Author: Dilip V Shah

The Western concept of matter originally applied to the four elements only -fire, earth, air, and water. The Jain concept of elements of the matter is unique in its originality, for it has given place to Indriyas (senses), karmic matter and Leśyā (condition of the soul). Each soul has smell, taste, and one of the six psychic colors called Leśyā. A human soul may take on one of six psychic colors.

On May 1st, 2024, a historic event unfolded in Mumbai at the NSCI stadium in the presence of 8,000 spectators, including 250 Sadhus and Sadhwis and tens of thousands more watching live worldwide on YouTube and other platforms. Pujya Ganivarya Dr. Ajitchandrasagaji Muniji performed Sahasravdhan (1000 Avdhans). This remarkable feat was attempted by Munishri in the presence of his Guru, Acharya Shri Pujya Nayachandrasagarji.  After what Acharya Shri Munisunderji (Author of ADHYATMA KALPADRUM and SANTIKARAM STOTRA) was able to demonstrate some 650 years ago.

Kali Kal Sarvagn Shri Hemchandracharya is a much-revered Acharya for the Jains. His essential bio is well known. Born in 1089 on Kartiki Purnima, in Dhandhuka (present day Khambhat), Gujarat to businessman Chach and his wife Pahini Devi, and was named Changdev. Before the birth of Changdev, the parents had an occasion to visit Acharya Shri Devchandrasuri. In giving his blessings, Acharyashri made a profound prediction – their future son is destined to be a great proponent of Jain Dharma.

Sunday morning of October 29, 2023, Gujarati Samaj Hall in Queens, New York, was filled with over five hundred smiling Jains dressed in their festive Desi outfits. The weather was unseasonably nice. A procession with drums, singing, and dancing devotees had just landed on the side doors of the hall as the eighty-year-old Lady of the Hour entered. The crowd erupted with slogans of “Jainam Jayati Shasanam” and “Tapaswi Amar Raho”.

Jai Jinendra: On the third anniversary of JAIN AVENUE magazine, I wish to thank the JAINA India Foundation (JIF) team headed by Dr. Bipin Doshi as the mentor, Dr. Sejal Shah as the editor, Dr. Arihant Jain as the Assistant editor, and Rajvi Shah as the office manager for shepherding the JAIN AVENUE magazine through its formative years and putting it on the progressive path.

I am pleased to witness another milestone achieved by the JAIN AVENUE Magazine – the second anniversary of the magazine launched by the JAINA India Foundation.   Our magazine is a result of labour of Love by an army of dedicated volunteers ably guided by our editor, Dr. Sejalben Shah, and the watchful eyes of our mentor Dr. Bipin Doshi.

We were all delighted to hear the announcement of Acharya Shri Chandanaji receiving Padmashri on 26th January 2022– a day of her 86th birthday. The scheduled virtual celebration on the Zoom platform became a more joyous occasion.