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JAINISMA Way of Life & A Religion

Jain Society Of Metropolitan Chicago435 N. Route 59, Bartlett, IL 60103Phone: (630) 837-1077 Website:

www.jsmconline.org

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AgendaAgenda JainismJainism Jainism – A ReligionJainism – A Religion Jainism and World ReligionsJainism and World Religions Jainism – A Way of LifeJainism – A Way of Life Jainism in USAJainism in USA JSMC ChicagoJSMC Chicago JSMC Expansion ProjectJSMC Expansion Project Q&AQ&A

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JainismA Religion

Jain Society Of Metropolitan Chicago435 N. Route 59, Bartlett, IL 60103Phone: (630) 837-1077 Website:

www.jsmconline.org

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What is Jainism?What is Jainism? Jainism is a way of life and one of the oldest religions of Jainism is a way of life and one of the oldest religions of

the world. the world. It believes in a cyclical nature of universe. It discourages It believes in a cyclical nature of universe. It discourages

superstition and blind faith and encourages free and superstition and blind faith and encourages free and rational thinking.rational thinking.

Jainism lays heavy emphasis on non-violence (ahimsa) and Jainism lays heavy emphasis on non-violence (ahimsa) and discipline.discipline.

According to Jain philosophy, all Tirthankaras were born According to Jain philosophy, all Tirthankaras were born as human beings but they have attained a state of as human beings but they have attained a state of perfection or enlightenment through meditation and self perfection or enlightenment through meditation and self realization. They are the “Gods” of Jains.realization. They are the “Gods” of Jains.

Jains have always practiced non-violence, vegetarianism, Jains have always practiced non-violence, vegetarianism, meditation, yoga, and environmentalism.meditation, yoga, and environmentalism.

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What are the Principles of What are the Principles of Jainism?Jainism?

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What are Basic Philosophies of What are Basic Philosophies of Jainism?Jainism?

Jainism believes in Godhood but does not believe God to be Jainism believes in Godhood but does not believe God to be the First Cause. God is not a Creator, Preserver or the First Cause. God is not a Creator, Preserver or Destroyer of the universe.Destroyer of the universe.

““God” does not Punish or Reward God” does not Punish or Reward Each person is responsible for improving life by one’s Each person is responsible for improving life by one’s

self-endeavorself-endeavor Each person is capable of achieving GodhoodEach person is capable of achieving Godhood

All Living Beings have Souls & are EqualAll Living Beings have Souls & are Equal All life is sacredAll life is sacred Therefore, living in peace & harmony is essentialTherefore, living in peace & harmony is essential

Elimination of our Karmas is the Path to Liberation Elimination of our Karmas is the Path to Liberation & Achievement of Godhood& Achievement of Godhood It requires multiple re-birthsIt requires multiple re-births

Ultimate Goal of LifeUltimate Goal of Life To be free from all karmaTo be free from all karma

Equality

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What is the Karma Theory?What is the Karma Theory? The principles governing the successions of life The principles governing the successions of life

cycles (birth, life, and death) is Karma.cycles (birth, life, and death) is Karma. The Theory of Karma is founded on the simple law of The Theory of Karma is founded on the simple law of

cause and effect. What we experience now is the cause and effect. What we experience now is the result of our own past action and our future is a result of our own past action and our future is a function of our own choice and making.function of our own choice and making.

Explains the role that karmas play in our lives, how Explains the role that karmas play in our lives, how we accumulate karmas, and how we get rid of them.we accumulate karmas, and how we get rid of them.

Actions of mind, speech, and body bind us with karma Actions of mind, speech, and body bind us with karma and our intentions and the passions determine the and our intentions and the passions determine the duration, strength and the results of the bondage.duration, strength and the results of the bondage.

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Who Is Lord Mahavir?Who Is Lord Mahavir? Lord Mahavir - 24Lord Mahavir - 24thth (and final) Tirthankara (and final) Tirthankara Born on March 30, 599 B.C. (about 2600 years ago) Born on March 30, 599 B.C. (about 2600 years ago)

as a prince in Bihar, India. He attained nirvana in as a prince in Bihar, India. He attained nirvana in the year 527 B.C. at the age of 72. the year 527 B.C. at the age of 72.

The ultimate objective of his teaching is how one The ultimate objective of his teaching is how one can attain the total freedom from the cycle of birth, can attain the total freedom from the cycle of birth, life, and death, and achieve the permanent blissful life, and death, and achieve the permanent blissful state (known as liberation, nirvana, absolute state (known as liberation, nirvana, absolute freedom, or Moksha.) freedom, or Moksha.)

He shaped the present form of Jainism. Lord He shaped the present form of Jainism. Lord Mahavir envisioned men and women to be on equal Mahavir envisioned men and women to be on equal footing in the matters of spiritual advancement.footing in the matters of spiritual advancement.

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Jain SymbolsJain Symbols

Palm – signifies assurance; to have faith and change the path of righteousness.Wheel of Dharma – 24 spokes represent the 24 Tirthankaras. The word inside the wheel is ahimsa.

Digit of moon – (region of liberated souls) Three dots – (Right Perception/Faith, Right Knowledge, and Right Conduct)Overall meaning – After removing all of their karmas, living beings will reside in the world of liberated souls.

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Major Jain Religious EventsMajor Jain Religious Events Mahavir Jayanti – celebration of the birth Mahavir Jayanti – celebration of the birth

of Lord Mahavirof Lord Mahavir Paryushan Parva – festival of forgivenessParyushan Parva – festival of forgiveness Samvatsari Pratikraman – 3 hour prayer Samvatsari Pratikraman – 3 hour prayer

to ask for forgivenessto ask for forgiveness Mahavir Nirvan – celebration at Mahavir Nirvan – celebration at

Diwali/New Year’s per the lunar Diwali/New Year’s per the lunar calendarcalendar

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Jain TemplesJain Temples

The idols of the 24 Tirthankaras are the same because they represent the quality and virtues of the Tirthankaras, not the physical body. A unique

symbol at the bottom of each idol differentiates them. For example, Lord Mahavir's idol is recognized by the symbol of a lion.

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What does Jainism Teach about What does Jainism Teach about Ecology?Ecology?

Non-Possessiveness / AparigrahaNon-Possessiveness / Aparigraha Self-restraint is the second most Self-restraint is the second most

important Jain principle.important Jain principle. Minimizing consumption provides Minimizing consumption provides

respect for others’ life and respect for others’ life and environment.environment.

Reuse / Recycle Products – Do Reuse / Recycle Products – Do not waste the gifts of nature.not waste the gifts of nature.

Share resources.Share resources. Nature provides enough for our Nature provides enough for our

NEED, but not enough for our NEED, but not enough for our GREED.GREED.

Environmentalism

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Jainismand World Religions

Jain Society Of Metropolitan Chicago435 N. Route 59, Bartlett, IL 60103Phone: (630) 837-1077 Website:

www.jsmconline.org

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World ReligionWorld Religion

““What holds one from falling from What holds one from falling from spiritual degeneration is religion.”spiritual degeneration is religion.”

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TimelineTimeline

571ADMohammed

Judaism

Christianity

Jainism

Hinduism

Islam

2600BCAbraham

2200BCExodus from Egypt

30BCChrist

Beginning-less / Endless

Beginning-less / Endless

557BC, Mahavir

483BCGautam Buddha

1940sAD Israel

Buddhism

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External God & Internal SoulExternal God & Internal Soul

Jainism: Soul

Western:God

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Life CyclesLife Cycles

Jainism: Cycle of Life

Western:Linearity of Life

birth:pure state

death

heaven

hellenlightenment

cycle of life/death

elimination of karmic bondage

nirvana

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Different Core – Similar Different Core – Similar OutcomeOutcome

External god controls you

Religion/philosophy/science separate

Linear nature of life/death

As you sow so you reap on judgment day

God is the soul within you

Karma determines your next life

Cyclic nature of life/death - nirvana

Religion and philosophy are intertwined

Eastern ReligionsWestern Religions

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JainismA Way of Life

Jain Society Of Metropolitan Chicago435 N. Route 59, Bartlett, IL 60103Phone: (630) 837-1077 Website:

www.jsmconline.org

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Jain BeliefsJain Beliefs

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What is Daily Life of a Jain?What is Daily Life of a Jain? Code of Conduct for Monks & Nuns (stricter)Code of Conduct for Monks & Nuns (stricter) Code for Laymen and LaywomenCode for Laymen and Laywomen Vegetarianism & Non-Violent PracticesVegetarianism & Non-Violent Practices

No Silk, Leather, Animal ProductsNo Silk, Leather, Animal Products Simplicity of Lifestyle, Non-MaterialismSimplicity of Lifestyle, Non-Materialism

Meditation and IntrospectionMeditation and Introspection Forgiveness is a Moral DoctrineForgiveness is a Moral Doctrine Compassion, Charity & Community ServiceCompassion, Charity & Community Service Preservation of the EnvironmentPreservation of the Environment

Jainism is the World’s Only Religion Emphasizing the Jainism is the World’s Only Religion Emphasizing the EnvironmentEnvironment

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How Does Jainism Bring How Does Jainism Bring Change?Change?

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Multi Step ApproachMulti Step Approach

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JainismIn USA

Jain Society Of Metropolitan Chicago435 N. Route 59, Bartlett, IL 60103Phone: (630) 837-1077 Website:

www.jsmconline.org

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Jainism in USA – HistoryJainism in USA – History Two events anticipated the future arrival of Jainism Two events anticipated the future arrival of Jainism

in the United Statesin the United States1.1. The arrival of The arrival of Virachand Gandhi in 1893 at Chicago's in 1893 at Chicago's

World Parliament of Religions. He is therefore, . He is therefore, considered the father of American Jainism.considered the father of American Jainism.

2.2. The construction of a "The construction of a "Jain temple" at the " at the St. Louis World's Fair in 1904-1905. in 1904-1905.

Jainism inspired Mahatma Gandhi’s non-violent Jainism inspired Mahatma Gandhi’s non-violent struggle for India’s independence from Britain.struggle for India’s independence from Britain.

Dr. M. L. King (USA) and Nelson Mandela (S. Dr. M. L. King (USA) and Nelson Mandela (S. Africa) applied the first principle of Jainism Africa) applied the first principle of Jainism (ahimsa/non-violence) in Civil Rights struggles(ahimsa/non-violence) in Civil Rights struggles

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Jainism in USA – TimelineJainism in USA – Timeline 1850 - 1850 - American Vegetarian Society established established 1893 - Arrival of 1893 - Arrival of Virachand Gandhi to participate in to participate in

Chicago's Chicago's World Parliament of Religions 1904 - Jain Temple at St. Louis World's Fair1904 - Jain Temple at St. Louis World's Fair 1944 - First Jain settlers in USA1944 - First Jain settlers in USA 1966 - Jain Center of America in New York established1966 - Jain Center of America in New York established 1973 - Jain Center of Greater Boston established1973 - Jain Center of Greater Boston established 1981 - First Jain convention in Los Angeles1981 - First Jain convention in Los Angeles 1983 - Formal organization of 1983 - Formal organization of JAINA ( (

Jain Associations in North America)) 1991 - Founding of Siddhachalam, the Jain Tirtha1991 - Founding of Siddhachalam, the Jain Tirtha 1993 - Temple Pratishtha, Jain Society of Metropolitan Chicago1993 - Temple Pratishtha, Jain Society of Metropolitan Chicago 2000 - Jain Vishwa Bharati Orlando2000 - Jain Vishwa Bharati Orlando 2002 - Jain population estimated to be about 100,0002002 - Jain population estimated to be about 100,000

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Jains in USA - TodayJains in USA - Today 66 Jain Centers in USA66 Jain Centers in USA 113,000 Approximate Jains in USA113,000 Approximate Jains in USA

(vs. 6 Million out of 1.1 Billion people in India)(vs. 6 Million out of 1.1 Billion people in India) $26 Billions Assets$26 Billions Assets $4.2 Billions Estimated Collective Total Income of NA $4.2 Billions Estimated Collective Total Income of NA

JainsJains Today there are Jain centers in 25 of the 50 U.S. Today there are Jain centers in 25 of the 50 U.S.

statesstates Refer to Harvard Pluralism Project's Directory of Refer to Harvard Pluralism Project's Directory of

Religious CentersReligious CentersWhy is “Jain” sometimes spelled “Jaina”?

Words often have an inherent “a” (pronounced ‘uh’ as in ‘under’) sound at the end of them. Though English is not very particular about this sound (many English words are not pronounced phonetically), Indian languages are very particular about sound. Thus, the word “Jain”, spelled in Hindi or Gujarati, does contain the inherent “a” sound at the end. In order to negate this sound, a special marker is placed under the particular letter. Therefore, to translate the word “Jain” from Prakrit or Sanskrit, it may be spelled with our without the “a”, simply because when spoken, it does contain an “a” sound at the end.

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Jainism in USA - In 2020Jainism in USA - In 2020

JAINA

Jain

Centers

NA

Jains

JAINA JainCenters

NA Jains

EXPAND(Community Awareness)

EVOLVE(Our Practices)

ENERGIZE (Our organization)

EDUCATE(Impact trends)

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JSMCChicago

Jain Society Of Metropolitan Chicago435 N. Route 59, Bartlett, IL 60103Phone: (630) 837-1077 Website:

www.jsmconline.org

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JSMC - HistoryJSMC - History 19691969 Inception of the idea of organizing a Jain Society in ChicagoInception of the idea of organizing a Jain Society in Chicago

(Mr. & Mrs. Solanki)(Mr. & Mrs. Solanki) 19701970 Adopted the Constitution for the purpose of JSMC on Jan 11, Adopted the Constitution for the purpose of JSMC on Jan 11,

19701970 19831983 Organization of the Federation of Jain Associations In North Organization of the Federation of Jain Associations In North

AmericaAmerica(JAINA)(JAINA)

19881988 Purchased 15.4 acres of land for the Jain CenterPurchased 15.4 acres of land for the Jain Center 1992/19931992/1993 Opening Ceremonies of the Jain Temple / Jain Community Opening Ceremonies of the Jain Temple / Jain Community

CenterCenter 1995/20011995/2001 JAINA Conventions hosted by JSMC in ChicagoJAINA Conventions hosted by JSMC in Chicago 20082008 Approximately 1,500 member familiesApproximately 1,500 member families 20082008 YJA Convention will be held in Lincolnshire, ILYJA Convention will be held in Lincolnshire, ILJain Society of Metropolitan Chicago

435 N. Route 59, Bartlett, IL 60103(630) 837-1077 / 1088

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Jain Society of Metropolitan Jain Society of Metropolitan Chicago “JSMC”Chicago “JSMC”

A non-profit tax exempt organization registered in State A non-profit tax exempt organization registered in State of Illinois and operating under IRC Title 26 of Illinois and operating under IRC Title 26 U.S.C. § 501(c), Section 501(c)(3) statusU.S.C. § 501(c), Section 501(c)(3) status

Largest membership representation of the Jain Centers Largest membership representation of the Jain Centers in North Americain North America

Member of the Federation of Jain Associations In North Member of the Federation of Jain Associations In North America (JAINA) America (JAINA)

Built the 1Built the 1stst significant Jain Temple of North America on significant Jain Temple of North America on 15.4 acre property15.4 acre property

For further information, visit www.jsmconline.org.  For further information, visit www.jsmconline.org.  

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The Purpose of JSMCThe Purpose of JSMC Increase the awareness of the principles of Jainism.Increase the awareness of the principles of Jainism. Achieve the unity of all Jains.Achieve the unity of all Jains. Provide a platform wherefrom to project the voice of Jain Provide a platform wherefrom to project the voice of Jain

religion.religion. Promote the feeling of amity and brotherhood among Promote the feeling of amity and brotherhood among

Jains and to promote inter-faith understanding.Jains and to promote inter-faith understanding. Fulfill social, cultural, educational and economic needs Fulfill social, cultural, educational and economic needs

of the Jain community.of the Jain community. Establish communications between scholars of Jain Establish communications between scholars of Jain

philosophy and members of the Society.philosophy and members of the Society. Celebrate Jain festivals and holidays.Celebrate Jain festivals and holidays.

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The Mission of JSMCThe Mission of JSMC To offer a trustworthy and structured ground for To offer a trustworthy and structured ground for

projecting a common voice of all Jains forprojecting a common voice of all Jains for Promoting principles of Jain religionPromoting principles of Jain religion Providing Jain education to the communityProviding Jain education to the community Celebrating Jain social and cultural events in a Celebrating Jain social and cultural events in a

manner that is compassionate, vibrant, & dynamic.manner that is compassionate, vibrant, & dynamic. In doing so, the organization shall execute its In doing so, the organization shall execute its

affairs ethically based on a sound infrastructure affairs ethically based on a sound infrastructure and responsible conduct, while creating a and responsible conduct, while creating a sustainable financial position.sustainable financial position.

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JSMC’s Vision for the FutureJSMC’s Vision for the Future Establish an inspiring Jain lifestyle thatEstablish an inspiring Jain lifestyle that

Focuses on youth involvementFocuses on youth involvement Boasts the highest membership among Jain centers Boasts the highest membership among Jain centers

outside of Indiaoutside of India Demonstrates having a positive impact on every Demonstrates having a positive impact on every

stakeholderstakeholder Grows financially to a stable and sustainable debt-free Grows financially to a stable and sustainable debt-free

positionposition Becomes a “can’t live without” for the communityBecomes a “can’t live without” for the community Attracts visitors as a “must visit” place on Chicago’s Attracts visitors as a “must visit” place on Chicago’s

listlist

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JSMC – In 2020JSMC – In 2020

JAINA

TerapanthiStanakvasi

Deravasi

Svetambar

Digambar

JSMC JAINS

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JSMC – TempleJSMC – Temple

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JSMCExpansion Project

Jain Society Of Metropolitan Chicago435 N. Route 59, Bartlett, IL 60103Phone: (630) 837-1077 Website:

www.jsmconline.org

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JSMC Expansion Project - ScopeJSMC Expansion Project - Scope Upper LevelUpper Level

78,000 Sq Ft of State of the Art Facility78,000 Sq Ft of State of the Art Facility Expanded Temple with Additional 1,100 Sq FtExpanded Temple with Additional 1,100 Sq Ft

Larger Rang Mandap, Larger Pooja Room, New Larger Rang Mandap, Larger Pooja Room, New Storage RoomStorage Room

New Prayer Hall and StageNew Prayer Hall and Stage Double the Previous Capacity to 1,500 PeopleDouble the Previous Capacity to 1,500 People

Nursery RoomNursery Room Conference RoomsConference Rooms Expanded Coat and Shoe AreasExpanded Coat and Shoe Areas Expanded Restrooms / ShowersExpanded Restrooms / Showers Larger Reception and OfficesLarger Reception and Offices

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JSMC Expansion Project - ScopeJSMC Expansion Project - Scope Lower LevelLower Level

8 New Pathshala Class Rooms8 New Pathshala Class Rooms Teachers LoungeTeachers Lounge Expanded Library FacilityExpanded Library Facility Larger Modern KitchenLarger Modern Kitchen Expanded Dining HallExpanded Dining Hall Medical / First Aid RoomMedical / First Aid Room Youth RoomYouth Room Fitness CenterFitness Center 2 Elevators and Stairways2 Elevators and Stairways

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JSMC Expansion Project - StatusJSMC Expansion Project - Status $9.5 Million Expansion Project Launched – 2005$9.5 Million Expansion Project Launched – 2005 Jain Center Construction Expansion – 2005 / 2007Jain Center Construction Expansion – 2005 / 2007

The Community Center expansion substantially complete The Community Center expansion substantially complete ($6.5 million)($6.5 million)

Will require expanded audio/video system, stage curtains, Will require expanded audio/video system, stage curtains, stage lighting, and other furnishings ($1.5 million)stage lighting, and other furnishings ($1.5 million)

Jain Temple Construction Expansion – 2008 / 2009Jain Temple Construction Expansion – 2008 / 2009 Temple reconstruction remains unfinished pending marble Temple reconstruction remains unfinished pending marble

work requiring availability of skilled marble craftsmen work requiring availability of skilled marble craftsmen (artisans) that are expert in temple-related marble work (artisans) that are expert in temple-related marble work ($1.5 million)($1.5 million)

Targeted completion 2009Targeted completion 2009

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For More InformationFor More Information Jain Center of Chicago www.jsmconline.orgJain Center of Chicago www.jsmconline.org BBC Website BBC Website

http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/jainism/index.shtmlhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/jainism/index.shtml http://www.cs.colostate.edu/~malaiya/jainhlinks.htmlhttp://www.cs.colostate.edu/~malaiya/jainhlinks.html www.jainworld.comwww.jainworld.com www.jainstudy.orgwww.jainstudy.org www.jaina.orgwww.jaina.org Over 1.5 Million Google ReferencesOver 1.5 Million Google References

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Thank You

Jain Society Of Metropolitan Chicago435 N. Route 59, Bartlett, IL 60103Phone: (630) 837-1077 Website:

www.jsmconline.org

About JSMCAbout JSMC Founded in 1970, the Jain Society of Metropolitan Chicago (JSMC) is a non-profit tax Founded in 1970, the Jain Society of Metropolitan Chicago (JSMC) is a non-profit tax

exempt organization registered in State of Illinois and operating under IRC Title 26 exempt organization registered in State of Illinois and operating under IRC Title 26 U.S.C. § 501(c), Section 501(c)(3) status. JSMC has a membership of about 1,500 U.S.C. § 501(c), Section 501(c)(3) status. JSMC has a membership of about 1,500 families, the largest membership representation of the Jain Centers in North America. families, the largest membership representation of the Jain Centers in North America. JSMC is a proud member of the Federation of Jain Associations In North America JSMC is a proud member of the Federation of Jain Associations In North America (JAINA) and has a distinctive honor of having built in 1992 the 1(JAINA) and has a distinctive honor of having built in 1992 the 1stst significant Jain significant Jain Temple of North America on 15.4 acre property it owns in Bartlett, Illinois.Temple of North America on 15.4 acre property it owns in Bartlett, Illinois.

The primary purpose of JSMC is to provide a temple for religious services and a The primary purpose of JSMC is to provide a temple for religious services and a community center for social, cultural, educational and economic needs of the Jain community center for social, cultural, educational and economic needs of the Jain community. Other objectives of JSMC are to increase the awareness of the principles community. Other objectives of JSMC are to increase the awareness of the principles of Jainism, achieve the unity of all Jains, provide a platform wherefrom to project the of Jainism, achieve the unity of all Jains, provide a platform wherefrom to project the voice of Jain religion, promote the feeling of amity and brotherhood among Jains and voice of Jain religion, promote the feeling of amity and brotherhood among Jains and to promote inter-faith understanding, establish communications between scholars of to promote inter-faith understanding, establish communications between scholars of Jain philosophy and members of the Society, and celebrate Jain festivals and holidays.Jain philosophy and members of the Society, and celebrate Jain festivals and holidays.

  For Further Information please visit www.jsmconline.org or contact:  For Further Information please visit www.jsmconline.org or contact:  

Mr. Dipak DoshiChairman of the Board of Trustees

(847) 420-9025

Mr. Hemant ShahMembership Secretary

(847) 977-5462

Jain Society of Metropolitan Chicago435 N. Route 59, Bartlett, IL 60103

(630) 837-1077 / 1088