BY MAHADEV DESAI

Jain Society of Greater Atlanta (JSGA) held joyous celebrations of the Paryushana Maha Parva-2004, at the Jain Temple in Atlanta on Sunday, September 12. The celebrations attended by over 450 devotees, were graced by the presence of Gurudev Chitrabhanuji who had previously inspired building of the Jain Temple in Atlanta and who during the current tour blessed the proposed building of adjoining Jain Derasar in the near future. 

After a sumptuous lunch, the devotees packed the Temple Hall to listen the erudite discourse by the learned Gurudev Chitrabhanuji. Calm and composed, a handsome, silver haired man of 82, he has a spiritual aura and an excellent command of English, Hindi, Gujarati, and other languages. He is one of the world -roving spiritual ambassadors and leader of over 20 million Jains. He divides his time between India and other Jain Centers spread over the world and has been instrumental in bringing the Jain philosophy to the West. He is a world-renowned speaker of Jainism and author of over 25 books that have helped to spread his message of Ahimsa and Anekantvaad (Reality is multifaceted). In New York, he founded the Jain Meditation International Center, inspired the founding of JAINA-Jain Associations in North America, an umbrella organization of over 62 Jain Centers and 30 temples in North America. In a world torn by violence and suffering, his message of Ahimsa (non-violence) assumes greater urgency and relevance. He encourages all to take charge of their own spiritual journey and to use their energies for the benefit of all through an awareness of Ahimsa, and reverence for all life. His visits help to generate solidarity in the Jain community and help strengthen its identity. He especially inspires the young generation to learn, understand and practice true Jaina Dharma.

Gurudev delivered his sermon in chaste Hindi and crisp English. He began by reciting “Namokar Mantra” the Jain Prayer, which shows our respect for those souls that are liberated as well as those who are on the path to be liberated. He said he was happy to participate in the most auspicious Mahavir Jayanti celebrations as well as Paryushana Parva, the Festival of Forgiveness. During Paryushana, the devotees fast from eight to eleven days. It is a period of admission of and atonement for sins by seeking forgiveness. Gurudev spoke about “aparigraha” (detachment or non-attachment). “God is within us but we keep on searching Him outside. What lies behind you, what lies around you and what lies in front of you is nothing compared to what lies within you. Man is a creature of habits and clings to material things. He must learn to conquer his ego and cultivate detachment by living a life of frugality-kam khao, gum khao and nam jao ;( eat sparsely, speak less and be humble and respectful. The sacred Srimad Bhagwad Gita stresses renunciation of attachment to the fruits of one’s actions. So perform good deeds without expecting fruits in return” he said. He went on to speak about Lord Mahavir’s life and how he had forsaken everything in his spiritual quest. Finally he spoke about the “Sapna ceremony”. Lord Mahavira’s mother Trishala had 14 beautiful and wholesome dreams in which each symbol signified noble virtues in Lord Mahavira. Gurudev said that it was important to have a dream and realize it. He said when he was 15, he had dreamt of going to Harvard. At that time, he felt that it was an empty dream but serendipitously he was invited to address the Second Spiritual Conference at Geneva in 1970. About 3000 scholars representing different philosophies attended this Conference, where Gurudev was invited to inaugurate it. He had spoken about “Ahimsa’ and got a standing ovation for his inspirational talk. The Dean of Harvard attended that Conference and having been greatly impressed by Gurudev’s scholarly talk invited him to Harvard University in 1971, where Gurudev was one of the twelve scholarly panel members! 

“Sapna” ceremony followed after the conclusion of Gurudev’s inspirational discourse. Raju Shah, the President of JSGA-2004, said that he felt very happy and proud that Gurudev’s visit coincided with one more laudable initiative of the Jain Society-“Jain Derasar” In addition, he has also blessed the Jain Scholarship program to be implemented this year. He said that Navin Shah, the Chairperson and Committee members Rajen Sheth and Youth Director Ketan Shah would announce the details of the Scholarships to be awarded during Diwali/New Year this year.

Raju Shah further said that the Derasar Committee, spearheaded by Madhu Sheth had unveiled a very unique design of the ‘derasar’. The design had received unanimous approval at the general body meeting. The two-story temple building will be approximately 3900 square feet on each floor. The main temple will have three sections each with a “shikhar”. The foyer will have two idols. The Rang-mandap will be a place for chaitya vandan or meditation. The third section will include idols of 24 “Thirthankars” in Bhomati area. The construction will commence once the permits and are available. With Gurudev’s presence and blessings JSGA was able to collect sizeable donations for the project. 

At the conclusion of the “Sapna” ceremony, a delectable Swami Vatsalya dinner coordinated by Mrs. Chetna Malbari was served to all.