Latest news with #Jainism
Time of India
3 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Transport From Slavery To Salvation
"The bitterest thing in today's sorrow is the memory of yesterday's joy," wrote Kahlil Gibran, but to let go is easier said than done. It is one of the most challenging things to do. Material objects metamorphose into immaterial objects sooner or later. Ironically, it is physically nonexistent entities like emotions, sentiments and memories that turn into attachments from which it is painful to detach. Letting go does not necessarily mean getting rid of or throwing things out. The problem arises when possessions become obsessions. A stack of never-to-be-worn clothes, which, if given away, could help some; out-of-action gadgets, which feng shui will advise not to keep as they gather negative energies; chipped ceramic cups; never-to-be-read list can go on and on. Besides collecting dust and creating clutter, they remind us of days that never return. All because we have allowed ourselves to become victims of sentiments or emotions. Detachment does not hurt, but attachment does. Memories do not occupy any physical place, though they are often described as bittersweet. The past does not come back but can still impact the present and future. "The root of all suffering is attachment," said the Buddha . These attachments can be both material and mental. According to Buddhism , the key to overcoming suffering is letting go of desires, attachments and aversions. In the universe, which is transcendental, ever changing, when we 'hang on', we go against the law of nature, and suffer. Possession and past restrict, suffocate, confine, ensnare and entangle. According to the Bhagwad Gita , "Attachments interfere with a person's ability to think clearly or rationally. When the person is free from attachments, he becomes equal to attractions, aversions and intelligence." Vairagya, relinquishment, translates into freedom from bondages and bindings, a transport from slavery to salvation. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo In Christianity, renunciation is the forsaking of worldly desires and possessions to follow the path of Jesus Christ and his teachings. Jesus once advised a rich ruler, "Sell everything you own and give to the poor, and you will have treasures in heaven. Then come and follow me." Jainism speaks of aparigraha - attachment brings suffering and sorrow, which is why all worldly possessions and relations are to be given up. Islam says, "Detachment means nothing should own you." According to the Maitri Upanishad , "Control of thought is liberation." One must go beyond the elements, senses, object of senses, greed, envy, leisure, self-love, anger, and lust to be on the path of liberation and realising Brahmn. Renunciation does not mean being nonloving, indifferent or apathetic. It means surmounting obsession, weakness, addiction, ego or mania as these negative entities cast shadows on our thoughts, affect reason, relationships and realities. Imprisonment by materials and moments is the angst that prevents living and enjoying the present. Isha Upanishad says, "Whatever moves in this moving world is enveloped by God. Therefore, enjoy renunciation; do not covet what belongs to others." Longing for what is not ours can only bring about contempt and conflicts. The best lesson of attachment with detachment is the Sun. Without any demand, desire, or discrimination, the Sun, benevolent niskamkarmi, sakha, sustains life on earth and the earth itself with its light and warmth. Authored by: Soma Chakravertty Why Arjun Was Chosen: The Untold Secret of Bhagavad Gita Chapter 4, Verse 3
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Hindustan Times
Spiritual tourism to get boost in four districts of Varanasi division
Under the tourism department's scheme to boost spiritual tourism in Uttar Pradesh, the focus will be on developing pilgrimage sites related to Jainism, and ashrams of saints like Valmiki, and Kabir in four districts of the Varanasi division. They will be renovated and equipped with facilities to preserve cultural and spiritual heritage of Eastern Uttar Pradesh. In a press statement, deputy director tourism Rajendra Rawat said that Jain pilgrimage sites, Valmiki ashrams, ashram of Sant Kabir and places of Sufi saints will be equipped with various facilities such as road connectivity, ornamental lighting, Parikrama Path and other required facilities. In addition, if there are any ponds related to the sites, they will also be renovated. Apart from this, signages will be installed to display historical and religious information related to these sites. Shops and exhibition sites can also be built to promote local art and craft. The deputy director said that letters have been written to the District Culture Department and district magistrates of four districts of Varanasi division, Varanasi, Jaunpur, Ghazipur and Chandauli with a request to provide information about the pilgrimage sites by June 10 in order that process of the renovation and beautification of these sites could be started. There is planning to renovate the Sufi saints' places under the scheme. The scheme to renovate and beautify the pilgrimage sites will give new dimension to the cultural landscape of Eastern UP. The development of pilgrimage sites of various religious communities will promote domestic and international tourism in the region. This will provide new employment and self-employment opportunities to the local youth through hotels, restaurants, local handicrafts, tourism and cultural activities.
India.com
21-05-2025
- India.com
Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2025: 750 Pilgrims Shortlisted; Check Date, Schedule, Route Options And Duration
Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Route: The Ministry of External Affairs has shortlisted 750 pilgrims through a draw of lots from over 5,500 applications received from across the country for the upcoming Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. The pilgrimage is resuming this year after being paused since 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and border conflict between India and China. The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is a significant religious journey, with the sacred Mount Kailash revered as the abode of Lord Shiva. It is not only a center of faith for Hindus but also holds deep spiritual importance for followers of Jainism and Buddhism. According to the Ministry, as many as 5,561 people, including 4,024 men and 1,537 women applicants, had registered online for the pilgrimage across the country. The Ministry of External Affairs organises the Yatra, with Minister of State Kirti Vardhan Singh monitoring the computerised draw to select pilgrims from online registrants. The selection process was fair, random, computer-generated, and gender-balanced. Pilgrims can check their status by visiting the official website or by calling 011-23088133. Kailash Mansarovar Yatra: Date, And Schedule The journey will officially begin on 30 June 2025 and is likely to continue until 25 August 2025. It will take place via two different routes: Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand and Nathula Pass in Sikkim. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the pilgrims will travel in five batches of 50 people each via the Lipulekh route, and ten batches of 50 pilgrims each through the Nathu La route. Kailash Mansarovar Yatra: Route Options And Duration It offers two routes for pilgrims to choose from. The Lipulekh Pass route in Uttarakhand will take around 23 days to complete. This is slightly longer than before, as extra days have been added in 2025 for document verification and health check-ups in Delhi. The Nathula Pass route in Sikkim lasts about 25 days and also includes a three-day stop in Delhi to complete necessary formalities before continuing the journey. Both routes ensure pilgrims have time to complete important procedures smoothly before heading to the sacred destination. Kailash Mansarovar Yatra: Health and Document Checks Before starting the yatra, pilgrims are required to spend three days in Delhi for medical examinations, acclimatisation briefings, and document verification. These steps are essential to ensure the safety of all travellers, given the high-altitude and physically demanding nature of the journey.
ABC News
20-05-2025
- Business
- ABC News
Jain community raises millions to build marble temple in Melbourne
At an eye-catching construction site in Melbourne's south-east, ornately carved marble blocks, like the ones used in the Taj Mahal, are being assembled "like a jigsaw puzzle". By the end of next year, it's hoped the pieces will come together, and finally make real the Victorian Jain community's long-awaited dream of having their own temple. Jainism is an ancient Indian religion grounded in non-violence and personal spiritual development. Nitin Doshi, president of Melbourne Shwetambar Jain Sangh (MSJS), said while Victoria's Jain community was relatively small, over the past decade they had managed to fundraise most of the money needed for the project. "It was our wish and will that we build this community centre and temple with our own money," he said. "We have not approached anybody for financial help." In 2007, a small group of Jain families who gathered for religious activities formed the MSJS. One of the association's main aims is to create a place of worship for religious and cultural activities. "We wanted this and future generations to remain in touch with the religion and preach and practice the principles of Jainism over here in Melbourne," Mr Doshi said. To build Victoria's first Jain temple, Mr Doshi estimated they would need between $15 and $18 million. For the community of about 750 people, mostly first-generation migrants, the financial commitment is significant. "Everybody is in the settling stage," Mr Doshi said. "Many Jains came here as students, got their [permanent resident visa], and decided to make Melbourne their home." Despite these challenges, the community showed remarkable determination, and raised $12 million for the project over 10 years. In 2016-17, MSJS visited 275 families to share their plans and seek funding support. "We raised $3 million from 200 families," Mr Doshi said. That money was used to purchase the land for the temple and community centre. A ceremony marking the temple's construction brought in another $3.8 million in donations, while a later event to welcome deity statues from India raised $2 million, according to Mr Doshi. The community is still a few million short of the budget they need to finish building the temple. They plan to fundraise the remaining amount through upcoming events and continued community support. Building a traditional Jain temple in Australia presents unique challenges. Shwetal Shah, the project's structural consultant and a member of the Jain community, explained that under Jain religious values no steel can be used in the temple. He had to come up with a way to make sure the construction of the temple complied with Australian building codes and religious guidelines. Instead of steel, glass fibre has been used to reinforce a concrete frame that supports the temple's marble blocks. "We designed the structure and proved it was possible that concrete could sustain the load with the glass reinforcement," he said. The temple is being constructed using 1,500 tonnes of marble shipped from Makrana in Rajasthan, India, the same marble used in the Taj Mahal. Each of the 5,000 marble pieces that will be used in the temple has been crafted and assembled in Rajasthan to ensure the perfect fit, then numbered before being disassembled for shipping. "Once we knew it worked, we brought it here and put it back together like a jigsaw puzzle," Mr Shah said. Beyond financial contributions, the community has shown spiritual commitment to the project through daily fasting. Since August 2015, one member of Melbourne's Jain community has been fasting every day, Mr Doshi said. More than 3,500 fasts have occurred and they're set to continue until the temple's completion. The practice, known as Upvas, follows a rotating schedule that has grown from a small group to about 140 members. Vikram Jain, an accountant in his 40s, who joined the fasting roster along with his wife and son, explained the project's significance. Younger community members have also been fasting. Shanya Shah, a 20-year-old student studying a Bachelor of Health Science, began fasting when she was just 10 years old. "We believe this collective spiritual energy helps overcome obstacles along the way and allows smooth progression of building our [temple]," she said. The community hopes to complete the temple by late 2026, concluding a nearly two-decade journey. For Ms Shah, this historic project is meaningful and humbling. "It fills me with a deep sense of fulfilment, gratitude and pride, to be part of something," she said. "This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity because this [temple] is being built for the first time on Melbourne soil."
Times
19-05-2025
- Times
Ancient India: Living Traditions review — gods and rituals come to life
Considering the sheer size of the country, you might expect an exhibition entitled Ancient India: Living Traditions to be a sprawling mess. However, it's surprisingly compact, perhaps because if they were to go big, we'd have to go home well before we got to the end. The British Museum's atmospheric show — separated into four sections by curtains of sheer, shimmering silk and accompanied by a soundtrack of temple bells and birdsong — looks at the devotional art of the region's main religious traditions active between about 200BC to AD600, when sacred images shifted from the purely symbolic to take broadly human forms. Starting with the worship of nature spirits, it leads into Jainism, then Buddhism, both of which appeared in northern India about 2,500
