The
Jain Society of Toronto (JSOT), rich in history
of promoting the principle of Ahimsa, continues
to place a strong focus on heightening spiritual
awareness and promoting Jain ethics within its network.
Founded by a visionary group of individuals in 1974,
including the current president Arhant Jain, the
society has come to encompass a large number of
spiritual and community activities.
Having started from only a few local
families, the society has now grown to over 500
life and annual Jain members and over 600 families
on the mailing list. The hard work and involvement
of all our members is reflected in our contributions
to the community. From providing a forum for young
Jains to learn and discourse about Jainism to playing
an instrumental role in affecting and influencing
numerous Canadian and international policies, JSOT
actively engages in promoting Ahimsa . With members
sitting on various councils at the provincial and
federal level, JSOT is able to raise awareness and
influence Canadian policy and decision-makers to
include Ahimsa and the ecological tenets of Jainism
in their charters.
JSOT
is also helping with the reconstruction of the province
of Kutch, India by sponsoring the building of a
primary school near Bhujodi, Kutch. To raise awareness
of Jainism in our local community and celebrate
2600th Janma kalyanak of Bhagwan Mahavir, we showcased
various pieces of Jain Art on the life of Bhagwan
Mahavir created by our members at Toronto's waterfront.
Over 15,000 visitors attended this event. Members
are involved in providing support to underprivileged
children around the world through Child Haven and
other organizations. We participate in and host
as many events as possible with the support of our
members, including those organized with JAINA and
other international Jain organizations, to continue
to spread the message of non-violence .
Our Jain Centre consists of over
10,000 sq. ft, which includes a large prayer hall,
library, 2 stages for cultural/religious activities,
convening area for pathshala, and meetings as well
as kitchen and dining facilities, and a large Gabhara.
The Gabhara includes 9 Tirthankar idols, and a Padmavati
Mata idol, representing all Jain sects. JSOT celebrates
all Jain religious days/periods including Mahavir
Jayanti, Paryushan Parva, Swapan Darshan, Dashlakshan
Parva, Dadavadi Tirth Yatra, Deepawali, Ayambil
and invites Jain scholars, sadhus, Munijis from
around the world to help us celebrate, educate and
provide spiritual guidance during these times. Various
members help other Jain Centres, locally and across
North America, with conducting Mahavir /Snatra Pooja,
and Swapan Darshan during these religious days.
JSOT
organizes annual social events for members to attend
including picnics, meditation weekends, cultural
dances, ski camps, and much more. Regular seniors
events and activities are enthusiastically held,
and our Jain community services group looks after
welcoming new members into the sangh, holding Shanti
Path during times of condolence, and celebrating/recognizing
the achievements and accomplishments of our members.
The temple is open every Sunday from 10:30 to 2:00
pm for Mahavir Pooja every 1st Sunday, Bhakti Group
every 2nd Sunday, Snatra Pooja every 3rd Sunday
and Samayika every 4th Sunday. For visits to the
temple during other times, please contact JSOT president.
JSOT President:
Arhant Jain, P. Eng., Chairman, Professional Engineers
of Ontario, Oakville Chapter Tel. 905-827-7494,
Fax: 905-827-9547, e-mail: arhant.jain@cogeco.ca Directions :-
1 block north of Queensway & 1 block east of Royal
York; 20 minutes drive from Toronto Pearson International
Airport; take Parklawn Road exit at Gardiner Express
Way, go north on Parklawn Road to Queensway, go
1/2 mile on Queensway to Rosemeade Ave. and 1 block
north to Tnnby Road; Jain Centre is located at north
west corner of Rosemeade Ave. and Tanby Road.