In the suburbs of Cincinnati, a community of Indians, who follow the Jain faith, has formed around the closest temple for 250 miles. This essay attempts to describe Jainism through a ceremony called Puja, which took place July 17, 2005 in the new home of Sam Patel in Amelia, Ohio. I hope to turn this into part of a much larger, more comprehesive project over the next few years. So keep in mind that this is just a stepping stone. This essay was published in CityBeat, an alternative weekly in Cincinnati. The layout, which can be viewed below, contains a story I wrote compliment the photos. The text of that story can be viewed by clicking HERE. Also, keep in mind that the spelling of Indian words is not set in stone. The word "Puja" can be spelled "Pooja" and so forth, so contradictions to my spellings can be seen all over the internet. The edit I have provided below varies from the edit of the CityBeat article because I wanted the essay to have a tighter, more stand-alone feel. I think this will allow it to be more easily incorporated into a larger work.

The cover and four-page layout of the CityBeat story. Click HERE to view the text of the story.

Harshad Shah grinds a mixture of saffron and water on a special wooden plate made from the Chandan tree. The mixture is used to make the red Kashar dot placed between the participants’ eyes. Non-violence is one of the most important principles in Jainism, so those performing the ceremony wear scarfs to prevent the accidental damage their breath may cause to microscopic airborne organisms.

Dipal Patel, daughter of Kirtan and Geeta Patel, sits with the children who are attending the Puja. Like many of the parents and grandparents in attendance, Dipal wears her traditional Indian clothing. The traditional Indian family usually includes many generations under the same roof.

Lord Mahavir is the founder of the Jains, but he is not considered a God. Born more than 2,500 years ago, he is the 24th and last Tirhankara, which is a spiritual leader. After 12 years of meditation, Lord Mahavir had a spiritual realization and spent the next 30 years preaching in India. He also achieved Moksha or enlightenment, a concept found in Hinduism and Buddhism.

People of all ages gather for Puja. Men, women, and children filled Patel’s typical American living room to pray, sing, learn, and worship.

Aacharya Rupachandgi, a Jain monk, speaks at the ceremony. Aacharya is his title, denoting the type of monk he is. A monk visits the Cincinnati area once a year for the eight-day Parushan Parvo holy time beginning toward the end of August. Monks adhere to five vows: non-violence, honesty, not stealing, sexual restraint, and non-possession. These principles are followed by laymen to the best of their ability.

An offering plate is prepared with a five flame lamp in which an offering will be collected.

In a centuries-old tradition, Patel holds a small vessel with a spigot over a large pot. His guests gather around him and fill similar vessels with the liquids that have washed over their founder’s statue. They then take turns pouring the liquids, called shantikalash, through Patel’s vessel, creating an impromptu fountain.