Jainism presentation

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JAINISM
A Way of Life & A Religion
Jain Society Of Metropolitan Chicago
435 N. Route 59, Bartlett, IL 60103
Phone: [phone]Website: www.jsmconline.org

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AgendaAgenda
JainismJainism
Jainism – A ReligionJainism – A Religion
Jainism and World ReligionsJainism and World Religions
Jainism – A Way of LifeJainism – A Way of Life
Jainism in USAJainism in USA
JSMC ChicagoJSMC Chicago
JSMC Expansion ProjectJSMC Expansion Project
Q&AQ&A

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Jainism
A Religion
Jain Society Of Metropolitan Chicago
435 N. Route 59, Bartlett, IL 60103
Phone: [phone]Website: www.jsmconline.org

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What is Jainism?What is Jainism?
Jainism is a way of life and one of the oldest religions of the world. Jainism is a way of life and one of the oldest religions of the world.
It believes in a cyclical nature of universe. It discourages superstition It believes in a cyclical nature of universe. It discourages superstition
and blind faith and encourages free and rational thinking.and blind faith and encourages free and rational thinking.
Jainism lays heavy emphasis on non-violence (ahimsa) and Jainism lays heavy emphasis on non-violence (ahimsa) and
discipline.discipline.
According to Jain philosophy, all Tirthankaras were born as human According to Jain philosophy, all Tirthankaras were born as human
beings but they have attained a state of perfection or enlightenment beings but they have attained a state of perfection or enlightenment
through meditation and self realization. They are the “Gods” of through meditation and self realization. They are the “Gods” of
Jains.Jains.
Jains have always practiced non-violence, vegetarianism, meditation, Jains have always practiced non-violence, vegetarianism, meditation,
yoga, and environmentalism.yoga, and environmentalism.

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What are the Principles of Jainism?What are the Principles of Jainism?

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What are Basic Philosophies of Jainism?What are Basic Philosophies of Jainism?
Jainism believes in Godhood but does not believe God to be the First Jainism believes in Godhood but does not believe God to be the First
Cause. God is not a Creator, Preserver or Destroyer of the universe.Cause. God is not a Creator, Preserver or Destroyer of the universe.
““God” does not Punish or Reward God” does not Punish or Reward
Each person is responsible for improving life by one’s self-endeavorEach person is responsible for improving life by one’s self-endeavor
Each person is capable of achieving GodhoodEach person is capable of achieving Godhood
All Living Beings have Souls & are EqualAll Living Beings have Souls & are Equal
All life is sacredAll life is sacred
Therefore, living in peace & harmony is essentialTherefore, living in peace & harmony is essential
Elimination of our Karmas is the Path to Liberation Elimination of our Karmas is the Path to Liberation
& Achievement of Godhood& Achievement of Godhood
It requires multiple re-birthsIt requires multiple re-births
Ultimate Goal of LifeUltimate Goal of Life
To be free from all karmaTo be free from all karma
Equality

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What is the Karma Theory?What is the Karma Theory?
The principles governing the successions of life cycles The principles governing the successions of life cycles
(birth, life, and death) is Karma.(birth, life, and death) is Karma.
The Theory of Karma is founded on the simple law of cause The Theory of Karma is founded on the simple law of cause
and effect. What we experience now is the result of our own and effect. What we experience now is the result of our own
past action and our future is a function of our own choice past action and our future is a function of our own choice
and making.and making.
Explains the role that karmas play in our lives, how we Explains the role that karmas play in our lives, how we
accumulate karmas, and how we get rid of them.accumulate karmas, and how we get rid of them.
Actions of mind, speech, and body bind us with karma and Actions of mind, speech, and body bind us with karma and
our intentions and the passions determine the duration, our intentions and the passions determine the duration,
strength and the results of the bondage.strength and the results of the bondage.

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Who Is Lord Mahavir?Who Is Lord Mahavir?
Lord Mahavir - 24Lord Mahavir - 24
thth
(and final) Tirthankara (and final) Tirthankara
Born on March 30, 599 B.C. (about 2600 years ago) as a prince Born on March 30, 599 B.C. (about 2600 years ago) as a prince
in Bihar, India. He attained nirvana in the year 527 B.C. at the in Bihar, India. He attained nirvana in the year 527 B.C. at the
age of 72. age of 72.
The ultimate objective of his teaching is how one can attain the The ultimate objective of his teaching is how one can attain the
total freedom from the cycle of birth, life, and death, and total freedom from the cycle of birth, life, and death, and
achieve the permanent blissful state (known as liberation, achieve the permanent blissful state (known as liberation,
nirvana, absolute freedom, or Moksha.) nirvana, absolute freedom, or Moksha.)
He shaped the present form of Jainism. Lord Mahavir He shaped the present form of Jainism. Lord Mahavir
envisioned men and women to be on equal footing in the envisioned men and women to be on equal footing in the
matters of spiritual advancement.matters of spiritual advancement.

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Jain SymbolsJain Symbols
Palm – signifies assurance; to
have faith and change the path of
righteousness.
Wheel of Dharma – 24 spokes
represent the 24 Tirthankaras.
The word inside the wheel is
ahimsa.
Digit of moon – (region of liberated
souls)
Three dots – (Right Perception/Faith,
Right Knowledge, and Right Conduct)
Overall meaning – After removing all
of their karmas, living beings will reside
in the world of liberated souls.

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Major Jain Religious EventsMajor Jain Religious Events
Mahavir Jayanti – celebration of the birth of Mahavir Jayanti – celebration of the birth of
Lord MahavirLord Mahavir
Paryushan Parva – festival of forgivenessParyushan Parva – festival of forgiveness
Samvatsari Pratikraman – 3 hour prayer to ask Samvatsari Pratikraman – 3 hour prayer to ask
for forgivenessfor forgiveness
Mahavir Nirvan – celebration at Diwali/New Mahavir Nirvan – celebration at Diwali/New
Year’s per the lunar calendarYear’s per the lunar calendar

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Jain TemplesJain Temples
The idols of the 24 Tirthankaras are the same because they represent the quality and virtues of the
Tirthankaras, not the physical body. A unique symbol at the bottom of each idol differentiates
them.
For example, Lord Mahavir's idol is recognized by the symbol of a lion.

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What does Jainism Teach about Ecology?What does Jainism Teach about Ecology?
Non-Possessiveness / AparigrahaNon-Possessiveness / Aparigraha
Self-restraint is the second most Self-restraint is the second most
important Jain principle.important Jain principle.
Minimizing consumption provides Minimizing consumption provides
respect for others’ life and environment.respect for others’ life and environment.
Reuse / Recycle Products – Do not Reuse / Recycle Products – Do not
waste the gifts of nature.waste the gifts of nature.
Share resources.Share resources.
Nature provides enough for our Nature provides enough for our
NEED, but not enough for our NEED, but not enough for our
GREED.GREED.
Environmentalism

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Jainism
and World Religions
Jain Society Of Metropolitan Chicago
435 N. Route 59, Bartlett, IL 60103
Phone: [phone]Website: www.jsmconline.org

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World ReligionWorld Religion
““What holds one from falling from What holds one from falling from
spiritual degeneration is religion.”spiritual degeneration is religion.”

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TimelineTimeline
571AD
Mohammed
Judaism
Christianity
Jainism
Hinduism
Islam
2600BC
Abraham
2200BC
Exodus from Egypt
30BC
Christ
Beginning-less / Endless
Beginning-less / Endless
557BC, Mahavir
483BC
Gautam Buddha
1940sAD Israel
Buddhism

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External God & Internal SoulExternal God & Internal Soul
Jainism:
Soul
Western:
God

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Life CyclesLife Cycles
Jainism:
Cycle of Life
Western:
Linearity of Life
birth:
pure state
death
heaven
hell
enlightenment
cycle of
life/death
elimination of
karmic bondage
nirvana

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Different Core – Similar OutcomeDifferent Core – Similar Outcome
External god controls you
Religion/philosophy/science separate
Linear nature of life/death
As you sow so you reap on
judgment day
God is the soul within you
Karma determines your next life
Cyclic nature of life/death - nirvana
Religion and philosophy are intertwined
Eastern ReligionsWestern Religions

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Jainism
A Way of Life
Jain Society Of Metropolitan Chicago
435 N. Route 59, Bartlett, IL 60103
Phone: [phone]Website: www.jsmconline.org

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Jain BeliefsJain Beliefs

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What is Daily Life of a Jain?What is Daily Life of a Jain?
Code of Conduct for Monks & Nuns (stricter)Code of Conduct for Monks & Nuns (stricter)
Code for Laymen and LaywomenCode for Laymen and Laywomen
Vegetarianism & Non-Violent PracticesVegetarianism & Non-Violent Practices
No Silk, Leather, Animal ProductsNo Silk, Leather, Animal Products
Simplicity of Lifestyle, Non-MaterialismSimplicity of Lifestyle, Non-Materialism
Meditation and IntrospectionMeditation and Introspection
Forgiveness is a Moral DoctrineForgiveness is a Moral Doctrine
Compassion, Charity & Community ServiceCompassion, Charity & Community Service
Preservation of the EnvironmentPreservation of the Environment
Jainism is the World’s Only Religion Emphasizing the EnvironmentJainism is the World’s Only Religion Emphasizing the Environment

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How Does Jainism Bring Change?How Does Jainism Bring Change?

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Multi Step ApproachMulti Step Approach

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Jainism
In USA
Jain Society Of Metropolitan Chicago
435 N. Route 59, Bartlett, IL 60103
Phone: [phone]Website: www.jsmconline.org

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Jainism in USA – HistoryJainism in USA – History
Two events anticipated the future arrival of Jainism in the Two events anticipated the future arrival of Jainism in the
United StatesUnited States
1.1.The arrival of The arrival of Virachand GandhiVirachand Gandhi in 1893 at Chicago's in 1893 at Chicago's
World Parliament of ReligionsWorld Parliament of Religions. He is therefore, considered the . He is therefore, considered the
father of American Jainism.father of American Jainism.
2.2.The construction of a "The construction of a "Jain templeJain temple" at the " at the St. Louis World's FairSt. Louis World's Fair
in 1904-1905.in 1904-1905.
Jainism inspired Mahatma Gandhi’s non-violent struggle Jainism inspired Mahatma Gandhi’s non-violent struggle
for India’s independence from Britain.for India’s independence from Britain.
Dr. M. L. King (USA) and Nelson Mandela (S. Africa) Dr. M. L. King (USA) and Nelson Mandela (S. Africa)
applied the first principle of Jainism (ahimsa/non-applied the first principle of Jainism (ahimsa/non-
violence) in Civil Rights strugglesviolence) in Civil Rights struggles

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Jainism in USA – TimelineJainism in USA – Timeline
1850 - 1850 - American Vegetarian SocietyAmerican Vegetarian Society established established
1893 - Arrival of 1893 - Arrival of Virachand GandhiVirachand Gandhi to participate in to participate in
Chicago's Chicago's World Parliament of ReligionsWorld Parliament of Religions
1904 - Jain Temple at St. Louis World's Fair1904 - Jain Temple at St. Louis World's Fair
1944 - First Jain settlers in USA1944 - First Jain settlers in USA
1966 - Jain Center of America in New York established1966 - Jain Center of America in New York established
1973 - Jain Center of Greater Boston established1973 - Jain Center of Greater Boston established
1981 - First Jain convention in Los Angeles1981 - First Jain convention in Los Angeles
1983 - Formal organization of 1983 - Formal organization of JAINAJAINA ( (Jain Associations in North AmericaJain Associations in North America))
1991 - Founding of 1991 - Founding of SiddhachalamSiddhachalam, the Jain , the Jain TirthaTirtha
1993 - Temple Pratishtha, Jain Society of Metropolitan Chicago1993 - Temple Pratishtha, Jain Society of Metropolitan Chicago
2000 - Jain Vishwa Bharati Orlando2000 - Jain Vishwa Bharati Orlando
2002 - Jain population estimated to be about 100,0002002 - Jain population estimated to be about 100,000

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Jains in USA - TodayJains in USA - Today
66 Jain Centers in USA66 Jain Centers in USA
113,000 Approximate Jains in USA113,000 Approximate Jains in USA
(vs. 6 Million out of 1.1 Billion people in India)(vs. 6 Million out of 1.1 Billion people in India)
$26 Billions Assets$26 Billions Assets
$4.2 Billions Estimated Collective Total Income of NA Jains$4.2 Billions Estimated Collective Total Income of NA Jains
Today there are Jain centers in 25 of the 50 U.S. statesToday there are Jain centers in 25 of the 50 U.S. states
Refer to Harvard Pluralism Project's Refer to Harvard Pluralism Project's Directory of Religious CentersDirectory of Religious Centers
Why is “Jain” sometimes spelled “Jaina”?
Words often have an inherent “a” (pronounced ‘uh’ as in ‘under’) sound at the end of them. Though English is not
very particular about this sound (many English words are not pronounced phonetically), Indian languages are very
particular about sound. Thus, the word “Jain”, spelled in Hindi or Gujarati, does contain the inherent “a” sound at
the end. In order to negate this sound, a special marker is placed under the particular letter. Therefore, to translate
the word “Jain” from Prakrit or Sanskrit, it may be spelled with our without the “a”, simply because when spoken, it
does contain an “a” sound at the end.

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Jainism in USA - In 2020Jainism in USA - In 2020
JAINA
Jain
Centers
NA
Jains
JAINA
Jain
Centers
NA
Jains
EXPAND
(Community Awareness)
EVOLVE
(Our Practices)
ENERGIZE
(Our organization)
EDUCATE
(Impact trends)

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JSMC
Chicago
Jain Society Of Metropolitan Chicago
435 N. Route 59, Bartlett, IL 60103
Phone: [phone]Website: www.jsmconline.org

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JSMC - HistoryJSMC - History
19691969 Inception of the idea of organizing a Jain Society in ChicagoInception of the idea of organizing a Jain Society in Chicago
(Mr. & Mrs. Solanki)(Mr. & Mrs. Solanki)
19701970 Adopted the Constitution for the purpose of JSMC on Jan 11, 1970Adopted the Constitution for the purpose of JSMC on Jan 11, 1970
19831983 Organization of the Federation of Jain Associations In North AmericaOrganization of the Federation of Jain Associations In North America
(JAINA)(JAINA)
19881988 Purchased 15.4 acres of land for the Jain CenterPurchased 15.4 acres of land for the Jain Center
1992/19931992/1993Opening Ceremonies of the Jain Temple / Jain Community CenterOpening Ceremonies of the Jain Temple / Jain Community Center
1995/20011995/2001JAINA Conventions hosted by JSMC in ChicagoJAINA Conventions hosted by JSMC in Chicago
20082008 Approximately 1,500 member familiesApproximately 1,500 member families
20082008 YJA Convention will be held in Lincolnshire, ILYJA Convention will be held in Lincolnshire, IL
Jain Society of Metropolitan Chicago
435 N. Route 59, Bartlett, IL 60103
[phone] / 1088

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Jain Society of Metropolitan Chicago Jain Society of Metropolitan Chicago
“JSMC”“JSMC”
A non-profit tax exempt organization registered in State of Illinois and A non-profit tax exempt organization registered in State of Illinois and
operating under IRC Title operating under IRC Title 26 U.S.C.26 U.S.C.  § 501(c)§ 501(c), Section 501(c)(3) status, Section 501(c)(3) status
Largest membership representation of the Jain Centers in North AmericaLargest membership representation of the Jain Centers in North America
Member of the Federation of Jain Associations In North America (JAINA) Member of the Federation of Jain Associations In North America (JAINA)
Built the 1Built the 1
stst
significant Jain Temple of North America on 15.4 acre significant Jain Temple of North America on 15.4 acre
propertyproperty
For further information, visit For further information, visit www.jsmconline.orgwww.jsmconline.org.  .  

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The Purpose of JSMCThe Purpose of JSMC
Increase the awareness of the principles of Jainism.Increase the awareness of the principles of Jainism.
Achieve the unity of all Jains.Achieve the unity of all Jains.
Provide a platform wherefrom to project the voice of Jain Provide a platform wherefrom to project the voice of Jain
religion.religion.
Promote the feeling of amity and brotherhood among Jains Promote the feeling of amity and brotherhood among Jains
and to promote inter-faith understanding.and to promote inter-faith understanding.
Fulfill social, cultural, educational and economic needs of the Fulfill social, cultural, educational and economic needs of the
Jain community.Jain community.
Establish communications between scholars of Jain philosophy Establish communications between scholars of Jain philosophy
and members of the Society.and members of the Society.
Celebrate Jain festivals and holidays.Celebrate Jain festivals and holidays.

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The Mission of JSMCThe Mission of JSMC
To offer a trustworthy and structured ground for To offer a trustworthy and structured ground for
projecting a common voice of all Jains forprojecting a common voice of all Jains for
Promoting principles of Jain religionPromoting principles of Jain religion
Providing Jain education to the communityProviding Jain education to the community
Celebrating Jain social and cultural events in a manner that Celebrating Jain social and cultural events in a manner that
is compassionate, vibrant, & dynamic.is compassionate, vibrant, & dynamic.
In doing so, the organization shall execute its affairs In doing so, the organization shall execute its affairs
ethically based on a sound infrastructure and ethically based on a sound infrastructure and
responsible conduct, while creating a sustainable responsible conduct, while creating a sustainable
financial position.financial position.

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JSMC’s Vision for the FutureJSMC’s Vision for the Future
Establish an inspiring Jain lifestyle thatEstablish an inspiring Jain lifestyle that
Focuses on youth involvementFocuses on youth involvement
Boasts the highest membership among Jain centers outside Boasts the highest membership among Jain centers outside
of Indiaof India
Demonstrates having a positive impact on every stakeholderDemonstrates having a positive impact on every stakeholder
Grows financially to a stable and sustainable debt-free Grows financially to a stable and sustainable debt-free
positionposition
Becomes a “can’t live without” for the communityBecomes a “can’t live without” for the community
Attracts visitors as a “must visit” place on Chicago’s listAttracts visitors as a “must visit” place on Chicago’s list

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JSMC – In 2020JSMC – In 2020
JAINA
Terapanthi
Stanakvasi
Deravasi
Svetambar
Digambar
JSMC JAINS

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JSMC – TempleJSMC – Temple

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JSMC
Expansion Project
Jain Society Of Metropolitan Chicago
435 N. Route 59, Bartlett, IL 60103
Phone: [phone]Website: www.jsmconline.org

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JSMC Expansion Project - ScopeJSMC Expansion Project - Scope
Upper LevelUpper Level
78,000 Sq Ft of State of the Art Facility78,000 Sq Ft of State of the Art Facility
Expanded Temple with Additional 1,100 Sq FtExpanded Temple with Additional 1,100 Sq Ft
Larger Rang Mandap, Larger Pooja Room, New Storage RoomLarger Rang Mandap, Larger Pooja Room, New Storage Room
New Prayer Hall and StageNew Prayer Hall and Stage
Double the Previous Capacity to 1,500 PeopleDouble the Previous Capacity to 1,500 People
Nursery RoomNursery Room
Conference RoomsConference Rooms
Expanded Coat and Shoe AreasExpanded Coat and Shoe Areas
Expanded Restrooms / ShowersExpanded Restrooms / Showers
Larger Reception and OfficesLarger Reception and Offices

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JSMC Expansion Project - ScopeJSMC Expansion Project - Scope
Lower LevelLower Level
8 New Pathshala Class Rooms8 New Pathshala Class Rooms
Teachers LoungeTeachers Lounge
Expanded Library FacilityExpanded Library Facility
Larger Modern KitchenLarger Modern Kitchen
Expanded Dining HallExpanded Dining Hall
Medical / First Aid RoomMedical / First Aid Room
Youth RoomYouth Room
Fitness CenterFitness Center
2 Elevators and Stairways2 Elevators and Stairways

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JSMC Expansion Project - StatusJSMC Expansion Project - Status
$9.5 Million Expansion Project Launched – 2005$9.5 Million Expansion Project Launched – 2005
Jain Center Construction Expansion – 2005 / 2007Jain Center Construction Expansion – 2005 / 2007
The Community Center expansion substantially complete ($6.5 million)The Community Center expansion substantially complete ($6.5 million)
Will require expanded audio/video system, stage curtains, stage lighting, and Will require expanded audio/video system, stage curtains, stage lighting, and
other furnishings ($1.5 million)other furnishings ($1.5 million)
Jain Temple Construction Expansion – 2008 / 2009Jain Temple Construction Expansion – 2008 / 2009
Temple reconstruction remains unfinished pending marble work requiring Temple reconstruction remains unfinished pending marble work requiring
availability of skilled marble craftsmen (artisans) that are expert in temple-availability of skilled marble craftsmen (artisans) that are expert in temple-
related marble work ($1.5 million)related marble work ($1.5 million)
Targeted completion 2009Targeted completion 2009

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For More InformationFor More Information
Jain Center of Chicago Jain Center of Chicago www.jsmconline.orgwww.jsmconline.org
BBC Website BBC Website
http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/jainism/index.shtmlhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/jainism/index.shtml
http://www.cs.colostate.edu/~malaiya/jainhlinks.htmlhttp://www.cs.colostate.edu/~malaiya/jainhlinks.html
www.jainworld.comwww.jainworld.com
www.jainstudy.orgwww.jainstudy.org
www.jaina.orgwww.jaina.org
Over 1.5 Million Google ReferencesOver 1.5 Million Google References

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Thank You
Jain Society Of Metropolitan Chicago
435 N. Route 59, Bartlett, IL 60103
Phone: [phone]Website: www.jsmconline.org

44. About JSMCAbout JSMC
Founded in 1970, the Jain Society of Metropolitan Chicago (JSMC) is a non-profit tax exempt organization Founded in 1970, the Jain Society of Metropolitan Chicago (JSMC) is a non-profit tax exempt organization
registered in State of Illinois and operating under IRC Title registered in State of Illinois and operating under IRC Title 26 U.S.C.26 U.S.C.  § 501(c)§ 501(c), Section 501(c)(3) status. JSMC has , Section 501(c)(3) status. JSMC has
a membership of about 1,500 families, the largest membership representation of the Jain Centers in North a membership of about 1,500 families, the largest membership representation of the Jain Centers in North
America. JSMC is a proud member of the Federation of Jain Associations In North America (JAINA) and has a America. JSMC is a proud member of the Federation of Jain Associations In North America (JAINA) and has a
distinctive honor of having built in 1992 the 1distinctive honor of having built in 1992 the 1
stst
significant Jain Temple of North America on 15.4 acre property it significant Jain Temple of North America on 15.4 acre property it
owns in Bartlett, Illinois.owns in Bartlett, Illinois.
The primary purpose of JSMC is to provide a temple for religious services and a community center for social, The primary purpose of JSMC is to provide a temple for religious services and a community center for social,
cultural, educational and economic needs of the Jain community. Other objectives of JSMC are to increase the cultural, educational and economic needs of the Jain community. Other objectives of JSMC are to increase the
awareness of the principles of Jainism, achieve the unity of all Jains, provide a platform wherefrom to project the awareness of the principles of Jainism, achieve the unity of all Jains, provide a platform wherefrom to project the
voice of Jain religion, promote the feeling of amity and brotherhood among Jains and to promote inter-faith voice of Jain religion, promote the feeling of amity and brotherhood among Jains and to promote inter-faith
understanding, establish communications between scholars of Jain philosophy and members of the Society, and understanding, establish communications between scholars of Jain philosophy and members of the Society, and
celebrate Jain festivals and holidays.celebrate Jain festivals and holidays.
  For Further Information please visit For Further Information please visit www.jsmconline.orgwww.jsmconline.org or contact:   or contact:  
Mr. Dipak Doshi
Chairman of the Board of Trustees
[phone]
Mr. Hemant Shah
Membership Secretary
[phone]
Jain Society of Metropolitan Chicago
435 N. Route 59, Bartlett, IL 60103
[phone] / 1088