Jain Vishwabharati Ladnu Ek Parichay

Here's a comprehensive summary in English of the provided Jain text, "Jain Vishwabharati Ladnu: Ek Parichay" by Kamleshkumar Jain, based on the given pages:

This document serves as an introduction to Jain Vishwabharati, Ladnun, highlighting its establishment, purpose, activities, and future plans.

Inspiration and Foundation: Jain Vishwabharati was inspired by the vision of Yugapradhan Acharya Shri Tulsi, the founder of the Anuvrat movement. The institution is a testament to his dream of creating a place for the development and practice of education, research, spiritual practice, service, and culture. The establishment was also supported by prominent community leaders like the late Shri Mohanlalji Banthia, Shri Jabbar Malji Bhandari, Shri Samtap Malji Bhutodia, and Shri Surajmalji Gothi. The core purpose of Jain Vishwabharati is to implement a practical plan for humanity's upliftment and prevent its decline.

Core Activities and Purpose: The institute's diverse activities aim to bring to light the human values derived from Indian culture, especially Jain culture. These activities broadly encompass:

• Education: Teaching, learning, and research.
• Literature and Culture: Publishing literature and promoting culture.
• Yoga and Spiritual Practice (Sadhana): Engaging in spiritual disciplines.
• Service and Healthcare: Providing medical aid and welfare.
• Human Welfare and International Harmony: Working towards global understanding.

Infrastructure and Development: Jain Vishwabharati is developing its expansive campus on 60 acres of land at the northern edge of Ladnun, Rajasthan. The campus currently features residential quarters, buildings, and smaller accommodation units, with ongoing development.

Departmental Activities and Progress:

1. Education Department (Brahmī Vidyapeeth):

   • Offers education at pre-undergraduate, undergraduate, and postgraduate levels.
   • Focuses on the intellectual, moral, character, and spiritual development of students.
   • Employs a blended approach of modern and traditional teaching methods.
   • Provides special arrangements for teaching the fundamental principles of Jainism within the context of world culture.
   • Meditation (Sadhana) is a compulsory component in all academic programs.
   • Jain Vishwabharati is described as a unique experiment in education, allowing students with special aptitude to study specific courses even without full eligibility.
   • Correspondence courses are reaching hundreds of Jain philosophy and religion seekers, providing them with systematic knowledge at home.
   • Students are given complete freedom of thought and expression, crucial for subjects like religion and philosophy.
   • The Vardhaman Granthagar (library), housing around 10,000 books on various religions, including rare manuscripts, is fully accessible to students.
   • The Jaya Vidyapeeth residential hostel has been established to foster cultured, ethical, and talented personalities.
   • Plans are in motion to implement Montessori-based education for young children.
   • Key office bearers are mentioned: Shri Ranmalji Jiravala (President of the Education Department), Shri Bhairu Lalji Bardia (Director of Brahmī Vidyapeeth), and Shri Sadhasukhji Kothari (Director of the Hostel).

2. Literature and Cultural Department:

   • Offers diplomas in Jain Studies.
   • Provides education through correspondence.
   • Includes training programs for Jain Studies teachers and residential/technical training for educational development.
   • Key office bearers are Shri Vanda Rampuria (President of Shri Jain Vishwabharati) and Shri Gopichand Chopra (Director).

3. Research Department (Anekānt Shodh Peeth):

   • Adopts a critical, comparative, and historical approach to research.
   • Conducts research on Jain Agamas, religion, philosophy, science, mathematics, languages, etc., contributing to the development of Shramanic culture.
   • Publishes high-level research works.
   • Agama Editing Project: Under the guidance of Acharya Shri Tulsi, the revision and editing of Jain Agamas began about 25 years prior. This includes the revised text of eleven Angas published in three parts (Angasuttani), and the readiness of revised texts for twelve Upangas, four Mulas, four Chedas, and Avashyak. An Agama dictionary (Angasuttani word list) has been published, and word lists for Upangas, Mulas, Chedas, and Avashyak are in progress.
   • Research by Sadhvīs: Numerous learned Sadhvīs and postgraduate students are diligently engaged in the important work of compiling the Agama corpus in the open environment of the campus.
   • Research Circles: Seven research circles, coordinated by learned Sadhvīs like Sadhvi Shri Kanakdhiji and Sadhvi Shri Yashodhara ji, are actively conducting research.
   • Notable Achievements: Pudgal Kosh, Dhyan Kosh, and Lishya Kosh, created by the late Shri Mohanlalji Banthia under Jain Vishwabharati, are significant contributions.
   • World Agama Encyclopaedia: Scholars like Dr. Nathmal Tatia are collaborating on a world encyclopedia of Jain Agamas.
   • Science in Jain Literature: Jain Vishwabharati is promoting research into the extensive material related to mathematics, physics, chemistry, zoology, and astrology found in Jain texts.
   • "Tulsi Prajna" Research Journal: Research findings are published in this journal.
   • Jain Vidya Parishad: Jain Vishwabharati organizes this annual conference in Ladnun and other locations, bringing together scholars researching Jain Studies from various universities. Notably, German scholar Dr. Elseford was awarded the honorary title of Jain Vidyamanishi at a Delhi conference.
   • Terapanth Vidwat Parishad: This council aims to orient scholars towards Jainism and foster their interest in Jain philosophy, literature, and history.
   • Key office bearers are Shri Shri Chandji Bangani (President) and Dr. Nathmal Tatia (Vice President and Director).

4. Shasan Samudra (History of Terapanth):

   • Muni Shri Navratnamalji is compiling the life biographies of approximately 2200 initiated monks and nuns of the Terapanth sect, in both poetic and prose formats. This comprehensive collection is nearing completion.

5. Jayacharya Nirvana Shatabdi:

   • On the occasion of the Nirvana Centennial of the Fourth Acharya of Terapanth, Shrimaj Jayacharya, several important plans are being executed:
     • Publication of the book "Agam Manthan" as a commemorative work.
     • Publication of the complete literature of Jayacharya (approximately three lakh verses).
     • Publication of essays with introductions and evaluations of each of Jayacharya's works.
   • This comprehensive publication of Jayacharya's vast literary output, which includes diverse genres in Rajasthani language, is considered a significant contribution to literature.

6. Translation Department:

   • This department is established for translating Agamas and other important Jain texts into English and other languages.
   • Ten books have already been translated into English, including works by Acharya Shri Tulsi and Yuvacharya Mahapragya.
   • This translation work is crucial for disseminating Jain Agamas, philosophy, history, and literature globally.

7. Spiritual Practice and Retreat (Sadhana Vishram - Tulsi Adhyatm Needam / Prajna Pradeep):

   • Sadhana is highly emphasized within Jain Vishwabharati's programs.
   • Efforts are being made to revive meditation practices used by Lord Mahavir.
   • A 62-room building named 'Prajna Pradeep', funded by the Chauthmal Vriddhichand Gothi Charitable Trust, has been constructed for providing training in spiritual practices.
   • Preksha Dhyan is the accepted meditation practice, with numerous Preksha Dhyan camps organized to benefit thousands of individuals.
   • Plans include implementing experimental research projects related to the soul, divine soul, sleep and dreams, extrasensory perception, reincarnation, pretas, past-life memory, lishya, and kashayas.
   • The center will utilize modern equipment for scientific testing.
   • 'Prajna Pradeep' will also serve as a center for mental therapy (Adhyatm-Chikitsa), offering spiritual methods for healing from fears, impulses, and afflictions caused by kashayas.
   • Daily classes in asanas, pranayama, and meditation are conducted.
   • A monthly magazine named "Preksha Dhyan" is published, featuring inspirational content on meditation.
   • Key office bearers are Shri Jethabhai S. Javeri (President) and Shri Shri Chandji Surana (Director), both described as dedicated individuals involved in meditation and yoga.

8. Service Department (Sevabhavi Kalyan Kendra):

   • The primary function is to establish a Health Center.
   • It will incorporate Ayurvedic, Naturopathic, Homeopathic, and Allopathic medical systems.
   • Yoga and meditation will play a significant role in healing.
   • The contributions of Dr. Mangalchand Vaid in the Allopathic department are highlighted for his free service.
   • Free medical services are provided to the poor and helpless.
   • The Ayurvedic dispensary and laboratory serve approximately six to seven thousand patients monthly.
   • A significant activity is the Cancer Treatment Department, which is reportedly making progress in finding effective treatments for cancer based on rare texts.

9. Art and Culture Department:

   • The construction of "Kalu Kala Vithi" is underway with a donation from Shri Raviprakashji Dugad.
   • A printing press, equipped with modern machinery for clean and attractive printing, will be established with financial support from friends in Kolkata.
   • A Consultant Board is planned for the overall development of the institution, with a development committee to be formed under the guidance of Shri Gulabchandji Chandaliya and Shri Shubhkaranji Daspani.

Leadership and Future Outlook: The document expresses great joy that Shri Shri Chandji Rampuria has been unanimously re-elected as President. The election of Shri Shri Chandji Surana as Minister signifies the involvement of youth and the new generation, a crucial step for the institution's comprehensive development under the guidance of experienced elders. The text concludes with confidence that with this blend of experience and youthful energy, Jain Vishwabharati will achieve holistic growth.