Past Activities
As a part of of JVBNA first Community Outreach activity for the year, around 40 members of Jain community came together on Saturday, 26 April 2025 & celebrated Earth Day by supporting Annual Spring Clean up in the neighborhood.
Our community members through varied age groups enthusiastically participated to celebrate and care for our environment and guided by the principles of Ahimsa (non-violence) and Aparigraha(non-possessiveness).
In collaboration with the Borough of South Plainfield, this special event focused on teaching children the importance of giving back to society and protecting our shared home, the Earth.
The day started at 9:00 am with members of JVB meeting heading to South Plainfield Municipal Center, collectected supplies and then walked to Spring Lake Park to begin the clean up activity at 10:00am. Activity was schedule from 10:00 am – 12:00 noon which was followed by Pizza Lunch in South Plainfield Municipal Center.
In an effort to clean the park we formed small groups covering the whole park collecting trash and recycling items, collecting about 8-10 large bags.
The day was filled with meaningful activities and community clean-up efforts. Our adults and children besides bonding and enjoying the outdoors sharing their experiences, also actively participated and learned how mindful, sustainable choices can contribute to a healthier planet.
By combining teachings with environmental action, and with collaboration and support of local leadership, the event highlighted how collective efforts can lead to lasting impact. Volunteers and community leaders shared messages of compassion, service, and responsibility, inspiring both kids and adults to live in harmony with nature.
Mayor Matthew P. Anesh thanked our community members for their support as we celebrated Earth Day as a reflection of our values and a commitment to a better future for all.
Together, we celebrated not just Earth Day, but a lifelong commitment to harmony with nature and service to humanity.
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In December, we concluded a series of spiritually enriching Swadhyay sessions, gracefully led by Samani Kamal Pragyaji and Samani Karuna Pragyaji during their New Jersey pravas. Our heartfelt gratitude to both samaniijs.
Each morning commenced with divine Bhaktamar, prayer chants, pranayam, meditation, mangal path, and more, all conducted live daily on Zoom. These sessions served as a beautiful opportunity to recharge our internal batteries, setting the tone for a successful and productive day ahead.
On Tuesday evenings, participants engaged in Quench, a unique quiz experience centered around Jain tattva. This was followed by insightful explanations provided by Samanijis on Wednesdays, fostering a deepened understanding of Jain philosophy. The popularity of this initiative among participants underscored its value in self-assessment and philosophical enrichment.
Wednesday evenings were dedicated to several special question and answer sessions, where Samanijis addressed a wide range of inquiries pertaining to the application of Jain philosophy in daily life, offering practical insights and guidance.
Every Thursday evening, both in-person and on Zoom, participants had the privilege of delving into the Prashna Vyakaran Agam Swadhyay. Here, they immersed themselves in the profound teachings of Agam sutras, gaining a deeper understanding of their significance and experiencing the blissful wisdom of Bhagwan Mahavira. This series followed the Gunasthan Swadhyay conducted earlier in the year, enriching the journey of spiritual growth.
Friday evenings were dedicated to the 21 Dvar Swadhyay, providing participants with a unique opportunity to test and solidify their comprehension of Jain concepts.
Additionally, a special Young Learners Swadhyay series on Friday evenings catered to ages 8 and above, offering them the invaluable opportunity to learn Pratikraman Patis under the nurturing guidance of Samanijis.
Saturday evenings were dedicated to well-attended Samayik sessions, addressing various Swadhyay topics based on attendees’ preferences and interests.
On Sunday afternoons, participants engaged in Nav Tattva Swadhyay and Muni Gajsukumal Vyakhyan, which provided detailed insights into the fundamentals of Jainism and an immersive journey through the inspirational story.
For those who missed the live sessions, recordings of many Swadhyay sessions are available on the JVBNA YouTube channel, ensuring accessibility and continuity of spiritual learning and growth:
www.youtube.com/c/JVBNA.
JVB Orlando, London, Houston, New Jersey & Anuvrat Vishva Bharati Society- India organized a series of lecture on Applied Anuvrat on the occasion of 75th years of Anuvrat Movement started by Acharyashri Tulsi. Wherein Samani Nirdheshika Kamalpragyaji & Karunapragyaji presented lecture from New Jersey.
Samani Karunapragji presented a very interesting lecture on Anuvrat Prayokta Mohanbhai Jain on June 24th, enhancing the same with visual presentation through elaborated PowerPoint slide. Shri Mohanbhai Jain was a renowned personality who was religious, spiritual, social and was truly devout towards sangh & sanghpati. He devoted his entire life spreading awareness about Anuvrat despite all the difficulties and hurdles on his way, which he faced heroically.
To hear more about him in Samani Karunapragyaji’s own words please click on the link below for the recorded lecture :
Samani Karunapragji presented a very interesting lecture on Anuvrat Prayokta Mohanbhai Jain on June 24th, enhancing the same with visual presentation through elaborated PowerPoint slide. Shri Mohanbhai Jain was a renowned personality who was religious, spiritual, social and was truly devout towards sangh & sanghpati. He devoted his entire life spreading awareness about Anuvrat despite all the difficulties and hurdles on his way, which he faced heroically.
To hear more about him in Samani Karunapragyaji’s own words please click on the link below for the recorded lecture :
https://www.youtube.com/live/
Samani Kamalpragayaji presented a very alluring lecture on Anuvrat Prayokta Shri Devendra Kumar Karnavat ( Rajnagar) on June 25th enhancing the same with visual presentation through elaborated PowerPoint slide. Shri Devendrabhai’s life was revolutionary ever since his childhood and was immensely influenced and inspired by Gandhism. He was the pillar of Anuvrat Andolan.
To hear more about him in Samani Karunapragyaji’s own words please click on the link below for the recorded lecture :
https://www.youtube.com/live/
JVBNA NJ series of Community Activities & Fun Events conducted on May13th, was an fun filled Outdoor Group Walk//Hike event. JVB members gathered at Rutgers Gardens in the morning and a spent a fun filled memorable day. All members enjoyed the garden, pleasant walk, bamboo garden and little refreshments at the end. It was very enriching experience and everyone showed interest to have more of such events. A new app group was formed to get the interested members together for walk/hike activities. Please reach out if you wish to be included in the said group.
On Sunday February 19, 2023; Samani Dr. Chaitanya Pragyaji and Samani Dr. Him Pragyaji visiting from Miami conducted a very practical Preksha Meditation workshop on Leshya Meditation at CPPM. Prepping the participants with prayer, pranayam and tapping, Samani Dr. Him Pragyaji led guided Leshya dhyan of various colors on main psychic centers. Samani Dr. Chaitanya Pragyaji then explained the reasoning and practicality of the meditation for cleansing and rejuvenating the aura, purifying the soul; it’s purpose and impact. Importance and influence of colors on health and well being was also discussed. Participants were also happy for the opportunity to have their questions satisfactorily answered.