Dhirajlal Pandit Sadhvi Shubhamji Tarlaben Doshi Shramani Madhupragna P.P.P. Devendrakeertyji Bhatarak Shramani Charitpragna"We are overjoyed to add such celebrated scholars in the Jain community to our speaker program during this extraordinary event," said JCSC President Ashok Savla. "Having their support and presence highlights the importance of the new Derasar and Aradhana Hall in Southern California and gives the community an opportunity to meet many of Jain's thought leaders." 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 by 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, which will eventually hold over 15,000 books, manuscripts and multi-media resources, 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. 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: JCSC Contact: Nilesh Shah Media Contact: Stephanie von Tesmar Michael Terpin Terpin Communications for JSCS 310-821-6100x109