Jain Center of Southern California Organizes Grand Procession on October 4, 2008

BUENA PARK, CA--(Marketwire - September 23, 2008) -

Summary:

On Saturday, October 4, 2008 The Jain Center of Southern California (JCSC) will highlight its eleven-day cultural and spiritual event in Buena Park, California for the inauguration of their brand new Derasar (Temple) and Aradhana (Meditation and Reflection Hall) with a spectacular grand procession. The procession will take place from 8:30am-10:30am and will feature an estimated 2,000 participants. The parade will be along a route of approximately 1.5 miles starting from Metrolink Buena Park Station and ending at the JCSC.

Who:

The JCSC started preliminary plans to expand the existing Jain Center by constructing a new Jain Bhavan (Complex) nearly 14 years ago. The Complex has a three-phase plan at an estimated cost of $20 million that includes a Cultural Complex -- Phase 1, Religious Temple and Meditation Hall -- Phase 2, and Atma Sadhana Kendra (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. For more information about the JCSC please visit www.jaincenter.net.

What:

The parade will showcase vibrant elaborate floats that will include traditional scriptural symbols representing core aspects of the Jain Religion. The 47 Jain idols also will be displayed and then inaugurated when the parade concludes at the temple. Live singers, traditional dancers, and marching bands will emphasize this colorful culture and bring light to their positive presence within the community and throughout the country.

When and Where:

Saturday, October 4, 2008 at 8:30 - 10:30am
Start: Metrolink Station at 8400 Lakeknoll Dr., Buena Park, CA 90621
Finish: JCSC at 8072 Commonwealth Ave., Buena Park, CA 90621

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 Jainism 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 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, in addition to Hinduism and Buddhism, is one of the most ancient Indian religions still in existence. Jain theology provides a strict code of non-violence and compassion above all else to all living beings, 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 JCSC 310-821-6100x109