Past Activities
Dec 31, 2016 marked the successful conclusion of the first year of JVBNJ Online Classroom that was launched under the auspicious guidance of Samanijis. The Online Classroom, a structured platform to refine the knowledge of Jainism, its philosophy and principles, launched its first course – Jainism 101 – on Jan 1, 2016. The course was conducted over a year to cover 4 main segments in 4 quarters – Jeev 101, Ajeev 101, Nav Tattva 101, and Shad Dravya 101 – in a self-study mode using audio-video technology for delivery of weekly lectures. Relevant reference materials were also provided. Participation and understanding was evaluated via periodic quizzes and assignments. The course was coordinated by Online Classroom Coordinator Shweta Daftary and her team and was well received by students.
The word Preksha is derived from the root iksha, which means ‘to see’. When the prefix ‘Pra is added, it becomes Pra+iksha=Preksha , which means ‘to perceive carefully and profoundly’ Here, ‘seeing’ does not mean external vision, but careful concentration on subtle consciousness by mental insight. Preksha Meditation sessions are offered regularly by Samanijis. Classes are conducted every Tuesday evening from 7:30PM – 8:30PM at the JVBNJ Iselin Center.
JVBNA Gyan-Sabha comprises Adult Swadhyay Sessions that are conducted weekly or bi-weekly by Samanijis and by members/guest under Samanijis’ guidance. Attendees participate in lively discussions of Agam Sutras and Jain philosophy, strengthening their understanding of the Jain way of life. Sessions are conducted on Thursdays – 7:30PM – 8:30 PM – at the JVBNJ Iselin Center. In addition, Samanijis offer a special Agam workshop once a year during the months of November & December.
Through the instruction of Jainism and Science of Living, JVBNA Gyanshala strives to impart to its students, life skills for physical, mental and emotional health, a stress free and peaceful life, and spiritual bliss. It also strives to inculcate life values in children that help them grow into responsible adults – adults, who respect and care for their fellow living beings and the environment, who respect other religious beliefs and have empathy for those who are less fortunate.
With the blessings of H.H. Acharyashri Mahapragya and under the guidance of Samanijis, JVB NJ Gyanshala for children opened its doors in the fall of 2004 and has been running successfully since then. It is open to all children ages of 4 years and up, who want to learn Jainism, Science of Living (Prayer, Yoga, and Meditation) and Hindi. Samanijis, volunteer teachers and guests teach classes.
JVB NJ Gyanshala follows a structured 3-year rolling curriculum and a systematic approach aligned with its goals. Curriculum covers topics such as Jain Philosophy, Jain History, Jain Mantras & Shlokas, Jain Prayers & Rituals, Jain Festivals & Pilgrimages, Preksha Yoga & Meditation and Hindi Language.
Children are divided into four Jainism groups based on their school grade levels, where they spend time until they are ready for the next group. The groups are as follows:
- Sanskar Group – Grades Pre K-4
- Gyan Group – Grades K, 1 & 2
- Darshan Group – Grades 3, 4 & 5
- Charitra Group – Grades 6 & up
Hindi groups are different from Jainism groups and are based on the individual abilities of students.
Study materials are provided to all students. To strengthen their understanding of the study material, students are quizzed periodically and are assigned homework. They also participate in various class projects. Certificate of completion is awarded to all students who complete all tests and projects and meet attendance requirements.
In addition, students are provided with opportunities to showcase their talents and their understanding of Jain concepts and values through participation in various activities during JVBNA functions.
JVBNA NJ Gyanshala 2016-2017 Session
Gyanshala will commence this year on Sunday, October 2, 2016 and will run until Sunday, May 14, 2017. Gyanshala Exams are planned for Sunday, May 21, 2017. All the dates may be subjected to change. Classes will be held Sunday afternoons from 3:30pm-6:00pm at the Jain Temple, 111 Cedar Grove Lane, Somerset, NJ 08873. Each two and half hour class will include four mandatory sub- sections – Prayer Assembly, Jainism, Science of Living (Prayer, Yoga & Meditation, and Practice for memory enhancement and better concentration, Bhajans) and Hindi Language. Classes will be taught by Samanijis, volunteer teachers and guest Speakers.
A detailed calendar and curriculum will be made available in Oct 2016.
Children who complete 4 years of age on Oct 30, 2016 may apply for enrollment. After enrollment, all students will be placed in one of four groups based on their school grade level –
- Sanskar group (Grade PK-4)
- Gyan group (Grades K-2)
- Darshan group (Grades 3-5)
- Charitra group (Grades 6 & up)
Please print and fill out the Gyanshala Registration Form and enclose the annual registration fee of $150 in the form of a check payable to JVBNA and mail it to the JVBNA center at 151 Middlesex Avenue, Iselin, NJ 08830. Please write your child’s name and ‘Gyanshala’ on your check. All returning students also need to fill out the registration form and pay the registration fees.
Please register by September 25, 2016 to avoid late fees. Registrations received in October will be assessed a late fee of $50. Also, after September 25, enrollment cannot be guaranteed. The annual registration fee covers registration and tuition for the entire year. All new students will also receive Gyanshala t-shirts and sling bag. In addition, new students, and returning students entering new levels, will receive new Jainism books and diaries. Students will be required to purchase Hindi Language Book when the books arrive from India. All returning students, if they desire, may purchase new t-shirts for $15 each , new Jainism books for $15 each and new Gyanshala bag for $10.
For more information or if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Prachi Shah (Gyanshala coordinator ) – gyanshala@jvbnj.org or Samanijis at the JVBNA NJ center.
Enabling the development of the right character in our youth (teens) is an integral part of JVB-NJ’s mission. This is achieved by continuous spiritual and ethics-based learning, strengthening of faith by prayers and meditation, and going through the rigor of discipline. Acquiring the right knowledge is the key, reflecting on the same is the way, and manifesting the upright character even in face of the most difficult circumstances is the goal. We request all the parents to join wholeheartedly in this endeavor.
Jain Youth Forum will meet once a month for 2 hours (usually 3rd Friday of the month). The exact dates and venue are listed in the JVBNA-calendar.
There are four parts to this 2 hours long class. To help the students remove their shoes, winter jackets and to settle down, parents are requested to bring their child (ren) at least 5 minutes before the class.
- Prayers & Bhajans: Parents are encouraged to join this session.
- Preksha Prayog: Guided by Samaniji(s). Parents are encouraged to participate. Parents are also requested to not interrupt by entering/leaving the center or the class room during the Dhyan Prayog.
- Tirthankar Jeevani: Samaniji will narrate/share stories about the lives of Jain Tirthankaras. This will be followed by open discussion on the moral and spiritual messages from these stories and how it applies to our lives.
- Karma Vigyan: The theme for this year is the 8 Karmas. Every session Samaniji will lecture on one Karma. Lecture will be followed by Q&A and discussions.
Preparation and Homework
To get the best out of these sessions it is suggested that the students read up on the Karma and the Thirthankara for the upcoming session and prepare a list of questions to send to Samaniji at least a week before the session. This will help Samaniji tailor the session.
There is no prescribed homework. We recommend that the students produce creative content – essays, poems, drawings based on their learnings and send them to us so we can publish in JVBNA’s newsletter.
Online Classroom is a structured platform to refine the knowledge of Jainism, its philosophy and principles. Jainism 101 is conducted by disciples of Acharyashri Mahashraman – Samani Dr. Satya Pragya and Samani Dr. Rohini Pragya.
Samani Satya Pragyaji holds a PhD in Philosophy and is an associate professor at the Jain Vishwa Bharati Institute (JVBI), Ladnun in the department of Nonviolence & Peace. Samani Rohini Pragyaji also holds a PhD in Philosophy and is an assistant professor at JVBI in the same department. Both Samanijis are extremely learned, extensively traveled, and well published. They are great orators and have years of teaching experience.
Pakshik Pratikraman is held at the JVBNA center every Pakkhi (14-15 days) at 7:30 PM. Please call for dates. Samayik is held every Saturday evening from 7PM – 8PM at JVBNJ center.