Exhibition
Jai Jinendra! 
Welcome to Jain Exhibition during JSMC Pratishtha Mahotsav 2009!
Please plan to visit the Jain Exhibition, based on theme of 14 Gunasthänas, Jain Tirth Darshan, and Kalyänaks and Jain philosophy.
Timings: Weekends: 12:30 PM to 7:30 PM; Weekdays: 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM
Silent Auction: There will be silent auction for some of the paintings.
Gunasthäna Exhibition Room:(located downstairs near Library)
Enjoy the painting portraying key development stages in human life form; known as 14 Gunasthäna
(Paintings by JSMC member Mrs. Shubhra Jain)
In Jainism, the 14 Gunasthänas describe the path, modalities and prerequisites for the bonded soul (Bahirätmä) to become a liberated soul (Paramätmä) through the path of internal progress (by becoming Antarätmä). The process begins with the soul, which is at the lowest stage from times immemorial, circulating in the cycles of births and deaths due to lack of true belief, true knowledge and true conduct. Since there is a divine spark in every soul, it is struggling to find its true identity and potential of becoming liberated. During this progress through different Gunasthänas, the soul has to encounter ups and downs and also very unusual and unprecedented experiences during the ascent.
Jain Darshan Exhibition Room:(located downstairs near Library)
Enjoy following three slideshows and the painting done by Pathshala Students.
- Bhaktämar Stotra:
According to legends that are given in several texts, the Jain monk Manatunga was chained and imprisoned by the local King. Manatunga composed his stotra in the prison. With the completion of each verse, a chain broke, or a door opened. Manatunga was free when all the verses were finished. It reflects the highest level of bhakti towards God, ultimate soul. He surrendered himself with full faith that his devotion to the supreme soul would set him free from the restrains of life and death.
Enjoy the power point presentation of 48 verses of Bhaktämar Stotra in Sanskrit and its translation in Gujarati, Hindi and in English.. A picture for each verse represents the verse beautifully.
- Jain Tirth: (Pilgrimage places)
A beautiful slide show of Jain Tirths in India. Each Tirth picture is in high resolution and has titles.
- Jain Darshan:
Three core practices of Jain religion are
§ Non-Violence is compassionate thoughts, words, and deeds towards all living beings
§ Non-Absolutism is respecting views of others
§ Non-Possessiveness is the balancing of needs and desires, while staying detached from possessions
Besides, for thousands of years, Jains have been practicing vegetarianism, yoga, meditation, and environmentalism.
This power point presentation depicts all of these aspects of Jain Darshan (philosophy) in picture form for better understanding of Jain religion. Moreover, rich information about Ächäryas, scriptures, daily rituals and many other dimensions of Jain heritage are presented here in colorful pictures.
Thanks to Ashwinbhai & Gitaben Bhayani to offer their TV for this show!
Contact: Hemendra Mehta - (630) 717-1417 or Darshana Shah - (847) 464-2449
Thanks,
Exhibition Committee
