Jain Ashram
   ...Jain Community In Birmingham, UK

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   History Of Jain Ashram

   Mission Statement and Vision

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A Brief History of the Jain Ashram in Birmingham
 - By Arvinder Jain

Although Jainism is one of the oldest religions in the world, its presence outside India is small and until recently, not very widely known. However its relevance to modern society is unparallel since its principles address those issues which are in the very heart of big issues of contemporary world like climate change, water shortage and recent near melt-down of western economy.

The Jains first arrived in the United Kingdom in 1960's from India. They were subsequently joined by others from Africa, although Indian roots of Jains from Africa can be easily traced. Gujarat and Rajasthan are two states in India with a sizeable and thriving Jain population. Jain community in Birmingham is relatively small and at present exceeds 300. They come mostly from a business or professional background. 

Late Acharya Sushil Muniji Maharaj in 1976 recognised the spiritual needs of small but growing local Jain followers and inspired for the foundation of a local centre for spreading the teachings of Lord Mahavira. The local community leaders rose to the occasion and acquired a property in Handsworth Wood which houses the Jain Ashram. It has since established itself as an important centre for social, religious and spiritual activities for the community. 

A new dimension was added to the Ashram in the year 2000 with addition of Pratimas (statues) of Jain Tirthankars, doubling up as a Jain Temple. It is our intention to develop our Ashram into a Jain Resource Centre which is open to all Jains and Non-Jains.

25th anniversary of the Jain Ashram in 2001 was celebrated as an international event and was attended by Mr Natwarlal Dyal, the High Commissioner of India in the UK.

2006 witnessed  launch of a library offering a valuable collection of Jain resources to the community as well as refurbishment of the temple. 

Another milestone was reached in 2008 with the launch of Birmingham Agreed Religious Education Syllabus which enables learning and study of Jain faith in 500 local schools for the very first time. Any pupil who wants to learn about Jain faith in the school up to the eighteen year of age will be taught. 

Developmental projects for this year (2010) include fitting of a new kitchen and a multi-purpose hall.

Over the past 30 years, Jain Ashram has benefited from regular visits by Jain nuns       (disciples of Acharya Mahapragya and Acharya Sushil Muni) and the community has developed a deeper insight and better understanding of religion and life. Ashram regularly holds religious discourses, yoga and meditation practice and seminars on healthy life style and common medical conditions.

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Our mission

·        We aim to develop a better insight into modern challenges such as global warming, pollution, poverty, terrorism and lack of equity in society. 

·        We will work towards developing networks with various Jain denominations nationally and internationally.  

·        We will continue to provide and improve resources for educational purposes such as the Jain syllabus for Birmingham schools.  

·        We will contribute to health (diabetes, heart related problems, blood pressure, cancer, stroke etc) and well-being by providing yoga and meditation.

·        We will continue to work with other religions and cultures for greater good of humanity.
 

Our vision

Our vision is neither to preach nor to convert, but to make people aware of Jainism. Jainism advises us to live a ‘simple’ life in very sense and rooted in the philosophy of non-violence and co-existence. 

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Committee

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