Jain Catholic Dialogue 20150524

This document, titled "Jain Catholic Dialogue 20150524," details a significant interfaith event hosted by the Jain Society of Metropolitan Washington (JSMW) on May 24, 2015. The dialogue aimed to foster understanding and connection between the Jain and Catholic communities, with "Compassion" identified as the central theme that unites both faiths.

Key Aspects of the Event:

• Purpose and Significance: The event was the first of its kind in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area, bringing together prominent figures from both Jain and Catholic traditions to explore shared values and beliefs. The document emphasizes the importance of such dialogues in an era of increasing religious intolerance and violence, highlighting that despite differences, there are more unifying elements.
• Opening and Ceremonies: The day began with registration, opening remarks, and joint prayers, including the Jain Navkar Mantra and a Catholic prayer. The schedule also included separate Jain and Catholic ceremonies, symbolizing the distinct yet complementary nature of the faiths.
• Keynote Speakers and Participants:
  • Catholic:
    • His Eminence Jean-Louis Cardinal Tauran: President of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, Vatican. His biography details his extensive experience in diplomatic service and interreligious affairs.
    • His Eminence Cardinal Theodore McCarrick: A significant figure in the Catholic Church.
    • Dr. Francis Clooney, S.J.: Parkman Professor of Divinity and Professor of Comparative Theology at Harvard Divinity School. His expertise lies in comparative theology and interfaith dialogue, with a focus on Hindu-Catholic theological exploration.
    • Bishop Mitchell Thomas Rozanski: Auxiliary Bishop for the Archdiocese of Baltimore, with experience in ecumenical and interreligious affairs.
    • Father John Crossin, OSFS: Executive Director of the Secretariat for Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
  • Jain:
    • Dr. Dipak C. Jain: Director of Sasin Graduate Institute of Business Administration, Chulalongkorn University, and a globally recognized marketing and innovation expert. He was the Jain keynote speaker.
    • Mr. Prem Jain: President of JAINA (Jain Association of North America), emphasizing his role in strengthening and globalizing the Jain community in North America.
    • Mr. Arvind Vora: Chairman of the Long Island Multi-Faith Forum (LIMFF) and a dedicated community leader with extensive experience in interfaith dialogue and Jain organizational work.
    • Mr. Janak Rajani: President of the Jain Society of Metropolitan Washington, welcoming attendees and outlining the JSMW's activities and future temple plans.
    • Mr. Pravin Dand: Chairman of the Board of Trustees, JSMW, who delivered a message emphasizing compassion and thanking participants.
    • Mr. Paresh Shah: Honored distinguished guests and highlighted the Jain Society's community outreach.
• Central Theme: Compassion: The dialogue heavily emphasized compassion as a core tenet shared by both Jainism and Catholicism.
  • Jainism's principles of Ahimsa (non-violence), Aparigraha (non-possessiveness), and Anekantavada (non-absolutism) were presented as fundamentally rooted in compassion. Lord Mahavir's quote, "Have compassion towards all living beings. Hatred leads to destruction," was highlighted.
  • Catholic teachings were described as being "immersed in compassion," with the example of the Good Samaritan illustrating the concept of "suffering with someone" and coming to their aid.
• Jainism Overview: The document includes sections providing a foundational understanding of Jainism. It details:
  • The Navkar Mantra: A central Jain prayer.
  • Key Principles: Ahimsa, Anekantavada, and Aparigraha.
  • Five Main Vows: Ahimsa, Satya (truth), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (chastity/celibacy), and Aparigraha. The nuances of these vows for monks/nuns and laypeople are mentioned.
  • Conquering Passions: Jain teachings on overcoming anger, pride, deceitfulness, and greed.
  • The Three Gems: Right View, Right Conduct, and Right Knowledge as the path to spiritual liberation.
  • Historical Context: Mention of the 24 Tirthankaras, with Rishabhdev as the first and Mahavira as the last of the current era, and Jainism's historical contributions to various fields.
  • Global Presence: Over 7 million followers worldwide, with significant communities in India and smaller ones in the US, Kenya, UK, and Canada.
• Organizational Information:
  • Jain Society of Metropolitan Washington (JSMW): Background on its establishment in 1980, current facilities, membership growth, and activities (religious classes, holy day celebrations, youth activities, community outreach). It also notes their progress in purchasing land for a new temple.
  • Jain Association of North America (JAINA): Its establishment in 1981, its role as the overarching organization for Jains in North America, its biennial conventions, affiliated youth organizations (YJA, YJP), publications, and various committees focused on promoting religious, educational, cultural, humanitarian, and humanitarian objectives, including vegetarianism and nonviolence.
  • Interfaith Committee of JAINA: Its mission rooted in the Jain principle of Anekantavada to foster harmony, understanding, and peace among faiths. It highlights active participation in global interfaith organizations and high-profile events like White House ceremonies and interfaith dialogues in India and Indonesia.

In essence, the "Jain Catholic Dialogue 20150524" document serves as a comprehensive record of an important interfaith initiative, underscoring the shared value of compassion between Jainism and Catholicism and providing valuable insights into Jain principles and organizations.