Jain Center of Southern California Announces Dignitaries to Speak During Eleven-Day Event September 26 to October 6, 2008

BUENA PARK, CA--(Marketwire - September 15, 2008) - The Jain Center of Southern California (JCSC) today announces its program of dignitaries to speak at the eleven-day cultural and spiritual event inaugurating the new Derasar (Temple) and Aradhana (Meditation and Reflection Hall) taking place on September 26 to October 6, 2008 in Buena Park, California. The dignitaries, recognized for their extraordinary knowledge in the Jain philosophy mastering its fundamentals in thought, practice and spirituality, include Gurudev Chitrabhanuji, Shri Rakesh Bhai Jhaveri and Shri Kumarpal Desai, among others. These distinguished figures will discuss the role and relevance of Jain beliefs across the globe.

"For many followers of the Jain Religion, an occasion to listen to these leaders in one place is rare," said JCSC President Ashok Savla. "This is an incredible opportunity for us to share the wisdom of such highly regarded figures with the people of Southern California. The opening of the new temple complex along with presentations by scholars establishes this event as a milestone for the JCSC and Jain religion."

The schedule of lectures during the JCSC event includes:

Gurudev Chitrabhanuji: Friday, September 26 from 7:30pm - 8:00pm
Shri Rakesh Bhai Jhaveri: Monday, September 29 - October 1 from 10:30am -
12:30pm
Shri Kumarpal Desai: Monday, September 29 from 5:00pm - 5:30pm

The Derasar and Aradhana Hall inauguration are part of the new Jain Complex, over a three-phase plan at an estimated cost of $20 million raised from the community. The plan includes a Cultural Complex -- Phase 1, Religious Temple and Meditation Hall -- Phase 2, and National Library and Study Rooms -- Phase 3. The Library will eventually hold over 15,000 books, manuscripts and multi-media resources and will begin construction after the inauguration of the new Temple and Meditation Hall.

Decorated with paintings, murals, tapestries and sculptures to depict the Jain way of life, the opulent features of the architecture reflect the famed ancient Jain temples in India. When completed, the Jain Complex will become a prominent international Tirth (pilgrimage site) for spiritual and scholarly pursuits.

For more information please visit www.jaincenter.net

About the Jain Center of Southern California

The Jain Center of Southern California (JCSC), located in Buena Park, California was founded on September 15, 1979 by 30 families with one important mandate -- to practice, promote and teach Jain Religion with no sectarian bias. Today, with over 1000 families as members, the JCSC's major activities include: religious celebrations, educational programs, lectures from visiting dignitaries, free medical camps open to all, humanitarian relief projects, supporting animal welfare programs and much more. The JCSC is one of the four original Jain organizations that helped establish the Jain Associations in North America (JAINA) in May 1981 which has been honored with numerous awards and honors, including one from the United Nations.

About Jain religion

Jain Religion, along with Hinduism and Buddhism, is one of the most ancient Indian religions still in existence. Jainism is a religion that has a strict code of non-violence and compassion above all else, and has had a significant influence on the Indian culture for thousands of years. The distinguishing features of Jain philosophy are:

--  strong emphasis on non-violence on any living organism, including the
    environment;
--  morality and ethics based on the ultimate objective of liberation of
    soul through shedding of all "karmic" matter; and,
--  an individual's soul alone is ultimately responsible for its own
    liberation and a strong belief in taking personal responsibility for all
    actions.
    

Contact Information: Media Contact: Stephanie von Tesmar Michael Terpin Terpin Communications for JSCS 310-821-6100x109