒ ©É{É©ÉÉÅ +à´ÉÒ >SUïÉ ¾úlÉÒ Hàí +àHí´ÉÉ−÷ Ê{É´ÉÉÇiÉPÉeôÒ +ÉPÉÒ X«É ~ÉUïÒ Xà«ÉÖÅ WðÉà. +iÉÒ{ÉÉà SÉÚG«ÉÉà 

»ÉÉà ´ÉºÉÇ Yð´Éà lÉà´ÉÖÅ«É ¥É{Éà. 

§ÉNÉ´ÉÉ{É ©É¾úÉ´ÉÒ−à÷ ©ÉàPÉ Wðà´ÉÒ NÉÅ§ÉÒ−÷ ´ÉÉiÉÒ+à GÂÖÅ, ">{rö−÷ÉWð! ©ÉÉ−÷É qàö¾ú ¡Él«Éà{ÉÉà ©ÉÉà¾ú +ÉWðà lÉ©É{Éà +É´ÉÖÅ ¥ÉÉà±ÉÉ´ÉÒ 

−÷ÂÉà Uïà. ©ÉÉ−÷Ò Ê{ÉHí`ò −÷ÂÉ UïlÉÉÅ lÉ©Éà +à §ÉÚ±ÉÒ NÉ«ÉÉ Hàí +É«ÉÖº«É HíqöÒ ´ÉyÉÉ−÷Ò ÉHíÉlÉÖÅ {ÉoÉÒ. +à´ÉÖÅ HíqöÒ oÉ«ÉÖÅ {ÉoÉÒ +{Éà 

HíqöÒ oÉÉà {ÉÊ¾ú."í 

§ÉNÉ´ÉÉ{Éà »ÉlÉlÉ »ÉÉà³ ¡É¾ú−÷ »ÉÖyÉÒ SÉÉ±Éà±ÉÒ +ÅÊlÉ©É qàöÉ{ÉÉ©ÉÉÅ ~É~É +y«É«É{É ~ÉÖi«É£í³Ê´É~ÉÉHí{ÉÉ +{Éà ~É~É +y«É«É{É 

~ÉÉ~É£í³Ê´É~ÉÉHí{ÉÉ ´ÉiÉÇ´«ÉÉ ¾úlÉÉ. 37©ÉÖÅ ¡ÉyÉÉ{É {ÉÉ©ÉHí +y«É«É{É Hí¾àúlÉÉÅ-Hí¾àúlÉÉÅ §ÉNÉ´ÉÉ{É ~É«ÉÈHíÉ»É{É©ÉÉÅ Î»oÉ−÷ oÉ> NÉ«ÉÉ 

¾úlÉÉ. lÉà©ÉiÉà ¥ÉÉqö−÷ HíÉ«É«ÉÉàNÉ©ÉÉÅ Î»oÉ−÷ −÷¾úÒ{Éà ¥ÉÉqö−÷ ©É{ÉÉà«ÉÉàNÉ, ¥ÉÉqö−÷ ´ÉSÉ{É«ÉÉàNÉ{ÉÖÅ Ê{É−ÖÅ÷÷yÉ{É Hí«ÉÖÈ. +à ~ÉUïÒ »ÉÖK©É 

HíÉ«É«ÉÉàNÉ©ÉÉÅ Î»oÉ−÷ oÉ>{Éà ¥ÉÉqö−÷ HíÉ«É«ÉÉàNÉ{Éà °Å÷y«ÉÉà. 

SÉlÉÖÌ´ÉPÉ +PÉÉlÉÒ Hí©ÉÇqö³{ÉÉà KÉ«É Hí−÷Ò{Éà §ÉNÉ´ÉÉ{É ©É¾úÉ´ÉÒ−÷ ÉÖuö, ¥ÉÖuö +{Éà ©ÉÖGlÉ +´É»oÉÉ ~ÉÉ©«ÉÉ. +ÉÅLÉÉà{Éà +ÉÅYð 

qàö{ÉÉ−ÖÅ÷ lÉàWð ´ÉlÉÖÇ³ ¡ÉNÉ`ò oÉ«ÉÖÅ. lÉÉ−÷ÉNÉiÉÉàoÉÒ »ÉÖÉÉàÊ§ÉlÉ +©ÉÉ´ÉÉ»«ÉÉ{ÉÒ −÷ÉÊmÉ +àHíÉ+àHí +±ÉÉäÊHíHí ¡ÉHíÉÉoÉÒ ]ñ³¾ú³Ò 

CcóÒ. SÉÉ−à÷ lÉ−÷£í Wð«ÉWð«É{ÉÉqö »ÉÅ§É³É«ÉÉà. ´ÉºÉÉÇEìlÉÖ{ÉÉ SÉÉàoÉÉ ©ÉÉ»É{ÉÉà HÞíºiÉ ~ÉKÉ ¾úlÉÉà. ~ÉÅqö−÷©ÉÉà Êqö´É»É ¾úlÉÉà. ~ÉKÉ{ÉÒ 

SÉ−÷©É−÷ÉÊmÉ +©ÉÉ»É ¾úlÉÒ. +àHí «ÉÖNÉ{ÉÉ ~ÉÉÅSÉ »ÉÅ´Él»É−÷ ¾úÉà«É lÉà©ÉÉÅoÉÒ SÉÅrö {ÉÉ©É{ÉÉà ¥ÉÒXà »ÉÅ´Él»É−÷ ¾úlÉÉà. +àHí ´ÉºÉÇ{ÉÉ ¥ÉÉ−÷ 

©ÉÊ¾ú{ÉÉ ¾úÉà«É lÉà©ÉÉÅoÉÒ +à ¡ÉÒÊlÉ´ÉyÉÇ{É {ÉÉ©É{ÉÉà SÉÉàoÉÉà ©ÉÊ¾ú{ÉÉà ¾úlÉÉà. 

+àHí ©ÉÉ»É©ÉÉÅ ¥Éà ~ÉKÉ ¾úÉà«É +à©ÉÉÅoÉÒ lÉà {ÉÅÊqö´ÉyÉÇ{É ~ÉKÉ ¾úlÉÉà. 

+àHí ~ÉKÉ©ÉÉÅ ~ÉÅqö−÷ Êqö´É»É ¾úÉà«É +à©ÉÉÅ +à +ÎN{É´Éà«É {ÉÉ©É{ÉÉà ~ÉÅqö−÷©ÉÉà Êqö´É»É ¾úlÉÉà. +àHí ~ÉKÉ©ÉÉÅ ~ÉÅqö−÷ −÷ÉÊmÉ ¾úÉà«É lÉà©ÉÉÅ 

lÉà qàö´ÉÉ{ÉÅqöÉ {ÉÉ©É{ÉÒ ~ÉÅqö−÷©ÉÒ −÷ÉÊmÉ ¾úlÉÒ. 

+à »É©É«Éà +SÉÇ {ÉÉ©É{ÉÉà ±É´É ¾úlÉÉà. ©ÉÖ¾ÚúlÉÇ {ÉÉ©É{ÉÉà ¡ÉÉiÉ ¾úlÉÉà. Ê»Éuö {ÉÉ©É{ÉÉà »lÉÉàHí ¾úlÉÉà. {ÉÉNÉ {ÉÉ©ÉHí Hí−÷iÉ ¾úlÉÖÅ. 

+àHí +¾úÉà−÷ÉmÉ©ÉÉÅ mÉÒ»É ©ÉÖ¾ÚúlÉÇ ¾úÉà«É lÉà©ÉÉÅ »´ÉÉoÉÇÊ»Éuö {ÉÉ©É{ÉÖÅ ©ÉÖ¾ÚúlÉÇ ¾úlÉÖÅ. +à »É©É«Éà »´ÉÉÊlÉ {ÉKÉmÉ »ÉÉoÉà SÉÅrö{ÉÉà «ÉÉNÉ 

¾úlÉÉà. Wðà −÷ÉÊmÉ+à §ÉNÉ´ÉÉ{É{ÉÖÅ ~ÉÊ−÷Ê{É´ÉÉÇiÉ oÉ«ÉÖÅ lÉà −÷ÉÊmÉ+à HíÉÉÒHíÉàÉ±É{ÉÉ +hõÉ−÷ −÷ÉX+Éà ~ÉÉäºÉyÉµÉlÉ©ÉÉÅ ¾úlÉÉ. +à©ÉiÉà 

HíÂÖÅ Hàí +ÉWðà WðNÉlÉ©ÉÉÅoÉÒ §ÉÉ´ÉAvÉàlÉà Ê´ÉqöÉ«É ±ÉÒyÉÒ, ¾ú´Éà +É~ÉiÉà wö´«ÉAvÉàlÉ Hí−÷ÒÉÖÅ. »ÉÅ»ÉÉ−÷{Éà ]ñ³¾ú³É´ÉÒ −÷¾àú±ÉÉà 

©É¾úÉqöÒ~ÉHí +ÉÅlÉ−÷SÉKÉÖ+Éà{Éà AWð©ÉÉ³ Hí−÷Ò SÉ©ÉÇSÉKÉÖ+Éà{ÉÒ »ÉÉ©ÉàoÉÒ ¥ÉÖ]ñÉ> NÉ«ÉÉà. +É »É©É«Éà qàö´ÉÉà{ÉÉ NÉ©É{É-+ÉNÉ©É{É{Éà 

HíÉ−÷iÉà ~ÉÞo´ÉÒ +É±ÉÉàÊHílÉ ¥É{ÉÒ ¾úlÉÒ. ©ÉÉà¾ú{ÉÒ qöÉ−Ö÷iÉ ~É³Éà ~É−÷ >{rö−÷ÉWð Ê´ÉWð«É ©Éà³´ÉÒ ¾ú´Éà »´É»oÉ oÉ«ÉÉ +{Éà Hí¾àú´ÉÉ 

±ÉÉN«ÉÉ& "qöÒ~ÉHí ~Éà`òÉ´ÉÉà! qöÒ~ÉÉ´ÉÊ±É −÷SÉÉà! ¡É§ÉÖ Ê{É´ÉÉÇiÉ ~ÉÉ©«ÉÉ."í +©ÉÉ´É»oÉÉ{ÉÒ +à −÷ÉlÉ +{ÉàHí qöÒ~ÉHíÉà{ÉÒlÉ ]ñ³¾ú³Ò 

CcóÒ. »ÉÖ−÷ +{Éà +»ÉÖ−÷Éà{ÉÉ ¥ÉyÉÉ >{röÉà ~ÉÉàlÉÉ{ÉÉ ~ÉÊ−÷´ÉÉ−÷ »ÉÉoÉà l«ÉÉÅ +É´ÉÒ ~É¾úÉáS«ÉÉ ¾úlÉÉ. ÉJí{ÉÉ +ÉqàöÉoÉÒ WÖðqöÉ WÖðqöÉ 

qàö´ÉÉà lÉ−÷lÉ Wð NÉÉàÉÒºÉÇ SÉÅqö{É +ÉÊqö HíÉºcóÉà ±É> +É´«ÉÉ +{Éà ÊSÉlÉÉ lÉä«ÉÉ−÷ Hí−÷É´ÉÒ. §ÉNÉ´ÉÉ{É{ÉÉ +ÊlÉ ~ÉÊ´ÉmÉ ~ÉÉÌoÉ´É 

É−÷Ò−÷{Éà KÉÒ−÷ÉàqöHíoÉÒ »{ÉÉ{É Hí−÷É´É´ÉÉ©ÉÉÅ +É´«ÉÖÅ. ¾úÊ−÷SÉÅqö{ÉoÉÒ ±Éà´É Hí«ÉÉâ. −à÷©ÉÒ ´É»mÉ ~É¾àú−÷É´«ÉÉÅ. ©ÉÖNÉ`ò +ÉÊqö »ÉÖ´ÉÇiÉ 

−÷l{ÉÉà{ÉÉ +±ÉÅHíÉ−÷ ~É¾àú−÷É´ÉÒ{Éà +à©É{ÉÉ qàö¾ú{Éà qàö´ÉÊ{ÉÌ©ÉlÉ ÊÉÊ¥ÉHíÉ©ÉÉÅ ~ÉyÉ−÷É´«ÉÉà. qàö´ÉÉà+à Êqö´«Éy´ÉÊ{É »ÉÉoÉà ~ÉÖº~ÉÉà{ÉÒ ´ÉÞÎº`ò 

Hí−÷Ò. ¡É§ÉÖ{ÉÉ Ê{É´ÉÉÇiÉ{ÉÉà Al»É´É −÷SÉÉ> −÷ÂÉà.í 

28


FESTIVAL OF 

Diwali is a time to celebrate and to rejoice, 

a time of sharing, of being with family and 

friends and a time to fill not only the empty 

stomachs but, especially, the empty hearts and 

spirits. Festivals like Diwali, Eid and Christmas, 

serve to remind and to restore, the meaning 

and purpose of our lives. Without them our lives 

would be less colourful. 

Diwali - Festival of lights is highly symbolic. 

In Hindu mythology, the celebration restored 

light and life into the kingdom, ushering a new 

dawn, a new age of truth and righteousness, as 

it marked the return of King Rama to the throne 

after being in exile for 14 years. The darkness, 

which is always followed by light, refers to the 

enlightenment of the soul, after having lived in 

“exile” from its own truth. 

Hence the lighting of the lamp, usually 

made up of a clay vessel and a white cotton 

wick, symbolises igniting the spirit of the soul 

while seated in the body of a clay. The light is 

fuelled with the oil of knowledge through the 

wick of the intellect. The intensity of the light, 

generated through our thoughts, words and 

deeds, depend on the extent to which we absorb 

the oil of knowledge and increase understanding. 

In reality there is no darkness, only absence of 

the light of truth. This is why in life; importance 

is given to acquisition of wisdom and knowledge 

through scriptures, science and silent. Yet the 

authentic power lies in the implementation of 

these truths. 

To every end there is a new beginning. 

Hence Diwali is an auspicious time, the 

confluence of the old and new. It is a time to 

close off old business accounts and to open new 

ones; a metaphor for checking the accounts of 

the soul, to map the future and fix a “budget” for 

our thoughts, words and deeds. 

Occasions such as these inspire enthusiasm 

and newness in our lives and it is only in this 

state of joy that we can think of resolutions and 

bring about sincere transformation. Try changing 

habits in a state of sorrow and it is difficult, but 

when the soul is healthy and happy then one can 

move mountains and illuminate the forgotten 

kingdom of the self. 

EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE 

MAHAVIR SWAMI NAYANAPATHAGAMI BHAVATUME 

Aapko is naye saal me 

Mahavir ki shakti 

Gautam Ganadhar ki bhakti 

Mahavir ka gyan 

Raja Shrenik ka daan 

Vardhamaan ki buddhi 

Mahavir ki Siddhi 

Mahavir ki Ahinsa 

Shramano ki parampara 

Nirgranth ki maryada 

Tyag ki sampada 

I have included it 

here as 

Kundakunda ke vichar 

the message is 

Samantabhadra ke sanskar 

timeless and truly 

Vicharo me Anekant 

inspirational. 

Vani me Syadvad 

Acharan me Ahinsa 

….Editor 

Prapt hon, isi shubhakamana 

F 

29


FESTIVAL OF 

An important aspect of the Diwali festival is the social. It is a personal, people oriented festival when 

enmities are forgotten, an occasion for families to meet and catch up with each other. It is also the 

perfect occasion to catch up with close friends with whom you always mean to spend time, but 

never quite get around to doing so in the busy everyday hectic life. 

As a festival of light and beauty, it encourages artistic expressions, and all communities endeavour 

to make Diwali celebrations a very happy occasion for all. In our Association, we have a long 

tradition of organising Diwali programmes which include singing and dancing items, cooking, card 

making and rangoli competitions, thereby discovering the many talents of our members, especially 

the children. I know from personal experience, the enthusiasm, concentration, level of skill and 

sheer expression on the faces of the children whilst preparing their rangoli display is a memorable 

memory. Participation by generations of children in these types of programmes and competitions 

helps to ensure that our heritage is kept alive and flourishing. 

…..Editor 

JAIN WAY OF LIFE …. 

As I stated in my editorial for the Paryushan issue and to echo what our President, Ashwinbhai 

stated during his visit to the South London during Paryushan Festival, let our Jinalay be an 

inspiration for the young to learn about our faith and heritage. We are all fortunate to be born as 

Jains and as such have an obligation not only to live the Jain way of life but to promote in a 

respectable and positive way to the next generation as well as the wider community. How do we do 

this You know, each day, when we go to work, school etc we always come back home. Why, 

because that is where we belong. In the same way, by studying Jainism and applying the philosophy 

in our daily lives– by living the Jain way of life, we will be taking our soul, atma back where it 

belongs. ‘Let us become not mere preachers but practitioners of the faith. Let us not merely claim to 

be Jains, but let us become Jainas. Let us increase our knowledge and improve our conduct by 

becoming better Jainas. This will enable us to understand ourselves and once we are able to fine 

tune ourselves, we will be able to spread this understanding to others.’ 

Before we can eat the ripen fruit, we have to plant the seeds, water, nurture for the tree to grow 

and bear fruit. As long as we plant the seeds, water and nurture it, I am confident that the coming 

generations will embrace, cherish and ensure our faith flourishes, because they will realise that 

Jainism is all about tapping our creative potential, and of realising and monitoring the creative force 

within us. They will come to realise that Jainism is not an austere turning back on life, but that it’s 

message is all about the transforming of ourselves and with that the world around us through love, 

appreciation, compassion, non violence, equanimity and concord, its message is about ways to make 

our living significant and meaningful. 

My simple message to you all today is start planting the seeds, 

Walk the Talk - Live the Jain Way of Life. 

The above is an extract from a talk I gave at the Oshwal Mahajanwadi, 

South London during the Paryushan Festival. …….. Kishor, Editor 

F 

“ One can ask whether it is worthwhile telling people about Jain principles or making them 

aware of the Jain Way of Life. If you believe that the principles of the Jain faith are of 

value, if you believe that Jain ethics are of general application, then it is very worthwhile to 

show people the values of Jain faith and way of life. A world in which the principles of 

Jainism are widely diffused, would be, we can assert with confidence, a much better place 

than the world seems at present” …….Paul Marett 

32


JAINISM IN A NUTSHELL 

A WAY OF LIFE, NEITHER A DOGMA, 

NOR A BELIEF 

The Fundamental Concept: Ahimsa 

Paramo Dharma, Non-Violence 

(Harmlessness) is the foremost Religion. 

Ahimsa, a nebulous term, includes Satya 

(Truth), Asteya (Non-Stealing), 

Brahmacharya (Celibacy, Restraint), and 

Aparigraha (Non-Possession, Detachment). 

The Goal : The ultimate purpose of life is 

to purify the immortal Soul to Perfection 

such that the cycle of birth and death is 

ended. 

The Path : “Live and Let Live”. It is the 

Practise of Non-Violence in daily life at 

every step of the way. 

The Basis : 

1. It is a logical, scientific, rational and 

natural way of life for every Living 

Being. 

2. Every Living Being has an 

Indestructible Soul that can be 

perfected. Soul has no distinction of 

sex. Status or form. Only the Body 

that every soul takes is different. 

3. Theory of Karma: Actions 

(Purushartha) are the basis of 

attachments to soul. “As you sow, so 

you reap”. 

4. Theory of Reincarnation: Soul 

takes different bodies of one to five 

Senses, such as human beings, 

animal, bird, insect, plant etc based 

on Karma attached to it. 

5. Universe is Beginning less and 

Endless. It transforms and 

perpetuates. “Matter is 

indestructible”. Otherwise, “who 

created the Universe And who 

created the creator of the Universe 

6. The God is neither the Creator, nor 

the Sustainer, nor the Destroyer. 

Otherwise, “Who created God” 

Temples, Idol Worship, Rituals etc 

are extensions of the Belief in God as 

Trinity/Trimurti on other Religions. 

7. Some violence is inevitable for 

Survival of Life. This violence can be 

reduced infinitely through Restraint. 

The ultimate Goal is Perfect 

Purification of the Soul totally 

detached from all Karmas. 

8. Dogmas/Scriptures (Shastras and 

Sutras) are written by People in the 

Name of Gods, perfectly purified 

Souls, whose lives are the basis of 

their Philosophy. This, in turn, 

propounds Theories and Principles. 

When Formalised, Dogmas form the 

basis of Structured religions that 

emphasise and prioritise them. When 

proved outdated, they need to be 

revised. 

9. Anekant (Multiplicity of Views) 

and Syadvad (Relativeness of the 

Truth): Practice of Principles of any 

Religion is purely a Personal Matter. 

Therefore, there is no need to 

Convert any one. Each one practises 

according to its abilities (Yatha 

Shakti). These practices have various 

different facets, aspects and angles 

that need not be the cause or ground 

for Conflict. 

10. Religion and Science are inherently 

the different phases of unfolding and 

evolving universal Realities, The 

Truth. They are neither against nor 

contradictory to each other. 

11. Traditions are Practices prevalent at 

certain times in the Past. There 

cannot be any Sacrosanct about 

them. Today’s practices will become 

tomorrow’s Traditions. Nothing 

remains constant, except Change. 

Meaningless and Wasteful Past 

Traditions, Celebrations and Rituals 

(ceremonies) are not the Religion. 

33 

By F J Dalal 

“It ’s the special gifts that 

have no price, 

Our family, friends and health” 

Young Readers Section 

F

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 


STORY TIME 

Conquer 

Your Body : 

Do Not 

Surrender It 

Living in this atmosphere of materialism, it is 

rather difficult for us to understand the 

importance of the Jain teaching of nonpossessiveness 

(APARIGRAH). The 

contentment and happiness that comes from 

possessing only the essential things in life can 

only be experienced. Here is a story that 

illustrates this concept. 

Once there lived a monk (Sadhu) in a remote 

jungle. He lived by himself and had nothing to 

worry about. He had only two sets of clothes. 

Everyday, he used to wash one set of clothes 

and wore the other set. He lived in a modest 

hermitage, ate ripe fruits and fresh 

vegetables, and enjoyed the fresh air. He was 

happy and satisfied with the bare necessities 

of life. 

The monk lived alone, away from family, 

relatives, friends or foes. He spent most of his 

time in prayer and meditation, and study and 

recitation of scriptures. He did not own 

anything and no worries of losing any 

possessions. He had no attachment and no 

displeasure. He had full control over his 

senses. He had gained scriptural knowledge 

and had attained a high spiritual status. But 

he had no ego or pride. His character was his 

spiritual power. All those who approached 

him in times of need were inspired and 

comforted by his life of simplicity, modesty 

and morality. 

34 

His fame reached the royal court. The king 

was intrigued by the stories about the monk. 

So he decided to visit him in the jungle. He 

was impresses by the spiritual status and 

peace of mind attained by the monk. The king 

was very happy to see the monk. In return, 

the king granted a piece of land to the 

hermitage. 

The king started coming to the monk for more 

knowledge, guidance and peace of mind. He 

would bring various gifts for the monk, 

thinking that the monk needed them and that 

they would make the monk’s life more 

comfortable. The king gave a farm, cows and 

other farm animals. He hired a number of 

servants to take of the cows, and to plough, 

sow the seeds, irrigate and fertilize the land. 

Now the monk had all amenities of life - 

delicious food, fancy clothes, gold, diamonds 

and pearls given by the king as tokens of 

admiration. Since the king visited the monk 

so often, the common people followed suit. 

Now the monk had many things to take care 

of and protect. He spent considerable time in 

looking after the hermitage, the farm and 

other property. He was concerned that 

somebody may steal his precious things. He 

was scared to lose his means of comfort. 

Being concerned about materialism, he had 

very little time for his spiritual pursuit. He 

began to have nightmares. He lost his sleep, 

appetite and health. He became oblivious of 

the natural beauty around him. Earlier, the 

monk had conquered his material desires. 

Now he had surrendered to them. The king 

and the monk’s other followers noticed the 

change in his attitude and character. So the 

monk lost their respect too. 

Living in this atmosphere of materialism, it is 

rather difficult for us to understand the 

importance of the Jain teaching of nonpossessiveness 

(APARIGRAH). The 

contentment and happiness that comes from 

possessing only the essential things in life can 

only be experienced. 

As retold by Harshad A Mehta, USA 

"Imagine life as a game in which you are juggling five balls in the air. You 

name them -- work, family, health, friends and spirit -- and you're keeping 

all of these in the air. You will soon understand that work is a rubber ball. 

If you drop it, it will bounce back. 

But the other four balls -- family, health, friends and spirit -- are made of 

glass. If you drop one of these, they will be irrevocably scuffed, marked, 

F 

nicked, damaged or even shattered. 

They will never be the same. You must understand that 

and strive for balance in your life." 

An excerpt from a speech given by the CEO of Coca Cola:

h 

h 

h 

h 

h 

h 

h 

h 

h 

h 

h 

h 

h 

h 

h 

h 

h 

h 

h 

Wðä{É yÉ©ÉÇ©ÉÉÅ ÉÖÅ ÉÖÅ Uïà 


´ÉÒlÉ−÷ÉNÉ ÊWð{Éà¹É−÷ §ÉNÉ´ÉÅlÉÉà wöÉ−÷É ¡É°÷~Éà±ÉÉà yÉ©ÉÇ . . . 

Wð{©É-Wð−÷É +{Éà ©É−÷iÉ{ÉÉÅ Híº`òoÉÒ »ÉqöÉ ©ÉÖGlÉ oÉ´ÉÉ{ÉÉà yÉ©ÉÇ. 

HíÉà> ~ÉiÉ ©ÉÉ{É´É +à{ÉÖÅ ~ÉÉ±É{É Hí−÷Ò ÉHàí, Wðà ~ÉÉ³à lÉà{ÉÉà yÉ©ÉÇ. 

+{ÉÒ ¡ÉoÉ©É É−÷lÉ Uïà. qàö´É NÉÖ°÷ yÉ©ÉÇ{ÉÒ +Éà³LÉÉiÉ. 

»ÉÉPÉÖ+Éà{ÉÉÅ ~ÉÉÅSÉ ©É¾úÉµÉlÉÉà{ÉÖÅ ~ÉÉ±É{É, ¸ÉÉ´ÉHíÉà{ÉÉ ¥ÉÉ−÷ µÉlÉÉà{ÉÖÅ ~ÉÉ±É{É. 

Wðä{É{ÉÖÅ y«Éà«É ©ÉÉàKÉà ~É¾úÉáSÉ´ÉÉ{ÉÖÅ. 

Wðä{É yÉ©ÉÉÇÎ»lÉHíÉ«É +ÉÊqö Uï rö´«ÉÉà{ÉÉÅ »´É°~É÷{Éà +{ÉÉÊqö ©ÉÉ{Éà Uïà. 

§ÉÉàNÉ©ÉÉÅ qÖö&LÉí +{Éà l«ÉÉNÉ©ÉÉÅ »ÉÖLÉ »É©ÉWðà. 

+Ë¾ú»ÉÉ, »ÉÅ«É©É +{Éà lÉ~ÉoÉÒ ©ÉÉàKÉ ©ÉÉ{Éà. 

»É©«ÉHÃí [ÉÉ{É, »É©«ÉHÃí qöÉÇ{É, »É©«ÉHÃí SÉÉÊ−÷mÉ. »É©«ÉHÃí lÉ~ÉoÉÒ Wð ©ÉÉàKÉ. 

18 ~ÉÉ~É{ÉÉà l«ÉÉNÉ. 

¥ÉÉ−÷ ¡ÉHíÉ−÷{ÉÉ lÉ~É©ÉÉÅ ¡É´ÉàÉ, +à{ÉÉoÉÒ £íÉ«ÉqöÉ. 

+Écó Hí©ÉÇ, ¥ÉÅyÉ{ÉÉ ~ÉÉÅSÉ HíÉ−÷iÉÉà. 

{É´É lÉn´É, +à©ÉÉÅ »ÉÉSÉÒ ¸ÉuöÉ +à Wð »É©ÉÎGlÉ. 

+Él©ÉÉ +{Éà qàö¾ú{Éà Ê§É}É ©ÉÉ{Éà. 

Uï HíÉ«ÉÉ{ÉÖÅ »´É°÷~É, SÉÉ−÷ NÉÊlÉ +{Éà +à©ÉÉÅ Wð´ÉÉ{ÉÉÅ HíÉ−÷iÉÉà. 

§ÉNÉ´ÉÉ{É WðNÉlÉ{Éà ¥É{ÉÉ´É{ÉÉ−÷ {É¾úÓ ¥ÉlÉÉ´É{ÉÉ−÷ Uïà. 

»ÉÉyÉÖ +ÉSÉÉ−÷ +{Éà ~É¾àú−÷´ÉàÉ. 

−÷ÉÊmÉ §ÉÉàWð{É l«ÉÉNÉ, ´«É»É{É l«ÉÉNÉ, HÅíqö©ÉÚ³ l«ÉÉNÉ©ÉÉÅ ©ÉÉ{É´ÉÖÅ. 

{É©É»HíÉ−÷ ©ÉÅmÉ, »ÉÉ©ÉÉÊ«ÉHí, ¡ÉÊlÉJí©ÉiÉ, »É©É§ÉÉ´É. 

qöÉ{É - ÉÒ±É - lÉ~É - §ÉÉ´É - yÉ©ÉÇ. 

~ÉÉÅSÉ »É©É´ÉÉ«É, +{ÉàHíÉÅlÉ´ÉÉqö. 

+É¾úÉ−÷ Ê´É´ÉàHí. 

SÉÉäqö NÉÖiÉ»oÉÉ{É. 

+Ê{Él«ÉÉÊqö ¥ÉÉ−÷ §ÉÉ´É{ÉÉ. ©ÉämÉÒ +ÉÊqö SÉÉ−÷ ¡É´ÉSÉ{É{ÉÒ §ÉÉ´É{ÉÉ. 

SÉÒ−÷ lÉÒoÉÇ +{Éà +à©É{ÉÒ Wð´ÉÉ¥ÉqöÉ−÷Ò 

~É«ÉÖÇºÉiÉ ~É´ÉÇ. 

¸ÉÒ qöÒ´ÉÉ³Ò{ÉÉ Uïd{ÉÒ Ê´ÉÊyÉ 

©ÉÉàKÉ{ÉÉ SÉÉ−÷ ~ÉNÉÊoÉ«ÉÉ 

(1) [ÉÉ{É&- +Él©ÉÉ{ÉÉà NÉÖiÉ Wðà wöÉ−÷É 

+Él©ÉÉ{Éà HíÉà> ~ÉiÉ ´É»lÉÖ ~ÉqöÉoÉÇ +ÉÊqö{ÉÉà 

Ê´ÉÉàºÉ ¥ÉÉàyÉð oÉÉ«É Uïà, rö´«É-~É«ÉÉÇ«É-NÉÖiÉ 

+ÉÊqö{ÉÖÅ XiÉ~ÉjÅ. 

(2) qöÉÇ{É&- +Él©ÉÉ{ÉÉà NÉÖiÉ Wðà wöÉ−÷É +Él©ÉÉ{Éà 

HíÉà>~ÉiÉ ´É»lÉÖ, ~ÉqöÉoÉÇ +ÉÊqö{ÉÉà §Éàqö−÷Ê¾úlÉ 

Ê{ÉÌ´ÉHí±~É~ÉiÉà, »ÉÉ©ÉÉ{«É ¥ÉÉàyÉ oÉÉ«É Uïà. 

(3) SÉÉÊ−÷mÉ&- [ÉÉ{É +{Éà qöÉÇ{É (XiÉ~ÉjÅ 

+{Éà ¸ÉuöÉ) ~ÉUïÒ Hí−÷ÉlÉÉà ~É−÷ ¡Él«Éà{ÉÉà 

´«É´É¾úÉ−÷ (+ÉSÉÉ−÷-Ê´ÉSÉÉ−÷ ÊJí«ÉÉ{ÉÉà +ÉÊqö) 

(4) lÉ~É&- Ê´ÉÊÉº`ò ¡ÉHíÉ−÷{ÉÒ ÊJí«ÉÉ+Éà, 

´«É´É¾úÉ−÷ Wðà wöÉ−÷É +Él©ÉÉ ~ÉÉàlÉÉ{ÉÉoÉÒ +±ÉNÉ 

+à´ÉÉ ~ÉÖqÃöNÉ±É ©ÉÉmÉoÉÒ qÚö−÷ oÉÉ«É Uïà. 

yÉ©ÉÇ{ÉÉ SÉÉ−÷ ¡ÉHíÉ−÷ 

(1) qöÉ{É&- ´«É´É¾úÉ−÷oÉÒ ~ÉÉàlÉÉ{ÉÒ ~ÉÉ»Éà −÷¾àú±ÉÒ 

´É»lÉÖ, rö´«É{ÉÉà l«ÉÉNÉ Hí−÷Ò ¥ÉÒX{Éà lÉà{ÉÉ 

A~É«ÉÉàNÉ ©ÉÉ`àò +É~É´ÉÒ. Ê{É·SÉ«ÉoÉÒ »´ÉoÉÒ 

+±ÉNÉ +à´ÉÒ qö−à÷Hí ´É»lÉÖ ~É−÷ ©ÉÉÊ±ÉHíÒ§ÉÉ´É 

qÚö−÷ Hí−÷´ÉÉà. 

(2) ÉÒ±É&- {ÉÒÊlÉ©ÉnÉÉ, LÉÉ{ÉqöÉ{ÉÒ~ÉjÅ, 

¡É©ÉÉÊiÉHílÉÉ. 

(3) lÉ~É&- »´ÉoÉÒ +±ÉNÉ +à´ÉÒ qö−à÷Hí ´É»lÉÖ, 

rö´«É{Éà qÚö−÷ Hí−÷´ÉÉ{ÉÒ ÊJí«ÉÉ. 

(4) §ÉÉ´É&- »´É§ÉÉ´É©ÉÉÅ −÷©ÉiÉlÉÉ, »É−÷³lÉÉ. 

Ê{É´ÉÉÇiÉ (©ÉÉàKÉ){ÉÉ ©ÉÉNÉÇ{Éà Ê´ÉºÉà qöÒ´ÉÉ »É©ÉÉ{É +É lÉ~É ¾úÉà´ÉÉoÉÒ Ê{É´ÉÉÇiÉqöÒ~ÉHí {ÉÉ©Éà Hí¾àú´ÉÉ«É Uïà. lÉà©ÉÉÅ qöÒ´ÉÉ³Ò 

{ÉÒ SÉÉäqöÉ lÉoÉÉ +©ÉÉ´ÉÉ»«ÉÉ +à ¥É}Éà Êqö´É»É{ÉÉà Uïd Hí−÷´ÉÉà, lÉà ¥É}Éà Êqö´É»É +{Éà −÷ÉmÉÒ+à ¸ÉÒ ©É¾úÉ´ÉÒ−÷»´ÉÉ©ÉÒ{ÉÒ 

¡ÉÊlÉ©ÉÉ{ÉÒ ~ÉÉ»Éà +LÉÅeô SÉÉàLÉÉ lÉoÉÉ +LÉÅeô PÉÒ{ÉÉ qöÒ´ÉÉ ©ÉÚHí´ÉÉ. AvÉ~É{É©ÉÉÅ ¸ÉÒ ©É¾úÉ´ÉÒ−÷»´ÉÉ©ÉÒ{ÉÒ ©ÉÉà`òÒ 

»{ÉÉmÉÊ´ÉÊyÉ+à ~ÉÚX Hí−÷Ò +àHí ¾úX−÷ PÉÒ{ÉÉ qöÒ´ÉÉ ©ÉÚHí´ÉÉ. »ÉÅPÉ´ÉÉl»É±«É, »ÉÅPÉ~ÉÚX Hí−÷´ÉÒ. +É ¡É©ÉÉiÉà mÉiÉ ´ÉºÉÇ 

Hí−÷´ÉÉoÉÒ +É lÉ~É ~ÉÚiÉÇ oÉÉ«É Uïà. +É lÉ~É{ÉÖÅ £í³ ©ÉÉàKÉ©ÉÉNÉÇ{ÉÒ ¡ÉÉÎ~lÉ oÉÉ«É Uïà. +É ¸ÉÉ´ÉHí{Éà Hí−÷´ÉÉ{ÉÉà +NÉÉhõ 

lÉ~É Uïà. »ÉÉoÉÒ«ÉÉ Ê´ÉNÉà−à÷ ¥ÉÉ−÷-¥ÉÉ−÷ Hí−÷´ÉÉ. NÉ−÷jÅ +É ¡É©ÉÉiÉà&- 

'¸ÉÒ ©É¾úÉ´ÉÒ−÷»´ÉÉ©ÉÒ»É´ÉÇ[ÉÉ«É {É©É&' {É´ÉHíÉ−÷´ÉÉ³Ò 20 SÉlÉÖqÇöÉÒ+à. 

F 

'¸ÉÒ ©É¾úÉ´ÉÒ−÷»´ÉÉ©ÉÒ~ÉÉ−Å÷NÉlÉÉ«É {É©É&' {É´ÉHíÉ−÷´ÉÉ³Ò 20 +©ÉÉ´ÉÉ»«ÉÉ ¡ÉoÉ©É −÷ÉmÉà. 

'¸ÉÒ NÉÉälÉ©É−÷»´ÉÉ©ÉÒ»É´ÉÇ[ÉÉ«É {É©É&' {É´ÉHíÉ−÷´ÉÉ³Ò 20 +©ÉÉ´ÉÉ»«ÉÉ ~ÉÉUï±ÉÒ −÷ÉmÉà. 

36

h 

h 

h 

h 

h 

h 

h 

h 

h 

h 

h 

h 

h 

h 

h 

h 

h 

h 

h 

F 


W 

e all desire to evolve and attempt to 

make our lives better but we often fall 

short of our desires. In order to evolve, 

our first step should be to quit desiring. Desire is 

a manifestation of our craving, which we wish to 

accomplish some day and it further creates 

expectations from everyone in and around us 

including ourselves. 

Our reaction to our expectations is usually in the 

form of anxiety, pain, stress, self-condemnation, 

accusation etc. But the question is, why does 

this happen to us It happens because we are 

weak and are surrounded by uncertainty. Our 

actions are small but our expectations are very 

high. We have got into habit of reacting about 

everything irrespective of whether it concerns us 

or not and if all it concerns us our reactions are 

totally self-centred. We have become so 

obsessed with ourselves that we have created a 

world of our ideas, thoughts, principles and 

procedures and anything that falls beyond it is 

considered to be wrong by us. 

It may not seem like the perfect comparison, but 

when we compare ourselves with a tree, we find 

that we don’t have to face even one per cent of 

the difficulties faced by the tree. Still, a tree 

always seems to be relaxed and calm. It does 

not oppose anything though it experiences 

everything. It doesn't have a home of its own 

but becomes home for so many living beings. 

A tree provides home and shelter for everyone 

without discriminating between animals and 

humans or between the stronger and the weaker 

and is thankful to others for giving it an 

opportunity to serve them. On the other hand, 

we humans fight over small piece of land. And if 

we provide shelter to anyone we either charge 

rent or do not hesitate in mentioning the favour 

that we have bestowed 

on our fellow human 

beings. 

A 

tree remains 

unaffected by 

strong winds, 

scorching 

heat, cold breeze, rain 

etc as it stands still on 

its ground firmly facing 

the different forms and 

forces of nature with 

indifference. On the 

other hand we humans 

have all the reasons to 

complain about the 

heat, cold, changing 

weather and other 

inhospitable 

conditions. 

40 

A 

B E L IKE A T REE 

tree experiences everything blissfully 

through the passing phases of time as it 

knows that everything is temporary. But we 

humans react negatively to changes because we 

expect everything to be unchanging and 

permanent. Hence we cry and complain when 

nothing is working for us because we feel 

nothing will ever work for us. 

A tree remains static, not interested in anything 

but itself. That does not mean it is selfish, after 

being static also it is home for the animals etc. 

It meditates on itself in an attempt to realise its 

creator. But man does not have time to even 

think about all this - he is only interested in 

knowing how he can grow materially and is more 

interested in knowing what is happening outside 

his own life, especially in others’ lives. 

Instead of learning from trees, man has even 

exploited trees for his own selfish interest, out of 

arrogance that no one is better than him, 

forgetting that the life of a tree is much more 

useful than that of us humans. 

A 

tree is strong. Nothing disturbs it. It 

experiences everything without 

complaining. The wind blows past it, the 

sun throws scorching heat at it and it is still the 

same. Then the rain comes and again it remains 

unaffected. Animals and humans take shelter 

under it and it is more than happy to give what 

they want. Birds make their nests in it, animals 

eat its fruits, but the tree is happy because 

others are happy. It remains within itself all the 

time; It does not react to wrong or right but 

observes everything as a beautiful experience 

without being judgemental. 

As stated in Bhagvad Gita. –in the Gita (20-23) 

Lord Krishna says: “In the stage of perfection 

called trance or Samadhi, one’s 

mind is completely restrained 

from mental activities by the 

practice of yoga. This perfection 

is characterised by one’s ablility 

to see the self with a pure mind 

and to relish and rejoice in the 

self. In that joyous state, one is 

situated in a boundless 

transcendental happiness, 

realised through transcendental 

senses. Established thus, one 

never departs from the truth, 

and upon gaining this, he thinks 

there is no greater gain. Being 

situated in such a position, one 

is never shaken even in the 

midst of greater difficulty. This 

indeed is the actual freedom 

from all miseries arising from 

material contact.”


One tree less means nothing. 

One tree less means that much less shade. 

One tree less means that much soil eroded. 

One tree less means that much less oxygen. 

One tree less means that much pollution. 

One tree less means that many birds without nests. 

One tree less means that many animals without shelter. 

One tree less means that much less water, less food. 

One tree less means that much heat, more cold. 

One tree less, another tree less 

And another tree less means nothing in the end. 

Nothing 

T REES ASSOCIATED WITH THE 24 TIRTHANKARS 

On World Environment Day earlier this year in India, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation 

laid foundation for a garden of a different kind. The garden has saplings of trees associated 

with each of the Tirthankars when they achieved kevala - jnana while meditating under a tree. 

The garden is situated in the Shahibaug area near Rajasthan Hospital. Below is a list of the 

trees associated with each of the Tirthankars. These trees are scared for Jains. 

Source: www.jain samaj.org 

Tirthankar Tree Tirthankar Tree 

1 Rishabhadev Banyan Tree 13 Vimalnath Blackberry 

2 Ajitnath Devil's Tree 14 Anantanath Saraca indica 

3 Sambhavanath Sal tree 15 Dharmanath Bulca monosperma 

4 Abhinandana Charoli Tree 16 Shantinath Celdrus deodara 

5 Sumatinath Callicarpa macrophylla 17 Kunthunath Symplocos raccmosa 

6 Padma Prabhu Banyan Tree 18 Aranath Mangifera indica 

7 Suparshvanath Albizzia lebbeck 19 Mallinath Saraca indica 

8 Chandraprabhu Alexundriun laurel 20 Munisuvrata Michelia Champea 

9 Suvidhinath Wood apple 21 Naminath Minusops elengii 

10 Shitalnath Ficus lacor 22 Neminath Goat willow 

11 Shreyansanath Saraca indica 23 Parshvanath Fire Flame Bush 

12 Vasupujya Symplocos racemosa Roxb 24 Mahavira Sal Tree 

Quote from Shri Arun Gandhi: 

"I was walking home from school with my notebook and pencil. It was only 

a little butt of a pencil and I thought I deserved a better one. I threw it 

away on the ground thinking of course grandfather (Mahatma Gandhiji) will 

give me a new one. When I asked him he started asking me loads of 

questions. How did it get so small Why did I throw it away He made me 

look for it in the dark with a flashlight. I spent three or four hours searching! Then he said to me 

he wanted me to learn two lessons. 

The first lesson was that in making such a simple pencil many important resources had been used; 

throwing it away was violence against nature. 

The second lesson was that we over consume and waste natural resources depriving others of 

those resources; this was violence against humanity." 

41 

h 

h 

h 

h 

h 

h 

h 

h 

h 

h 

h 

h 

h 

h 

h 

h 

h 

h 

h 

F


Happiness Is 

Within Reach 

“Jain Values Need To Be Lived 

To Be Enjoyed” 

By Pramodaben 

T 

oday people are living in an interesting time, a 

time when the science of information and 

technology is rapidly taking over and practically 

governing our life. The cave man has become a castle 

man. The days of cartwheels and carriages are being 

replaced by BMW’S, Mercedes and Convertibles. The 

period of stone grinding has become obsolete and the 

modern electronic grinders are taking its place. The 

old is being replaced by the new with tremendous 

speed and velocity. 

This fast moving world has made a machine out of a 

person. As the machine is used for instant work, in 

the same way people work for instant happiness, 

fame and riches. He/She does not care whether it is 

at the cost of human exploitation, environmental 

pollution, destruction of the natural resources or 

animal abuse and suffering. Under the powerful grip 

of greed, people work under the intoxication of 

modernisation, leading them to self-destruction. 

Motivated by ego and sensuality, they use their skills 

in the acquisition of worldly pleasures and gain. In 

this way, technology and information make the rich 

richer and the poor poorer. No wonder Havelock Ellis 

said “The sun, the moon and the stars would have 

disappeared long ago, had they happened to be within 

reach of predatory human hands”. 

Today when we look around, we see that mankind has 

become a burden and an enemy to himself, society 

and planet earth, rather than a friend to all. Engaging 

in anger, lust, selfishness, deceit and competition, 

lead him to violence and war. Thomas Merton has 

rightly said, “Violence can begin only where thought 

and rational communication have broken down”. 

Living in this fast pace and in technological time, 

mankind has become a robot. Society thinks for him 

and he obeys its orders. This herd mentality blinds his 

vision and perception thus goading him to move about 

without any aim or direction. 

One wonders whether he has the same elements 

which are potentially capable of becoming 

Mahavir, Buddha, Ram or Jesus-epitomes 

of love, compassion, joy and bliss. How 

F 

can one attain happiness if one does not 

take time to reflect and know the 

difference between right and wrong in the 

light of the truth 

History tells us that no amount of wealth and fame 

has made mankind happy, for material happiness is 

fleeting and temporary. Its definition changes with 

one’s desires and dreams. Happiness does not lie in 

accumulation of things, but in the art of equal 

distribution, simplicity and contentment. 

If one wants, one can decide not to become a 

machine in the mechanical world, acting without 

thinking, but instead think before each action. Every 

positive or negative action has an equal and opposite 

reaction. A loving thought cast in the universe has a 

loving response, and an evil thought has an evil one. 

It is the law of nature that what is thrown out comes 

about like a boomerang. So why not prioritise life on 

the basis of needs and comfort than on greed and 

luxury In this way one can eliminate the possibility 

of acquiring negative vibrations and unwanted karmas 

and channelise thoughts, words and actions in a 

positive directions. 

To get a fresh outlook to life, one can turn to the 

philosophy of Jain Dharma as practised and 

propounded by Lord Mahavir. It has profound answers 

to our questions based on its principles: 

Reverence for All Life…………...Ahimsa 

Relativity in Thinking……………..Anekantvada 

Law of Cause and Effect…………….Theory of Karma 

Principle of Non-Acquisition…………….Aparigraha 

Principle of Compassion….Karuna……...Non Violence 

in thoughts, words and deeds. 

J 

ain Dharma also emphasises the idea of tolerance 

and non-interference as its teachings. These 

perennial principles of Lord Mahavir are the 

avenues to health, happiness, peace and harmony. 

They were useful thousand of years ago and will be 

useful for millennia to come. Putting the teachings of 

Jain Dharma into practice, one can renew one’s 

connectivity to that ancient source of teaching and 

live in harmony with oneself and in harmony with the 

rest of the world. 

Lets us therefore, work collectively for the betterment 

of the whole universe by changing our focus from “I” 

to “We”. 

Someone has rightly said, “I expect to pass this world 

once. Any good, therefore, that I can do or any 

kindness that I can show to any fellow creatures, let 

me do it now for I shall not pass this way again”. 

42


The message is for all us and for the youth in 

particular, who are the hope of tomorrow. They will 

shape the way society thinks and feels, for tomorrow 

belongs to the youth, the youth who hold the promise 

of the future. They are the symbol of energy and zeal, 

openness and compassion, creativity and innovation. 

They have time and vigour to carry on and give life 

and meaning to the ancient heritage of reverence for 

life, to understand and practise the wisdom of the 

seers, and to use the insights of the enlightened 

masters. They are the torchbearers and trendsetters 

of peace, progress and prosperity for the present and 

the future generation. 

So it is time to think globally and act locally, by 

arising, awaking and incorporating the principles of 

Jain Dharma in life and be aware of the glorious 

spiritual wealth that one has inherited. 

LIVE SIMPLY SO THAT OTHERS 

MAY SIMPLY LIVE 

When our lives are simple, we are more secure within ourselves and therefore able to let go of the many internal 

complications of achievement, praise or external search for experience and fulfilment, and we begin to live from 

a place of inner peace. With simplicity our life’s journey becomes less chaotic as we gain more control over 

ourselves and begin to rediscover and enjoy anew the “simple pleasures of life”. 

Simplicity of dress is a mark of purity, simplicity of food brings good health, and simplicity of environment means 

cleanliness and stability. With simplicity, we return to the innocence of the child: our intellect and heart pure and 

therefore full of clarity. 

Nature is simple and is governed by a few basic laws and principles. Similarly spirituality is governed by basic 

laws and principles so that when we understand and live in accordance with them we live in harmony with all 

that is around and within us. 

This is the proof that our lives are meant to be simple. We only need basic food and shelter to survive, yet we 

seem to habitually and compulsively acquire, accumulate and therefore complicate our lives. Initially we enjoy all 

this, while at heart yearn for the simplicity of the past. 

Returning to simplicity becomes the platform from which we can launch a new trend of “high values and simple 

living”. So let us rebuild our lives with this aim. Not just to live simply that others can live but so that we 

ourselves can live truly, at the same time inspiring others. 

Internal and external simplicity are the indication of strength, depth, stability and happiness - key 

ingredients to inner peace. Those who live with these qualities can discern the truth and they 

recognise that all that glitters is not gold. 

By Aruna, Bahrain 

This human body is a guest house. 

Every morning a new arrival. 

A joy, a depression, a meanness 

Some momentary awareness comes 

As an unexpected visitor. 

Welcome and entertain them all 

Even if they’re a crowd of sorrows 

Who violently sweep your house 

Empty of its furniture. 

Still treat each quest honourably ; 

He may be clearing you out 

For some new delight. 

The dark thought, the shame, the malice, 

Meet them at the door laughing 

And invite them in. 

Be grateful for whoever comes, 

Because each has been sent 

As a guide from beyond. 

……. Jallaludin Rumi 

Congratulations 

Jay 

Son of Dr Smita and Mahesh Meghji Virji Dodhia 

Graduated with a First Class BA (Hons) degree 

In Economics & Management 

From Fitzwilliam College, University of Cambridge 

In June 2006 

Kunal 

Son of Dipika & Jatin Raichand Lakha Shah 

Achieved 9 A* & 4 As at Ilford County High School 

Oshwal Association of the UK congratulates all young 

Oshwals who have passed their GCSE’s and ‘A’ Level 

Exams and also those who have 

Graduated. We wish you all every success 

in further education and your chosen 

profession 

Kishor B Shah 

Editor 

F 

43


PARASAPAROPGRAHO JIVANAM 

“All life is bound together by mutual support 

and interdependence” 

N 

ear our home there is a beautiful lily pond with pink 

and yellow lilies floating in the calm waters, fishes 

jumping up and down, frogs croaking, birds nesting 

in the nearby shrubs, butterflies and dragonflies flying from 

one flower to another. It is a breathtaking site. With the 

recent lack of rain, the pond has dried up completely. Do 

you know what is at the bottom of the pond Rusty metal, 

old furniture parts, broken tyres stuck in the mud etc. It just 

looked awful. It made me realise that we humans are the 

same way. When we are dried up, the worst parts of us 

show up. We need to be fulfilled. 

In this society we have learned to encourage and strive for 

individualism and independence. We want to be ‘in charge’, 

we want to ‘control’. We are willing to eliminate any 

obstacle that comes in the way of our selfish wants. This 

has led to exercising rights without responsibilities, 

pleasure without conscience, commerce without morality. 

Science without humanity and politics without principles. In 

the end, this only leads to emptiness and leaves our dried 

up soul longing for inner peace. 

The ancient Jain scriptural aphorism 

Parasparopgraho Jivanam (All life is bound 

together by mutual support and 

interdependence) is refreshingly 

contemporary in its premise and in its 

promise. It is the water for our soul and our 

spirit. It means that all aspects of nature 

belong together and are bound in a physical 

as well as a metaphysical relationship. Life is 

viewed as a gift of togetherness, 

accommodation and assistance in a universe 

teaming with interdependent constituents. 

Mahavir proclaimed a profound truth for all times to come 

when he said: “One who neglects or disregards the 

existence of earth, air, fire, water and vegetation, 

disregards his own existence which is entwined with them”. 

Jain cosmology recognises the fundamental natural 

phenomenon of symbiosis or mutual dependence that foms 

the basis of the modern day science of ecology. 

T 

he worldview of rugged independence - we have 

learned to value so much, has given us a false sense 

of success. In fact that has made us arrogant. This 

arrogant notion of independence stems from underlying 

insecurity within us. In an individualistic point of view, “I 

write therefore I am a writer”. In a Jain view of 

interdependence, “ you are readers, therefore I am a 

writer”. I am because you are ; without you I am nobody. It 

is a viewpoint based on relationship and dependency. It is 

the statement of humility and gratitude. Understanding 

Paraspargraho Jivanam gives us this humility. It helps us 

build relationships that are built on the pillars of respect, 

understanding, acceptance and appreciation. Mahatma 

Ghandi once said “Tolerance is not enough, we don’t want 

people to tolerate each other, we want them to understand 

and respect each other”. 

Satish Kumar a former Jain monk and the author of “Path 

Without Destination”, at his recent visit to Yale 

said “When you meet someone as an Indian, 

you will meet an American or a Mexican or a 

German etc. If you go as a Jain, you will meet 

a Christian or a Muslim or a Jew. But if you go 

as a human being, you will only meet a fellow 

human being”. He even went further in saying 

that if you go just as a “being”, then the entire 

universe is your friend and you will come in 

touch with other beings of the Universe. A 

refreshing way, to put “Parasparopgraho 

Jivanam “ in practice. 

By Sudhir M Shah 

IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII 

F 

PRATHNA SABHA (BETHAK) - INFORMATION LINE: 01707 661066 (Recorded Message) 

When a Prathna Sabha is arranged either at Oshwal Centre or Oshwal Mahajanwadi or any other venue, a 

recorded message will advise the date & time of and the name of the person in whose memory the 

PRATHNA SABHA is being held. Also visit our website:www.oshwal.org for latest updates. 

SHRADDHANJALI/OBITUARY MESSAGES 

The Rate for inserting any SHRADDHANJALI/OBITUARY Message in Oshwal News is £125 per page 

per issue. Please ensure that wherever possible a Passport Size photograph is enclosed with the message, 

which should be written out very clearly and neatly. Please also enclose a Self Addressed Envelope if 

you want the photographs returned. Please note that it will not be possible to entertain any requests for 

proofs of these message prior to printing. 

44


Mahavir the Ascetic was not 

a Man in a Hurry 

By Manish Modi 

The nature of reality is dynamic. Reality is influenced by free 

will and determination. Were we to believe, however, that 

determination alone is the final verdict, then we would be 

niyativadis, not Jains. Free will alone does not determine all events. 

Our past karmas determine our prarabdha , or fate. Our present 

karmas determine our purusartha, or focused efforts towards a 

specific goal. 

We can do nothing about our prarabdha. We should accept it 

as it comes, with equanimity. If we are experiencing the results of 

positive past karmas, we should keep our feet firmly on the ground 

and remember that karmas are external to the soul. Their effect is 

only temporary. Whether we experience pleasure or pain, it is only 

fleeting. Only the bliss attained by the yogin who is free from all 

temporal bonds is real bliss because it is constant, irreversible and 

permanent. Temporal happiness is momentary and fleeting. 

Mahavir did not believe in pure determinism. He believed in purusartha. He did not sit at home and wait for 

the “right day” to come. He did not get a sudden flash of insight. He attained liberation through sustained 

purusartha in the face of great adversity. No extraneous factors were going to determine his life. He took on 

prarabdha, and won with the help of his perfect purusartha. 

Mahavir was clear that he could not be a saviour of all humankind. He could be the catalyst in their 

liberation. But each soul is the master of its own fate. Mahavir never deluded himself that he could be the 

causative factor in anyone else’s liberation. As a Tirthankara or ford maker, he was the catalyst in establishing the 

fourfold Dharma tirtha, the ford of Dharma, or right conduct. But he realised that he was the master of his own 

fate, and concentrated on his own liberation. 

Mahavir’s conduct and his teachings showed us the path of liberation. He was not a philosopher. He lived 

his truth. His conduct reflected his philosophy. Vedic philosophy maintains that one can shed karmas through 

knowledge. 

Mahavir believed that karmas can be shed only through appropriate conduct. He realised that each soul is 

unique, separate and distinct entity. He remained in himself, thought for himself. He did not worship anyone, he 

did not build temples, and he did not go on pilgrimages. Mahavir shared his thoughts with those who were willing 

to learn from him. He did not go anywhere, he did not seek an audience. 

If there were people keen to seek his guidance, he did not address them personally. He did not advise them 

on worldly matters. He did not indulge in predictions, did not dispense miracles, etc. His life was a study in 

equanimity and calm. Mahavir was not a man in hurry. 

His decisions were well thought out, his message was clear. Harm no one and no one will harm you. Realise 

the nature of reality. Learn bheda Jnana, the art of distinguishing between the permanent and the temporary, 

between the soul and the non-soul. Realise that one substance cannot do more than become a catalyst for another 

substance’s modifications. Ultimately, each substances’ modifications rely on its own dharma, or true nature. 

Do not run after temporal pleasures. Your stay in this world is fleeting. An orderly life is the 

base for spiritual development. 

………………………………………………… 

Love starts with a smile, develops with a kiss 

and ends with either a tear or an eternal embrace 

F 

45


JAIN PERSPECTIVES ON SERVICE AND COMPASSION 

There are many good sources of information on the values of daan, donation and service 

as a way to cultivate karuna, compassion, for one’s spiritual development. 

Jainism holds daan - the act of giving - in great esteem. Charity without any expectations 

is twiced blessed; it blesses both the giver and the receiver. This is why daan is foremost 

among the four main good emotions - bhavanas. 

Gautam Swami onced asked Lord Mahavir: “Who is more blessed - one who serves a sick 

person or one who has your darshan” Lord Mahavir replied “He who serves a sick 

person is blessed with my darshan - the sight of someone who elevates you spiritually.” 

Jainism mentions meritorious acts - punya: kindness, charity, righteous behaviour, compassion for others, helping 

others and controlling one’s own mind. Such merit-winning acts - punyanubandhi punya - cleanses and purifies our 

feelings, emotions and intentions - bhavas. The creation of negative karma is prevented and previous negative karma is 

wiped out. The quintessential development of the human soul begins with punyanubandhi punya, so it is essential to 

honour and practise nine types of punya. 

1. ANNA PUNYA - the merit of providing food. Give food to those who are hungry. 

2. JALA PUNYA - the merit of providing water. Give water to those who are thirsty. 

3. VASTRA PUNYA - merit of providing clothes. Give clothes to those who need them in order to protect 

themselves and maintain their good character. 

4. AASANA PUNYA - merit of providing a seat. Give seats to those who need to rest. 

5. SHAYANA PUNYA - merit of providing sleeping convenience. Give shelter to those in need. 

6. MANA PUNYA - merit of providing good thoughts. Send good wishes to all living things and be happy about the 

virtues and good deeds of others. 

7. VACHANA PUNYA - merit of good words. Speak words that result in the good of others - truly using words with 

the use of one’s mind, body and wealth to remove the pain and difficulty of others. 

8. KAYA PUNYA - merit earned through the body. Serve others with one’s body and help others in their good 

deeds. 

9. NAMASKAR PUNYA - merit earned by bowing. 

Penance is not merely abstaining from eating food. It includes the donation of whatever money is saved from fasting to 

the needy and those who suffer for want of food. The food and money that is saved must go to them. Many followers 

of Jainism take vows, such as not to use silk. Ou lives become luminous as a result of such vows of restriction and 

renunciation. Money which is saved should be given in charity. 

For Jains, daan is a challenge to those who talk of aparigraha - non-possession - but live in the stupor of possessiveness. 

It is necessary to think of fulfilling the basic needs of the poor when we think of renouncing our worldly possessionsparigraha. 

We gain great merit by giving food, water, shelter and clothing. Daan without expectation is the soul of 

Jainism. 

Extracted From a booklet - Anukampa by Shri Mafatlal Mehta 

It’s true that we don’t know what we’ve got until we lose it, but it’s also 

true that we don’t know what we’ve been missing until it arrives. 

Always put yourself in other’s shoes. If you feel that it hurts you, no doubt 

it probably hurts the other person too …. this is the essence of Jainism 

F 

We all come in this world alone 

And we leave the same way 

But in between 

We have the chance to connect and help each other. 

48


+Él©ÉÒHí, yÉÉÌ©ÉHí, ÉÉ−÷ÒÊ−÷Hí, 

©ÉÉ{ÉÊ»ÉHí, »ÉÉ©ÉÉYðHí, HíÉä`ÖÅòÊ¥ÉHí »´É»oÉlÉÉ 

¾úÉà«É lÉÉà +É−÷ÉyÉ{ÉÉ »ÉÖÅqö−÷ oÉÉ«É 

+à ©ÉÉ`àò{ÉÉ X~É / »lÉÉàmÉ 

(1) $ −÷Õ ¸ÉÒ yÉ−à÷iÉ{rö ~Éqö©ÉÉ´ÉlÉÒ ~ÉÚYðlÉÉ«É 

¸ÉÒ ÉÅLÉà¹É−÷ ~ÉÉ¹É{ÉÉoÉÉ«É {É©É& 

(−÷ÉàWð 108 ´ÉÉ−÷ X~É Hí−÷´ÉÉà) 

(2) $ −÷Õ +¾Èú{É©É (−÷ÉàWð 108 ´ÉÉ−÷ X~É Hí−÷´ÉÉà) 

(3) A´É»ÉNNÉ - ¾ú−Å÷ - »lÉÉàmÉÉà{ÉÉà −÷ÉàWð +ÉàUïÉ©ÉÉÅ 

+ÉàUïÉà 27 ´ÉÉ−÷ X~É Hí−÷´ÉÉà. 

´ÉyÉÒ{Éà 54, 81 +{Éà 108 ´ÉÉ−÷ oÉ> ÉHàí. 

(4) A´É»ÉNNÉ ¾ú−Å÷ - »lÉÉàmÉ{ÉÉà ¥ÉÒXà ¡É«ÉÉàNÉ&- 

(1) ¸ÉÒ ÉÅLÉà¹É−÷ ~ÉÉ¹É{ÉÉoÉ §ÉNÉ´ÉÉ{É{ÉÉà £Éà`òÉà 

(2) SÉÉÅqöÒ{ÉÒ ´ÉÉ`òHíÒ +{Éà +à©ÉÉÅ ~ÉÉiÉÒ 

(3) »É´ÉÉ−÷{ÉÉ 11 ´ÉÉN«ÉÉ ~É¾àú±ÉÉ »lÉÉàmÉ 

NÉiÉ´ÉÉà 

(4) +àHí »oÉÉ{É, +àHí »É©É«É, +àHí +É»É{É 

¾úÉà«É lÉÉà »ÉÉ°÷ 

(5) »lÉÉàmÉ NÉiÉ´ÉÉ{ÉÒ Ê´ÉyÉÒ 

~É¾àú±ÉÉ +àHí {É´ÉHíÉ−÷ ~ÉUïÒ A´É»ÉNNÉ ¾ú−Å÷-»lÉÉàmÉ 

~ÉUïÒ {É´ÉHíÉ−÷ +à©É NÉiÉÉ´É{ÉÖÅ SÉÉ±ÉÖ Hí−÷´ÉÖ - 

+É{Éà +àHí »ÉÅ~ÉÚ`ò Hí¾àú´ÉÉ«É. ¥ÉÒYð ´ÉÉ−÷ ~ÉÉUïÉà 

+àHí {É´ÉHíÉ−÷ ~ÉUïÒ A´É»ÉNNÉ ¾ú−Å÷-»lÉÉàmÉ ~ÉUïÒ 

{É´ÉHíÉ−÷ +à©É 27 ´ÉÉ−÷ NÉiÉ´ÉÖ 

LÉÉ»É {ÉÉáyÉ& ´ÉyÉÖ ~ÉeôlÉÒ lÉHí±ÉÒ£í©ÉÉÅ +É ¡É«ÉÉàNÉ 108 

´ÉÉ−÷ Hí−÷´ÉÉà. 

+É +{ÉÖºcóÉ{É +LÉÅeô 41 Êqö´É»É Hí−÷´ÉÖÅ. ~ÉUïÒ 1 

Êqö´É»É ©ÉÚHíÒ qàö´ÉÖÅ. l«ÉÉ−÷¥ÉÉqö ¾Åú©ÉàÉÉ Hí−÷É«É lÉÉà »ÉÉ−ÖÅ÷. 

»lÉÉàmÉ{ÉÉ É¥qöÉà ©ÉÉà`àòoÉÒ ¥ÉÉà±É´ÉÉ É¥qöÉà ~ÉÉiÉÒ©ÉÉÅ X~É 

+à`ò±Éà ~ÉÉiÉÒ +Ê§É©ÉÅmÉÒlÉ oÉÉ«É. lÉà ~ÉÉiÉÒ ~ÉÊ−÷´ÉÉ−÷{ÉÉ 

¥ÉyÉÉ ±ÉÉàHíÉà+à ~ÉÒ Wð´ÉÖÅ. oÉÉàeÖÅô ~ÉÉiÉÒ PÉ−÷©ÉÉÅ UïÉÅ`ò´ÉÖÅ. 

z 

Submitted by: Sunilbhai Chheda 

of Vardhaman Sanskar Dham, India. 

EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE 

“Nobody can do everything, 

But everyone can do 

Something” 

v 

49 

j +Él©ÉÉ{ÉÉ ±ÉKÉiÉÉà j 

(−÷ÉNÉ& lÉl´É{ÉÒ ASÉÒ ´ÉÉlÉ, NÉÖ−Ö÷ Hí¾úÉ{Éà +É~ÉÒ Uïà.) 

¾ÖÅú +àHí ÉÖyyÉÉl©ÉÉ »´É°÷~É UÖÅï 

¾ÖÅú +LÉÅeô XOÉlÉ +Él©ÉÉ UÖÅï, 

¾ÖÅú É−÷Ò−÷ Hàí ~ÉÖtöNÉ±É {ÉoÉÒ, 

¾ÖÅú ~É−÷©É Ê{É−÷~ÉàKÉ UÖÅï .. UÖÅï … UÖÅï (1) 

¾ÖÅú +{ÉÅlÉ [ÉÉ{ÉoÉÒ §É−à÷±ÉÉà UÖÅï 

¾ÖÅú ~ÉÚiÉÉÇ{ÉÅqö{ÉÉà {ÉÉoÉ ¡É§ÉÖ UÖÅï, 

¾ÖÅú −÷ÉNÉoÉÒ −÷Ê¾úlÉ UÖÅï, 

¾ÖÅú ´ÉÒlÉ−÷ÉNÉÒ {Éà ´Éä−÷ÉNÉÒ UÖÅï .. UÖÅï …UÖÅï(2) 

¾ÖÅú +É{ÉÅqöoÉÒ §É−à÷±ÉÉà UÖÅï 

¾ÖÅú +É{ÉÅqö»´É°÷~É UÖÅï, 

¾ÖÅú qÖö&LÉoÉÒ −÷Ê¾úlÉ UÖÅï, 

¾ÖÅú »ÉÖLÉoÉÒ §É−à÷±ÉÉà ÉÒ´É UÖÅï .. UÖÅï …UÖÅï (3) 

¾ÖÅú +lÉÒÊ{Érö«É [ÉÉ{ÉoÉÒ Xj UÖÅï 

¾ÖÅú >ûÎ{rö«ÉÉàoÉÒ ~ÉÉ−÷ UÖÅï, 

¾ÖÅú +NÉ©«É»´É°÷~É [ÉÉ{É UÖÅï, 

¾ÖÅú ÊSÉ{ÉÉ©ÉÉmÉ-[ÉÉ{É©ÉÉmÉ UÖÅï .. UÖÅï …UÖÅï (4) 

¾ÖÅú +àHí ¥ÉÖyyÉ»´É°÷~É UÖÅï 

¾ÖÅú SÉàl«Év{É SÉälÉ{«ÉyÉÉlÉÖÅ UÖÅï, 

¾ÖÅú »ÉHí³-Ê´É©É³ »É´ÉÇoÉÉ Ê{É©ÉÇ³ UÖï, 

¾ÖÅú ~ÉÖi«É-~ÉÉ~ÉoÉÒ Ê{É´ÉÞlÉ UÖÅï .. UÖÅï …UÖÅï (5) 

¾ÖÅú SÉàlÉÖ{«ÉoÉÒ §É−à÷±ÉÉà UÖÅï 

¾ÖÅú SÉälÉ{«É»´É°÷~É UÖÅï, 

¾ÖÅú ~É−÷©ÉÉl©ÉÉ ~É−÷©Éà¹É−÷ UÖÅï, 

¾ÖÅú Ê{É·SÉ±É §ÉNÉ´ÉÉ{É +Él©ÉÉ UÖÅï .. UÖÅï …UÖÅï (6) 

¾ÖÅú [ÉÉ{É»´É°÷~É qöÉÇ{É»´É°÷~É UÖÅï 

¾ÖÅú +©ÉÞlÉ +{Éà +©É−÷ UÖÅï, 

¾ÖÅú HíÉà> Êqö´É»É ©É−÷lÉÉà {ÉoÉÒ, 

¾ÖÅú +{ÉÉÊqö-+Å{ÉlÉ UÖÅï .. UÖÅï …UÖÅï (7) 

¾ÖÅú ÊSÉqöÉ{ÉÅqö +{Éà ÊSÉtöv{É UÖÅï 

¾ÖÅú −÷l{ÉmÉ«ÉoÉÒ §É−à÷±ÉÉà UÖÅï, 

lÉà −÷l{ÉmÉ«É Uïà qöÉÇ{É-[ÉÉ{É, 

Uïà±±ÉÖÅ −÷l{É Uïà SÉÉÊ−÷mÉ (8) 

¾ÖÅú +É»mÉ´ÉoÉÒ −÷Ê¾úlÉ UÖÅï 

¾ÖÅú ¥ÉÅyÉoÉÒ ~ÉiÉ −÷Ê¾úlÉ UÖÅï, 

¾ÖÅú +{ÉÅlÉ ÉÉÅÊlÉoÉÒ §É−à÷±ÉÉà UÖÅï, 

©ÉÉ−÷É©ÉÉÅ +{ÉÅlÉ´ÉÒ«ÉÇ Uïà (9) 

¾ÖÅú ©ÉÉmÉ qàöLÉÖ +{Éà Xj 

¾ÖÅú Ê{É§ÉÇ«É +{Éà [ÉÉ{É©É«É UÖÅï, 

¾ÖÅú »ÉÉlÉ §É«ÉoÉÒ −÷Ê¾úlÉ UÖÅï 

©ÉÉmÉ ©ÉÉ−÷Éà +Él©ÉÉ Wð y«Éà«É Uïà (10) 

- +©É−÷ −÷Î©É{É ÉÉ¾ú 

Check out the following websites: 

www.twelvefacets.com & 

www.esnips.com/web/Jainism 

l 

l 

l 

l 

l 

l 

l 

l 

l 

l 

l 

l 

l 

l 

l 

l 

l 

l 

l 

F


Our daily life is so much centred 

on dealing with the demands of a 

busy schedule and making plans 

about the future that it never 

occurs to us to take a moment to 

reflect on what this life is all 

about. Thiruvalluvar, a famous 

poet once quoted “Innumerable 

millions of thoughts occupy the 

mind of (the unwise) who know 

not that they shall live another 

moment”. 

Of course, one cannot plan for the 

future and have ambitions of 

grandeur if one does not believe 

that everything will work out the 

way we want it. However, it is wise to accept, occasionally 

at least, that life is impermanent and that the only 

permanent state is “Moksha” (attaining Liberation) 

It is common belief that attainment of Moksha is 

rendered difficult because of the illusions we have about 

this life which is manifested in the attachment we develop 

to material things. The impermanence of wealth is well 

known to all of us yet it never figures in our daily plans 

and activities. Otherwise how can we explain the display 

of naked greed and the single minded pursuit of material 

wealth and power that is widely prevalent in our society 

Our wealth can be taken away from us in a matter of 

hours if not minutes and we watch it unfolding in front of 

our eyes everyday due to war, natural catastrophes, and 

other calamities. We still place a great deal of value on our 

material things. 

Although we need material wealth to lead a comfortable 

life in this world, it is imperative that we use this wealth 

also to practice virtues that are imperishable. To quote 

Thiruvalluvar, again: “Wealth is perishable; let those who 

obtain it immediately practice those virtues which are 

imperishable”. 

Hindus believe that it is not necessary to renounce the 

world to attain “Moksha” i.e liberate our selves from cycle 

of birth. This permanent state of bliss is within the grasp 

IMPERMANENCE & 

MORAL VALUES 

of people who are in a family life too, provided they 

practice certain virtues and their life is governed by moral 

values. 

There are several moral values of which five are essential 

to adopt in one’s daily lives: Dharma (Right Conduct), 

Shanthi (Peace), Sathya (Truth), Prema (Love) and 

Ahimsa (Non-Violence). 

The right conduct involves ethical behaviour and high 

moral standards. It also implies the absence of greed, 

anger, jealousy and hatred that are the basic cause for so 

much conflict and destruction in this world. If we set our 

lives on the bedrock of right conduct, then we can make 

this world a better place for all, the proverbial heaven on 

earth! 

Peace is defined as the ability to maintain calm and 

serenity in the face of crisis and adversity. It is also the 

ability to deal with others in a respectful and endearing 

manner. When there is peace within an individual, there 

will be peace in the family and when there is peace in the 

family there is peace in the community. 

Truth as a virtue has been emphasised by many saints and 

world leaders. Truthfulness is the most important 

component of a spiritual life. 

Love and Non-violence go together. If there is love in our 

hearts then we cannot resort to violent acts. Non-violence 

can be described as universal love. Love is pure only when 

it is unselfish and unconditional. Love is the foundation 

of all other values and conduct. 

These core values should ultimately lead us to a life of 

selfless service. Many of the rishis and great saints have 

taught us that the real purpose of this life should be 

considered as one of service. Therefore, it is only through 

following the righteous path and dedicating our life to the 

service of all living beings that we can truly attain Moksha, 

a state of permanent bliss. 

By V Nallainayagam, Canada 

Don't let your parents down 

They brought you up 

Be humble enough to obey 

You may give orders someday 

Choose companions with care 

You become what they are 

Guard your thoughts 

T 

E 

E 

N 

What you think, you are 

Be master of your habits 

Or they will master you 

Don't be a show off when you drive, 

Drive with safety and arrive 

Don't let the crowd pressure you, 

Stand for something 

or you'll fall for anything 

F 

C 

R 

E 

E 

D 

50


MAHAVIR’S COMPASSION 

Both violence and non-violence start by degrees. The 

beginnings are subtle and evolve quietly into grand acts of 

conflict or compassion. When Nelson Mandela was 

released, he was told by some to get even for the 

monumental wrong that was done to him - but he refused 

to be swayed by hatred. He said he had already been a 

physical prisoner of his opponents for long and did not 

wish to live the rest of his life as their emotional captive. 

Mr Mandela understood that to project anger outwards, 

one must burn internally and that to commit violence 

upon others, one must first turn violent upon the self. 

Burning the holder before its enemy, the fire of anger can 

consume the source before its adversary. Today, if we 

want to learn to conquer our baser emotions we need to 

learn from the examples of people like Nelson Mandela, 

Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King, who forged 

their choices within the heart of life’s most tempestuous 

battles. 

The idea of ahimsa or non-violence is an emancipatory 

one. Yet it is not just a concept. It begins as a feeling and 

can grow into an all-encompassing life approach. The idea 

morphs into a feeling. It is this feeling that transforms 

others around us. Vardhman Mahavir’s life was an 

example of such self realisation. He inspired others in an 

exemplary fashion, imparting wisdom without preaching. 

In this manner, true understanding becomes possible. It 

has been said that an angry person opens his mouth and 

closes his eyes. It is our mind that needs control. Wars, 

they say, begin in the minds 

Mahavir’s 

compassion 

extended beyond 

humanity, to all 

forms of life. 

Mahavir speaks to 

us in the present. 

of men. So it there that 

peace must be won. Our 

sages understood this 

simple truth ages ago. 

Mahavir, practised the truth 

of ahimsa, peace and nonviolence 

without setting out 

to preach to the world. 

Mahavira understood the roots of 

violence in the human psyche. His 

warning therefore was against 

absolutism and dogmatism. His 

stress on Anekantvada was a plea 

for recognition of the multifaceted 

nature of reality. The 

perception of reality depends on 

the time, place, nature and state of 

the viewer. Absolute truth cannot 

result from any one viewpoint 

alone. Absolutism for him was an 

act of mental violence. Relativise 

the absolute, he pleaded. He 

wanted respect for different belief 

systems. 

Anekantvada is a vision within which the paradox of all 

opposites are integrated. If we look at things with balance 

we will know that opposites are complementary to each 

other. Without opposites there is no growth and 

awareness. When we are aware of the cycle of opposites 

we don’t see them as opposites. We see them as 

compatible for growth, allowing us to approach the world 

openly. 

Mahavir spoke against the mindless acquisitive impulse, 

and explained how this sets up the system of violence 

within our lives. He was not impractical or unrealistic. He 

wanted us to grow beyond of the self limiting principle of 

greed to enable us transcend our linearization. It is only 

the transcendence of the ego, that makes for a larger 

sympathy, an identification with a larger principle. 

Mahavir’s compassion extended beyond humanity, to all 

forms of life. His standpoint makes him a kindred spirit to 

contemporary environmentalists and animal 

conservationists. Mahavir speaks to us in the present. It is 

not by balance of terror or air-dropped bombs that we 

can make the world a safer place. We can make it a safer 

place with a transformed consciousness. For that 

transformation we need to heed the gentle and healing 

message of Mahavir. 

Source: Times of India 

Where does the Essence Lie 

Navkarmantra is the essence of Jain faith 

Equamimity is the essence of austerities and restraints 

Right character is essence of the renounced life 

Donation is the essence of wealth 

Discernment is the essence of human life 

Non - violence is the essence of religion 

Pleasure is the essence of devotion 

F 

51

l 

l 

l 

l 

l 

l 

l 

l 

l 

l 

l 

l 

l 

l 

l 

l 

l 

l 

l 

F 


yÉ©ÉÇ +{Éà ©ÉÖÎGlÉ 

Wðà{Éà yÉ©ÉÇ Hí−÷´ÉÉà Uïà, Wðà{Éà ©ÉÖÎGlÉ ©Éà³´É´ÉÒ Uïà, Wðà{Éà +É Wð{©É-©É−÷iÉoÉÒ-qÖö&LÉoÉÒ −÷Ê¾úlÉ oÉ´ÉÖÅ Uïà, »ÉÖLÉÒ oÉ´ÉÖÅ Uïà, +à´ÉÉ 

Yð´Éà, ¡ÉoÉ©É »ÉÖ~ÉÉmÉ §ÉÚÊ©ÉHíÉ lÉä«ÉÉ−÷ Hí−÷´ÉÉ ©ÉÉ`àò, ©É{É{É ¥ÉNÉÒSÉÉ©ÉÉÅ HíºÉÉ«É°÷~ÉÒ ´ÉÒeô ANÉà±ÉÉ Uïà, Wðà ´ÉÒe Xà−÷ Hí−÷Ò 

NÉ«Éà±ÉÉ Uïà, lÉà{Éà ¡ÉoÉ©É hõÒ±ÉÉ ~ÉÉeô´ÉÉ ©ÉÉ`àò Êqö{É−÷ÉlÉ XNÉÞlÉ −÷¾úÒ{Éà ¡É«Él{É Hí−÷´ÉÉà Xà>+à. ~ÉÉàlÉÉ{ÉÒ §É±ÉÉ> ©ÉÉ`àò. 

´ÉÒeô Wðà´ÉÉ §ÉÉ´É{ÉÉ ¡ÉHíÉ−÷ +É ¡É©ÉÉiÉà Uïà&- ©É{É-±ÉÉà§É-©ÉÉ«ÉÉ-JíÉàyÉ. +É SÉÉ−÷ ¡ÉHíÉ−÷{ÉÉ HíºÉÉ«ÉÉà HílÉ±ÉLÉÉ{ÉÉ Wðà´ÉÉ Uïà, 

¾ú−÷ KÉiÉà Yð´É{ÉÉ +É{ÉÅqö{ÉÉà PÉÉlÉ Hí−÷{ÉÉ−÷É Uïà. Yð´É{ÉÉ qÖö©É{ÉÉà Uïà. yÉ©ÉÇ »É©ÉWð´ÉÉ©ÉÉÅ ~ÉiÉ +ÉeôÉ +É´Éà Uïà. 

+É HíºÉÉ«ÉÉà{ÉÖÅ ©ÉÚ³ Uïà qöÉÇ{É©ÉÉà¾ú, Ê´É~ÉÊ−÷lÉ ¸ÉuöÉ, Ê©Éo«ÉÉ +Ê§É¡ÉÉ«É (−÷ÉáNÉ ¥ÉÒ±ÉÒ´ÉÓNÉ). §ÉÚÊ©ÉHíÉ lÉä«ÉÉ−÷ Hí«ÉÉÇ Ê´É{ÉÉ 

»ÉqÃöNÉÖ®ø{ÉÒ +Éà³LÉÉiÉ-A~ÉqàöÉ Ê´ÉNÉà−à÷ »É©ÉWð´ÉÉà HíÊcó{É oÉÉà. SÉÉà©ÉÉ»ÉÖÅ +É´«ÉÉ ~É¾àú±ÉÉÅ, LÉàeÚôlÉÉà Wð©ÉÒ{É LÉàeàô, ~ÉÉàSÉÒ Hí−à÷, 

´ÉÒeô ¥ÉyÉÉ HíÉhõÒ {ÉÉLÉà, ~ÉUïÒ LÉÉlÉ−÷ ~ÉÚ−à÷, ~ÉUïÒ ¥ÉÒ«ÉÉ {ÉÉLÉà, lÉÉà ´É−÷»ÉÉqö +É´ÉlÉÉ ]ñÉeô ANÉà +{Éà £í³-£Ùí±É +É´Éà. 

+à´ÉÒ −÷ÒlÉà Yð´É{ÉÉ Yð´É{É©ÉÉÅ {«ÉÉ«É, Ê{ÉÊlÉ, »É−÷³lÉÉ, qö«ÉÉ, Ê{É©ÉÉÇ{ÉlÉÉ, »ÉÅlÉÉàºÉ, yÉÒ−÷Wð, Ê´É´ÉàHí, Ê´É{É«É, »Éà´ÉÉ§ÉÉ´É 

Ê´ÉNÉà−à÷ NÉÖiÉÉà LÉÒ±É´É´ÉÉ Xà>+à, lÉÉà Wð Hàí³´ÉÉ«Éà±ÉÒ ©É{É-¥ÉÖÊuö ´Éeàô +©ÉÞlÉ−÷»É ¡ÉNÉ`ò oÉ>{Éà +{ÉÖ§É´É©ÉÉÅ +É´Éà Uïà. 

HíºÉÉ«É §ÉÉ´ÉÉà »ÉÉoÉà ~ÉHíeôÒ −÷ÉLÉ´ÉÉoÉÒ, ¥ÉÒ ©É£ílÉ©ÉÉÅ X«É, HíÉÅ> ~ÉiÉ £í³ +É´Éà {É¾úÓ. §É´É Ê{Éº£í³ oÉ> X«É Uïà. 

Yð´É{É{ÉÖÅ ~ÉlÉ{É Wð oÉÉ«É Uïà. +ÅlÉ−÷©ÉÉÅ »É©ÉWð~ÉÚ´ÉÇHí Yð´É ~ÉÉàlÉà §ÉÉ´É{ÉÒ ÉÖÎyyÉ {É Hí−à÷, lÉÉà lÉà{Éà ©ÉÅÊqö−÷©ÉÉÅ Hàí »ÉÉyÉÖWð{ÉÉà 

HíÉÅ> A~É«ÉÉàNÉÒ {É¾úÓ oÉÉ«É. lÉ~É»«ÉÉ £àí>±É WðÉà. +y«ÉÉl©É ©ÉÉNÉÇ, qàöLÉÉ-qàöLÉÒ{ÉÉà, qöÉàeôÉ qöÉàeôÒ{ÉÉà {ÉoÉÒ. ÉÉÅlÉ +àHíÉÅlÉ©ÉÉÅ 

¥Éà»ÉÒ{Éà »´É°÷~É{ÉÖÅ ËSÉlÉ´É{É Hí−÷Ò{Éà, HíºÉÉ«ÉÉà{Éà hõÒ±ÉÉ ~ÉÉeôÒ{Éà HíÉhõ´ÉÉ ©ÉÉ`àò Uïà. oÉÉàeÖÅô ~ÉiÉ »ÉÉSÉÖÅ Yð´É{É©ÉÉÅ +~É{ÉÉ´ÉÉà, lÉà +à 

»Él«É +à{Éà ©ÉÉàKÉ »ÉÖyÉÒ ±É> WðÉà. +É ´ÉÉlÉ [ÉÉ{ÉÒ yÉ©ÉÉÇl©ÉÉ{ÉÉ +{ÉÖ§É´É ~ÉÚ´ÉÇHí{ÉÉ ´ÉSÉ{ÉÉà©ÉÉÅoÉÒ lÉÉ−÷´ÉÒ{Éà −÷WÚð Hí−à÷±É Uïà. 

yÉ{É ¸ÉàÎº`ò{ÉÒ HíoÉÉ 

−÷WÚð Hí−÷{ÉÉ−÷& ¡Éà©ÉSÉÅqö§ÉÉ> ÉÉ¾ú 

+àHí NÉÉ©É©ÉÉÅ yÉ{É {ÉÉ©É{ÉÉà ´«É~ÉÉ−÷Ò −÷¾àúlÉÉà ¾úlÉÉà. lÉà{Éà +àHí §ÉÊröHí ~ÉÊ−÷iÉÉ©ÉÒ +{Éà qöÉ{É qàö´ÉÉ{ÉÒ §ÉÉ´É{ÉÉ´ÉÉ³Ò »ÉÖÅqö−÷ 

~Él{ÉÒ ¾úlÉÒ. +àHí ´ÉLÉlÉà Éàcàó NÉÖ®ø ~ÉÉ»Éà Ê{É«É©É ±ÉÒyÉÉà Hàí ©ÉÉ−à÷ ÊmÉHíÉ±É qàö´É~ÉÚX, +àHíÉÅlÉ−à÷ A~É´ÉÉ»É, »ÉÊSÉnÉ ´É»lÉÖ{ÉÉà 

l«ÉÉNÉ Hí−÷´ÉÉà. +É Ê{É«É©É yÉ{É Éàcó »ÉÉ−÷Ò −÷ÒlÉà ~ÉÉ³lÉÉà ¾úlÉÉà. Hí©ÉÇ{ÉÉ Aqö«Éà yÉ{É Éàcó Ê{ÉyÉÇ{É oÉ> NÉ«ÉÉà. ~Él{ÉÒ+à HíÂÖÅ 

Hàí, ©ÉÉ−÷É Ê~É«É−÷oÉÒ rö´«É ±É> +É´ÉÒ{Éà ´«ÉÉ~ÉÉ−÷ Hí−÷Éà. lÉà »mÉÒ{ÉÉ +ÉOÉ¾úoÉÒ yÉ{É Éàcó »É»É−÷É{ÉÉÅ NÉÉ©É lÉ−÷£í Wð´ÉÉ lÉä«ÉÉ−÷ 

oÉ«ÉÉà. −÷»lÉÉ©ÉÉÅ LÉÉ´ÉÉ ©ÉÉ`àò ~Él{ÉÒ+à lÉä«ÉÉ−÷ Hí−à÷±ÉÖÅ »ÉÉoÉ´ÉÉ{ÉÖÅ §ÉÉlÉÖÅ −÷ÉLÉÒ ±ÉÒyÉÖÅ. ~É¾àú±ÉÉ Êqö´É»Éà A~É´ÉÉ»É ¾úlÉÉà. ¥ÉÒX 

Êqö´É»Éà §ÉÉlÉÖÅ ´ÉÉ~É−÷lÉÉÅ ~É¾àú±ÉÉÅ, HíÉà> ©ÉÖÊ{É +É´ÉÒ SÉeàô lÉÉà ´É¾úÉà−÷É´ÉÒ{Éà ~ÉUïÒ §ÉÉoÉÖÅ ´ÉÉ~É®Åø. +É ¡É©ÉÉiÉà >SUïÉ Hí−÷lÉÉÅ Wð 

~ÉÖi«ÉÉàqö«Éà +àHí ©ÉÉ»ÉKÉ©ÉiÉ Hí−à÷±ÉÉ lÉ~É»´ÉÒ »ÉÉqÖö £í−÷lÉÉÅ £í−÷lÉÉÅ Ê§ÉKÉÉ ±Éà´ÉÉ ©ÉÉ`àò +É´ÉÒ SÉeô¬É. Éàcàó ~ÉÉàlÉÉ{ÉÒ ~ÉÉ»Éà{ÉÉ 

§ÉÉlÉÉ{ÉÖÅ qöÉ{É qö> qöÒyÉÖÅ. mÉÒX Êqö´É»Éà A~É´ÉÉ»É Hí«ÉÉâ. SÉÉàoÉÉ Êqö´É»Éà Éàcó »ÉÉ»É−à÷ ~É¾úÉáSÉÒ NÉ«ÉÉ. »É»É−÷É ~ÉÉ»Éà yÉ{É{ÉÒ 

©ÉÉÅNÉiÉÒ +ÉYðYð~ÉÚ´ÉÇHí Hí−÷Ò, ~É−Å÷lÉÖ Ê{ÉyÉÇ{É XiÉÒ{Éà rö´«É ~ÉÉUÖÅï {É¾úÓ +É´ÉÒ ÉHàí, +à©É »É©ÉYð{Éà HíÉÅ> ~ÉiÉ yÉ{É 

»É»É−÷É+à +É~«ÉÖÅ {É¾úÓ. ~ÉUïÒ yÉ{É Éàcó Ê{É−÷ÉÉ oÉ>{Éà ~ÉÉUïÉà ~ÉÉàlÉÉ{ÉÉ ´ÉlÉ{É lÉ−÷£í Wð´ÉÉ ©ÉÉ`àò A~Éeô¬Éà. −÷»lÉÉ©ÉÉÅ {ÉqöÒ{Éà 

ÊHí{ÉÉ−à÷ ¥ÉàcóÉà ¥ÉàcóÉà Ê´ÉSÉÉ−÷ Hí−÷´ÉÉ ±ÉÉN«ÉÉà Hàí, ©ÉÉ−÷Ò ~Él{ÉÒ+à Ê~É«É−÷oÉÒ yÉ{É ©É±ÉÉà +à +ÉÉÉ+à ©É{Éà ©ÉÉàHí±«ÉÉà ¾úlÉÉà ©É{Éà 

LÉÉ±ÉÒ ¾úÉoÉà +É´Éà±ÉÉà XiÉÒ lÉà Ê{É−÷ÉÉ oÉ> WðÉà. +à©É Ê´ÉSÉÉ−÷ Hí−÷Ò{Éà HíÉÅcóÉ{ÉÉ HíÉÅHí−÷É ±É> ~ÉÉà`ò±ÉÖÅ ¥ÉÉÅyÉÒ PÉà−÷ ~É¾úÉáS«ÉÉà. 

~ÉÉà`ò±ÉÖÅ ~ÉÉàlÉÉ{ÉÒ ~Él{ÉÒ{Éà +É~«ÉÖÅ. »mÉÒ, yÉ{É §É−à÷±ÉÖÅ ~ÉÉà`ò±ÉÖÅ XiÉÒ +É{ÉÅÊqölÉ oÉ>. ~ÉÉà`ò±ÉÉ©ÉÉÅ{ÉÉ HíÉÅHí−÷É Éàcàó ©ÉÉ»ÉKÉ©ÉiÉ 

A~É´ÉÉ»ÉÒ ©ÉÖÊ{É ©É¾úÉ−÷ÉWð{Éà +É~Éà±ÉÉ qöÉ{É{ÉÉ ¡É§ÉÉ´Éà, ÉÉ»É{Éqàö´Éà Êqö´«É−÷l{ÉÉà ¥É{ÉÉ´ÉÒ qöÒyÉÉ. lÉà©ÉÉÅoÉÒ +àHí −÷l{É G¾úÉeôÒ 

»mÉÒ+à, +{ÉÉWð ´ÉNÉà−à÷ ´É»lÉÖ+Éà ±ÉÉ´ÉÒ »ÉÖÅqö−÷ −÷»ÉÉà> ¥É{ÉÉ´ÉÒ. Éàcó Ê´É»©É«É ~ÉÉ©ÉÒ NÉ«ÉÉà. §ÉÉàWð{É Hí«ÉÖÈ. −÷ÉmÉà ~ÉoÉÉ−÷Ò©ÉÉÅ 

»ÉÚlÉÉÅ-»ÉÚlÉÉÅ yÉ{É Éàcó Ê´ÉSÉÉ−÷ Hí−÷´ÉÉ ±ÉÉN«ÉÉà Hàí, +É HíÉÅHí−÷É{Éà ¥Éqö±Éà −÷l{É Hí> −÷ÒlÉà oÉ> NÉ«ÉÉ. lÉà ´ÉLÉlÉà ÉÉ»É{É qàö´Éà 

¡ÉNÉ`ò oÉ>{Éà HíÂÖÅ Hàí, lÉà −÷»lÉÉ©ÉÉÅ Wðà »ÉÖ~ÉÉmÉqöÉ{É qöÒyÉÖÅ ¾úlÉÖÅ lÉà{ÉÉ ¡ÉlÉÉ~Éà, ©Éá HíÉÅHí−÷É{Éà ¥Éqö±Éà −÷l{ÉÉà Hí−÷Ò qöÒyÉÉÅ Uïà. ~ÉíUïÒ 

Éàcó lÉà −÷l{ÉÉàoÉÒ yÉ{É´ÉÉ{É ´Éà~ÉÉ−÷Ò oÉ«ÉÉà. yÉ©ÉÇ ~ÉÉ³Ò ©ÉÉàKÉà NÉ«ÉÉà. +à©É XiÉÒ +ÊlÉÊoÉ»ÉÅÊ´É§ÉÉNÉ µÉlÉ{ÉÉà +Éqö−÷ Hí−÷Éà. 

52


to drink in the world, all of it. We would like to travel 

to every place, see everything, feel every sensation, 

not miss out on anything. We constantly hurry that 

we’re doing so as to be available to do something 

else. We try to juggle too many things at the same 

time precisely because we want too many things. The 

possessions we really want are experience, 

knowledge, sensation, achievement, status. We’re 

greedy in a way Scrooge never was. 

A SPIRITUALITY OF 

NON-HURRYING 

“Nothing can be more useful to a man than a 

determination not to be hurried”. Thoreau wrote that 

and it’s not meant as something trivial. 

W 

e hurry too much, pure and simple. As Henri 

Nouwen describes it: “One of the most 

obvious characteristics of our daily lives is 

that we are busy. We experience our days as filled 

with things to do, people to meet, projects to finish, 

letters to write, calls to make and appointments to 

keep. Our lives often seems like over packed suitcases 

bursting at the seams. In fact, we are almost always 

aware of being behind schedule. There is a nagging 

sense that there are unfinished tasks, unfulfilled 

promises, unrealised proposals. There is always 

something else that we should have remembered, 

done, or said. There are always people we did not 

speak to, or visit. Thus, although we are very busy, 

we also have a lingering feeling of never really 

fulfilling our obligation.” We are always hurrying. 

What’s wrong with hurrying Any doctor, police 

officer, spiritual director, or over worked mother, can 

answer that: Hurrying causes tension, high blood 

pressure, accidents, and robs us of the simple 

capacity to be in the moment. 

But spiritual writers takes this further. They see hurry 

as an obstacle to spiritual growth. Donald Nicholl, for 

example says “hurry is a form of violence exercised 

upon time, “an attempt, as it were, to make God’s 

time our own time, our private property. What he and 

others suggest is that, in hurrying, we exercise a form 

of greed and gluttony How so 

Too often we have a rather simplistic notion of greed 

and gluttony. We imagine greed, for example, as 

hoarding money and possessions, as being selfish, 

hard hearted, like Scrooge in the Dickens’s Christmas 

tale. Indeed, that kind of greed exists, though it’s not 

the prerogative of many. 

For most of us, greed takes a different, more subtle 

form. More than money, we hoard experience. We try 

Gluttony works essentially the same. For most of us, 

the urge to consume is not so much about food or 

drink, but about experience. Our propensity to overeat 

(particularly in an age that is so sensitive to health 

and fashion) generally has little to do with food and 

infinitely more to do with other kinds of consumption. 

We are always in a hurry because we are forever 

restless to taste more of life. 

Its this kind of hurry, subtly driven by greed and 

gluttony, that can be a form of violence exercised 

upon time and can constitute an obstacle to 

spirituality. 

But there are other kinds of hurry that come from 

simple circumstance and duty. Almost everyone of us, 

at least during our working years, have too many 

things to do: Daily, we struggle to juggle the demands 

of relationships, family, work, school, church, childcare, 

shopping, attention to health, concern for 

appearance, housework, preparing meals, rent and 

mortgage payments, car payments, commuting to and 

from work, bus schedules, unwanted accidents, 

unforeseen interruptions, illness and countless other 

things that eat up more time than is seemingly 

available. 

It is said that the mark of a true adult is that “he or 

she does what it takes”. Sometimes that means being 

stretched to the limit, being over-extended, having to 

juggle too many things all at once, driving faster than 

we’d like, working to the point of exhaustion, even as 

there is still more that we should be ideally be doing. 

There’s a hurriedness that doesn’t come from greed or 

gluttony and that can’t be dismissed with the 

simplistic judgement: “That’s what she gets for trying 

to have it all!” Sometimes we have to hurry just to 

make do, and simple circumstance and duty eat up 

every available minute of our time. That’s not 

necessarily an obstacle to spirituality, but can be one 

of its paths. 

S 

till we have to be careful not to rationalize. God 

did not make a mistake in creating time. God 

made enough of it, and when we can’t find 

enough time and find ourselves getting up ever earlier 

and going to bed ever later because we have too 

much to do, we need to see this as a sign that sooner 

or later we had better make some 

changes. When we hurry too much and 

for too long we end up doing violence to 

F 

time, to ourselves, and to our blood 

pressure. 

By Ron Rolheiser, USA 

55


Dates For Your Diary 

OCTOBER 

♦ 11th North West Ladies Club & Culture Heritage - Diwali Special Demonstration 

♦ 14th North Area - Diwali Bazaar 

♦ 14th South Area - Diwali Programme 

♦ 15th South Area - Diwali Programme 

♦ 15th Youth Area - Inter-Area 5 A Side Football Tournament 

♦ 21st EC-Religious Committee - Laxmi Pujan, Sharda Pujan, Chopda Pujan 

♦ 21st EC-Culture & Heritage Committee - Grand Diwali Celebrations 

♦ 22nd EC-Culture & Heritage Committee - Grand Diwali Celebrations 

♦ 27th North East Area Sakhi Mandal - Diwali Get Together 

♦ 28th West Area Youth Club - 3D Diwali Dinner & Dance 

♦ 28th Luton Area - Diwali Celebrations 

♦ 29th Young Oshwals UK - Halloween Party 

NOVEMBER 

♦ 3rd North West Ladies Club & Culture Heritage - Whist Drive 

♦ 5th EC - Religious Committee - Kartik Poonam Yatra 

♦ 8th EC - Welfare Committee - Inheritance Tax and Will Planning 

♦ 12th Oshwal Singles Club - Speed Dating 

♦ 12th North West Area - Sneh Milan 

♦ 15th North West Ladies Club & Culture & Heritage - Cooking Demonstrations 

♦ 19th General Meeting For All Members at Oshwal Centre, Potters Bar 

♦ 25th South Area Mahila Mandal - Rajasthan Night 

♦ 25th North Area Sakhi Milap - Whist Drive 

♦ 26th East Area - Kathiawadi Dairo 

DECEMBER 

♦ 1st North West Ladies Club & Culture Heritage - Whist Drive 

♦ 13th North West Ladies Club & Culture Heritage - Cooking Demonstration 

♦ 17th Young Oshwals UK - Xmas Party 

♦ 31st North West Ladies Club & Culture Heritage - New Year’s Eve Dinner & Dance 

JANUARY 2007 

♦ 20th North East Area - Mujshe Shaadi Karogi 

For Further Details Please See the ‘Programmes Booklet’ & 

Our website - www.oshwal.org 

The Deadline for the next Issue of Oshwal News is 20 October 2006 

Om Namo Arihantanam 

A 

Om Namo Siddhanam 

Om Nam Ayariyanam 

E 

Om Namo Uvajjhayanam 

B 

Namo Loye Savva Sahunam 

Eso Panch Namukkaro 

F 

Savva Pavappanasano 

C 

Mangalanam Cha Savvesim 

Padhaman Havi Mangalam 

G 

Sarva mangal mangalyam, sarva kalian 

F 

D 

Karanam, Pradhanam 

Sarvdharmanam,Jainam Jayati 

Shasanam 

H 

60

OshwalNewsI - Oshwal Centre

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?