Dr Harshad Sanghrajka was invited to go on a lecture visit to Mombasa by the local Jain Sangh. A program commencing 10th May and finishing on 14th June was agreed and Dr Sanghrajka left for Kenya on 8th May.
The report on the program in Dr Sanghrajka’s word is appended below. Nairobi Sangh also took advantage of his visit and arranged two lecture sessions for him on his return leg from Mombasa. The Theosophical Society Nairobi Lodge arranged a public lecture in Nairobi on 16th May.
KENYA TRIP REPORT: (10TH – 17TH MAY 2015 )
by Dr Harshad N Sanghrajka
I arrived in Nairobi on Friday 8th and spent the night there, taking flight to Mombasa on Saturday, 9th. I found all preparations done for the seminar on Sunday, 10th. Sunday 10th: A half day seminar ending with lunch was planned and pre-registration was announced with a nominal charge. 120 people were registered and 110+ were present at the Oshwal Academy lecture theatre at 10:00.
Four of the five planned sessions were delivered in English with ppt projection of each:
- DEFINING RELIGION: Clarification between the path and the destination. Understanding that rituals are the means and the end is purification of the soul.
- UNDERSTANDING JAINISM: Identifiers of religion. Etymology covering the source and meaning of the name JAIN. Ontology defining the REALITY as depicted in the scriptures and contrasting with other ontological beliefs. Soteriology to understand the ultimate goal ~ the purpose of religion and the emancipation of the soul.
- VOWS FOR THE 21ST CENTURY: Understanding Vows of Jainism in the context of contemporary times. The five common vows for ascetics and laity, plus the additional vows for the laity. All vows are applicable even after 2500 years.
- JAINISM & SCIENCE: That some of the ancient wisdom is currently beyond our understanding, yet knowing that science is ‘catching up’ in most cases proves that Jain expressions are scientific. Also, many aspects of Jainism are scientific and logical and can be explained with reason.
There was a tea/coffee/biscuit break and delicious lunch was sponsored by a well-wisher. The first two sessions were simpler in comparison and well understood even by beginners. Those who had no background found the last two sessions relatively difficult; however, the good outcome was that these youngsters discussed Jainism at length over the lunch and requested the organisation to provide classes for beginners. Foundation course was recommended.
Monday 11th: COMPASSION IN COMMUNICATION ~ Ethics in daily life.
Lecture at the Oshwal Academy for senior students. 300 students were seated in the assembly hall and represented a mix of many faiths. Presentation defined importance of COMPASSION as expressed in religions such as Hinduism, Christianity, Buddhism, Islam and Jainism. COMMUNICATION was clarified through the many ways in which we communicate in addition to vocal and written. Importance of body language and attitude was explained.
The session was opened for Q&A and once started, it did not come to an end. Eventually, the Head of Senior Section, Ms Jackline Aming’a declared the session as closed due to the final bell and promised to hold a debate on this interesting subject.
Monday 11th – Thursday 14th: 10:00 – 11:00 at the Derasar Hall.
Four sessions on RATNAKAR PACHCHISHI. Introduction to the creation, circumstances leading to the creation, background of the Acharya who created it and the shravak who brought about the enlightenment to the Acharya. Facts behind the translation from Sanskrit to Gujarati and translators life. Each verse in Gujarati and transliterated in romans with diacritical marks was projected. Each verse was played from youtube and then explanation was given. Contextual meaning of some of the words and essence of the verse were explained. About 25 people enjoyed the discussions for 4 days. Monday 11th – Thursday 14th: 20:15 – 22:00 at the Derasar Hall. Sessions were delivered in English with a different topic each day:
- ANEKANTVADA ~ Explanation of the etymology of the term. The exclusive practice in Jainism through various sub-doctrines such as nayavada, syadvada, vyavahara and nishchaya. The positive contribution to plurality, peaceful co-existence and acceptance of the right of other to different views and beliefs.
- AHIMSA IS NOT COWARDICE ~ The influence of AHIMSA in Indian tradition over a long period of time. The excuse to INACTION especially in situations of confrontations. Examples of the life of Shivaji and Gandhiji in terms of freedom of the mother land. Life story of KUMARPALA and his fight to right on the throne of Gujarat with the help of Jain Acharya Hemchandra. There was time to spare at this session which was well utilised by the audience raising questions on various topics.
- JAIN FUNDAMENTALS & CONTEMPORARY COMFORTS Discussion on ritualistic practices and the reasons why there is dwindling interest in the community. The barrier posed by language, lack of understanding, time taken, and lack of communication suited to modern times and next generation.
- DHARMA VS KARMA Explanation of each term with clear understanding of the difference in Hindu and Jain philosophies. Karma explained as part of the nine tattva and how JIVA and KARMA impact each other.
On 14th, a formal closing ceremony was performed with the Sangh presenting Shriphal + pado. Harshad presented the Chair persons of the Derawasi Sangh as well as Sthanakvasi Sangh with the IoJ Coffee Table Book.
On Friday, 15th Flight from Mombasa to Nairobi.
Friday 15th – Saturday 16th: 20:15 – 22:00
Two sessions were delivered in English on DOCTRINE OF KARMA. The younger generation enjoyed the sessions and had many questions which made the sessions interactive and interesting for all. Saturday, 16th: 17:00 – 18:00: Lecture at the Theosophical Society Nairobi Lodge.
Click here to see the poster announcing the lecture. A letter of appreciation was sent to the IoJ office by the Theosophical Society which can be read here.
A paper on AGE OF MEDITATION was delivered. Due to short notice, the attendance was limited but those present were intellectuals deeply interested in the subject. In discussions at the end of the presentation, an important matter of the pronunciation of the word YOG(A) was raised and it was agreed that we should all correct the mispronunciation – YOGAAA. [And RAM-AAA] I have started action to publicise the matter on International Yoga Day when many organisations will be holding meetings/events. www.iyd.yoga has been informed.
Saturday 16th – Sunday 17th: 06.30 – 08:00 RATNAKAR PACHCHISHI
Two sessions were enough for the advanced crowd in Nairobi to present the 25 verses. The attendees enjoyed the deeper meaning of some of the words/verses.
Sunday, 17th: 09:30 – 10:00: Meeting with Chairman VOC, Nairobi.
Shree Bharatbhai and I went to the Oshwal Centre to meet the Chairman Mr Vijaybhai Shah and Vice Chairman Mr Narendrabhai Shah. [Chair: Theosophical Society, Nairobi Lodge]. I presented the IoJ CT Book to the Chairman and explained the One Jain concept. He sought help with some problems and suggestions were made with a promise to help in future.
Sunday, 17th: 11:00 – Lunch for OVER 60’S. LEADING BY EXAMPLE
Invited by the Sangh, over 70 people attended this discussion lead by the Chair: Mrs Smita Sanghrajka. The purpose was to start a discussion group which would meet regularly and investigate ways to eliminate the generation gap. Harshad introduced the model of Navjivan Vadil Kendra which was welcomed by all and as a start a meeting on the last Sunday of each month was agreed. Kiritbhai Sanghrajka was nominated coordinator.
Sunday, 17th: 15:30 – 17:00 ~ What would your answer be if Gandhi ji asked you .. .. .. ?
A youth workshop was organised with 30 people attending. Five groups were formed and each one given a selected question from Gandhiji to Shrimadji. 15 minutes were given to form an answer which was presented by a team member. The answer was discussed by all the groups and eventually the real answer was explained in context to the Karma doctrine.
Sunday 17th: Departure after dinner.