Thousands show the Jain-way of tolerance in US

Indians have celebrated their festivals and traditions with great fervour and gaiety be it in India or abroad. A similar instance was witnessed when as many as 150,000 Jains in North America will celebrate two of the most important Jain festivals - Paryushana and then Das Lakshan. An occassion of fasting and self-control, will focus on spiritual advancement through fasting, self-restraint, religious study and introspection. The celebrations from Sept 12-29 is an important fete in the Jain calendar.

Dr. Sushil Jain, President of JAINA, the Federation of Jains in North America has been quoted as saying on the festivities, "I encourage the Jain community across the United States and Canada to reach out and serve others, and thereby spread Jainism's message of peace and interfaith tolerance. This will reinforce the bridges of goodwill with our neighbors and strengthen our American society and homeland."

Monika Kothari, a senior at Michigan State University, and intern with JAINA commented, "If a friend or acquaintance of the Jain religion asks you for forgiveness in the coming days, please remember what an important time this is for Jains around the world, and perhaps take the opportunity to ask him or her about Paryushana and Das Lakshan or other aspects of Jainism."

The Federation of Jain Associations in North America (JAINA) is an umbrella organization of sixty nine (69) Jain centers/societies in the U.S. and Canada. JAINA was established in 1981, and functions as a service, educational and philanthropic organization. JAINA's activities include organizing conventions, leadership forums, interfaith dialog, publishing Jain educational materials and periodicals, and providing humanitarian service through projects and acts of compassion across the world.

Contact: Rupen Shah, Director, JSWM, [email protected]

OneIndia News