Source: INDIA New England News
On September 19, 2005 INDIA New England News reported, "Jainism, a religion teaching non-violence in every sense, stipulates that there is a correlation between our actions and consequences. The religion encourages people to set aside some time for meditation, prayer and forgiveness. Jains believe that through forgiveness, friendship will spread throughout the world and that all living beings will cherish each other. To uphold these values, the Jain Sangh of New England recently observed 'Paryushanaa' [also known as Paryusan Parva] or the festival of forgiveness. This year the festival was celebrated from Sep 1 to Sep 8 at the Jain temple, Woburn, Mass... During the auspicious 'Paryusan Parva,' JNSE organizes many prayer meetings, discourses by learned philosophers from India and daily offerings. Jains believe in fasting and penance."