Jainism Chapter 1

Rajesh Kumar Jain

M M I G , B - 23, Ram Ganga V i h a r , Phase 2, Extn, M o r a d a b a d - 2 4 4 0 0 1 , UP-

B h a r a t . (India) Asia

2013 2014 2015 2016

1 From the Desk of Author

Dear Readers:- I am happy to publish first chapter of an English version book Jainism, there was a huge demand from south Bharat, USA and UK, so I tried to write and publish the same. My mother tongue is Hindi, so, there are chances of mistakes and hoping that readers will help to rectify the same. Thanks Rajesh Kumar Jain

I wrote my first book in 2013, published on wordpress and BlogSpot, book was listed on Pothi and Chinemonteal in 2014, the second edition was published, listed in 2015 and the language was Hindi.

Year wise Readers 2013,2014,2015 25000 21600 20000

15000

Series1 10000 6300 5000 1700 0 1 2 3

Month Wise Readers of 2013,2014,2015 3500 N o 3000 2500 o f 2000 1500 Series1 R Series2 e 1000 a 500 Series3 d e 0 r s Month

Readers were from 72 USA 13550 countries, list of Top Bharat 9509 eighteen countries are Sweden 3901 given with data. France 552 Germany 250 Taiwan 233 UK 195 European 177 Singapore 107 Japan 70 Russia 64 Canada 46 UAE 46 Indonesia 25 Nepal 23 Australia 22 Malaysia 15 Thailand 15 others 800

Country wise Readers at a Glance

USA Bharat Sweden France Germany Taiwan UK European Singapore Japan Russia Canada UAE Indonesia Nepal Australia Malaysia Thailand others

Year Readers % Growth 2013 1700 - 2014 6300 85 2015 21600 242

Left to Right: My Wife Smt Alka Jain, Me, My Mother Smt Prem Lata Jain

Left to Right: My son Er Varun Jain, Me, My mother Smt Prem Lata Jain

Left to Right My son Er Rajat Jain, Me, My daughter in Law Er Vartika Jain

Mangalam Bhagavan viro, Mangalam gautamo gani, Mangalam kundakundadya, Jain dharmostu mangalam.

Jainism prescribes 3 moral principles to be observed by all the members of the society. These are called Ahimsa or non-violence, Aparigraha or non-possession, and Anekantavada. Triple-A principles can develop a new society for peace, love and harmony is the thought of Jain philosophy. The population of Jains in Bharat is less than 1% of total 1.3 billion. Literacy %age in women is more than 99. Male, Female birth

7 ratio is almost same. Jain society‟s share is 23% of the total revenue generated from Income Tax. This clearly shows that Jain community contributes majorly to country‟s economy and is a sign of prosperity and peace in the society. We believe that approximately 2600 years back Lord Mahavir achieved Kavel Gyan and moksha after a long tapasia. He is 24th Tirthnkar and Lord Adinath is 1st Tirthnkar. Son of Lord Adinath, Bharat was chakraverty and the name of our country Bharat is on his name.

Three idol of lord Mahavir situated in a Temple at ShriMahavirji-Raj

JAL Bachao, JAL Hi Jevan Hai!

Name, sign and birth place of Tirthnkars

Name of Lord Sign Birth Place

1008 Shri Adinath ji Ayodhya

Bull

1008 Shri Ajitnath ji Ayodhya Elephant

1008 Shri Sambhavnath ji Shravasti

Horse

1008 Shri Ayodhya

Abhinandannath ji Monkey

1008 Shri Sumatinath ji Ayodhya Curlew

1008 Shri Padmaprabhu ji Kaushambi Lotus

1008 Shri Suparshvanath Varanasi ji Swastika

1008 Shri Chandraprabhu Chandrapuri ji Moon

1008 Shri Pushpadanta ji Kakandi Crocodile

1008 Shri Sheetalnath ji Bhaddilpur KalpVriksha

1008 Shri Shreyansnath ji Simhapuri Rhinoceros

1008 Shri Vasupujya ji Champapuri Buffalo

1008 Shri Vimalnath ji Kampilyapur Pig a

1008 Shri Anantnath ji Ayodhaya Porcupine

1008 Shri Dharmanath ji Ratnapur Vajra

1008 Shri Shantinath ji Hastinapur Deer

1008 Shri Kunthunath ji Hastinapur Goat

1008 Shri Arahnath ji Hastinapur Fish

1008 Shri Mallinath ji Mithila

Kalasha

1008 Shri Munisuvrtanath Rajgriha ji Tortoise

1008 Shri Naminath ji Mithlapur Neel kamal

1008 Shri Neminath ji Shoripur Shank

1008 Shri Parshvanath ji Varanasi Snake

1008 Shri Mahaveer Kundalpur swami ji Lion

The Jains are divided into two major sects, Digambar and Svetambar. The differences between the two sects are minor and relatively obscure. Digambar Jain muni do not wear clothes while Svetambar Jain muni wears white, seamless clothes. Digambar and Svetambar are divided into four branches each. According to recent survey 1408 muni, 5678 Sadhvis, 16570 Jain temples and 19567 sthanak/uppaska (Place for sadhus) are in Bharat.

Shri Gautam Swami ji Shri Gautam Swami Ji was born in a Brahmin family and his parents‟ name was Vasubhuti and Prithvi Gautam. He was the Ganadhar (interpreter) of Lord Mahavira. He was wise and great tapasavi. His childhood name was Indrabhuti. He achieved Keval Gyan at the age of 80 and attained moksha at the age of 92, approximately 2600 years back.

Acharya Kundkund

Acharya Kundkund was born in south Bharat, Kaundakunda, so he was famous as KundKund Acharya. His proper name was Padmanandi. It is believed that due to the greatness of Tapa (Penance) Acharya Kund Kund got „Charan Riddhi‟ (The power of moving in the sky / air over the earth). He authored many Shashtra such as: Samayasara, Niyamasara, Panchastikayasara, Pravachansara and Barasanuvekkha. In Managlacharan, Acharya Kund Kund‟s name comes after Bhagwan Mahaveer & Gautam Ganadhar. He occupies the highest place in the tradition of the Jain acharyas.

108 Acharya Shri Shanti Sagar Ji Maharaj

Acharya Shanti Sagar Ji Maharaj was born in 1871 at Belgul village of South Bharat. His birth name was Satgauda. His mother's name was Shrimati Satyavati (Satyabhama) and his father's name was Shri Bhimgonda. He was inspired by muni Adisagar ji in 1905; in 1915 he was initiated as a Kshullaka by muni Devakirti ji. He visited for a pilgrimage to Girnar ji in 1918. One year later, he was

15 initiated as a muni by Devakirti at Yarnal. He was titled as a Jain Acharya at the age of 52. Acharya Shri ShantiSagarji was given further award of Charitra Chakravarti. He has wandered on foot over the length and breadth of Bharat, covering 35000 miles. Acharya had to face many difficulties in his life and he faced all the adverse circumstances with fearlessness, patience and tolerance.

Once Acharya shri was performing samayik in a cave, thousands and crores of red ants came up on his body and began to suck his blood by severely painful biting. Acharya Shri did not move for about two hours and went on suffering this pain. Afterwards, some Shravakas saw this and they removed the ants by throwing sugar nearby. Maharaj Shri opened his lips only after all the ants were gone away from him. There have been many such instances in the life of Acharyaji wherein he proved victorious over rigorous physical pains and mental worries.

He was on fast for more than 9000 days in his life time. When his eye sight began to weaken in 1955 he adopted Sannllekhana, in the first eight days, he took only two bits of food everyday. Then after he took only juice

16 from black grapes for another eight days and after that he used to take water only. From August 14 until September 7 he took only water; then, unable to drink without help, he ceased even that. At last, fully conscious he died after dev darshan in the early morning of September 18. Shri ShantiSagar ji Maharaj contributed very much to uphold, strengthen and establish the traditions of Digambar Jain. He was the first Digambar Jain Acharya of the 20th century, when the traditions of Digambar Jains were being wiped out since many years and there was hardly a saint or mendicant to work and speak for Lord Mahavir and Kundkund. He had won over his senses and had captured anger, greed, attachments, sensuality, pride desires with six enemies.

He was born on 10th October 1946 in District Belgaum, Karnataka. His father was Shri Mallappa, who later became Muni Mallisagar. His mother shrimati later became aryika Samayamati. He was initiated as a muni at the age of twenty-two by Acharya Gyansagar ji, at Ajmer in 1968. He was elevated to the Acharya status in 1972. He Knows several Languages and Authored many books. Acharya Vidyasagar ji inspired for the renovation of temples. He is a strong supporter of cow protection movement. Website is http://www.vidyasagar.net “Walk on Foot, Live Healthy and Save Environment”

Shri 108 Vidhya Nand Ji Muni Maharaj

He was born on April 22, 1925 in village Shedwal, Distt: Belgam (Karnataka). His father was shri Kalappa Upadhayaya and mother smt. Saraswati Bai. His childhood name was Surendra Kumar. His Muni diksha was on July 25, 1963 and muni diksha guru was Acharya shri Deshbhushan ji. He was elevated to the Acharya status in 1987. In the true tradition of Jain Acharyas we are lucky to have Acharya Vidyanandji in the 20th

19 century. It is for many many centuries that a person of this caliber, vision, knowledge, exceptional managerial skills and towering personality is available to the Jains. Many historical and landmark projects were undertaken by him to help the Jains to come together (cutting across the sectarian barriers) and understand the great treasures (of values, philosophy and literature) inherited by us as a result of excellent work done by Jain Acharyas over many many centuries. His command over many languages (current and ancient), depth of knowledge and great amount of research in old scripts is reflected in his actions, thinking, discourses and many books written by him. He has widely traveled across the length and breadth of the country covering thousands of miles on barefoot including visit to ice covered Amarnath caves in Himalayas accessible only for a few days in a year for the benefit of all living beings. May his continued presence be a constant source of inspiration for all of us to spread the message of Sarvodaya (world religion), for the benefit of all living beings. Acharya Vidyanand Ji Maharaj is the only Jain Sadhu who has completed 50 years in Digamber Jain diksha.

105 Gyan Mati Mata Ji

She was born on 22nd October 1934 in village

Tikaitnagar in Barabanki district of U.P. Her father was Shri Chhote Lal Jain and mother smt. Mohini Devi. Her childhood name was Maina. She took Kshullika diksha from Acharya shri Deshbhushan Ji Maharaj in 1953. In the year 1956, she became „Gyanmati Mata ji‟ by taking aryika diksha from Acharya shri Veersagar Ji Maharaj, the first disciple (Pattadhish Acharya) of Charitra Chakravarti shri Shantisagar Ji Maharaj, the first Acharya of the 20th century. She authored many books and Sanskrit teeka of Shatkhandagam grantha. Dr.Rammanohar Lohia Avadh University-Faizabad (U.P.) has awarded honorary degree of D.Litt. to her in the year 1995.

Mataji is always having the determination for the renovation and development of the forgotten birthplaces of Tirthankar Bhagwants. Her tireless efforts for establishing the ancientness of Jain religion, worldwide publicity of Bhagwan Rishabhdev, eradication of the misconceptions about Jainism in the school textbooks etc. are well introductions of her specific intellect. Presently Mataji is in Mangitungi (Maharashtra) for Panch Kalyanak of 108 feet high new idol of Bhagwan Rishabhdev.

Women are the most beautiful creation on the Planet Save girl child, save the beauty of Planet

Terapanth stress on the 13 religious principles namely, (i) five Mahavratas (ii) five Samitis and (iii) three Guptis. "HAI PRABHOO YEH TERA_PANTH"

Acharya Shri Tulsi Ji

Acharya Tulsi was born on 20th October 1914 in Ladnun (Rajasthan). His parents‟ name was Jhoomarmal and Vandanahe. He became a muni on 5th December 1925 and an Acharya of the Terapanth sect on 26th August 1936. He initiated more than 776 muni and aryika. He has been an accomplished poet, author of over 100 books,

24 as well as a distinguished religious leader. He started Anuvrata movement. He has been a proponent of Jain unity regardless of the sectarian differences. His message was not just for the Jains but for the entire humanity. He created a new rank of apprentice muni "samanas / samanis" who are allowed to travel overseas. He created a "Jain Vishva Bharati" institute in Ladnun.

Dr.Radhakrishnan in his "Living with Purpose" included him in the world's 15 great persons. He was given the title "Yuga- Pradhan" in a function officiated by President V. V. Giri in 1971. During his tenure he was greatly aided by muni Nathmal, later called "Yuvacharya Mahaprajna". Tulsi relinquished the leadership to Mahaprajna in 1995. Mahaprajna is the originator of "Preksha- Dhyana". He completed 62,000 miles by foot during his muni/Acharya time. Acharya Shree Tulsi expired (devlok) on 23rd June 1997. He was a great teacher. I would like to suggest to Jain samaj that 20th October is to be celebrated as Teacher‟s day every year.

Teach one, each one, Make Bharat No 1

Acharyaya Shri Mahaprajna ji

Acharya Mahaprajna was born on 14th June 1920 at Tamkor, Rajasthan, Bharat. His parents‟ name was Tola Ram Choraria and Baluji. He lost his father when he was just two and half months old. There was no formal school in Tamkor village in those days and he did not receive a formal education.

Mahapragya's mother was religious lady who devoted her spare time to spiritual matters. Her spirituality inspired him. Mahapragya received lessons on philosophy from Jain muni who visited the village. Eventually he conveyed to his mother his wish to be

26 initiated into muni hood. On 29th January 1931, he became a muni at the age of ten. Acharya Kalugani, eighth Acharya of Jain Swetambar Terapanth initiated him to muni hood in the town of Sardarsahar (Rajasthan). Acharya Kalugani arranged for his studies under muni Tulsi's classes.

With muni Tulsi, his intellectual development accelerated. His education at the monastery included history, philosophy, logic, and grammar. He made an in-depth study of Jain scriptures, became a scholar of Jain Agamas, and a critic of Bharatn and western philosophy. By the age of 22, he was competent in Hindi, Sanskrit, Prakrit, Rajasthani languages and literature. He also studied physics, biology, ayurved, politics, economics, and sociology.February 5, 1995, Mahapragya was formally designated as Acharya.

Mahapragya played an instrumental role in the Anuvrat movement launched on March 2, 1949 by his guru Acharya Tulsi. Acharya Mahapragya played a key role in the conception and establishment of Jain Vishva Bharati University, Ladnun, Rajasthan. It was established under the spiritual patronage of

Acharya Tulsi in 1991. Acharya Mahapragya served as head of this university since 1995. He authored more than 300 books. These works deal with meditation and spirituality, the mind, the human psyche and its traits, the roots of emotions and their manifestation through behavior, mantra saadhana, Yoga, Anekantavada, Nonviolence, Jain philosophy and history. He was awarded honorary D.Litt by Netherland Inter Cultural Open University in 1999, and on the eve of Acharya Mahapragya's 88th birth anniversary all religious dharm gurus of KARNATAKA state honored him as "DHARM CHAKRAVARTHI" in 2007.

He travelled more than 100,000 km on foot covering more than 10,000 villages reaching out to the masses spreading the message of harmony and peace. He walked across the length and breadth of Bharat. Mahapragya undertook this travel under the leadership of Acharya Tulsi and later with himself being the leader.

He expired (devlok) on 9th May 2010 at the age of 89 years at Sardarshahar, Rajasthan, Bharat. "HAI PRABHOO YEH TERA_PANTH"

Acharya Shri Mahashraman ji

Acharya Shri Mahashraman ji was born on 13th of May 1962 at Sardarsahar (Rajasthan). His parents‟ name is Sri Jhmarmalji and Smt Nemadevi.

At the age of 12 years he became a muni. Under the able guidance of Acharya Shri Tulsi and Acharya Shri Mahapragya, he got

29 his education and proved himself as an ardent disciple.

He possesses the qualities of a scholar, writer, brilliant speaker, meditator and impressionable personality. He also guides the youth wings of Terapanth morally and emotionally. In 1997 at the age of 35 years he became the "Yuvacharya".

Yuvacharya Mahashraman was hailed as the 11th Acharya of Terapanth Dharmsangh on the 23rd of May 2010 after the heavenly abode of our 10th Acharya Mahapragya on the 9th of May 2010 in Sardarshahar (Hometown of Acharya Mahashraman), Rajasthan amid ceremonious celebrations.

His ahimsa yatra and international chaturmas to Nepal are the current events and many more to come.

Terapanth Sthanakvasi was founded by Acharya Bhikshu on June 28th of 1760 Saturday; in KELWA (a small town in Udaipur District of Rajasthan State). This sect is entirely based upon the ideology of Jain.

"HAI PRABHOO YEH TERA_PANTH"

Acharya Dr Lokesh Muni Ji

Acharya Dr. Lokesh Muni Ji was born on 17th April 1961 in Pachpadra Nagar, District Badmer, Bharat. He received his formal education in Pachpadra and Jodhpur in Bharat. At a tender age of 22, he renounced the world and received diksha from Late Acharya Shri Tulsi ji on October 8th 1983 in the industrial town of Balotra. He has studied many holy scriptures of Jainism, Buddhism and Vedanta in depth. He is well-versed in Jain agamas. He is proficient in several languages such as Prakrit, Sanskrit, Hindi, Gujarati and English.

Acharya Dr. Lokesh Muni Ji's mission in life is to spread the message of Lord Mahavira of ahimsa.

He is working as the ambassador of people, Muni shree Lokesh brought in a spiritual revolution through the establishment of Ahimsa Vishwa Bharati on 28th October, 2005.

Acharya Dr. Lokesh Muni Ji was awarded prestigious National Communal Harmony Award by Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and Hon'ble Vice President of Bharat Mohd. Hamid Ansari on behalf of Government of Bharat. Acharya Ji is also honoured with “RASHTRIYA NAITIK SAMMAN” instituted by Guljari Lal Nanda Foundation and “BHASKAR AWARD” instituted by Bharat Nirman Organization.

He is a very dynamic person and visited several countries to spread message of Ahimsa. He authored many books which become very popular among society. Website: www. acharyalokesh.org

Acharya Vijay Ratnasundersuriswarji He was born on 5th January, 1948 at Depla, Gujarat. His father‟s name was Dalichandbhai and mother‟s name was Champaben. His childhood name was Rajni.

He took diksha in 1967 and not taken bath since 1967, when he adopted Saint ship (diksha). He does not eat and drink after sunset till sunrise.

Till today he has written more than 299 books in his mother tongue Gujarati. Many of his books have been translated into various languages. He travels bare foot. He gives lectures on morality and spirituality based personality development. Website: www.ratnaworld.com

Namokar Mantra is the fundamental and most recited prayer/mantra in Jainism and can be recited at any time of the day. In this mantra, we salute the virtues of the Pancha

Parmeshthi, or five spiritual masters: the Arihantas, Siddhas, Acharyas, Upadhyayas, and Sadhus. By saluting them we receive the inspiration from them for the right path of true happiness and total freedom from the karma of our soul. Through this mantra we worship the virtues of all the supreme spiritual people instead of just worshipping one particular person. It is important to note that the Navkar Mantra does not mention the names of even Tirthankaras and Siddhas. This mantra simply serves as a gesture of deep respect towards beings that are more spiritually advanced and to remind followers of the Jain religion of their ultimate goal of nirvana or moksha. In this mantra we bow down to these supreme spiritual personalities.

Anuvrutha (Pancha Vrathas)

Ahimsa

Satya Achaurya

Aparigraha Brahmacharya Jainism prescribes 5 moral principles to be observed by all the members of the society. These are called Pancha Vrathas, Ahimsa or non-violence, Satya or truth, Achaurya or non-stealing, Brahmacharya or chastity and Aparigraha or non-possession.

Ahimsa Parmo Dharma

Ahimsa or non-violence is the most important vow. Though the term is negative implying abstinence from killing any living being, it is really a positive virtue based upon universal love and mercy towards all living beings. Abstinence from killing other animals must be observed by thought, word and deed - mana, vachana and Kaya respectively. The mere thought of killing is as much a moral evil as actually killing. Similarly, any word expressing the desire to kill is also deemed as killing. Hence, the principle of Ahimsa - non- violence, naturally implies purity of thought, word and deed actuated by universal love and mercy. Further, it is not enough if one abstains from inflicting pain on other beings. How can one excuse oneself by saying: 'I do not kill' if one engages an agent to carry out your desire you are morally responsible for the evil deed committed by your agent because he acts through your instigation. You cannot also remain self-satisfied by

37 saying. "Neither do I act myself nor do I have it done through my agent". If you indirectly approve of such an evil conduct in others, that approval makes you responsible for the cruelty of killing, practiced by others. Thus one is expected not to kill oneself nor to kill through an agent nor should one approve the evil deed. In short, Ahimsa should be observed by Mana, Vachana and Kaya - thought, word and deed respectively and violence should be avoided in all aspects - Kritha, Karitha and Anumodha - acting oneself, to make the agent to act and passively approve the action wherever violence is practiced. Thus, Ahimsa Vritha is binding on all members of the Society whether householder or ascetic. In the case of the ascetics, it is to be observed absolutely without any limitation. It is obvious that its application should be limited in the case of the householder. Since the vegetable kingdom is also admitted to be constituted by living beings, i.e. one sensed organisms, destroying this living being is prohibited in the case of the ascetics; but it

38 cannot be enforced in the case of householders. In the case, the householder cannot engage himself in agriculture because harvesting would imply the destruction of one sensed organism. Without agriculture, there would be no food for the members of the society to consume. Hence, the householder is expected to observe this principle of Ahimsa only with reference to the other organisms beginning with the two sensed ones which are generally called animals capable of moving or Thrasajivas. Thus limited, the ethical principle is called Anuvrutha - a minor vow to be observed by the householder. The same applicable absolutely without any limitation is called Mahavratha - the great vow binding upon the ascetics. This interpretation of the principle of Ahimsa naturally rejects the principle of Ahimsa observed by the Non-Jains. The People excuse themselves for eating meat though they do not kill but only purchase meat from the butchers. This is condemned by the Jains because butcher acts merely as an

39 agent to the meat-eaters and kills the animal to supply meat to the meat-eating customer. Hence, the person who eats meat, though he does not kill the animal by himself, kills the animal through an agent and approves his action. Similarly, Jainism condemns the Vedic Dharma which enjoins the killing of animal as a religious ritual. Sacrificing of animal implies willful killing and blame is not removed because it is done in the name of religion. Hence, according to the Jains, sacrifice of animals in the name of religion, does not remove the responsibility of killing, because it is certainly a moral evil.

Satya Satya is a Sanskrit term meaning truth or correct. But in Jainism it has a more subtle meaning. Jainism defines Satya as harmless truth or we can say those words that are true or correct and importantly, do not harm or hurt any living being. So utmost care must be taken in speaking. The implication of this vow is extended to prohibition of following:

 Spreading rumors and false doctrines.  Gossip and backbiting.  Falsifying documents.  Breach of trust.  Denial of the existence of the things, which do exist.  Assertion of the existence of non- existent things.  Giving false information about the position, time and nature of things. One's speech should be pleasant, beneficial, true and unhurtful to others. It should aim at moderation rather than exaggeration, esteem rather than denigration, at distinction rather than vulgarity of expression, and should be thoughtful and

41 expressive of sacred truths. All untruths necessarily involve violence. One should protect the vow of truthfulness by avoiding thoughtless speech, anger, greed, putting others in fear. The idea is to overcome greed, fear, anger, jealousy, ego, frivolity, etc., which are considered breeding grounds of falsehood. Only a person who has controlled these emotions and desires has the moral strength to speak the truth at all times. However, in keeping with the principle of non-violence in speech, if a truth is likely to cause pain, sadness, anger or the death of any living creature, then a Jain is advised to remain silent. These rules are made for muni especially.

Nonstealing (Achaurya) Achaurya is a Sanskrit word meaning "avoidance of stealing" or "non-stealing". A Jain must not take anything that does not belong to him without the prior permission of its owner. The implication of this vow is extended to prohibition of following:

 Taking another's property without his consent, or by unjust or immoral methods.  When taking alms, taking more than what is minimum needed.  Accepting things stolen by others.  Asking/encouraging or approving others for any of the above mentioned prohibitions. One should observe this vow very strictly, and should not touch even a worthless thing which does not belong to him. Jain muni and aryika who survive by begging for food from laypersons are advised not to acquire more than a few mouthfuls of food per family.

Aparigraha Non-possession / Non-attachment

Jainism believes that the more wealth a person possesses, the more he or she is likely to commit sin to acquire. Wealth creates attachment, which results in continuous greed, jealousy, selfishness, ego, hatred, and violence. Lord Mahävir has said that desires have no limit. An attachment to worldly objects results in the bondage of karma, so desires should be reduced and consumption levels should be kept within reasonable limits. Hence Aparigraha (non-possession) stems from respect for other lives and the environment. The scripture says, “We harm and kill other lives because of our greed and possessiveness”. Decide your expectation once; do not expect more when expectations are fulfilled. This is law for sharavak.

Bharmchraya

Total abstinence from sensual pleasure is called celibacy. Sensual pleasure is an infatuating force which sets aside all virtues and reason at the time of indulgence. This vow of controlling sensuality is very difficult to observe in its subtle form. One may refrain from physical indulgence but may still think of the pleasures of sensualism, which is prohibited in Jainism.

Muni are required to observe this vow strictly and completely. They should not enjoy sensual pleasures, ask others to do the same, nor approve of it. For common men, brahmacharya means either confining sex to marriage or complete celibacy and they are required to be chaste in their deeds and thoughts. There are several rules laid down for observing this vow for householders. Faithful with your spouse is the rule for shravak.

If Wealth is lost, Nothing is lost!

If Health is lost, Something is lost!!

If Character is lost, than everything is lost!!!

Padamprabhu is the sixth Jain Tirthankara of the present age Avsarpini. According to Jain beliefs, he became a siddha - a liberated soul which has destroyed all of its karma. Padmaprabhu was born to King Shridhar Raja and Queen Susimadevi at Kausambi in the Ikshvaku dynasty. His birth date was the twelfth day of the Kartik Krishna month of the Hindi calendar. Padampura is the Digambara Jain Atishay kshetra in Shivdaspura town in Jaipur district of Rajasthan, Bharat. It is located at a distance of 35 km from Jaipur on Jaipur-Kota road.

Lord Rishabh was born to King Nabhi and Queen Marudevi at Ayodhya. Lord Rishabh is known for advocating non violence. He was one of the greatest initiators of human progress. He was married to two women. He

47 had one hundred sons and two daughters. He taught his daughters Brahmi and Sundari, the Brahmi-Lipi and the 'science of numbers' respectively.

Dancer named Nilanjana was sent by Indra for the purpose of awakening Rishabh to renounce the world. Indra staged the dancer's sudden death in order to awaken Rishabh and make him preach Jainism. He gave his kingdom to his 100 sons, of whom Bharat got the city of Ayodhya and Bahubali got the city of Taxila.

He was the first muni of the present age, and people didn't know how to offer food to Jain muni. King Shreyans of Hastinapur town recollected his past life experiences and offered him sugarcane juice; this day is celebrated as Akshaya Tritya.

He spent 1000 years performing austerities and then attained Kevala Jnana. Omniscient Rishabha traveled far and wide preaching Jainism. While traveling, he came across a mountain named Ashtapada, which is famously known as mount Kailash. He attained liberation (Moksha) on Mount Kailash. Rishabh Dev is the First Jain Tirthankar of the present age Avsarpini.

Pluralism (Anekantwad)

With regard to truth, Jain philosophy firmly states that the whole truth cannot be observed or explained from a single viewpoint by common people. To understand the true nature of reality, it is essential to acknowledge the multiple perspectives of each situation or idea. We must strive to be open-minded, view every situation with equanimity - without likes or dislikes and embrace the positive thoughts and vantage points of other human beings, other religions, and other philosophies. In Jainism, this doctrine is called Anekantwad or the doctrine of pluralism Anekantavada stops the violence of thought and speech. It is also called the intelligent expression of Ahimsa. We believe that a person can achieve Moksha by 14 different ways.

Some Jain Pilgrimage Places Jain Atishay Kshetra, Karauli, Rajasthan Shri Mahaveer Ji temple is in Karauli district in Rajasthan, Bharat and is 110 km from Sawai Madhopur town. Earlier known as Chandanpur, this small village became famous as a Jain religious site after an ancient idol of Mahaveer was excavated from its soil 200 years ago. It was then renamed as Shri Mahaveer Ji. This idol was excavated from the same spot, after which the temple was constructed. Thousands of worshipers flock from across Bharat to catch a glimpse of this famous statue.

Jain Teerth Kshetra, Hastinapur,Meerut. The Hastinapur Teerth Kshetra is an ancient place in Meerut District of Western „Uttar Pradesh‟, 12 Kalyankas of 3 Teerthankaras Shri Shantinath, Kunthunath & Arahnath took place at Hastinapur. These 3 Teerthankaras were Chakrawarti also. Teerth is also famous due to the „first Aahar‟ of first Teerthankara „Bhagwan Rishabhdev‟ given by King „Shreyans‟; the juice of sugarcane was given as Aahar on Vaishakha Shukla Tratiya From that time this day is celebrated as Akshaya Tratiya. Jambudweep Temple

Jain Temples Abroad Jain Temple of California (USA)

Jain Temple of London (U.K)

Mera Bharat Mahan

Today is January 26, 2016. 65 years back our country became Republic on this day, and I salute to Bharat Mata. My father‟s dream was to spread Jainism to all over world; I succeed to spread in 72 countries, which is still counting. The Great Soul freed 15 years back on this day, I tribute him on his death anniversary. This book contains 54 Pages, 90 Pictures, 1107 Lines and 31815 characters. I am Happy to publish this ebook today.

Jan 26, 2016 Rajesh Kumar Jain Place: Moradabad, UP, Bharat, Asia

Name :Rajesh Kumar Jain Fathers Name :Late Shri S.P.Jain Mothers Name :Smt Prem Lata Jain Gotra :Garg Date of Birth :03-04-1961 Birth Place :Meerut-UP Job in Industry :20 years up to GM Business :7 years Technical Education :Computer Application Technical Member Ship :ITTAC (1988-1990) Shastra Study :Seven Wife :Smt Alka Jain Son :Er Rajat Jain Daughter-in-law :Er Vartika Jain Son :Er Varun Jain Present Residence :Moradabad-UP since 2000 Areas of Knowledge :Rubber/Tyre Industry, Business, Author

 Thanks to Internet which enable us to share information online either side.