Jains embark on TWO unique Peace Building Initiatives

Choose Peace on Earth or the Earth in Pieces? ‘Peace’ on Earth is more important than the ‘pieces’ of earth
Hyderabad, July 12, 2017: The Jains in the city under the aegis of Shri Vardhaman Sthanakvasi Jain Shravak Sangh Secunderabad embarked on two unique “Peace Building” initiatives.

On July 16 nearly 5000 Jains will assembly at a place in Ranigunj and chant “Navkar Manthra” for 36 lakh times for World Peace. ?am?k?ra mantra, what Gayatri Manthra for Hindus is the highly revered and the most significant mantra in Jainism. This is the first prayer recited by the Jains while meditating. This japam will be undertaken under the guidance of Shri Praveen Rishiji Upadhayaya, Jain Monk.

The activity is coordinated by Sri Jain Seva Sangh. It is the Apex Body of about 3 lakh Jain Community People of all sub-sects in twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad.

This Navkar Maha Manthra Jap will be held from 8.3o am to 10.30am for two hours at T-19 Towers, Besides Sundaram Honda, Ranigunj informed Parasmal Dungarwal, President of Shri Vardhaman Sthankavasi Jain Shravak Sangh Secunderabad.

Similarly, Jain samaj is also embarked on another initiative where 1008 Jains along with their monks will go on 8 day fasting from 17th July to 24th July in Ranigunj. Along with them 18 leprosy patients belong to different communities and religions will also go on the fasting. They will commence their fasting in Chennai on 17 and arrive in Hyderabad by flight on 23rd morning to join 1008 Jains for the concluding ceremony of the fasting.

During the fasting they will drink only hot water that too till sunset. After sunset, they don’t even take water. Lalalitayi Jaangda of Chennai is coordinating this activity. She has been training 800 Leprosy patients who left became vegetarian.

Fasting is very common among Jains and as a part of festivals. Most Jains fast at special times, during festivals, and on holy days. Paryushan is the most prominent festival, lasting eight days in Svetambara Jain tradition and ten days in Digambar Jain tradition during the monsoon. The monsoon is a time of fasting informed Sampatraj Kothari, Chairman, Shri Vardhaman Sthanakvasi Jain Shravak Sangh Secunderabad.

"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that." Quoting Martin Luther King, Jr, Praveen Rishiji Upadhyaya said Peace is not an accident. Peace is not a gift. Peace is something we must all work for, everyday, in every country. It begins with smile. Love your religion, but hug other religions too. Like, father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi said, “An eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world blind”, these peace building initiatives are small steps towards propagating the importance of peace across the globe, Praveen Rishiji Upadhyaya.

"I prefer 'Peace' on Earth than 'Pieces' of earth. Let us all give peace a chance. I urge a people to take a step for peace, he said. I appeal to people to be part of the Peace Building. Our objective behind these initiatives is to sensitize people towards a culture of peace," informed Praveen Rishiji Upadhyaya.

There is a great need and urgency to unite people on this subject, he added. Ensuring peace is not only the responsibility of the Governments, but onus also lies on the people, who have to do their own bit. They have to be “Face of Peace”, Praveen Rishiji informed.

Through these initiatives, we want to build a sustainable movement for a culture of peace for generations to come added Ashok Bohra, Working President of Shri Vardhaman Sthanakvasi Jain Shravak Sangh Secunderabad. Join in this endeavor; spread the word, practice in some new way. And keep on working for peace, he added