Date:1st September 2010
Das-Lakshana Paryushana Parva celebrated by Atlanta Jain Community with guidance of Swami Shrupragyaji
The Jain Society of Greater Atlanta was fortunate that Swami Shri Shrutpragyaji, founder of Peace of Mind Foundation, Rajkot, Gujrat, agreed to lead the Jain community members through the ten day Das-Lakshana Paryushana Parva Celebrations from September 11, 2010 to September 21, 2010.
Swami Shrutpragyaji elucidated the ten virtues (Das-Lakshana) of Jain Dharma in his daily discourses in Hindi. It is a great pleasure to note that these daily lectures were all delivered in a very easily understood language interspersed with a touch of humor has been highly inspiring. Message from his lectures was so very clear that no one had any difficulty in grasping the underlying teachings of the otherwise the complex subject matter of Jain philosophy, and develop a good understanding as to how easily one can adapt them in daily routine. For those who have not heard him before, Shramanji is very knowledgeable, dynamic, witty and clear in conveying the meaning of otherwise complex subject matter of his discourses.These lectures were attended by members of all Jain sects, Digamber, Swetamber and Sthanakwasi and members of Hindu community as well.
He is also known for yoga and meditation which is generally included as we proceed with his lectures.It was noteworthy that his lectures were always started by Namokar Mantra Meditation. This helped greatly in practicing of calming of inner-thoughts and focusing attention towards the subject matter of the lecture.
While maintaining the simplicity of his discourse, Swamiji referred to various Jain Tatva and karma theory when ever necessary in support of his key messages. For example, while discussing Uttam-Tapah on the 7th day Swamiji, he brought up a very subtle aspect of Jain Karma theory suggesting that it is not always that one has to suffer the ill-fruits of one's bad-karma. In that regard, he explained that there is an "abhadha-kaal" subsequent to occurrence of any karma during which that karma stays as is waiting to bearing of some of its fruits. It is this period, how and what Tapah one can do including control on his any ill-thoughts which can help in diminishing or eliminating ill-effect of the karma in its fruition via a quicker "karma-nirjara" or shedding of his immediate karma.
Swamiji expressed appreciation for three host families of Atul and Rashmi Gupta, Vijay and Neelima Kothari and Pankaj and Smita Palvia. Swamiji also made a special note of the excellent example of the unity among the followers of all sects in Atlanta Jain community. The two temples built below one roof - one built in Swetamber tradition at the upper level and the second built in Digamber tradition at the lower level, allowed every one to conduct daily prayers and pooja rituals at individual levels and periodic rituals in larger groups with no conflict of scheduling and without disturbing one another in any way. All other activities and scholars lecture are held together. There are about 500 Jain families who are JSGA members including about 50 families who follow Digamber tradition. The two-level Atlanta Jain Center (14,000 sqft in area) was built in 2000 in a Atlanta suburban area of Norcross. The Center was extended by additional 8.000 sqft for construction of the Jain Temple in 2008. The Center and the two temples are all managed by one committee of elected members.
It is also valuable to note that Swamiji’s lecture were so very engaging that it was not easy to keep up while one tried to take notes. It was very thoughtful of Swamiji for getting his lectures recorded on audio-CD every day and made them available the very next day. These greatly benefited those who could not attend his lectures for one reason or the other, and for repeat listening by all the attendees as well.
On the last day of his lectures, members of Dr. Mahendra Dosi, Vijay Kothari, JSGA-VP Dilip Shah and JSGA-President Madhuben Sheth expressed their vote of thanks with sincere appreciation.
Date:22th July 2010
Swami Shrutpragyaji arrived in Ashland, KY on evening of
Thursday july 22 from Cincinnati for a weekend stay. There was a lecture on "Healthy Relationships" on Friday evening which was attended by a broad group of audience. It was very well received. Saturday morning session stared with Meditation and Pranayam. Swamiji discussed how everyone can achieve nirvichaar state of meditation by stepwise progression. The broad group of audience tried these steps under Swamiji's direction and felt re-energized about being able to see demonstrable progress. Lecture on "Peace and Happiness" followed. It was spell binding. A great number of questions followed which reflected deep interest from the audience. Swamiji lead a few private sessions later in the day also. Sunday AM, on GuruPurnima, Yoga and meditation followed by a few new Pranayama were undertaken. Swamiji discussed a very appropriate topic of "why is it important to find the right Guru and how to do that". This was followed by a lecture on "Developing the Inner Core"---wonderfully delivered and splendidly received! Personal fllowships followed in the afternoon and evening.
It was decided that a weekend camp would be organized in later half of April, 2011--possibly with involvement of an English speaking facilitator too. All in all, it was a wonderfulp from Swamiji with good fellowship, great lectures and a lot of audience enthusiam.
From Dr.Kirti Jain
Date:1st May 2010
Words from Chanchala Mehta
The Jain Center of Greater Memphis is truly indebted to Swami Shrutprgyaji for his dedication and hard work in making the Indian community spiritualized. Swamiji’s absence for two years was truly felt. He is no doubt a great orator, but very knowledgeable. His messages are very practical, convincing and to the point. His deliverance is to the level of each and everyone.
This year, the Jain Center had three lectures and two-day Camp. The lectures were well attended by Jains and non-Jains. The two-day camp on emotional balance really left all the attendees rejuvenated re-energized.
We are so fortunate have people like him in our Jain Community. Our wishes and prayers give him a good health and long life so that he continues to spread the message of Jainism.
Chanchala Mehta
Jain Center of Greater Memphis
Date:13th Feb 2010
SJRS Sthanak Re-Opening & Pratishtha Mahotsav, Singapore (from 13th Feb to 16th Feb 2010)
Shrutpragya Swamiji will be there from 13th to 17th Feb 2010 and he will talk on Inner Growth.
Highlight of Subject:
The man of today has lost the sense of balance of development for inner core and outer circumstances. The so called busy person of today has forgotten that what is the inner growth, he do not know the system of inner development and it’s benefit. Shri Shrutpragya Swamiji will explain the secret of Inner growth in his this discourse.
Swamiji will return at Rajkot on 19th Feb. 2010.
