7TH Annual Grand Paryushan Mahaparv Celebrations at JVB Preksha Meditation Center

By Seema Jain

HOUSTON: JVB Preksha Meditation Center hosted 7th Annual Paryushan festival at its premises under the auspicious guidance of Samani Vikas Pragyaji & Samani Maryada Pragyaji (Disciples of Acharya Shri Mahashraman). The 8-day long festivities began on August 30 and concluded on Sept. 6. Paryushan is the most important festival among the Jain festivals; and it is observed during every Chaturmas in the month of Bhadrapad (August – September). For Jains, the real purpose of celebrating this festival is to purify our soul by staying closer to our own soul, to look at our faults and to ask for forgiveness for the mistakes we have committed during the past year.

Once again, the entire JVB community became spellbound in an atmosphere of enthusiasm, felicity and Tapasya for 8 consecutive days. Agam Discourses on holy ancient Scriptures called “Kalpa Sutra” by Samani Vikas Pragyaji and “Uttaradhyayan Sutra” by Samani Maryada Pargyaji and Evening Discourses on the detailed meaning of “Mahamantra Ki Prikrama” along with Pratikraman for young and old were the daily morning and evening rituals of this auspicious week. A fun Jeopardy style Jain Mantra Contest was conducted by Samanijjs to motivate its members to learn three ancient and auspicious prayers called Logassa Sutra, Uvsaggaharam Sutra and Mangal Path. Parallel Sessions for kids Pratikraman were also conducted in English.

The dedicated Patrons of JVB, Chairman Shri Swatantra & Bimla Jain, Renu Shah, Anusha Jain, Sarika Jain, Sachin Jain, Khushboo Jain, Suman Jain (Canada), Suwarna Jain, kajal Jain and many others kept the tapasya chain going till the end of Paryushan Festival by observing Tela (3 continuous days fasting), Bela (2 continuous days fasting), Upwas (one day fasting) and Paushad. A special spiritual practice was followed on each day such as Maun pachrangi, Samayik pachrangi, Dhyan, Aahaar, Krodh Sanayam and more.

Young Gyanshala kids ages 4-14 yrs. amazed everyone by doing Ekasan (eating one time during the whole day), Biyasana (eating only twice a day), and Maun (observing Silence). With Saminijis blessings and Parent’s encouragement, two young Gyanshala students, Saachi Jain (10 yrs.) did 7 days of Biyasana and Tanvi Jain (8 yrs.) did Upwaas to motivate young as well as old. Seven days were days of attainment and the eighth day was one of fulfillment or achievement. Forgetting all hatred constitutes the Samvatsarik aradhana -the annual atonement. By performing the Samvatsarik Pratikraman on the eighth day, everyone sought forgiveness from each other.

In Closing, JVB President, Seema Jain recognized all the Tapasvees for their immense belief and devotion during this festival and appreciated her EC team for their efforts on the successful completion of the event. 9 days of continuous fasting by one of the Gyanshala parent, Chandan Pokherna was applauded by one and all.

Fresh Jain food was cooked by Friends and Family group of India Volunteers for the entire week who did outstanding job in serving and feeding all the community members with their kindness and generosity.
We are proud of our center, its beautiful surroundings, a unique pyramid shape meditation hall, and a very peaceful ambiance. It is located at 14102 Schiller Rd, Houston, TX 77082.  On the first and third Sunday of each month there are pravachans by Samani Ji. The theme of the pravachans this year so far has been: Guide yourself in choosing the path- Detailed meaning of 18 types of Paap. Apart from the regular activities mentioned above Samaniji’s also offer individual or one-on-one confidential counseling to those who are in need of such help.

All our programs are offered free of charge. To cover the costs of running the center on a day to day basis, we accept donations. As a charitable 501c corporation, the donations are tax deductible. Please take advantage of this beautiful facility by joining us in the programs we offer. Our center is open to all irrespective of their religious beliefs.

Upcoming events include Mega Blood Donation Drive on JVB’s Annual Day Celebration on Oct. 8th from 9:00am – 3:00pm and Annual Day Adhar Abhishek Pooja on Oct.9th from 8:00am onwards.

For further details, visit www.JVBHouston.org or call JVB Center @ 281-596-9642 or Seema Jain @ 281-575-0575.