Veerayatan News June 2024

Spiritual Pearls of Wisdom by Pujya Tai Ma

We are delighted to inform you that every Sunday Pujya Tai Ma is showering upon us spiritual pearls of wisdom. You are cordially invited to this sacred gathering in the divine presence of Pujya Tai Ma as we embark on a journey of self- discovery, wisdom, and spiritual growth from the comfort of your own space. In recent sessions Pujya Tai Ma has imparted the following key messages:

Jäe Saddhäe nikkhante tameva anupälejjä, Vijahittä visottiyam

With faith one starts on the spiritual journey, so move forward with no doubts and be focused.

Tam Parinnäya mehävi, iyänim no, jamaham puvvamakäsi pamäenam

The wise one will introspect on his life, his thoughts and on his actions and review what is good and what is bad. Say ‘no’ to doing bad and make a resolve that you will not do this again. Move forward only with goodness.

Khanam janāhi pandiea

The present moment is the most precious. The only thing we have in our hands is this present moment. The moment once gone will not come back. So do not waste time in doing negative things and have no regrets.

Virehim eyam abhibhuya dittham, sanjatehim sayā appamattehim.

Those who wins over negativity, which comes from outside, with their inner positive qualities of forgiveness, compassion, kindness, etc will know the truth - Truth meaning having the discerning power to decide between what is good and bad.

To listen to all the discourses: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLttI7h5kbs_UzYgdvXIFDdtHBA1Vp7aSO

Time: 4pm IST India, 11.30am UK, 6.30am ET (New York)

Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/5328777868?pwd=Yuv1GIqiw7yRrgf7gwHPH1yt13rhjw.1&omn=88540361027

Meeting ID: 532 877 7868
Passcode: 108108

Importance of knowledge: Online Class

With the blessings of Pujya Tai Ma, Veerayatan has initiated a swadhyaya (study) session with Upadhyaya Shri Yashaji, based on the text, Sukti Triveni. This text, which has been written by Pujya Gurudev Shri Amar Muniji Maharaj and is a compilation of verses from various Jain, Vedic and Buddhist scriptures, focusses on the teaching and discussion of the timeless messages of Bhagwan Mahavir. Upadhyaya Shri Yashaji eloquently explains each verse in simple Gujarati and then expands on these giving examples and reciting stories.

Time: Every Saturday at 2pm IST India, 09.30am UK, 11.30am Kenya

Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/5328777868?pwd=Yuv1GIqiw7yRrgf7gwHPH1yt13rhjw.1&omn=88540361027

Meeting ID: 532 877 7868
Passcode: 108108

Mere Devdoot Story

A hut or a palace

Mere Devdoot (My Angels) is a book written by Pujya Tai Ma in which she remembers and reflects, with gratitude, on everyone who has been instrumental in shaping her life. We have been publishing these stories regularly in this newsletter.

In this story Pujya Tai Ma pays her deepest respect to a farmer and his wife, whose generosity was astonishing.

To read the story…..

Abundant good wishes for all the volunteers

The fourth Volunteering Programme organised by Veerayatan Global - aimed at giving young people an opportunity to volunteer their time in undertaking Veerayatan’s mission of Seva (service), Shiksha (education) and Sadhana (spirituality) – will commence on 26 July for a fortnight at the Veerayatan Rajgir Centre. Twenty-seven volunteers from the UK, Kenya and USA, aged between 15 and 23 years old, will spend time getting to know the children in the Veerayatan schools through a combination of teaching, exchanging cultures, learning new games and developing friendships. To read more…..

Veerayatan Palitana

Transforming Dreams into Reality: The Creation of Gautam Vihar

Transforming Dreams into Reality: The Creation of Gautam Vihar

At the Veerayatan campus overlooking the awe-inspiring holy mountain Shatrunjay and the shimmering Shatrunjay river, set in the tranquil heart of the pious city of Palitana, a vision is taking shape. It is a vision of serenity, hospitality, and service intertwined to create a haven for visitors, volunteers and seekers of peace and knowledge.

Here you will find a multifaceted facility including a Guest House, Bhojanalay (a place to eat) and Jinālay (temple), rising steadily since the start of building works on 21 April, 2024 coinciding with the auspicious occasion of Mahavir Jayanti, and scheduled to be completed by the end of 2025.

Envisioned as more than just a lodging and dining space, the Guest House is poised to be a sanctuary — a respite from the chaos of daily life. Its multipurpose hall, conference hall, library, staff facilities for volunteers and doctors and guest rooms will serve as conduits for community enhancement, intellectual exchange, and spiritual rejuvenation. Whether a quiet retreat for reflection or a vibrant gathering for discourse, this haven will cater for the diverse needs of all visitors.

For more information about Gautam Vihar: Download PDF

Shri Adinath Netralay, Eye Hospital

Since inception in 2019, Shri Adinath Netralay, the eye hospital has transformed lives of thousands of people in and around Palitana. We have diligently attended to the needs of patients as follows:

Outpatients seen in clinics: 76,564
Number of surgeries: 4,950
Investigations conducted: 5,337
Sadhus and Sadhvis treated: 720
Outreach camps: 32 camps with 6000 adults and 2000 children treated

We are delighted to share that the patients have expressed their gratitude, happiness and satisfaction, affirming that we are fulfilling a divine purpose by serving all who seek assistance. This exemplifies the essence of compassion in action that Veerayatan stands for, echoing our commitment to serving humanity.

Improving access to good quality healthcare

Improving access to good quality healthcare

Over the past two years or so we have started outreach eye camps for people living in remote villages to improve access to good quality healthcare and provide comprehensive eye care services. By taking healthcare to people in need, our aim is to prevent sight loss and avoidable blindness. To further expand this service, we are pleased to report the generous donation of a mobile Eye Care Van by Pushpaben and Natubhai and family in Canada.

Tirthankar Mahavir Vidya Mandir, Palitana

Simultaneously, a new chapter in education is unfolding at the established Tirthankar Mahavir Vidya Mandir, already a beacon of knowledge, but now expanding its horizons by introducing the 10^th grade in the academic year 2025/26. This milestone represents a commitment to nurturing young minds, empowering them with the tools to navigate the complexities of the world while upholding timeless values.

Veerayatan Bihar

Passed with flying colours

We are pleased to announce that all the 10^th and 12^th year students of Tirthankar Mahavir Vidya Mandir (TMVM), Pawapuri, passed their final exams with outstanding results. Three students are now embarking on their careers in Medicine. It is also amazing that three other students have got a place at the prestigious Engineering College, IIT Kharagpur. With the blessings of Pujya Tai Ma, we wish all the students well as they strive to progress on their career paths!

Students are not just academically gifted, but they have many other talents too, such as in boxing, karate and various other sports. Students have performed brilliantly in both the state and national arenas.

And finally, we are extremely pleased to announce that six of our students who participated in the International Mathematics Olympiad Competition achieved gold medals.

Many congratulations to all students of TMVM!

Outreach Eye Clinics

Let every eye in the world see the light of day.

Outreach eye clinics using mobile vans fitted with up-to-date equipment have been established for people who have difficulty travelling to Rajgir from their villages for eye checks and treatment. All the activities of the outreach clinics and any resulting operations are free of charge to patients. The latest clinic was organised in Barbigha town where around 407 patients were seen, reviewed and treatments given if necessary. In total 83 people have been diagnosed and selected for free surgery which will take place at the renowned Netra Jyoti Seva Mandiram (eye hospital) in Veerayatan Rajgir.

These outreach eye clinics have increased access to good healthcare for people who would otherwise struggle – patients appreciate the work of Veerayatan immensely!

Gautam Gurukul

The smiles on the children’s faces, a proud moment on entering ‘their’ school smartly dressed, the joy in learning new things and playing unfamiliar games, having a hearty meal each day, eager to change their lives for the better and humbly bowing down with gratefulness at the feet of Pujya Tai Ma for making this a reality! Yes, these are the beautiful children of Gautam Gurukul!

This unique and life transforming school has now opened its door and more than 80 children, from disadvantaged communities in and around Rajgir, have started attending this primary school.

Dignitaries at Veerayatan Rajgir

Over the last month, a number of dignitaries have visited Veerayatan Rajgir including a group of Brahmakumari devotees, Mr and Mrs Dixit (Principal chief commissioner of income tax, Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal) and Ms. Nikita Jain, Assistant Director, Sixteenth Finance Commission. They all visited the Shri Brahmi Kala Mandir, a unique and magnificent museum, showcasing in an educational and beautiful manner the life and teachings of the Tirthankars. They were all impressed and immensely inspired by Pujya Tai Ma’s creativity and her divine perspective on the life and teachings of Bhagwan Mahavir.

Veerayatan Kutch

Varshitap Parna and Academic felicitation program

Varshitap Parna and Academic felicitation program

With the blessings, inspiration, and guidance of Pujya Tai Ma, a beautiful ceremony was organised at Veerayatan Kutch on 10 May, the auspicious day of Akshaya Tritiya, to mark Sadhvi Shri Sumedhaji's completion of the Varshi tap (year-long fast). The annual Academic Award Ceremony was also celebrated on that day. The event was graced by the presence of Pujya Upadhyaya Shri Yashaji, Sadhvi Shri Shilapiji and respected sadhvis.

Prior to the day’s ceremony, Sadhvi Shri Sumedhaji visited Pune to seek Pujya Tai Ma’s blessings. Pujya Tai Ma congratulated her on the successful completion of her fourth year-long fast, emphasising the significance of austerity in Jain tradition. Pujya Tai Ma spoke extensively about the essential role of food in sustaining life and the immense resolve required to renounce it as part of austerity practices. She highlighted that controlling one’s desires, especially the desire for food, leads to mastery over all other desires, thus playing a crucial role in spiritual practice. To read further…..

Participating at the Global Spirituality Festival

At the 4-day Global Spirituality Festival organised at the world's largest meditation centre (Kanha Shanti Vanam) in Hyderabad in the presence of the Hon’ble President of India Smt. Draupadi Murmu, over 300 spiritual gurus from across the country and worldwide participated to discuss various topics relating to religion and spirituality. With the blessings and inspiration of Pujya Tai Ma, Sadhvi Shri Shilapiji represented Veerayatan to deliver a speech on the theme of ‘Inner Peace to World Peace'. In her powerful discourse, Sadhvi Shri Shilapiji talked about how to explore the evolution of consciousness, its impact on social harmony and sustainable development whilst creating a new trajectory for our global existence. She also participated in many workshops and discussions of various humanitarian and spiritual missions concerning how various religions can work together to bring peace and harmony in this world.

Importance of value-based education

Pujya Sadhvi Shri Shilapiji graced the stage as the keynote speaker at the 'Saraswati Samman and Best Teacher Award' organised by Achala Education Foundation Trust in Ahmedabad, where she delivered an impactful speech on Value Education and Veerayatan’s dedication in contributing towards shaping a morally and ethically enriched society. The Governor of Kerala, Shri Arif Mohammed Khan, recognised Veerayatan's efforts in bringing change among children and youth through education.

Motivating youths to drive innovation

Sadhvi Shri Shilapiji was invited to motivate 120 young minds attending a 3 day camp organised by Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh at the campus of Veerayatan Haripar, Kutch. During her address, she focused on the current role of youth in the development of our country by emphasising their potential to drive positive change and innovation.

Student Success in Board Exams and job placements

We are proud to announce that with the blessings of Pujya Tai Ma, students of class 10 and 12 all passed with remarkable results. We all congratulate the faculties and students for their sincere efforts.
Alongside academic excellence, continuous efforts are made to make students self-reliant as soon as they complete their studies. This year Galantic Pharma Company from Gandhidham was invited to the campus, and we are pleased to inform that 10 of our pharmacy students have been successful in securing job placements after their graduation. Similarly, 23 students from the Engineering College have been selected by Adani Company and are currently undergoing different selection rounds.

Veerayatan Kenya

At start of a new term what better way to begin than by celebrating Tirthankar Mahavir and welcoming his blessings into our lives. Following a short assembly the students of Shastri 1 class (aged 14) at Shri Chandana Vidyapeeth, Nairobi explored what they understood to be the essence of Mahavir Bhagwan’s teachings.

They explained this in a simple yet profound way:

Mahavir Bhagwan exemplified the path of Right Faith (Samyak Darshan), Right Knowledge (Samyak Gnan) and Right Conduct (Samyak Charitra) as the only path to destroy one's karmic bondage and attain liberation.
Bhagwan’s key message was ‘Live and Let Live.’ This is achieved through right conduct which lies in the practice of the 5 Vows – non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, celibacy and non-attachment.
Mahavir Bhagwan taught about anekantavada which, put simply, is tolerance. And he also taught to forgive and to ask for forgiveness.

Veerayatan UK

School Parents Evening

Shri Chandana Vidyapeeth Jain School North London (SCVP) celebrated Parents Evening 2024 by giving an opportunity for all the parents to see and hear about the learning that their children have been doing in Jain classes. The children aged from 5 years onwards were proud to showcase everything they have learnt throughout the year, whether it is conducting a short meditation session, reciting stories and summarising the moral values or talking about a value and how they have imbibed this in their lives. Around 97 people including students, teachers, committee members and parents attended this year’s parents evening, whether online or in person. To read further…..

One Jain 'Mahavir Janma Kalyanak' Celebrations at No.10 Downing Street

One Jain 'Mahavir Janma Kalyanak' Celebrations at No.10 Downing Street

Veerayatan UK was grateful to be given the opportunity to be part of the first-ever celebration of Mahavir Janma Kalyanak at No.10 Downing Street, the UK Prime Minister’s official residence in London. Veerayatan Trustees, Prakash Patalia, Jitendra Sheth and Varsha Bakhai received invitations to a reception at the Prime Minister’s Office for the auspicious celebrations hosted on 29 April 2024 by The Rt Hon Oliver Dowden CBE MP, Deputy Prime Minister.

A momentous occasion indeed signalling recognition of the Jain Community at large and the work of Jain organisations.

Serving the Homeless and Needy

Students aged 13-15 years took part in seva work through serving at the food distribution stalls to the homeless and needy in Central London, organised by the Shree Jalaram Mandir who brought in lots of fresh fruits, vegetables, soup, tea, coffee and much more! One of our teachers, Vaishaliben Mehta, sponsored the evening's food distribution in memory of her late husband, Mineshbhai Mehta, who had been a shining example of compassion and kindness.

The students found this an amazingly enriching experience and were humbled to be part of the seva! They truly gave to those less fortunate with a compassionate heart. It is indeed an experience that allows the children to appreciate how fortunate we are in our lives.

As one said, ‘We have so much to learn and experience from these less fortunate people who do not always get a chance to interact with others in society.’ We look forward to more outings and experiences which can truly open the minds and hearts of all. We are grateful to the Mandir in giving our students the opportunity to be able to serve.