Paryushan 2025

by admin | Sep 2, 2025 | 2025

Under the spiritual guidance of

Samani Chaitanya Pragyaji and Samani Him Pragyaji

Paryushan Mahaparv – Aug 20 – Aug 27, 2025

Daslakshan Mahaparv -Aug 28 – Sep 6, 2025

Childrens Summer Camp 2025

by admin | Jul 27, 2025 | 2025

JVB Orlando Gyanshala Summer Camp
July 19, 2025

The Gyanshala Summer Camp at Jain Vishwa Bharati, Orlando, was a resounding success this year as we introduced a new concept: Getting to Know Our Neighbors!

Attendance doubled as our Gyanshala kids were joined by children from the Jacksonville Gyanshala. In total, we had 16 children ranging in age from 4 to 14 years. The day began with prayers, yoga, and meditation led by Samani Chaitanya Pragyaji and Samani Him Pragyaji.

This was followed by engaging lessons in Jainism. The older kids learned about the Five Anuvratas, Six Dravyas, Six Leshyas, and the Ten Virtues, taught by the Samanijis, Dr. Devendra Mehta, Smita, and Arhan Sethi. These sessions helped them understand how their actions affect their aura and how everything in the universe is interconnected. The younger children explored Jain symbols and the alphabet through interactive stories and games.

After a delicious and wholesome lunch prepared by Menkaben, the afternoon was filled with fun activities, including a Scavenger Hunt organized by one of our Gyanshala teachers, Raj Mehta. Age-appropriate clues were created for each group. Despite the Florida heat, the children enthusiastically searched for clues and connected them to Jain values and principles.

Next came an exciting arts and crafts project, an idea by another Gyanshala teacher, Ami Jasani. The children were divided into six groups, each tasked with creating a scene representing one of the Six Kaayas. The Samanijis used this opportunity to teach the children about the importance of one-sensed living beings. The final creations were beautiful and worthy of display, and the children were proud of their accomplishments.

The camp concluded on a high note as the children eagerly assembled gift bags containing drinks, snacks, and pamphlets on meditation. It was like a mini assembly line as each child helped place items into the bags. Once completed, the JVB card was stapled to the front of each bag.

Each child, accompanied by an adult, visited homes in the neighborhood to deliver the gift bags as a gesture of seva and appreciation for being good neighbors. It was a unique initiative with heartwarming results. Many neighbors were unaware of what the JVB Center offers and expressed genuine interest in learning more from the Samanijis.

Most importantly, the children learned the invaluable lesson of giving and that although everyone is different, our Atma (soul) is one and the same. When we look deep into the Atma, we see that everyone is searching for the same goal — peace and joy.

This camp would not have been so successful without the inspiring vision of the Samanijis and the dedication of the coordinators. Special recognition goes to Arhan, a former Gyanshala student now heading to college, who generously gave his time to teach, organize games, and assist with the craft activities.

Preksha Meditation Therapy and Yoga Camp

by admin | Mar 29, 2025 | 2025

Preksha Meditation Therapy Camp – Level 1 & 2

Jain Vishwa Bharati Orlando (JVB Orlando) is thrilled to announce the Preksha Meditation Therapy Camp – Level 1 & 2.

This special event will take place every Saturday from April 26 to May 31, 2025, from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM EST.

This specialized online course is tailored for healthcare professionals and yoga trainers, covering:
✅ Anxiety & Depression
✅ Sleep Disorders
✅ Abdominal Pain, IBS, GERD, & Gastric Issues
✅ Blood Pressure & Diabetes Management
✅ Post-Operative Pain Relief

This course provides practical applications of Preksha Meditation in healthcare settings, helping professionals integrate mindfulness techniques into patient care and self-care practices.

Meet Our Esteemed Instructors:

Samani Dr. Chaitanya Prajna (PhD)

Samani Dr Chaitanya Pragya (PhD) is Professor and former Head of Dept of Comparative Religion and Philosophy, Jain Vishva Bharati Institute, Ladnun, Rajasthan, India. She has expertise in Preksha Meditation. She is also a reputed scholar of Jainism, Comparative Religion & Philosophy, Science of Living, Non-violence, Meditation and Spirituality, Sanskrit, Prakrit Language and literature.

She has been working as a Jain nun and a professor at JVBI, Ladnun since 1986. She has taught Meditation and Spirituality at Florida International University (FIU), Miami, USA for seven years. She has also taught at North Texas University and Ghent University of Belgium.

Since 2014 onward she is engaged in developing scientific studies in the field of Jainism and Preksha Meditation. In her work she addresses questions of happy blending of science and spirituality with special reference to Jainism showing resemblance and resistance. She has created a good network among philosophy experts and scientists at international level through International Conference on Science and Jain Philosophy (ICSJP) organized with great success first at IIT Bombay, Mumbai in 2016 and the second at FIU in 2021.

Dr. Devendra Mehta (MD)

Devendra Mehta, MD, grew up in East Africa and England. He is a graduate of the Kings College, University of London, and completed his pediatric residency at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto. He completed his master’s degree in tropical medicine at University of London before completing his pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition fellowship at Hahnemann University. Dr. Mehta was the division chief, director of gastroenterology research and the Pediatric Gastroenterology Fellowship Program at Thomas Jefferson University before moving to Orlando. Dr. Mehta is the director of outcomes and translational research. He has received Philadelphia’s Top Doctor Award from 2002 to 2005 and was recognized in Orlando Magazine’s Best and Top Doctor’s issue from 2005 to 2009.

Dr. Raj Mehta (MD)

Board-certified in family medicine and clinical informatics, Dr. Raj Mehta integrates technology with healthcare to enhance patient outcomes. As an associate program director of Family Medicine Residency Program at Advent Health Medical Group, he is committed to education and patient-centered care.