Western culture and style of living has adversely influenced the Indian society and has set the wheel of degradation in various aspects. Materialistic ideas, selfish motives and unrestrained living style have hampered the progress of mankind. Utilitarianism has affected struggle at all levels. Tolerance, brotherhood, magnanimity, self-control, equanimity and regard for others are not seen in mankind today. Instead, the roots of hatred, jealousy, selfishness and narrow-mindedness are deep rooted in the society. To address this situation, to find lasting solutions to the above problems, and to extol the great ancient Indian values of spiritualism, universal brotherhood, protection of animals and environment, life free from debaucheries and sin, Spiritual – Religious – Meditational camps are being organized at the national level.
Jain history in particular and Indian history in general reveals that it was Lord Rishabhnatha, the first Tirthankara who taught the various Arts, Crafts, Agriculture, Languages, Mathematics, the Brahmi script and the art of emancipation. In olden days, education aimed at all round development be it spiritual, ethical or practical. Today, the aim of education seems to make the youth economically self-sufficient and nothing else. There is a rat race for jobs, power and position and this rat race has resulted in the degradation of higher spiritual and moral values that India stood for olden days.
In the olden days, there used to be the ‘Gurukul’ style of education, which enriched the individual in all possible ways – physical, mental, ethical and spiritual, and they became constructive pillars of society, working for the upliftment of the mankind. But, today’s education and society has suffered serious setback and the society and the nation at large are looking for alternatives. One such alternative is the SRI JAYMAL JAIN AADHYATMIK GYAN DHYAN SANSKAR SHIVIR.
To save Indian values, under the able guidance of His Holiness Pandit Ratna Acharya Pravar Shri Parshvachandraji maharaj saheb and under the able leadership of His Holiness Dr. Shri Padamchandraji maharaj saheb, hundreds of volunteers, teachers and thousands of students and various religious and cultural Jain organizations are working together to make this camp successful. We have to all believe that if Indian values are forsaken, India cannot survive. The youth of today need to be guided to save itself from influences of outer materialistic world. Although, there are many TV channels and camps working towards inculcation of religious values, it is not enough. We have to work together to inculcate spiritual and humanitarian values. Had there not been Saints in India, India would have been like any other materialistic country struggling to survive.
Dr. Shri Padamchandra ji maharaj saheb , the architect of this camp who was trained through such camp in 1983, is doing wonderful service to inspire and rightfully guide the modern generation about environmental protection, non-violence, vegetarianism, personality development, discipline, equanimity and character building which are the basic ideas that form the foundation of this camp and go to make it a successful one.
Apart from Dr. Shri Padamchandra ji m. s. there are even others who proceed towards the path of initiation with effect of such camps. The 15 days spent there is an experience of an ascetic life which induces great happiness to the soul.
Jainism is a way of life and not merely a religion. It beholds many secrets of leading a very good, serene and peaceful life. These secrets can be known only through these type of camps. These camps help to build one’s self-confidence enabling them to be a good speaker (sadhyayi) and thus teach others the same values and morals in different places. This results in better communication skills.
Children who used to be naughty, obstinate and disobedient are calmer and obedient after attending such camps. Parents greatly cherish their children’s good nature, behavior and respect for their fellow beings. This miraculous change can only happen in such camps. Parents also appreciate the fact that their kids study and score better in their subjects after the camp.
Every individual understands and follows all moral values taught there and absorb them in their lives which definitely aids a better society making. They become broad-minded and have a friendly approach to their fellow-beings. Thus a great number of people who meet for the first time in such camps become friends forever. Not only that, the young one’s are so inspired that they donate for such camps generously of what they save from pocket money.
One who attends the camp experiences a perfect hostel life with no family or relative meeting outside the camp nor is a person allowed to go out in that matter. But the best part is that the attendees do not actually remember their household life because of the schedule that is made in such a manner for them.
With all such effects one should not wonder why a person who attends once is always willing to attend this camp every year again.
Shivir at a Glance since
Jaygacchiya Shrutacharya Shri Chautmalji Maharaj Saheb had for the first time conducted ‘Jain Training Camp’ in Siyat, Rajasthan way back in 1944 . From then on, many camps have been conducted throughout India every and holy presence year. These camps are conducted under the able guidance and holy presence of the Jain Saints belonging to Sthanakwasi Jaygacch sect, who have walked throughout the length and breadth of India to inculcate spiritio-religio-cultural values. The activities during the camp have grown manifold, that inspite of limiting the count of participants to 750, it has always crossed this count.
Even though these camps are continuously conducted every year since 1944 in the Jain community, the tradition and methodology of the camps underwent a sea-change under the able leadership of Pravachan Prabhavak, Mahamanishi Dr. Shri Padamchandra ji maharaj saheb since 1996. Since then, the camp was renamed as Shri Jaymal Jain Aadhyatmik Gyan Dhyan Sanskar Shivir . Dr. Muni Shri also propounded a meditative technique called Jain Anuppeha Dhyan Yog Sadhana in 1996 . It is indeed a great opportunity for the participants of the camp to get trained with such meditative technique. Since then, the number of participants has increased in terms of thousands. Earlier to this, camps were conducted in the name of ‘Jain Dharmik Shikshan Shivir’ , later on as ‘Jay Chaut Dharmik Shikshan Shivir’ followed by ‘Bhudhar Jain Dharmik Shikshan Shivir’.
List of camps conducted
Sri Jaymal Jain Adhyatmik Gyan - Dhyan Sanskar Shivir
1. To inculcate spiritual and moral values in the modern generation and to work for their all round development.
2. To train the younger generation in Jain Anuppeha Dhyan Yog Sadhana meditation for physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing.
3. To enable them to lead a stress-free life in today’s strife-torn society with the help of Jain Anuppeha Dhyan Yog Sadhana meditation.
4. To fruitfully utilize the summer vacations.
5. To inspire the participants especially children and youth to lead a life free of debaucheries (vyasanas), i.e., meat eating, taking intoxicating drugs and drinks, gambling, prostitution etc.
6. To inspire the society to fight against the ills of dowry, illiteracy, etc.
7. To inspire women to give up vile practice of abortion and involve themselves in social development.
8. To train scholars to preach moral values and give their valuable services during the Paryushan Parva, where the Jain saints are not able to reach.
9. The objective of this camp is also to make the participants aware of the environmental degradation and work towards environmental protection.
10. The camp also aims to instill the values of non-violence and Vegetarianism.
11. Character building through tolerance, discipline, simple living, and regards of high values are the yardsticks of this camp.
12. To produce scholars and volunteers, who will in future offer their selfless services to promote peace and prosperity in the society.
The teaching techniques and unique working style as per the laid standards has made this camp very popular and significant all over India. Although many camps are being conducted nowadays in Jain community but the education, discipline and the arrangements made in this camp are noteworthy.
One can find a student contered learning environment, grounded in the values of morality, equity and service with a unique way of learning and thinking that in turn help in building the qualities like self-esteem, self-discipline along with the skills they require to become successful in the near future. The goal of this camp is to provide the most efficient and effective services needed to support the overall development of the participants. This camp is organised by Shri Akhil Bhartiya Jaymal Jain Shravak Sangh. Boarding, lodging and coaching are all free of cost and selflessly sponsored by magnanimous philanthropists and donors. The management of this camp involves various fields which are as follows:-
1. Registration
This camp is conducted during summer vacation (around May 15th to 31st) for a period of 13-15 days. Children, youth & adults of age group (12-60 years) aspiring to attend this camp in a particular period (as fixed every year) and venue have to apply for it in advance (online or manually), so that the facilities required for accommodation etc. can be done systematically.
2. Office
The purpose of office is to furnish essential services to the management. Office comprises of providing arrangements, study material, conducting exams and other activities during the camp.
3. Venue
The venue for the shivir is chosen with great care. These camps are usually conducted in huge schools and colleges so that separate classes and hostel facilities are made available for participants. The place is always in a peaceful, less polluted and a green area making it better for the participants.
It so happens that the venue chosen for this shivir becomes famous for various reasons. One reason being the children gathering for shivir form all over the nation. Thus in a way with Gods grace, that particular school becomes so well known among the masses that it has admissions full for years ahead.
4. Travel
People from all over India (almost 14 states namely Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Tamilnadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Gujrat, Delhi, Assam, West Bengal, Pondicherry) participate and dedicated volunteers bring them to the venue with all the facilities and great responsibility. The fully disciplined participants are also given one way fare by the organization conducting this camp.
5. Accomodation
As the camp is residential, the accommodation facilities are made available for nearly 750 – 1000 participants. Facilities involve good rooms, hygienic lavatories, common hall for gatherings, beds, blankets etc. Participants are accommodated statewise for better management. Separate accommodation facilities are made for male and female section.
6. Food
Pure, hygienic, healthy, Jain food (devoid of underground vegetables) is being served to both resident and non-resident students. Breakfast, lunch, snacks and evening supper before sunset is provided in such a way that the students always feel homely. Taking into consideration the presence of people from various states, the menu is set accordingly along with the inculcation of positive psychology that we eat to live and not live to eat. So the lesson of equanimity and tolerance begins right here. Students learn to relish the food very positively and remain energetic, enthusiastic throughout the day.
Various associations like J.P.P. Jain Mahila Foundation, J.P.P. Jain Yuva Foundation and dedicated volunteers from different places give their services to serve food to the students retaining Indian and Jain culture intact. (The food following the day of fast is also served with special care) Donors, Philanthropists sponsor selflessly for breakfast, lunch, evening snacks and supper.
7. Teaching/Education
The classes have divisions based on student’s previously acquired knowledge in such a way that there is enough concentration by the teacher on progress of each and every student. High skilled teachers who were trained through these camps give their services relentlessly every year. Guru bhagwants and S.S. Jain samani group also takes classes to inculcate spiritual and moral values in students. Each class comprises of a main teacher with another assistant teacher so that teaching, study and discipline are carried on smoothly.
8. Discipline
The discipline of the participants is well maintained. The participants are trained in such a way that every activity is performed with full punctuality from day one onwards. They form straight lines to the dining hall for their lunch and are back on time for the next session.
There are dedicated volunteers from all over India who make sure that discipline is maintained and they are extremely observant and efficient at their work.
9. Medical Relief
Facilities of first aid and also the treatment modalities are made available during the camp as various doctors render their selfless services. A very good care of ill students is taken immediately. The maintenance of surroundings reflects hygiene and good sanitation which is being followed to the maximum in the premises.
10. Propagation Through Media
Daily activities of the camp plus the Ahimsa and Environmental protection rally are propagated by the journalists through media coverage in the entire city and state corresponding to the location of the camp.
The schedule of this camp is set in such a way that all the day-to-day activities are performed in a disciplined and well organized manner. Every activity of this camp is the process of learning to uplift oneself at all levels, in all fields. The major activities of this camp are as follows-
1. Jain Anuppeha Dhyan Yog Sadhana
Morning session begins at 6.00 a.m. for an hour with Jain Anuppeha Dhyan Yog Sadhana- a meditation technique propounded by Dr. Padamchandraji maharaj saheb. It is indeed a great opportunity for the participants of this camp to get trained with such meditative technique which enhances memory power. It is the power of this meditation that participants by-heart and gain that huge knowledge in just 15 days, which otherwise cannot be gained even in the whole year. Through this meditation one gains internal peace and becomes healthy not only physically, but also psychologically, mentally and spiritually.
2. Inspirational Discourses of Dr. Shri Padamchandraji m.s.
Discourses are held daily around 9.00 a.m. for the participants of the camp and local residents. Discourses are mainly aimed to imbibe ethical, spiritual, cultural and moral values. The principles of Lord Mahaveer are scientifically explained in a novel method which is extremely interesting and effective.
3. Stage Performances
After discourses, the participants are given an opportunity to perform on stage through speech, religious songs, drama etc. to overcome their stage fear and improve their vocabulary skills.
4. Acceptance of Vows
The twelve fold vratas of shravak are explained in a very simple and easy way by Dr. Shri Padamchandraji maharaj saheb integrating modern science with it which inspire everyone to take 12 vows and gain the impetus needed to begin advancement on spiritual quest. Almost all the participants willingly take these vows and other promises like not to indulge in seven debaucheries and not to commit suicide lifelong etc. Nothing of these promises are compulsory to anyone, it is by their own wish that they accept it after understanding the importance of taking vow.
5. Fastings
The prathyakyan from Acharya pravar Shri Parshvachandji maharaj saheb have always been so influential that participants of all ages undertake various fastings & penances very easily to uplift their souls and increase their resistance power. Even those who used to experience difficulty in fasting earlier, do it quite well in shivir doing all the regular activities normally.
6. Curricular Activities
The participants of this camp not only gain religious knowledge but a lot of general education also. The curriculum (syllabus) is set in such a way that all the fields are well-covered. Syllabus is divided in four sections- scripture, tatva(sthok), poetry & compositions, story & life-sketch which covers samayik sutra, pratikraman sutra(with meaning), dashvaikalika sutra, pucchisunam, tatvartha sutra, 25 Bol (Fundamentals of Jainism), 67 Bol of samyaktva, 9 tatva, karma prakriti(theory of karma), Badi sadhu vandana, bhaktamar stotra, Laghu sadhu vandana, various poems, pictorial life sketch of Tirthankaras & great souls like Acharya Samrat Shri Jaymalji maharaj saheb and many more.
Students are divided into various classes based on previously acquired knowledge, eligibility and age group. Every day 7 to 8 periods of 45 min- 1 hour are conducted and the entire course is completed accordingly. A special class is also earmarked exclusively for participants who desire to complete pratikramana sutra only, through which entire pratikraman sutra (from first to last) is made by-heart in just 13-15 days.
7. Swadhyayi Training
A special class is also earmarked for the participants who are eligible for swadhayayi seva i.e. serving and preaching the principles of Lord mahaveer, dictating scriptures, giving discourses and conducting religious activities during eight days of paryushan parva. They are specially trained in oratory skills.
8. Competitions
Various competitions like quiz, singing, speech, dharmik antakshari, memory games, on the spot speech competition, jain housie, one minute games etc. are conducted everyday to bring out the hidden talents from the youth. These competitions are held keeping in view the spiritio-religio-cultural upliftment of the participants.
9. Evening Pratikraman
The participants are scheduled to do pratikraman collectively daily after sunset to practically learn the method of performing pratikraman and also repent for the sins committed.
10. Guest Lectures and Presentations
After pratikraman, power point presentations with pictorial view are presented by S.S. Jain Samani group on various topics reflecting the scientific nature of Jainism which in turn helps students easily follow jain way of living in daily routine. Guest lectures are also conducted from time to time by prominent speakers in all fields, be it health, education, business, future plannings, personality development and many more.
11. Exams
Within the span of 13 to 15 days, exams are conducted in two phases viz. Half-yearly and Annual. Mid-term exams are conducted based on the half syllabus and course earmarked for particular classes to create healthy competition amongst students which in turn enhances further learning. Exams are also conducted at the fag-end of the camp to analyze the student’s level of learning. Results are announced on the last day of camp.
12. Ahimsa and Environmental Protection Rally
After the annual exam in the camp, a rally is conducted in the city area to spread the message of non-violence end environmental protection. All the participants of the camp and many local residents take part in this rally in a very disciplined and systematic way. In this rally, all the boys and men are dressed in the same samayik dress with muhpati and girls wear white & white salwar kameez with red dupatta and ladies wear red sarees. All the participants walk in two parallel rows in such a way that it looks like a military parade. The participants are divided in various groups and the best disciplined groups are rewarded. Every group holds various placards containing slogans like “live and let live”, “save trees to save yourself”, “vegetarian food-healthy food” etc.. All of them chant these slogans with full enthusiasm.
13. Excursion
There is a one day outing for sight-seeing for all the participants to have a complete refreshing experience from the hectic schedule.
14. Closing Ceremony
On the last day of the camp, the participants narrate their experience about this camp & express their gratitude towards gurudevs, teachers, volunteers & organisers for organizing this type of camp & imparting spiritual knowledge. There are also stage performances of the selected participants. Prize distribution program is also held in which students acquiring first, second & third place in exams and other competitions are honoured & encouraged further to grow higher.
In this way there are many activities which make this camp unique from all the other types of religious camps.
1. Anyone who is aged between 12 and 50 years is eligible to take part in the shivir. However, a child below 12 years may be given conditional entry if he knows pratikraman by-heart.
2. Persons affected by any kind of disease or those beyond the prescribed age limit will not be given entry.
3. Tea, coffee and dinner after sunset is to be avoided completely during the camp period.
4. Participants must bring with them all the materials required to carry out religious and curricular activities. Else things such as samayik dress, mukhvastrika, small whiskbroom, aasan (mat), note-book, pen etc. will be available at cost.
5. During the camp period, the dress code for the male members will be the samayik uniform. For the female section, there is a strict ban on wearing tight-fitted pants, sleeveless dress, T-shirt, mini-skirt or any obscene dress.
6. Apart from the day earmarked for sight-seeing, prior permission of the co-ordinator and gate pass is a must for going out of the camp premises.
7. There is a strict ban on singing filmy songs, using filthy language, keeping or reading obscene books/magazine/materials. Consumption of tobacco, gutka, pan masala, drugs, smoking, playing cards, gambling, involvement in debaucheries is strictly prohibited. Those breaking rules will be expelled from the camp.
8. Indisciplined and violent participants may be expelled from the camp without giving prior information to the guardians. Expelled or those leaving the camp in between will not be given any travel expenses or prize etc. Instead ` 100/- per day will be collected from them as a penalty.
9. Participants must seek prior permission from the co-ordinator before meeting their guardians/relative or exchanging any article with others within/outside the camp premises.
10. Participants take part in the camp on their own risk and safeguarding their valuables is their responsibility. They must deposit their cash, mobile phone, camera, walkman etc. in the shivir bank.
11. All the necessary facilities like boarding, lodging, breakfast, lunch, dinner etc. will be provided by the organisers free of cost. Separate accommodation facilities will be made for the male & female section.
12. Fully disciplined participants will be eligible for one-way travel fare (rail/road) given by the sangh. All other expenses such as food during travel, sight-seeing etc. is to be borne by the participants themselves.
13. Local residents who desire to remain in the camp for the full tenure will be treated as residential participants and they have to follow the same rules and instructions.
14. Separate time-table and instructions will be applicable for the local residents.
Shivir Date:- 17-05-2020 to 31-05-2020
Venue:- Saraswati Sishu Sadan, Saraswati Nagar, Pali, Rajasthan
Holy Presence:- Jaygacchadhipati 12th pattadhar Acharya Pravar Shri Parshvachandraji Maharaj Saheb, Pravachan Prabhavak Dr. Shri Padamchandraji Maharaj Saheb and Madhur Vyakhyani Shri Jayendra Muni ji Maharaj Saheb Thana 3
Conducted by:- Shri Akhila Bharatiya Shwetambar Sthanakwasi Jaymal Jain Shravak Sangh
