KASHMIR. PROBLEM

KASHMIR PROBLEM. Dogra Ruler Raja Gulab Singh paid the British Regime, Pounds 7.5 million, By Treaty of Amritsar signed in 1846 for forever possession of Kashmir state. Kashmir by virtue of the aforesaid Treaty: “Forever an Independent Possession to Maharaja Gulab Singh and Heirs made of his body of the state of Jammu and Kashmir. The State of Jammu & Kashmir was the Princely Indian State prior to Independence 1947. Its status was second after state of Hyderabad. The Maharajah was titled “His Highness.” He was Ex-Officio Major General of the British Indian Army. When paying a visit to New Delhi, he was honoured with a 21 Gun- Salute. Only Five States in India were entitled to 21 Gun Salute. In 1857 Maharaja RanBeer Singh succeeded Gulab Singh. In 1885 Maharaja Partap Singh succeeded RanBeer Singh. In 1925 Maharaja HariSingh succeeded Partap Singh. In 1931 the Maharaja Hari Singh formed a National Government in Kashmir with proper representation given to Muslims but all Main Powers were in the hands of Maharaja. In 1947, 999 princely states were given option as per principles of Merger with option to join the divided India or Pakistan. They were required to file a declaration of merger with Mount Batten GGOI. In 1948 Maharaja Hari Singh filed with Governor General Mount Batten Declaration of merger opting to join with India as acknowledged by the Governor General.

SIXTH SENSE.

Intuition. and the Sixth Sense. “It is the sunset of life, gives me mystical lore, Coming events cast their shadows before.” The custom of saying Grace at the meals had its origin when a full meal was hardly possible, due to sudden attacks and fights at the hands of enemy. Utter vigilance was the price of their life. Their only means of knowledge was their intuition. It was a way of knowing things directly without inference or use of reason. There were no fast means of telegraphs, phones and all that. They were trained to know by signs, chirping and crowing of birds. Their ears were trained to feel rebounds of hoofs of marching horses. There was a manned tree-post at a height to warn of incoming danger. Their dogs were trained to signal or bark at the oncoming danger. Your mind receives a flash-message, a signal of an event. It forewarns you to be prepared for such an eventuality. That is intuition. On the other hand, sixth sense is a psychic power by concentration. It is deep human ability to warn him about happening of an event. He should be ready for it. You find yourself aware of certain information which you never thought possible. The deeper you go, you can develop mesmerism and all other arts of foreseeing things. All religious heads are seen endowed with psychic power. It can be achieved by attention, concentration, meditation. Birds, animals have inborn sixth sense.

INFLUENCE OF BASIC ELEMENTS IN ZODIAC BIRTH-SIGNS.

Influence of Basic Elements in Zodiac Birth-Signs. Fire, Air, Water, Earth and Space are the Five elements of which human life is composed. 2. Aries, Leo, Sagittarius born people represent Fire Element. They display war-like quality, fearless attitude, strength, restlessness, passion, leadership etc. They love challenges and are impulsive. Because they have originated out of Fire element at birth in the zodiac, they display High temper and explode easily. 3. Gemini, Libra Aquarius born people represent the Air element. They display mental attitude than emotional one. They are talkative amusing and social. They are often heavy party-goers. 4.Tauras, Virgo, Capricorn born people represent the Earth element in them They are purposeful patient and have focused goal to achieve. Their limitation is that they may get involved in petty details. Of all the elements in the zodiac Earth has the greatest staying power. 5.Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces born people represent the Water element. They have emotional tendency and search for a kind of satisfactory emotional outlet. They can control and influence others, and some are likely to be spiritual minded and religious. 6. Finally the Space encompass the entire Universe and it affects all the 12 signs of the zodiac in human life in equal proportion in good times and bad times without any reservation but strictly as per deeds.

JAIN RELIGION. TIRTHANKAR.

The Tirthankaras. Mahavira was the last Tirthankara. His predecessor, Parshvanatha, lived about 250 years. According to Jaina belief, each cosmic age produces its own group of 24 Tirthankaras, the first of whom--if it is an age of descending purity--are giants, but they decrease in stature and appear after shorter intervals of time as the age proceeds. In Temples, the Tirthankara is represented either standing stiffly in the pose known as kayotsarga, or seated cross-legged on a lion throne in the posture of meditation, dhyanamudra. The images are carved out of marble or other highly polished stone or are cast in metal, the cold surfaces serving to emphasize the frozen detachment from life. Since the Tirthankara is a perfect being, there is little to distinguish one from another, except for symbolic colours or emblems. The names of the 24 Tirthankaras are attributed to dreams by their mothers before their births or to some other circumstance surrounding their entry into the world. The word -natha, is added as an honor to their names. In order of their appearance, the names, signs, and colours of the Jinas of this age are:- (1) Rsabhanatha ("Lord Bull"), or Adinatha ("Lord First"), his emblem the bull, his colour golden. (2) Ajita ("Invincible One"), elephant, golden. (3) Shambhava ("Auspicious"), horse, golden. (4) Abhinandana ("Worship"), ape, golden. (5) Sumati ("Wise"), heron, golden. (6) Padmaprabha ("Lotus-Bright"), lotus, red. (7) Suparshva ("Good-Sided"), the swastika symbol, golden. (8) Candraprabha ("Moon-Bright"), moon, white. (9) Suvidhi, or Puspadanta ("Religious Duties" or "Blossom-Toothed"), dolphin or makara (sea dragon), white. (10) Shitala ("Coolness"), the shrivatsa symbol, golden. (11) Shreyamsha ("Good"), rhinoceros, golden. (12) Vasupujya ("Worshiped with Offerings of Possessions"), buffalo, red. (13) Vimala ("Clear"), boar, golden. (14) Ananta ("Endless"), hawk (according to the Digambara sect, ram or bear), golden. (15) Dharma ("Duty"), thunderbolt, golden. (16) Shanti ("Peace"), antelope or deer, golden. (17) Kunthu (meaning uncertain), goat, golden. (18) Ara (a division of time), the nandyavarta (an elaborated swastika; according to the Digambara sect, fish), golden. (19) Malli ("Wrestler"), water jug, blue. (20) Suvrata, or Munisuvrata ("Of Good Vows"), tortoise, black. (21) Nami ("Bowing Down"), or Nimin ("Eye-Winking"), blue lotus, golden. (22) Nemi, or Aristanemi ("The Rim of Whose Wheel is Unhurt"), conch shell, black. (23) Parshvanatha ("Lord Serpent"), snake, green. (24) Vardhamana ("Prospering"), later called Mahavira ("Great Hero"), lion, golden. Images of the Tirthankara are not worshiped as personal gods, capable of giving blessings or interfering with human events. Rather, Jain believers pay them homage as representatives of great beings in the hope that they may be filled with a sense of renunciation and the highest virtues and thus encouraged along the path toward their final liberation.

GANESH POOJA. Part..2.

GANESH POOJA. 2018-09-13. The recommended Puja timing is in the afternoon. Time is as follows: 11:03 AM to 1:30 PM. Simple Ganesha Puja. Take a small wooden platform. Cover it with a red cloth. Place the idol of Lord Ganesha on the wooden platform. Light a lamp and incense sticks and flowers. Invoke Lord Ganesha in the idol by inviting him to accept your humble offerings. If the idol is made of Pancha dhatu (a mixture of five metals) then, do abhishek with Panchamrit (made of banana/fruits, milk, curd, ghee and sugar/honey). Then, use water to rinse the idol and wipe with a fresh piece of cotton cloth. Offer mouli (sacred read thread) or a small piece of new cloth (preferably yellow) to the deity. Then put a Janeyu around his torso (make sure it rests on his left shoulder and diagonally goes around his body under the right shoulder. Later add a tika with haldi and kumkum on his forehead. Offer red hibiscus or any other flower and Dhruva (special green grass). Chant the Ganesha Moola Mantra and then offer Modaka, fresh fruits (Guava, Pomegranate, Orange, Apple and Pear), Bananas, Coconut, Paan and Supari to the Lord. Worship him with folded hands and closed eyes. Sing the Ganesha Aarti to conclude the Puja.

HOROSCOPE..3

HOROSCOPE.3 Zodiac Signs and their effects. Do you read your Horoscope ? It is a chart showing position of planets which predicts character and abilities of individuals as well as coming events. Practically all read Horoscope news columns.. Though none will admit. Horoscope items in magazines and newspapers has been an inspiration and push for human beings. All want luck but the bigger they are, they want bigger luck. All Bigs are addicts of horoscope. They are not bold to admit. PLEASE READ THIS DIALOGUE. Ram: “Are you coming?” Sam: (shaking his head) “Not yet, but you go. I’ll follow later.” By the door Ram paused. He saw magazines on the stool near the door. He picked up an issue of the Horoscope Weekly Magazine. Around it were the zodiac signs of astrology and many zodiac news. Sam: “You don’t read this stuff; do you?” Ram: (alarmed seeing him with the magazine.) “ I glance sometimes.” “A client of mine used to send me. It’s a free copy.” Sam: “But this is subscription copy.” He pointed the label. “Its subscription has been renewed.” “You can see details on the label” Ram: (exasperated) “How do I know? Do you know how much mail comes addressed to me daily?” ”I do not check all. ” “I don’t see them all. ” Sam: “There is no need to be testy.” “Even if you read why make a fuss?” ‘There is nothing wrong in it?” “ I myself like to read it.” All read. Some hide. Some are frank to admit. Some do not. This is human nature.

HOROSCOPE PART 2.

When a child is born in the family, we go to the astrologer for his/her horoscope. The astrologer will ask for the exact time day and date and place of the birth of the child. With the time, day and date and place of birth, the astrologer prepares a chart. He does mathematical calculations and check the astronomical records. This map, this chart contains the position of the planets in the zodiac circle at the time of birth. The astrologer works out the placement of the planets in each house and the relationship of the planets with each other at the time of birth. The question that comes to our mind is how this is possible? What it has to do with life? To make it more clear to understand about planet energy and its vibrations , please study the Moon which we can see by our own eyes every night. The energy and vibrations of the Moon rule and govern the ocean tides. The ocean waters churn and rush into waves and storms aimless and directionless on account of the lunar energy and vibration on ocean waters on the full-moon night and so on. The Ocean waters are not a conscious thing so it does not know what governs them and they roam around aimless and directionless. But we are conscious human beings and we should know the energy and its vibrations that rule and govern our life. We should not roam around in life aimless and directionless like the ocean waters who do not know the Moon vibrations. Each planet represents a certain energy, vibrations field. When all the planets are placed jointly and individually placed in each house, the energy and vibrations field is intensified. Each horoscope reads an unique pattern of energy and vibrations represented by way of symbols and markings. This position is the sum total of the potentialities of your life and a narration how the planetary energy and vibrations shall rule and govern your life. The astrologer prepares his notes based on the above position and can read your character and tell specific facts about you.

JAIN PILGRIMAGE AT SHETRUNJAY HILL AT PALITANA. GUJARAT THE CIRCUM-AMBULATION.

SHETRUNJAY JAIN TEMPLES PILGRIMAGE. SHETRUNJAY HILL PALITANA –GUJARAT HEIGHT 7000 FT. STEPS. 3750. ABODE OF INNUMERABLE JAIN TEMPLES. CIRCUMAMBULATION 16 KM. (CHH GAOO YATRA). GOOD TIME APRIL. ON THE TOP OF THE HILL THERE IS TEMPLE WHICH HOUSES idols of SIX SONS OF MOTHER DEVKI KILLED BY JARASNGH. OUT OF THE 24 TIRTHANKARAS, RISHABHDEV THE FIRST HOLY KING RISHABHDEV. FATHER. NABHIRAJ. MOTHER.MARUDEVI. BIRTH PLACE- VANITA (AYODHYA) BEFORE DELIVERY TIME THE MOTHER HAS A DREAM OF RISHABH AN OX. SO HE WAS NAMED RISHABHDEV. HE WAS TALL, STRONG GOLDEN COLOURED VERY HANDSOME PRINCE. TAUGHT 72 ARTS TO MALE FOLLOWERS AND 64 ARTS TO FEMALE FOLLOWERS. PILGRIMS UNDERTAKE THE CIRCUMAMBULATION (PARIKRAMA) IN APRIL 16 KM ROUND, THEN REACH SIDDH-VAD RESTING PLACE. DURING THE JOURNNEY THEY COME ACROSS JALMANDIR SAMALVANTU HANUMAN-DHARA RAMPAL, ADINATH, BHUKHADDAS KUND. ON TOP OF THE HILL GIRIRAJ POINT THEY VISIT THE HOLY TEMPLE OF MA DEVKI SONS , THEN TO ULKA-JAL AJITNATH, SHANTINATH TEMPLES, CHANDAN-TALAVADI BHADVA DUNGAR AND FINALLY SIDDH-VAD. THE AMDAVAD BASED ANANDJI KALYANJI CHARITY HOUSE MAKES ARRANGEMENTS FOR THIS PILGRIMAGE WITH ALL OTHER FACILITIES. (FOUNDED BY : KASTURBHAI LALBHAI ARVIND MILLS GROUP). (OTHER JAIN PILGRIMAGE PLACES ARE AT RANAKPUR, TARANGA, PANSAR, UDAYGIRI CAVES)

YOU AND YOUR HOROSCOPE

You and the Horoscope. Many of us hold such a view that they do not believe in Horoscope. The planets sitting in your horoscope do not compel . Planets impel. The word impel means create circumstances in life that drive you to heed to them. A time comes in life that compulsion urge forward to believe in them. Your Horoscope is a tool to help you to get in control of it. Horoscope is important not because it tells what is going to happen. Your Horoscope is not about Fate or a pre-determined future. Your Horoscope illuminates what is already there. Each Planet sitting in each house in your Horoscope has an energy field. This Planetary energy, vibrations, beats, shall move you, create tension, or create dynamic situations in your life just like the Moon drives the oceans. Therefore know what is in store for you at hands of Destiny. Your Horoscope is a key to a creative, disciplined and meaningful life. It is up to you where you let them take You. The Universe is composed of Fire, Air, Earth, Water and Space. The Human body is composed of Fire, Air, Earth, Water and the ultimate Space. Signs Aeries, Leo, Sagittarius represent the Fire. Signs Gemini, Libra, Aquarius represent the Air. Signs Taurus Virgo, Capricorn represent the Earth . Signs Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces represent the Water . Space is the final destination when you complete the circle of life of 360 degree. Human Body is a mini-planet derives its energy from the father planet. There is a god-particle in every human and he is accountable as per the menu of the horoscope. When a child is born in the family, we go to the astrologer for his/her horoscope. The astrologer will ask for the exact time day and date and place of the birth of the child. With the time, day and date and place of birth, the astrologer prepares a chart. He does mathematical calculations and check the astronomical records. This map, this chart contains the position of the planets in the zodiac circle at the time of birth. The astrologer works out the placement of the planets in each house and the relationship of the planets with each other at the time of birth. The question that comes to our mind is how this is possible? What it has to do with life? To make it more clear to understand about planet energy and its vibrations , please study the Moon which we can see by our own eyes every night. The energy and vibrations of the Moon rule and govern the ocean tides. The ocean waters churn and rush into waves and storms aimless and directionless on account of the lunar energy and vibration on ocean waters on the full-moon night and so on. The Ocean waters are not a conscious thing so it does not know what governs them and they roam around aimless and directionless. But we are conscious human beings and we should know the energy and its vibrations that rule and govern our life. We should not roam around in life aimless and directionless like the ocean waters who do not know the Moon vibrations. Each planet represents a certain energy, vibrations field. When all the planets are placed jointly and individually placed in each house, the energy and vibrations field is intensified. Each horoscope reads an unique pattern of energy and vibrations represented by way of symbols and markings. This position is the sum total of the potentialities of your life and a narration how the planetary energy and vibrations shall rule and govern your life. The astrologer prepares his notes based on the above position and can read your character and tell specific facts about you. Influence of Basic Elements in Zodiac Birth-Signs. Fire, Air, Water, Earth and Space are the Five elements of which human life is composed. 2. Aries, Leo, Sagittarius born people represent Fire Element. They display war-like quality, fearless attitude, strength, restlessness, passion, leadership etc. They love challenges and are impulsive. Because they have originated out of Fire element at birth in the zodiac, they display High temper and explode easily. 3. Gemini, Libra Aquarius born people represent the Air element. They display mental attitude than emotional one. They are talkative amusing and social. They are often heavy party-goers. 4.Tauras, Virgo, Capricorn born people represent the Earth element in them They are purposeful patient and have focused goal to achieve. Their limitation is that they may get involved in petty details. Of all the elements in the zodiac Earth has the greatest staying power. 5.Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces born people represent the Water element. They have emotional tendency and search for a kind of satisfactory emotional outlet. They can control and influence others, and some are likely to be spiritual minded and religious. 6. Finally the Space encompass the entire Universe and it affects all the 12 signs of the zodiac in human life in equal proportion in good times and bad times without any reservation but strictly as per deeds.

JAIN RELIGION. THE TIRTHANKARAS

The Tirthankaras. Mahavira was the last Tirthankara to appear. His predecessor, Parshvanatha, lived about 250 years. According to Jaina belief, each cosmic age produces its own group of 24 Tirthankaras, the first of whom--if it is an age of descending purity--are giants, but they decrease in stature and appear after shorter intervals of time as the age proceeds. In art the Tirthankara is represented either standing stiffly in the pose known as kayotsarga, or seated cross-legged on a lion throne in the posture of meditation, dhyanamudra. The images are carved out of marble or other highly polished stone or are cast in metal, the cold surfaces serving to emphasize the frozen detachment from life. Since the Tirthankara is a perfect being, there is little to distinguish one from another, except for symbolic colours or emblems. The names of the 24 Tirthankaras are attributed to dreams by their mothers before their births or to some other circumstance surrounding their entry into the world. The word -natha, is added as an honor to their names. In order of their appearance, the names, signs, and colours of the Jinas of this age are:- (1) Rsabhanatha ("Lord Bull"), or Adinatha ("Lord First"), his emblem the bull, his colour golden. (2) Ajita ("Invincible One"), elephant, golden. (3) Shambhava ("Auspicious"), horse, golden. (4) Abhinandana ("Worship"), ape, golden. (5) Sumati ("Wise"), heron, golden. (6) Padmaprabha ("Lotus-Bright"), lotus, red. (7) Suparshva ("Good-Sided"), the swastika symbol, golden. (8) Candraprabha ("Moon-Bright"), moon, white. (9) Suvidhi, or Puspadanta ("Religious Duties" or "Blossom-Toothed"), dolphin or makara (sea dragon), white. (10) Shitala ("Coolness"), the shrivatsa symbol, golden. (11) Shreyamsha ("Good"), rhinoceros, golden. (12) Vasupujya ("Worshiped with Offerings of Possessions"), buffalo, red. (13) Vimala ("Clear"), boar, golden. (14) Ananta ("Endless"), hawk (according to the Digambara sect, ram or bear), golden. (15) Dharma ("Duty"), thunderbolt, golden. (16) Shanti ("Peace"), antelope or deer, golden. (17) Kunthu (meaning uncertain), goat, golden. (18) Ara (a division of time), the nandyavarta (an elaborated swastika; according to the Digambara sect, fish), golden. (19) Malli ("Wrestler"), water jug, blue. (20) Suvrata, or Munisuvrata ("Of Good Vows"), tortoise, black. (21) Nami ("Bowing Down"), or Nimin ("Eye-Winking"), blue lotus, golden. (22) Nemi, or Aristanemi ("The Rim of Whose Wheel is Unhurt"), conch shell, black. (23) Parshvanatha ("Lord Serpent"), snake, green. (24) Vardhamana ("Prospering"), later called Mahavira ("Great Hero"), lion, golden. Images of the Tirthankara are not worshiped as personal gods, capable of giving blessings or interfering with human events. Rather, Jain believers pay them homage as representatives of great beings in the hope that they may be filled with a sense of renunciation and the highest virtues and thus encouraged along the path toward their final liberation. The Maha Purusha. Is an individual of extraordinary destiny, distinguished by certain physical traits or marks. Such men are born to become either universal rulers (chakravartis) or great spiritual leaders such as buddhas or the Jaina spiritual leaders, the Tirthankaras. The signs have frequently been depicted in representations of the Buddha or of the Jaina Tirthankaras.Catalogs of the distinguishing marks differ slightly between the religious traditions. In Buddhism the laksanas are enumerated as 32 major marks and 80 minor marks. The major laksanas include: (1) the usnisa, or protuberance on the top of the skull. (2) hair arranged in short twists, each curl turning from left to right. (3) the urna, a little ball or tuft of hair between the eyebrows. (4) 40 perfectly shaped, dazzling white teeth, equal in size. (5) a large, long tongue. (6) golden-tinged skin. (7) long arms that reach to the knees when the individual is standing upright. (8) webbed fingers and toes. (9) a thousand-spoked wheel on the sole of each foot. Jainism honours 54 "great souls". They include the 24 Tirthankaras, 12 chakravartis, 9 vasudevas, and 9 baladevas. The birth of a great soul is always preceded by certain auspicious dreams seen by the mother. Some lists add 9 prati-vasudevas, making a total of 63. The lives of the Maha Purusas are the subject matter of the Jaina epic and Puranic texts. The Jaina Religious Literature. In addition to the canons and commentaries, the Svetambara and Digambara traditions have produced a voluminous corpus of literature, written in several languages, about the philosophy, poetry, drama, grammar, music, mathematics, medicine, astronomy, astrology, and architecture. In Tamil, the epics Chilappatikaram and Jivikachintamani, which are written from a Jaina perspective, are important works of early post-classical Tamil literature. Jaina authors were also an important formative influence on Kannada literature. The Adipurana of the Jaina lay poet Pampa another text dealing with the lives of Rsabha, Bahubali, and Bharata, is the earliest existant piece of mahakavya in Kannada literature. Jainas were similarly influential in the Prakrit language, Apabhram, Old Gujarati, and, later, Sanskrit. A particularly important literary figure in Prakrit and Sanskrit was the Svetambara monk Hemachandra, 12th century, who composed an important Prakrit grammar, as well as poetry, philosophical treatises, and a mammoth epic poem on the lives of the 63 Jaina maha-purusas, entitled Trisasti- Maha Purusacharitra. Other non-canonical Jaina writers on philosophy include Mallavadin I,4th century, Siddhasena Divakara (c. 5th century), Haribhadra Suri (c. 8th century), Samantabhadra (before the 5th century), Akalanka (c. 8th century), Siddharsi Ganin (10th century), Shantisuri (11th century), Vidyanandin (c. 8th-9th century), Anantakirti (10th century), Manikyanandin (11th century), Prabhacandra (11th century), and Vadi Deva Suri (12th century). Among later authors, UpadhyayaYashovijaya (c. 17th century), a versatile scholar, is especially noteworthy.Digambaras also value the Prakrit works of Kundakunda (c. 2nd century), including the Pravachana-sara, the Samaya-sara, the Niyama-sara, and the six Prabhatas on various religious topics. Of similar importance is the Tattvarthadhigama-sutra of Umasvati. Composed early in the Christian Era, the Tattv-arth-adhigama-sutra was the first work in Sanskrit on Jaina philosophy dealing with such subjects as logic, epistemology, ontology, ethics, cosmography, and cosmogony; it generated numerous commentaries, including one by Umasvati himself.

MAHA VEERA JAYANTI

Maha Veera Jayanti. Born in an era of social disparity, killing and violence inflicted in the name of rituals and sacrifice and for vengeance and hatred, Lord Maha-Veera emerged as a reformist, thinker, law-giver and guide. He sought to achieve a multi-fold mission aiming especially at a change in the prevailing system of thought, economic structure, social set-up, and ethical values seeking to equalize all living beings respecting alike the life contained in a grass-leaf, insect, or human being, and re-defined sanctity and potentialities of individual self - 'jiva', as Maha-Veera has called it, in attaining salvation - 'nirvana', by its own doing. Far ahead the motto : 'live and let live' - commonly attributed to Lord Maha-Veera, the ultimate aim that he set before all 'jivas' was : 'parasparopagraha jeevanam' - all living beings, by virtue that they bear life, are under obligation to mutually protect and help life in whatsoever form it is contained. Instead of only 'let live', life was obliged to mutually and positively promote life irrespective of who or what bore it. Before or even after Maha-Veera, survival of mankind, or at the most animals, was the prime concern of man's thought and endeavor. Maha-Veera's umbrella extended to entire life, irrespective of form - grass-leaf, ant, elephant, man or whatever that contained it. Environmentalists, or rather all rational minds, are now worried about irrational and injurious damage to nature - vegetation, minerals and all its resources, which they think are primarily responsible for ecological balance - an essential condition of man's survival. This concern surfaced more intensely and rationally in Maha-Veera's thought some 2600 years ago when he ordained that life sustained in life, mutually and obligatorily - not in isolation or by destroying other, as to Maha-Veera, life was life's means and obligation. Contemporary minds - environmentalists and others, seek to protect nature but primarily for man's survival; Maha-Veera sought to protect it - or rather every form of life, for its own sake. After 12 years of practicing such austerities, Maha-Veera attained kevala, the highest stage of perception. Maha-Veera revived and reorganized Jaina doctrine and its monastic order, thus being credited as the founder of Jainism. Basing his doctrines, according to tradition, on the teachings of the 23rd Tirthankara, Maha-Veera systematized earlier Jaina doctrines--along with metaphysical, mythological, and cosmological beliefs--and also established the rules and guidelines for the monks, nuns, laymen, and laywomen of Jaina religious life. Maha-Veera taught that a man can save his soul from the contamination of matter by living a life of extreme asceticism and by practicing nonviolence toward all living creatures. This advocacy of nonviolence encouraged his followers to become strong advocates of vegetarianism, which in the course of time helped to bring about a virtual end to sacrificial killing in Indian rituals. His followers were aided in their quest for salvation by accepting the five maha-vratas that have been attributed to Maha-Veera: renunciation of killing, of speaking untruths, of greed, of sexual pleasure, and of all attachments to living beings and nonliving things. Maha-Veera's predecessor Parshvanatha preached only four vows. Maha-Veera was given the title Jina, which subsequently became a synonym for Tirthankara. He died, according to tradition, in 527 BC at Pava in Bihar state, leaving a group of followers who established Jainism, which, with its practice of nonviolence, has profoundly influenced Indian culture.

JAIN RELIGION AND ITS SCHOLARS

ACHARYA HEMCHANDRA Acharya Hemchandra was born in 1088 A .D. into the Modha Vanik (merchant) caste, in the town of Dhandhuka, sixty miles from the city Ahmedabad in Gujarat State. His parents were Chachadev and Pahini. When Pahini was pregnant, she had a beautiful dream. She narrated her dream to Acharya Devasuri, who was in Dhandhuka at that time. The acharya said that Pahini was to give birth to a son who would make great progress in the areas of spiritual knowledge, intuition, and conduct. Upon the birth the child was named Changdeva. The next time Acharya Devasuri was in Dhandhuka, he saw Pahini carrying her son. He said to Pahini, "Let me take care of this brilliant son. He is destined to be a great spiritual leader." However, he could not convince her to give him her son. The acharya kept pursuing and reminding that her son would become a famous monk and would glorify the Jain Order. Again, he requested that she should sacrifice her self-interest and love for the child for the good of the people. Ultimately, Pahini let the acharya take her son with him. He initiated Changdeva into monkshood and named him Somachandra. The disciple was very intelligent and soon mastered the darshanas, scriptures, nyaya, grammar, etc. At the same time, he cultivated excellent virtues like forbearance, tolerance, holiness, simplicity, discipline, chastity, and generosity. Somachandra was incomparable in administration and efficiency. Acharaya Devasuri made Somachandra an acharya when he was only twenty-one years old. At that time, he was given the name Hemchandra Acharya. The fame of Hemchandra's efficacy and knowledge gradually spread everywhere. The noble culture was on the rise in Gujarat due to the ability of Hemchandra and the cooperation of King Siddharaja of Gujarat. King Siddharaja was succeeded by Kumarpal. Hemchandra had predicted seven years earlier that Kumarpal would be the king. Also, the acharya had once saved Kumarpal's life. Therefore, Kumarpal considered Hemchandra his spiritual teacher (guru) and benefactor. Kumarpal gave him the exceptional honor and sought his advice in the shaping of his kingdom in Gujarat. In a very short time, Gujarat became a center of non-violence, learning, and good culture. Hemchandra did not only think of the development of his own career, but always thought of the universal welfare. In spite of this, some Brahmins were very jealous about this and they were trying to disgrace Hemchandracharya and Jainism. Therefore, some Brahmins approached King Kumarpal and said, "Hemchandracharya is a very egoistic person and he does not respect Hindu Gods." King Kumarpal was not ready to accept these views about his spiritual teacher, Hemchandracharya. Brahmins requested King Kumarpal that he should invite Hemchandracharya to come to the temple of Lord Shiva (God of destruction). The purpose of this was to humiliate Hemchandracharya because they thought he would not go to the temple of Lord Shiva and bow down to him. When Hemchandracharya came, King Kumarpal said, "We would go to the temple of Lord Shiva." He accepted the offer without any hesitation. Brahmins were happy in their mind thinking that they would be able to make their point today and glorify their religion. Yet, they were wrong. They underestimated Hemchandracharya. To the surprise of those Brahmins, Hemchandracharya bowed down in front of Lord Shiva but by saying, "Bhavbijaskurajanana ragadayah kshaymupagata yasya; Brahma va Vishnurva haro Jino va namastasmai." Meaning, "I am bowing down to that god, who has destroyed the passions like attachment (Rag) and hatred (Dwesh) which are the cause of worldly life, whether he is Brahma, Vishnu, or Jina." This showed that indeed the acharya was genius and had a broad-minded attitude based on basic Jain principles. Under Hemchandra's influence, King Kumarpal accepted the Jainism. He prohibited violence and killing of any animal in his kingdom. King Kumarpal made many laws that nurtured the Jain religion. Vegetarianism was found not only in the Jains, but also in all the people of Gujarat. Jainism became the land of the region. Hemchandra composed several literary works that included many verses. The acharya was the first one to put non-violence on a political platform. He was the architect of the greatness and unity of Gujarat. In the field of metaphysics, he was a Yogi. His work Yoga-Shastra, a treatise on yoga, is very famous. People called him 'Kali-kala Sarvajna' meaning ‘all-knower in the dark period’. He died in 1173 A. D. at the age of eighty-four. The Jain culture still shines brightly in Gujarat, due to the influence of the literary works contributed by the great Acharya Hemchandra.

GANESH POOJA.

Ganesha Pooja. It is preferable to do Ganesha puja on the Chaturthi day at the noon. In order to carry on the pooja, you will require following items- A Clay image of Lord Ganesha, flowers, druva grass blades, sweets preferably Modak, coconut, sandalwood paste and incense sticks. The Pooja begins with the establishment of idol on a higher platform. It is given a bathe with Panchamrit. You can now pray to Lord Ganesh and recite all the mantras or bhajans dedicated to Lord Ganesha. You now have to invoke Lord Ganesha through your prayers and bring life in the idol. Ohm Sri Ganeshaya Namaha. Ohm Sri Ganapatyey Namah. Ohm Sri Vakratunday Namah. Ohm Vakratunda Mahakaya Suryakoti Samprabhaha, Nirvighanam kuru bhai dev sarva karyeshu sarvada. Once you invoke life in the idol, you need to light lamp and incense sticks in order to please Lord Ganesha. After this, you need to perform the shhodashopachara, which are 16 forms of paying tribute to Ganesha. In this you need to offer 21 blades of druva grass, 21 modakas, and flowers to Lord Ganesha. You need to apply a tilak using red Sandalwood paste to idol and keep the coconut along with the idol. After you have offered your best possible prasada to the Lord, you simply need to recite the 108 names dedicated to Lord Ganesha. Then bow down to Ganesha and seek his blessings. The puja is performed in a similar way even if it is a community fest. You need not to exceptionally elaborate the rituals of the Pooja rather all you need to do is pray with a clean and pious heart. Akhuratha One who has Mouse as his Chariot/Vehicle Alampata Ever Eternal Lord Amit Incomparable Lord Anantachidrupamayam Infinite and Consciousness Personified Avaneesh Lord of the whole World Avighna Remover of Obstacles Balaganapati Beloved and Lovable Child Bhalchandra Moon-Crested Lord Bheema Huge and Gigantic Bhupati Lord of the Gods Bhuvanpati God of the Gods Buddhinath God of Wisdom Buddhipriya Knowledge Bestower Buddhividhata God of Knowledge Chaturbhuj One who has Four Arms Devadeva Lord of All Lords Devantakanashakarin Destroyer of Evils and Asuras Devavrata One who accepts all Penances Devendrashika Protector of All Gods Dharmik One who gives Charity Dhoomravarna Smoke-Hued Lord Durja Invincible Lord Dvaimatura One who has two Mothers Ekaakshara He of the Single Syllable Ekadanta Single-Tusked Lord Ekadrishta Single-Tusked Lord Eshanputra Lord Shiva's Son Gadadhara One who has The Mace as His Weapon Gajakarna One who has Eyes like an Elephant Gajanana Elephant-Faced Lord Gajananeti Elephant-Faced Lord Gajavakra Trunk of The Elephant Gajavaktra One who has Mouth like an Elephant Ganadhakshya Lord of All Ganas Ganadhyakshina Leader of All The Celestial Bodies Ganapati Lord of All Ganas Gaurisuta The Son of Gauri Gunina One who is The Master of All Virtues Haridra One who is Golden Colored Heramba Mother's Beloved Son Kapila Yellowish-Brown Colored Kaveesha Master of Poets Kirti Lord of Music Kripalu Merciful Lord Krishapingaksha Yellowish-Brown Eyed Kshamakaram The Place of Forgiveness Kshipra One who is easy to Appease Lambakarna Large-Eared Lord Lambodara The Huge Bellied Lord Mahabala Enormously Strong Lord Mahaganapati Omnipotent and Supreme Lord Maheshwaram Lord of The Universe Mangalamurti All Auspicious Lord Manomay Winner of Hearts Mrityuanjaya Conqueror of Death Mundakarama Abode of Happiness Muktidaya Bestower of Eternal Bliss Musikvahana One who has Mouse as His Charioteer Nadapratithishta One who Appreciates and Loves Music Namasthetu Vanquisher of All Evils and Vices and Sins Nandana Lord Shiva's Son Nideeshwaram Giver of Wealth and Treasures Omkara One who has the Form Of OM Pitambara One who has Yellow Colored Body Pramoda Lord of All Abodes Prathameshwara First Among All Purush The Omnipotent Personality Rakta One who has Red Colored Body Rudrapriya Beloved Of Lord Shiva Sarvadevatman Acceptor of All Celestial Offerings Sarvasiddhanta Bestower of Skills and Wisdom Sarvatman Protector of The Universe Shambhavi The Son of Parvati Shashivarnam One who has a Moon like Complexion Shoorpakarna Large-Eared Lord Shuban All Auspicious Lord Shubhagunakanan One who is The Master of All Virtues Shweta One who is as Pure as the White Color Siddhidhata Bestower of Success and Accomplishments Siddhipriya Bestower of Wishes and Boons Siddhivinayaka Bestower of Success Skandapurvaja Elder Brother of Skanda Sumukha Auspicious Face Sureshwaram Lord of All Lords Swaroop Lover of Beauty Tarun Ageless Uddanda Nemesis of Evils and Vices Umaputra The Son of Goddess Uma Vakratunda Curved Trunk Lord Varaganapati Bestower of Boons Varaprada Granter of Wishes and Boons Varadavinayaka Bestower of Success Veeraganapati Heroic Lord Vidyavaridhi God of Wisdom Vighnahara Remover of Obstacles Vignaharta Demolisher of Obstacles Vighnaraja Lord of All Hindrances Vighnarajendra Lord of All Obstacles Vighnavinashanaya Destroyer of All Obstacles and Impediments Vigneshwara Lord of All Obstacles Vikat Huge and Gigantic Vinayaka Lord of All Vishwamukha Master of The Universe Vishwaraja King of The World Yagnakaya Acceptor of All Sacred and Sacrificial Offerings Yashaskaram Bestower of Fame and Fortune Yashvasin Beloved and Ever Popular Lord

MOKSHA...the Liberation.

Moksha. The perfection and purification of the soul. Determination, Maturity, Rules Restraints, Aasana, Pranaayam, Pratyahar and Penance. Ancient sages became Siddhas by above hard rituals. At one point They are no longer human. They are God Incarnate in Human Form. They did it by Meditation Samadhi Salvation and They thrive on their inner strength. Time is Limited, fixed for everyone, for everything. It is a wheel of 12 spokes- six ascending and six descending in life time. Fall at their feet and submit to them. The world is eternal. Its constituent elements, the six substances, are soul, matter, time, space, and the principles of motion and the arrest of motion. These are eternal and indestructible, but their conditions change constantly. The inhabited universe is divided into five parts. The lower world is subdivided into seven tiers, each one darker and more tortuous than the one above it. The middle world consists of numberless concentric continents separated by seas, the centre continent of which is called Jambudvipa, the only continent on which it is possible for the soul to achieve liberation. The celestial world consists of two categories of heaven, one for the souls of those who may or may not have entered the path and one for the souls of those who are far along on the path and are close to the time of their emancipation. At the apex of the occupied universe is the Siddhashila, the crescent-shaped abode of liberated souls. This can occur only when the soul is in a state of eternal liberation from and nonattachment to corporeal bodies. Liberation of the soul is impeded by the accumulation of karmans (see below Karman), bits of material, generated by a person's actions, that bind themselves to the soul and consequently bind the soul to material bodies through many births; this has the effect of thwarting the full self-realization and freedom of the soul. To understand how the Jainas perceive and address this problem, it is first necessary to explain the Jaina conception of reality. Time and the universal Time, according to the Jainas, is eternal and formless. It is conceived as a wheel with 12 spokes called aras ("ages"), six making an ascending arc and six a descending one. In the ascending arc (utsarpini), man progresses in knowledge, age, stature, and happiness, while in the descending arc (avasarpini) he deteriorates. The two cycles joined together make one rotation of the wheel of time, which is called a kalpa.The world is eternal and uncreated. Its constituent elements, the six substances (dravyas), are soul, matter, time, space, and the principles of motion and the arrest of motion. These are eternal and indestructible, but their conditions change constantly.Jainas divide the inhabited universe into five parts. The lower world (adholoka) is subdivided into seven tiers, each one darker and more tortuous than the one above it. The middle world (madhyaloka) consists of numberless concentric continents separated by seas, the centre continent of which is called Jambudvipa. Human beings occupy Jambudvipa, the second continent, and half of the third; the focus of Jaina activity, however, is Jambudvipa, the only continent on which it is possible for the soul to achieve liberation. The celestial world (urdhvaloka) consists of two categories of heaven: one for the souls of those who may or may not have entered the Jaina path and one for the souls of those who are far along on the path and are close to the time of their emancipation. At the apex of the occupied universe is the siddhashila, the crescent-shaped abode of liberated souls (siddhas). Finally, there are some areas inhabited solely by ekendriyas, organisms that have only a single sense. Although ekendriyas permeate all parts of the occupied universe, there are places where they are the only living beings.