6th Annual Paryushan Mahaparva at JVB Preksha Meditation Center
By Seema Jain
HOUSTON: JVB Preksha Meditation Center hosted its 6th Annual Paryushan festival at its premises under the auspicious guidance of Samani Parimal Pragyaji & Samani Maryada Pragyaji (Disciples of Acharya Shri Mahashraman). The 8-day long festivities began on Sept 10 and concluded on Sept. 18. The real purpose of the Paryushan 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.
Each day started with Samaniji’s morning session of Agam discourses based on Kalp Sutra where she beautifully narrated the life of Bhagwan Mahavir from birth till Nirvana and, the day concluded with evening sessions on the detailed meaning of ” Uvsaggaharam Stotra”, composed by Acharya Bhadrabahu Swami which is believed to eliminate obstacles, hardships and miseries, if chanted with complete faith and purifies the inner soul and Karma.
A highly informative lecture series for the weekend was designed by Samanijis which concentrated on Leshya (Aura) & Its Colors to discover your inner personality through seven different colors of your Aura followed by a fun Jeopardy style quiz competition to test the audience attentiveness and learning from her special lecture. Seven days were days of attainment and the eighth day was one of fulfillment or achievement. By performing the Samvatsarik Pratikraman on eighth day, everyone sought forgiveness from each other. Forgetting all hatred constitutes the Samvatsarik aradhana -the annual atonement. Special food arrangements were made for dinner for devotees followed by daily Pratikraman. Parallel Sessions for kids Pratikraman were also conducted in the Evening in English.
The dedicated members of JVB Sachin Jain, Jigisha Doshi, Renu Shah, Khushboo Jain and many others kept the tapasya chain going till the end of Paryushan Festival. During these eight days, the entire JVB Community became spellbound in an atmosphere of enthusiasm, felicity and Tapasya with Tela (3 days continuous fasting), Bela (2 days continuous fasting), Upwas ( one day fasting) and Paushad. This year, under Saminijis guidance, a special spiritual practice was followed on each day like continuous 12 hour chanting of Namaskar Mahamantra, 108 hours of Maun (Silence), Samayika, Swadhyay (Scriptural reading) and Contemplation on Amity & 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 gems of JVB Gyanshala, Udai Jain( High School freshman) observed Tela (3 days continuous upwas) & Tanvi Jain(2nd grade) did 1 upwas to motivate young as well as old.
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 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 JVB Annual Day Celebration on Oct. 10 from 5:30pm onwards and Annual Day Adhar Abhishek Pooja on Oct.11 from 7.30 am onwards.
For further details visit www.JVBHouston.org or call 281-596-9642.