Vision For the Next 25 Years for Jain

Vision For the Next 25 Years for Jain Center of Greater Boston (& Jains in NA) Jain Center of Greater Boston Pratishtha Ceremony – June 2009

June 2002 - Pratistha Celebration

Our Plan for the day n n Bhavana 2: 30 to 3. 00 PM Vision for JCGB/ and Jains in North America n n n n Evolve – our JWOL practices Educate – our Jains and Non-Jains Expand – Awareness of our JWOL Energize – our local and national organizations Gurudev Chitrabhanuji (Cont. ) Vision for Jains in JCGB/NA General Body announcements Dinner

n. Why we need a Vision? n. What must accompany a vision?

Vision A NA s n Jai JAIN in Ja ers nt e C JAINA Jain Centers NA Jains 5

n. What was our Vision when we started JCGB in mid-1970?

Early Years

Our Dream Came True

Our Dream Came True Inauguration in 1981 - Acharya Sushil Kumarji was present to inaugurate our temple n Jains and Non Jains joined in celebration n

Jain Center of Greater Boston n A rich history and heritage q 1 st temple (1981) and 2 nd Jain center (1973) in USA Serves over 300 families in New England area n Innovative, progressive and pioneer in many areas n Hosted 1 st Pathshala Teachers Convention(1998) n

Evolve – Educate – Expand - Energize n #1 EVOLVE maintain and update traditional Jain practices and adopt new relevant JWOL practices for NA

Evolve: Unity in Diversity n n 18 days of Paryushana/Das Laxan q Hosts two distinguished Scholars q Practice Anekantvad and Unity Pathshala students joint Puja q q q n Asthprakari Puja (Swetamber tradition) and Dev Shastra Guru Puja (Digamber tradition) Learn different rituals, appreciate Diversity Pathshala (Religious+Language) classes every month

New Idols Pratishtha - 2002 n n Added two marble murti’s and namokar mantra shila Pratishtha ceremony performed by Bhattarak Devendrakirtiji and Gurudev Chitrabhanuji

n. What new rituals and practices should we add / modify? For Youths, Adults, Seniors q For Non-Jains q

n. Silk n. Leather n. Dairy n. Limits on Shoes, Shirts. . n. Dietary limits n. Alcohol

Live and Promote JWOL #1 EVOLVE- our JWOL practices Avoiding Silk, Leather, animal tested products Rituals Refresh 15% 6 New 6 5% TODAY Year 2020 17

Evolve - our traditional Jain practices by adopting the Jain Way of Life to the modern, North American lifestyle. Yr. 2005 Yr. 2020 # Rituals Refreshed and Added 6 Ref. , 6 Add % Jains Practicing Vegan Diet 1% 10% % of Jain Men Abstaining from Alcohol 10% 25% % of Jains Avoiding Animal Product 3% 15% # Hours of Learning / Meditating / Practicing 1 4 # of Copies of Jain Literature in Hands of Non. Jains 100, 000 Average Hours/Year Social Service Person 10 hr. /yr 80 hrs 10% 25% % Jains Proactivley Practicing Anekantvad 18

Live and Promote JWOL Evolve – Educate – Expand - Energize n. EDUCATE Jain and non- Jains in JWOL to create a strong, united, and vibrant Jain community

Pathshala Directors & Teachers n Rajendra Jain n Pankaj Shah n Ratilal Dodhia n Hemant Shah n Yogendra Jain n Preeti Jain n Kishore Shah n Vandana Jain n Rajesh Mehta n Mamta Mehta

JCGB Publications n Book by Dr. Prem Suman Jain 1984 “ Essentials of Jainism n Free mailings of Jain Study Circular (1981 -87) n Prayer Book 1987 n Pathshala Books – Dr. Dodhia, Yogendra Jain, Rajendra Jain n Numerous Puja Books, Prayers Books, Sutras, etc.

(cont. ) Leadership in Original publication Essential of Jainism edited by Dr. Prem Jain (1984) n Prayer Book – 1 st in USA (1987) n Sponsored publications of Tattvarth Sutra, Bhaktambar Stotra CD n Jain Food – published by Laxmi Jain (2006) n JWOL – published by Yogendra Jain (2007) n

JCGB has been very active in educating Jains in North America? - Educational Materials - Plays - Lectures/Seminars - Displays

Active Participation in JAINA n 1993 Pittsburg - Theme “Jain Experience” q n n n n Exhibits included samovasaran, philosophy of Jain food, history and timeline of Jainism, path to liberation, life story of Lord Mahavira, Nem -Rajul drama and a computer quiz 1995 Chicago- Academic Bowl and cultural program 1997 Toronto- Multimedia presentation of Tattvarth Sutra, Ancient Scripture Comes Alive. 1999 Philadelphia- Jain Bowl, Gunasthan presentation, 21 st century Jain Life Play, Tapestry – An interactive map of Jainism. 2001 Chicago- Comparative study of world religions presentation, Cultural presentation 2003 Cincinnati- Reconciling and Strengthening our Faith, Rebranding and Repackaging of Jainism, and Cultural presentation. 2005 Santa Clara, California- Jain way of life JWOL presentation by Young Jains of Boston, Jain Bowl, Cooking competition Iron Chef with Tarla Dalal 2007 New Jersey, Jain Way of Life

Strong Focus on Education n n In late 70’s pathshala began with few students. Teaching material was handwritten Regular pathshala began in 1982 with 25 kids. Teaching material was prepared for different levels. This material later became a guide for current JAINA educational books 1998 First pathshala teachers convention Presently 120 kids, Level 1 to 6 and now for ages 2+ and up

reat past in educating Pathshala – What is the future? - How do we need to change? n. G

Live and Promote a JWOL #2 EDUCATE- Jains/Non-Jains in JWOL Follow Jain Way of Life 50% 20% TODAY Yr. 2020 33

n. Great past in educating Jains – but mostly for Jains – what about for Mix-Jains? Non-Jains?

Live and Promote JWOL Evolve – Expand – Educate - Energize n EXPAND and create awareness and impact trends through strategic partnerships with media, institutions, and non. Jain organizations

Expand - Awareness n Why are we such an unknown religion and organization in Boston area (& NA) – despite being here for 35 years? n Do we want to be well known?

Live and Promote JWOL #3 EXPAND – Awareness 12 x 500 K Jains 6 M for Buddhism Deepak Chopra Message Brand Promote 20 x Position 152 Jainism 3, 300 Buddhist Alliance 37

Early Years – 1975 -1994 n Gurudev Chitrabhanuji conducted classes for Jains and non Jains in Belmont every month

Early Years – 1975 -1994 n n n 1975 Acharya Sushilkumarji with his 2 disciples and 20 leading Jains arrived from India. All were hosted at Rindge Towers. 1980 -87 Distribution of Jain Study Circular, published by D. C. Jain of NY 1982 -1994 Conducted National Essay Competition

Use of Media in our Early Years! n November 18, 1975 Channel 4 TV, WNBC aired a JCGB program of Aarti and Mangal Devo in their “Show of Faith” Sunday morning program (with Sushil Muni)

Live and Promote JWOL #3 Expand – Awareness Heard of Jainism/ JWOL 6 M. 5 M TODAY Year 2020 41

Active participation @JAINA & YJA conventions n Presentations, workshops, skits, Surveys e q n n Tattavarth Sutra, JWOL, Comparative Religions Exhibition – Jain Experience, History of Jainism, Jain temple replica Cultural programs (Rishabhdev Play at JAINA 2006, Nem-Rajul Dance Drama, Jaina Rap, Dances) Jain Quiz and games Jain Academic Bowls

Think outside of the box (or Jain center!) n Jain Directory for North America & Canada n Forge alliances with organizations having Jain compatible values Participate in interfaith activities q Participate in Vegetarian Food festival q Expose to Jainism and promote it’s core values q Service projects: Vegetarian Dinner for Homeless, Walk for Hunger n Jain Link - on-line Jain community n

Expand - Awareness n. How do we expand awareness among Non. Jains? n. Who should we share JWOL n. How should we do it?

EXPAND – awareness through strategic partnerships with media, institutions, and non-Jain organizations. Yr. 2005 Yr. 2020 6 mill. 1000 50000 0 3 On-line magazine; portal; news; web 2 TVweb/wk % of High Schoolers Who Know that Gandhi and MLK Influenced by Jains 0% 3% 10 /yr 2000/yr # NA Major Press Coverage on Jainims / JWOL per year 20 1500 Jain Temples (with Jain Exhibits) Being Tourist Attractions for Non-Jains 1 50 Other Innovative Promotions: Jain Movie, University Chairs, etc. 0 15 Ph. D/ 2 Chairs Jain representation on Board/Management of Non-profit Org. 0 10 # Active Dialogs with NA/International Companies to Protest Anti-JWOL Issues 5 1500 1 Univ. 40 Univ. #Non-Jains Who Know about JWOL # NA Vegetarians/Animal rights/Yoga teachers that have had 1 hour of Exposure to Jainism # of Jain books in Bookstore Number of talks (in non-Jain forum) given by Jains on Jainism Inclusion of Anekantvad and Non-Violence in Business Management Teachings 45

Evolve – Educate – Expand - Energize n ENERGIZE our organization through volunteers and donations and create a strong vibrant professionally run central Jain organization

Past Presidents of JCGB n n n n Vinay Jain Dinesh Dalal Rati Dodhia Vasant Gandhi Chandrakant Khasgiwala Chandrakant Vora Mukund Mehta Anil Shah n n n n Pradip Gosalia Ashok Shah Suren Shah Viren Shah Ambuj Jain Shrey Shah Jitendra Vora

Second Jain Center in North America n n n 1973 Small groups of Jain Families celebrated Jain festivals at Rindge Ave, Cambridge. September 9, 1973 at Paryushan parv celebration meeting in Malden, Mass it was decided to establish a Jain Center Religious discourse and Parv celebrations were conducted in the halls of the MIT, Harvard, and other community centers

JCGB – Our Core n n n Active Vibrant Community 300 plus members No membership fee, but people donate generously Unity, nonsectarian approach in all our activities Education- Pathshala and Publication Not a local center but a national center and a leader

Attributes of Best Practices for a Jain Center n Be innovative and progressive thinkers n Don’t be afraid of change! n Respect Diversity + Practice unity n Involve Everyone!! n Empower them

Effect of Pathshala on our younger generations How do our kids benefits from it How to encourage more participations? Why is Pathshala more important in US then in India?

n. Increase volunteerism: Kids (take leadership roles) q. Young Professionals q. Adults q

n. Are we happy with the way our Jain Center is running now? Any regrets?

n. What will be our member’s need over the next 10 to 30 years

n. What new projects and initiatives? n. How should we (re)organize to meet these projects/initiatives?

Live and Promote JWOL #4 ENERGIZE– our organization 15 full time staff $200 per family $11 M budget JAINA -. 5 staff $7 per family $200 K/yr. budget TODAY Year 2020 56

Energize – our organization through volunteers and donations and create a vibrant professionally run central Jain organization. Yr. 2005 Yr. 2020 $7 0. 5 $200 15 JAINA Leaders Under 40 as JAINA Directors/ Committees 35% JAINA/Jain Center Leaders Trained 1, 000 Facilitate Integrated Practices between Local Centers and JAINA 0 40 centers Donation Per Family JAINA Paid Staff Awareness of JAINA Vision/Mission in NA Homes 60% JAINA Understanding of Membership Needs and tracking trends in NA Research / Update Plan 57

Challenges Ahead n n n Involve Youths from local colleges Live and Promote Jain Values in everyday life Keep Jain traditions alive Promote marriages between people with same religious backgrounds Start Swadhyaya group Make a commitment to come to center every Sunday

Vision Live and Promote JWOL A NA s n Jai JAIN in Ja ers nt e C JAINA Jain Centers NA Jains 59

Jain Center of Greater Boston 1973 – forever

Search for a Building – First Jain Temple in North America n n n 1976 Mahavir Jayanti Program at MIT, Acharya Sushil Kumarji put forth the idea of having our own building Donations $1200. Loans $5500 Executive committee and members made a 5 year plan (by 1981 we should collect enough funds to have our own building) Finally purchased this building, which was Anglo Italian Church built in 1898 First building bought for Jain Temple in North America

Evolve – Expand – Educate - Energize EVOLVE maintain and update traditional Jain practices n n and adopt new relevant JWOL practices for NA EDUCATE Jain and non-Jains in JWOL to create a strong, united, and vibrant Jain community EXPAND and create awareness and impact trends through strategic partnerships with media, institutions, and non. Jain organizations. ENERGIZE our organization through volunteers and donations and create a strong vibrant professionally run central Jain organization

Cultural Activities n n n 1981 Nem-Rajul dance drama, probably first dance drama in US 1983 Performed Nem-Rajul dance drama at New Jersey Jain Center 1993 Performed Nem-Rajul dance drama at Pittsburgh convention 1994 Musical evening by Rajendra Jain & party at MIT’s Kresge Auditorium Various Cultural activities by our Pathshala Students JCGB team presented cultural items at many JAINA conventions

Active Participation in JAINA

Ingredients for Success n #1 VISION Must evoke passion, action, and must do attitude n #2 MEASURABLE Our goals and progress must be measurable entities n #3 CONDUCIVE ENVIRONMENT Accommodates growth with evolving trends (ecological, legal, political, social, and technological) n #4 FINANCIAL Resources Allows accelerated implementation of vision/mission n #5 PEOPLE Resources Must have a strong organization and leadership; Need devoted individuals and families 65

What is Needed for Vision 2020 Success n n n n n Actionable plan & measureable Diversity – expertise from different areas Resources – human capital, financial Marketing plan Energy, drive, passion Commitment Deeper discussion & training Include YJA, YJP, YJI – Sept 23 leadership conf, Spring Kellogg conf Communication – www. jainleadership. org, and more Outreach to all communities, especially remote orgs 66

n n n n n In year 2020 (10 years from now) - what is your vision as to where JCGB will be? Over the past 30 years of so – JCGB has been the most well recognized leader in North America. What do you see over the next 30 years as to landmark projects and activities that will keep us in the forefront? What are the five most critical challenges that we face today which we must overcome to continue flourishing What trends are impacting our ability to get more resources, volunteers, ideas, funds, etc. What “innovation” and “projects” should we undertake to lead all Jains in North America Why are we such an unknown religion and organization in the Boston area – despite being here for 30 years. Can we change that over the next 30 years? Do we want to be well known and why? What advise do you have for the current and near future president of JCGB and EC committee Why do we (as well as other Jain Centers) have so few vibrant and active members Select your own relevant topic (please let me know the topic).

Evolve – Expand – Educate - Energize EVOLVE maintain and update traditional Jain practices n n and adopt new relevant JWOL practices for NA EDUCATE Jain and non-Jains in JWOL to create a strong, united, and vibrant Jain community EXPAND and create awareness and impact trends through strategic partnerships with media, institutions, and non. Jain organizations. ENERGIZE our organization through volunteers and donations and create a strong vibrant professionally run central Jain organization