Motto "Live and Help Live" Region served United States,
Canada | Formation 1981 | |
 | ||
Type Jain religious organization Purpose Religious, Charitable, Non Profit Headquarters New York City, United States | ||
Introduction to jaina
JAINA is an acronym for the Federation of Jain Associations in North America, an umbrella organizations to preserve, practice, and promote Jainism in USA and Canada. It was founded in 1981 and formalized in 1983. Among Jain organization it is unique in that it represents Jains of all sects, and thus effectively represents the entire Jain community in USA and Canada.
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History
The Jain Center of Southern California was founded in 1979. Lalit Shah, its Vice President in 1980, suggested establishment of an umbrella organization of all the Jain organizations in North America. At that time about 15 Jain organizations were in existence, including the Jain Center of America, New York, Jain Meditation International Center founded by Chitrabhanu, International Mahavir Jain Mission founded by Sushil Kumar and Jain centers in Boston and Chicago. The JAINA concept was initiated at the first Jain Convention held in Los Angeles in 1981 and formalized at the second Jain Convention in New York in 1983, with the advice and approval of Chitrabhanu and Sushil Kumar.
The conventions are now termed JAINA Conventions, and have been held biennially in Los Angeles, New York, Detroit, Chicago, Toronto, San Francisco, Pittsburgh, Chicago, Toronto, Philadelphia, Chicago, Cincinnati, Houston, and Atlanta. It also publishes textbooks on Jainism, a calendar and a monthly magazine, and operates an online Jain library.
Overview
There are over 70 organizations that are part of JAINA. JAINA represents over 160,000 Jains in USA and Canada. It also has 32 subcommittees involved in different activities.
JAINA Symbol
The Federation of Jain Associations in North America uses a modified version of the standard Jain symbol, the Jain Prateek Chihna. It replaces the swastika with an om because the former is not considered a pious symbol in the western world.
Conventions
JAINA conventions draw thousands of representatives from Jain communities in the USA and Canada.
Interfaith and Relief Actions
JAINA has been involved in several interfaith actions. It also organizes relief activities.
JAINA Ratna Award
The JAINA Ratna Award is the highest recognition awarded by the North American Jain community.
The JAINA Ratna award is distinct from the 26 Jain Ratna awards given by the Prime Minister of India Atal Bihari Vajpayee on the occasion of Lord Mahavira's 2600th birth anniversary celebrations.