Shantidoot Amrender Muniji

Author(s): Padmini Atal
Publisher: Universal Ahimsa Foundation
Catalog link: https://jainqq.org/explore/006511/1

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ll shantidoot || messenger of peace Amrender Muni Ji Maharaj IDF Jain Focation International For Hrivate & Personal Use Only www.alinelibrary.org

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Amrender Muni Ji Maharaj Amrender Muni Ji Maharaj is a Jain monk who has devoted his life to world peace and the betterment of humanity. He is a disciple of Acharya Sushil Muni Ji Maharaj, the first Jain monk to have travelled abroad. Amrender Muni Ji Maharaj's dedicated service to humanity has been recognised by various organisations and he has been conferred with several awards including the title of Shantidoot (Messenger of Peace) conferred on him by the Shankaracharyas in 1996. Amrender Muni Ji is based in New Jersey, USA but travels the world over and has visited more than 46 countries to spread his message of peace, non violence and tolerance. During the numerous peace conferences that he has addressed, His Holiness has met with all the prominent world leaders including President Clinton, Mikhail Gorbachev, Giani Zail Singh and Dr. Manmohan Singh, to name just a few.

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Il shantidoot || messenger of peace Amrender Muni Ji Maharaj Translated from the original Naya Gagan Naya Surya, edited and compiled by Padmini Atal amrender muni ji maharaj

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FOR PRIVATE CIRCULATION ONLY Photographs by Hemant B.G (c) UNIVERSAL AHIMSA FOUNDATION All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be copied, reproduced or stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of shantidootmessengerofpeace@gmail.com. | USD. 10/ Price: Rs. 200/(In India only) shantidoot | messenger of peace

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AB Tontents Acknowledgements......... Foreword by HE the Indian Ambassador to Muscat ............. In honor of Guruji ....... Events in the life of Acharya Shri Amrender Muni Ji Maharaj..... 11 Message of Peace to Dignitaries all over the World .................47 * Meetings with Indian and World Leaders Spreading Ahinsa Dharma - the Dharma of Non Violence and Humanity in India and abroad .......... .........81 * Siddhachalam, New Jersey & other centres * Shukaldham and Rohini, Delhi * Awards Major Influences ......... .........89 * Shri Sushil Kumar Ji Maharaj The Teachings of Amrender Muni Ji . * Excerpts from Guruji's Diary * Science of Mantra * Namokar Mantra * Other Mantras, A Pravachan given in Bahrain in 2008 Interesting information gleaned in the course of conversation .... 165 * Omens and dreams * Organization of the House * Grah Shanti * Rudraksh amrender muni ji maharaj

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Jainism: a brief outline .......... A Question and Answer Session with Guruji ............... Experiences of Devotees. 108 Names for Guruji- A loving Tribute .... Jain Prayer for Forgiveness .......... Some Important Information.. Photo Gallery ........ ........ shantidoot messenger of peace Privat Jain Education international Pedror Private & Personal Use Only

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acknowledgements It would not be wrong to say that this book, though apparently a thing of paper and ink, is actually made of love. While sitting at the computer and typing I would frequently be overwhelmed by the task that I had undertaken- that of translating and adding fresh material to a book about my Guru! I wondered if I was equal to the task and prayed that he would guide me and that the book would take shape in exactly the way he wanted it to. With Guruji's blessings and with the loving support of so many of his disciples who contributed in many different ways the book is now ready and you are holding it in your hands. May his love and blessings reach out and touch you through the pages of this book! I want to mention here, all those people who are a part of this book. First of all a huge debt of gratitude to Kavi Kamal Jain on whose Hindi version "Naya Gagan Naya Surya" this book is primarily based. Secondly, Roli Srivastava, whose Hindi language skills helped me immensely in the translation. I could not have done it without her. Mahesh Verma has been at my side throughout this endeavour with his advice and help and Vandana Verma and Neha Verma have contributed their time, effort and loving support for this book in every way. Anu Mathur coordinated the gathering of all the experiences of the devotees and Archna Mathur and her daughters Bharti and Nitika were amrender muni ji maharaj

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my biggest support in coordinating with Guruji in Delhi. Brij Chopra was the guiding light behind the question and answer session included in the book.I would like to acknowledge here Dr. Pravin K Shah's research on Rev Shri Sushil Kumar Ji. Mahesh Anawekar and his team of Art Director Pravin Amudan and Photographer Hemant B.G are the creative people responsible for the beautiful "look" of the book. Neera Taneja generously gave us her house and garden for the photo session with Guruji. Pat Bruno and Kathy Ullrich of Pathways Yoga in America, Anirudh Mathur in Bahrain, Vaidji in Benaras, Shobha Mandeel in Bahrain, Uma Jadhav in Muscat, and my children Nayantara , Ajai and Vijai in America, have all contributed in one way or another towards this book and I thank them all. If I have left out anyone's name inadvertently I beg forgiveness. On behalf of everyone who has played a part in the making of this book, I lay this at Guruji's divine feet, in love and gratitude that he allowed us to be part of it. Padmini Atal Muscat 12th April 2008 shantidoot | messenger of peace

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indiaman bhArata kA rAjadUta sfyr lhnd Malernt lic 5000 tens of friedmi AMBASSADOR OF INDIA satyamApana Foreword It was a pleasant afternoon in January 2008, when his Holiness Acharya Amrender Kumar Muni visited the Indian Embassy in Muscat. I was under the impression that the visit would be a cursory one in which we would discuss the reasons for his visit to Oman and his activities. I was, however pleasantly surprised to find that Acharya Amarender Kumar Muni had a no. of messages based on his deep knowledge of the faiths as well as ancient writings and scriptures which take a no. of years to study and understand. I am, therefore extremely pleased to know that the compilation entitled "Shantidoot --Messenger of Peace" by Acharya Amarender Kumar Muni is on being put together, thanks to the efforts of a no. of his devotees and followers as well as well-wishers from allover the world. This compilation contains a number of messages on humanity and tolerance, avoidance of sectarianism and the essential role of non-violence in our actions and behavior. A common thread in these compilations is the equality of all, the futility of trying to prove that one religion is superior to the other and treating the entire world as one large extended family. Sectarianism is divisive, while tolerance provides unity. I still remember that during his visit, Acharya Amarender Kumar Muni mentioned to me that the earth is our family and when love rises within us we begin to love all creatures as our own. It is also notable that he mentioned the animals, birds and plants can live without humanity but we cannot live without them and respect their right to live. I also remember a simple explanation of terrorism which he conveyed to me namely, that on the one hand there are those who have so much wealth that they do not know how to spend it and on the other there are those who are so poor that they do not have enough to eat. The conflict between them leads to terrorism and if there is a feeling of unity among people destructive actions will cease automatically. amrender muni ji mahinajibrary.org

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indi@man (0 YEARS OF Maletix Ties 5000 Years of Friendship bhArata kA rAjadUta sfyr lhnd Jain Edushantidoon atmessenger of peace Private & Personal Use Only AMBASSADOR OF INDIA I am certain that the messages contained in this compilation will be of great benefit to its readers. This compilation also contains the essence of wisdom and is based on practical experiences. It is with complete satisfaction, therefore that I recommend a thorough reading of the compilation for all those who can lay their hands on it. Stiliia (Anil Wadhwa) Ambassador 22nd April, 2008 P.O. Box 1727, Ruwi, PC 112, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman Tel: (+968) 2468 4512/ 2468 4513, Fax: (+968) 2469 8291, Email: hom@indemb-oman.org

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in fronor of guruji You Speak to Me on the Wind You first came to me when our eyes first met, before a word was spoken. Our souls met in your eyes...eyes I'd been waiting for, eyes that were recognizable instantly from lifetimes past. Yet, here you were waiting for me to enter the room. I was not surprised, although not expecting, to find you sitting before me. I had been waiting with great patience for you to appear to me. I was overcome. Emotion flowed from my eyes and every pore. I was changed. Now in your physical absence, you come to me on the wind. I listen with rapt attention, full of loving anticipation. I am surrounded, completely encircled, by the warmth of your energetic presence. You speak to me with the wind's rustling of dried leaves, the murmuring of waving grasses, the gusto of a storm's approach, the audible path of the wind across the water, the gentleness of a summer breeze. You speak to me on the same wind that carries winged creatures. You first gave me wings by naming me Kinry. As your disciple, I became Kokila, something I realized by your grace that I always was. I seek to honor you by following the path you have lovingly and graciously laid before me. Only with your abundant blessings am I coming full circle. The same current of air on which winged creatures soar, the very breath of air that breathes us, is the wind upon which you come to me. I wait with the open arms of my heart to feel your peace and love and accept your blessings many. I return my honor, deepest gratitude and devotion to you in the same manner...on the wind. Your loving disciple, Kokila Kathleen Ullrich, Disciple & Arhum Yoga Teacher Exeter, New Hampshire, USA 9 amrender muni ji maharaj

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o MMMMM : For Private & Personal use on wwwcainelibrary.org

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events in the life of acharya sheri amrender munu ji maharaj Childhood Amrender Muni Ji was born on the 12th of April 1949 to Shri Motiram Ji Khatri and Shrimati Kartar Devi. His parents were simple God fearing folk, and when their son was born, they looked on his arrival as a blessing from God. They named him "Amar" which in Hindi means "immortal". They did not know it then, but their son was truly a divine child, a blessing from God. When Amar was a child his mother was his first Guru, and he would help her with her daily prayer rituals of pooja. For Privalel& Personal Use Only amrender muniji Wakizinelibrary.org

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"Don't let him go near Sadhus and Saints".. Amar started going to school, and he was in the 5th Grade, just 11 years old, when an interesting incident took place. His father took him to the local barber for a haircut. While the barber was cutting his hair, he stopped suddenly and started staring at something on the boy's head. Shri Motiram Ji told him not to waste time but to finish cutting his hair quickly as he had another appointment. The barber replied in a grave tone that he had seen something which troubled him and wanted to warn Shri Motiram Ji not to let the boy go near any ascetic or monk. It appeared to him, from the signs that he saw on the boy's head, that if the child were to be in the company of monks, he would himself leave home and become a monk. His father found this very hard to believe so he dismissed the incident from his mind and took the boy home with him. The barber's words however proved to be prophetic. Finding his Guru Amar's father was a cloth merchant. He ran a flourishing textile business near the Ghantaghar in the Subzi Mandi area of old Delhi. One of his friends was a Jain gentleman who had a shop nearby. The Jain gentleman's son and Amar studied in the same class and had their holidays at the same time. One day the young Jain boy asked Amar if he would like to spend the holidays with them. He and his family were planning to go out of town. Amar asked his father if he could go with them and his father agreed because he knew the family well. So Amar and the Jain family set off together for their much anticipated trip. They went from Delhi to a place called Kandla and stopped at a Jain retreat. shantidoot | messenger 12 of peace

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Amar was surprised to see the Jain monks there... clad in white robes with their mouths covered, they looked quite strange to him. He wondered what kind of trip this was turning out to be! His friend bent down to touch the saint's feet as a gesture of respect, and Amar politely followed suit. Up until then he had never met a monk or ascetic" close up". The Jain saint who was presiding there was the respected Gurudev Shri Shukal Chand Ji Maharaj. As Amar bent and touched his feet, the saint blessed him by putting his hand on the boy's head. Amar had the strange sensation of something flowing into him at the saint's touch. He recognized it as something divine and sensed that the simple Jain saint sitting in front of him was actually a realized master. Gurudev's discourse and the "Saintly" Dog That momentous day in Amar's life seemed to fly by. It became afternoon and time for Gurudev Shri Shukal Chand Ji Maharaj's discourse. Everyone present assembled for the discourse. Amar noticed that when the saint started speaking, a dog would come and sit nearby to listen to him. People would try and shoo it away but it would not budge as long as the saint was speaking. After he had finished his discourse, the dog would quietly go away, and come back again the next day. People later told him that the dog would even fast on the holy day of "chaturdashi". If someone gave it food it would bury the food and only eat it the next day when the Jain monks would eat! This incident greatly influenced young Amar. He saw with his own eyes the power of a realized saint...even animals were influenced by his presence. Amar felt that he too was being profoundly affected. He felt very happy in the company of the saints. In fact he felt that he had come to his rightful home. 13 amrender muni ji maharaj

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Story telling by night and the power of the Mantra: ch Jain monks eat their evening meal before sunset. After sunset, the monks and others would gather around Gurudev and listen to his anecdotes. Amar also went and sat at his feet and asked Gurudev to tell him a story. He was, after all, only 11 years old. Gurudev told him the story of of Atimukt and Gajsukumal Muni. Amar was not satisfied... he wanted more. So Gurudev decided to tell him anecdotes about his own Guru, Shri Kashiram Ji Maharaj, who by now had left this world. paratna jaina bhUSaNa zAnta mudrA zrI zrI zrI zuklacandra jA Gurudev Shri Shukal Chand Ji Maharaj Listening to stories about him, Amar was filled with a sense of awe. With round eyes, full of wonder and a child like desire to meet such a great saint, he asked Gurudev: Is it possible for me to see him? Gurudev was touched by Amar's earnestness and replied: Alright I will give you a mantra... repeat it before you go to sleep tonight. So before sleeping, with full faith and concentration, Amar chanted the mantra as Gurudev had directed. While chanting he drifted off into sleep. In his dream that night he saw a fair, well built monk, with long arms, a noble brow and a radiant countenance. He was clad in pure white robes and in his smile, Amar felt an all encompassing love reach out and engulf him. He woke up. Jain Educahantidotto messenger of 14 Peace Private & Personal Use Only

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In the morning when he prostrated himself at the feet of Shri Shukal Chand Ji Maharaj, the Guru smilingly asked: Amar, tell me, what did you see in your dream last night? Amar told him everything. Guruji smiled and said that was indeed his own beloved Guru Shri Kashiram Ji Maharaj whose darshan (vision) Amar had been longing for. "I will not return to Delhi" Amar spent a blissful three days in Kandla at the feet of his Gurudev. Then it was time to go home but Amar was not ready to return home. When he heard his friend talking about going back he started crying loudly. Gurudev heard the noise and came out to see what the fuss was all about. Amar explained that he wanted to stay with him and did not want to go back to Delhi. He said that there were still ten more days of holiday left and that he would telephone his parents and get their permission to stay on. He telephoned his mother, and to his great joy she agreed. So Amar got his wish to stay on for another 10 days. However those ten days seemed to fly past. Amar's heart had still not had enough of his Gurudev and he refused to go back even after the 10 days were over. His parents got very alarmed and decided that things had gone far enough. They took the next train to Kandla and arrived at the Ashram. There they forced Amar to agree to return with them to Delhi. Amar realized that there was no way out for him now. He told Gurudev that he had to go and entreated Guruji to bless him. He also requested Gurudev to tell him where he would be going next so that he could try and come to him there. 15 amrender muni ji maharaj

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Running away from home Amar was miserable at home. He thought of Gurudev every moment of the day. He felt very restless and kept thinking of ways to run back to him. Finally, that is exactly what he did - he ran away from home, back to the monks in Kandla. As luck would have it he reached just as they were preparing to leave for a new place. Jain monks have a tradition of wandering from place to place on foot for 8 months of the year. It is only during the 4 months of the rainy season called Chaturmas, that they stay in one place to avoid stepping on insects and worms that come out during the rains. This is central to their concept of Ahinsa or non violence. Amar reached at the end of Chaturmas. When he arrived an initiation ceremony was in progress. A young man called Jagannath was being initiated into Jain monkhood with the title of Santosh Muni. Amar suddenly felt a desperate longing to be initiated too. He went up to Gurudev and requested him for initiation. Gurudev replied in a grave tone that Jain monks did not initiate boys without the permission of their parents. He then told his group of monks that since Chaturmas was over, they would proceed to Samli, a small town 15 miles away from Kandla. The group got ready to proceed on foot. Gurudev, having concern for Amar's tender years told him kindly that he could come by car. Amar insisted that he would also walk along with his Guru. And so it came to pass. The time seemed to fly between Kandla and Samli because he was in the divine company of his Gurudev. shantidoot | messenger of peace 16

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Beyond Samli.... After staying in Samli for a few days, they proceeded towards Saharanpur. On the way they came to a small village. The monks went and begged for alms and food from the villagers. Amar was also feeling hungry and asked his Gurudev for food. Shri Shukal Chand Ji Maharaj replied that they could not give the food that they had begged to a "householder" (non monk) and asked him to go and buy some food from the village. Unfortunately it was a very small place and did not have any shops where he could buy food. By this time he was feeling really hungry. After some time a woman whose son was working in the fields went to give some bread to her child. On seeing this Gurudev told young Amar to go and ask her for some food. It was very difficult for Amar to do so...he had never asked a stranger for food. Seeing him hesitate, Gurudev asked him: Son, what are you thinking? Amar replied: Gurudev, if you say so, I will go and ask her, but what if she says no? Gurudev said: Don't worry, she will not say no...just go and ask. Amar obediently went to the lady but was hesitant to ask anything. He just stood there. The lady, seeing him standing there, asked him what he wanted. Amar told her that he was hungry. The lady hesitated and said that she was taking the bread for her son who was labouring in the fields. So Amar said: I understand, your son is working hard in the fields, he must be very hungry, please give it to him. The woman walked away, but after walking a few steps she turned back and went and sat next to Amar. Very lovingly she told him: You are hungry and you are also like my own son. Come, eat this food. 17 amrender muni ji maharaj

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So saying she fed him with her own hands. After feeding him lovingly she untied some coins which totalled up to Rs 8 from the end of her saree and offered them to him. Amar said : Mother, I also have money. But when I could not buy any food I came to you. The woman replied: My son, every living being has a right to food and water and I am happy I could feed you. Now I am giving you this money from my side. Take it as a gift from your mother. With these words she forcibly put Rs. 8/- into his pocket. Amar was overwhelmed by her love and the fact that even today the spirit of hospitality was alive and well in India's villages. Ambala and the Arrival of Amar's Uncle The whole group of disciples, walking along the roads and bylanes slowly reached Ambala city. Ambala in Punjab is the hallowed ground on which the footsteps of many saints have traveled. In fact the Revered Kashiram Ji (Guru of Shri Shukal Chand Ji Maharaj) left his body and attained mahasamadhi in Ambala. On reaching Ambala, the disciples of Shri Shukal Chand Ji Maharaj accorded him a warm welcome. His dynamic spiritual presence charged the whole atmosphere and a current of divine energy pervaded the whole group. Shri Shukal Chand Ji Maharaj gave a stirring discourse. After the conclusion of the discourse Amar and another disciple started walking towards a nearby house to have their meal. Unknown to Amar, his uncle had arrived in Ambala and recognized Amar from afar . He observed his movements and followed him to the Jain sthanak where the group was staying. On arriving there he told Shri Shukal Chand Ji Maharaj : Gurudev, this child has run shantideot | messenger of peace 18

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away from home and is staying here without his parents knowledge or permission. His family has been looking for him frantically. Now that I have found him, I request you to let him return home with me. Gurudev replied: Of course brother... you can take him with you immediately. The Guru's prophecy comes true Amar was heartbroken at hearing these words. He started crying and said that he would not return home under any circumstances. Gurudev, in his wisdom, said: Child, go with your uncle. He himself will bring you back to me in the evening The words of a realized saint once uttered, have to be fulfilled... Amar's uncle took him to the house of Amar's sister who lived in Ambala. On reaching there, he saw his beloved mother sitting on the couch. She was overjoyed to see him after so long and hugged him close to her chest. Tearfully she told him that the whole family had been very worried about him. By the grace of God he had now been found. Now they could all go home together. Amar was also very happy to meet his family again, but he had no intentions of being separated from his Gurudev. He told his mother that he could never leave his Gurudev and pleaded with her to come and meet him just once and see for herself what a great saint he was. And so it transpired exactly as Gurudev had said : At his mother's request, Amar's uncle took them back to Shri Shukal Chand Ji Maharaj in the evening 19 amrender muni ji maharaj

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Mother gives in On meeting Amar's Gurudev, his mother realized that her son was in good hands and no harm would befall him. She told him: Son, the great saint who has taken you under his protection is indeed worthy of worship. His company will definitely help you rise. After meeting him I have no objection to letting you stay and study with him. However, I would like to bear the expenses for your food and lodging. Amar accepted this condition happily, and so was able to stay at the lotus feet of his Guru. The family, minus Amar, returned to Delhi. Another initiation In the divine presence of his Guru, surrounded by his love and protection, Amar felt truly blessed. Gurudev, on his part, also felt a soul to soul connection with the young boy. With an unfettered heart he started showering the boy with divine grace. All the knowledge that could be imparted to an uninitiated person was bestowed on Amar in abundance. At this time Amar had the opportunity to witness another initiation which again had a profound effect on him. This and the growing feeling of vairagya or detachment that he was experiencing prompted him to request his Guru, yet again, to give him initiation. He said: Gurudev, you have just given the initiation mantra to another disciple. Can you not also give it to me? Gurudev understood Amar's strong desire but just smiled and replied: Amar, your desire will surely be fulfilled, but not until you have your parents permission. Arrival in Banga: Mahavir Jayanti is celebrated Amar wandered with his Gurudev from place to place for three years. During the course of their travels, they arrived at a town called shantidoot messenger of peace

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Banga in the Doaba area. The people of Banga had entreated Gurudev to celebrate Mahavir Jayanti with them and Gurudev had agreed. There was a festive atmosphere in the air. Amar decided that he would ask Gurudev for initiation on this auspicious occasion. He was now 14 years old. In happy anticipation he told everyone who would listen about his intentions. People started going up to Gurudev and telling him : Sir it is very good that you have decided to grant initiation to Amar at this time. Gurudev was surprised; He asked them: Who has told you this? When they said that it was Amar himself who had told them, he replied: No, I have no such intention. "Parents permission is required" Gurudev Shri Shukal Chand Ji Maharaj immediately called Amar to him and asked him: Amar, have you been telling everyone that I am going to give you initiation? Amar replied: Yes sir. Gurudev replied: You should not have done this. The reason is that we are Jain monks and in our Order we do not initiate anyone without the permission of the parents. Amar remonstrated with him: Gurudev, it has been two or three years that I have been in your protection. I have accepted you and you alone as my father and mother. Why do I need anyone else's permission? I have seen you giving initiation to others, then why not me? This Mahavir Jayanti you must give me initiation. Gurudev placed his hand on Amar's head and lovingly said: Amar, I know the immense love that you have for me. I know that you believe that the Guru is all important in a disciple's life. However I still want amrender muni ji maharaj

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you to get permission from your parents - it is one of the requirements of our Order. Amar tries to obtain permission All the people of Banga wanted to help Amar obtain his parents' permission. So a party of seven prominent citizens set out to Delhi to plead his cause. They returned without accomplishing their objective. Amar's parents were just not willing to listen When Amar heard this he said; Gurudev, since these people have not been able to convince my parents, let me go and meet them myself. Gurudev replied: Amar, when these distinguished people have not been able to convince your parents, how will you do so? Amar replied confidently: Gurudev, before I set forth on my journey, please recite the " mangalpath" blessing in my ear. With your blessings even the impossible can become possible. Guruji chanted the mangalpath to Amar and then Amar set forth for Delhi with Shri Jagannath Ji. When he reached Ambala he had a flash of intuition. He remembered that his elder sister lived in Ambala. Maybe he could meet her and enlist her help. He turned his steps towards her house. As they entered the house, to his great surprise, he found that his father, mother and elder brother were there. They had come to Ambala on some work. When they saw him, his elder brother, who was a Colonel in the Army, chided him on his appearance. He told him: Amar, what have you done to yourself? You are wearing these plain khadi (homespun) shantidoot messenger of peace 22

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clothes. These are not befitting of our station in life. You must uphold the dignity and status of the family. Amar told his brother: Sir, the dignity of a family is not vested in its clothes. It is derived from the character of its people. Hearing this his brother was furious. He upbraided Amar in an angry voice: Don't lecture me!! Living in the company of saints, you have also started giving lectures. Enough of such lectures and saints... now come home with us! Amar said: I do not want to go home. My place is at my Guru's feet. ...please help me get permission for my initiation. His brother replied: No, not at all. You will never get permission from us. Remove all thoughts of becoming a monk from your mind. Amar then went to his mother. He said: Dear mother, I have been living with my Gurudev for a few years now. When we move from place to place people question him about me. Even the police sometimes ask him who is this young boy? Has he run away from home? Please give me a permission letter that proves that I have your consent. By a strange twist of fate, (and his Guru's blessings), his mother agreed to write the letter, and in fact wrote it with her own hands! Now Amar had to get it signed by his father. Strangely he too did not create a fuss. He was immersed in some work and signed it without even reading it. Amar returned triumphantly to Banga. Gurudev was in his meditation. When he came out of his meditation, he saw Amar standing in front of him. He asked: Amar what happened? Without speaking Amar placed the letter at his feet. Gurudev read the letter and was very impressed with Amar's achievement. He said: Amar you have accomplished something that older, more experienced people were not able to do. 23 amrender muni ji maharaj

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Amar humbly replied: This is the fruit of your blessings. Now I entreat you to keep your promise to initiate me. Gurudev said: Yes, you will be given initiation during the Mahavir Jayanti celebrations. An elder tries to dissuade Amar This was a blissful period in Amar's life... living at the feet of his Guru and looking forward to his initiation into monkhood. However his parents, family members and others were thinking of ways to draw him back into the world. The head of the Arya Samaj in Banga went to the extent of approaching Amar and telling him: Amar , you are so eager to become a Jain monk but have you thought about the hardships that you will have to endure as a monk? You are still a child and have no idea what you are getting into. Come, change your mind.... no one will think badly of you if you back out now. The life of a Jain monk is like walking on the blade of a sword. You will have to embody with your mind heart and soul the values of ahinsa (non violence) satya (truth) and astega (non-stealing), brahmacharya (celibacy) and aparigraha (non ownership of material goods.) Then again Jain monks do not eat after sunset and lead a very austere life. You will have to literally kill all your desires while still living in this body. Amar replied: There is no shortage of money or comforts in my father's house...but what is the use of these? They cannot give me peace of mind. The gentleman replied: You are still a child and very emotional. Do not be led astray by your emotions or you will live to regret it. Mark my words very carefully. I am speaking from experience and you are inexperienced shantidoot messenger of peace 24

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Even though he was just 14 years old, Amar had a lot of inner conviction. He replied courteously: Sir, there is no place for doubt or fear in my heart. What you term as hardships are but challenges for a true seeker. They can be overcome by one's own determination. And steady determination and faith give the impetus to conquer all obstacles. The gentleman saw that he was not getting anywhere by talking about hardships. Actually he was childless and looking for an heir and thought that he had found an ideal candidate in Amar. He wanted to adopt Amar. He offered to give Amar his business and wealth if he would become his adopted son. Amar laughed and replied: I am not desirous of wealth...my family is wealthy enough. Can't you see? I do not want earthly gains... I want eternal bliss. Defeated, the gentleman went away, and left Amar alone. Initiation Festivities There was great joy in Banga at the prospect of Amar's initiation. The residents of Banga brought a horse and decorated it with colourful cloth hangings. To the resounding chants of the happy throng Amar was placed on top of the horse. The procession which now consisted of more than a thousand people then started winding its way through the streets of Banga. It had just reached the middle of the bazaar when a group of Amar's family members arrived. With angry cries they stopped the procession. They argued that they had not given their permission for Amar's initiation. On hearing the commotion Shri Shukal Chand Ji Maharaj summoned the people to him. He was a powerful saint with formidable eloquence. In no time at all he had convinced them to allow Amar to go ahead. The family members, now a docile and willing group, agreed to participate in the initiation festivities. 25 amrender muni ji maharaj

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And so, at an auspicious time, Shri Shukal Chand Ji Maharaj gave the deeksha (initiation) mantra to Amar. The date of this long awaited day in Amar's life was 17th April 1962. Amar took a vow of ahinsa (non violence) and satya (to always tell the truth), asteya (never steal), brahmacharya (celibacy), and aparigraha (non possessiveness). His name was henceforth pronounced to be "Amrender Muni". The vows were very strict. The vow of ahinsa required him to pledge non violence by mind, word and action. He had to vow that not only would he not harm any living creature himself, but also not ask anyone else to harm them or support anyone who harmed them. Jain monks recognize 6 types of life forces: Creatures that live in the earth, water, fire, (yes, Jains believe that there is a creature that lives in fire) air, vegetation (living creatures who are fixed to one spot) and creatures that move. To fulfill a demanding monastic vow at a young age is not easy. It requires a disposition towards the monastic life. It also needs an inner illumination of the soul and a nurturing spiritual atmosphere. Amar was fortunate to have had all these and he joined the ranks of other young Indian saints like Nachiketa, Prahlad, Dhruv and Shankaracharya. Before Initiation 17th April 1962:Amar at the feet of Rev Shri Shukal Chand Ji Maharaj & surrounded by his family members. Rev Shri Shukal Chand Ji Maharaj chants the Mangalpath or auspicious blessings for Amar before his initiation. Jain Educhaytidectationessenger of peace Private & Personal Use Only

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Deeksha procession before initiation Newly initiated Amar: now known as Amrender Muni After the initiation the group of saints proceeded towards Ambala. Amar was the youngest in the group and beloved of all. With a happy heart at having fulfilled his childhood desire for initiation Amar, in the protection of his loving group, reached Ambala. Acharya Sushil Kumar Ji's Request Acharya Sushil Kumar Ji was one of the most forward looking monks of the Jain order. He was the first Jain monk to travel abroad and spread the principles of peace and ahinsa to the world outside India. Sushil Kumar Ji had great regard for Shri Shukal Chand Ji Maharaj and used to visit him from time to time for his blessings. On one such visit when Gurudev was in Ambala, Sushil Kumar Ji's eyes happened to fall on young Amrender Muni. He was immediately captivated by his radiant presence. In the course of conversation, he pointed towards the young monk and said: Gurudev, please give me this monk. Shri Shukal Chand Ji Maharaj was astonished at this strange request. He fell silent. So Shri Sushil Kumar Ji repeated the request. For Priva& Personal Use Only amrender muni jiwahiplibrary.org

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Shri Shukal Chand Ji Maharaj then replied: Sushil Kumar Ji, I cannot give you Amrender.... ask for any other monk. Sushil Kumar Ji was greatly disappointed. He said: Gurudev, I want Amrender Muni only. I see a special light in him which is not there in any other monk. I have never asked you for anything except this. If you refuse me now, I will never ask you for anything ever again. Shri Shukal Chand Ji Maharaj was very softhearted. He also had a special fondness for Sushil Kumar Ji. So he smiled and said: Sushil Kumar Ji do not be sad and disheartened. I will give you Amrender Muni as your disciple. However destiny had other plans. A few days later when Sushil Kumar Ji's group was leaving Ambala with Amar, Shri Suman Muni ,the head of the Shraman Sangh, stopped them from taking Amar away. So Shri Sushil Kumar Ji and his group of monks had to leave Amar behind. Some more time would have to pass before Amar would come to him as his disciple. Towards Enlightenment In the Jain religion, Bhagwan Mahavir has said that the pursuit of knowledge or gyan is of utmost importance. Knowledge is the base for development of the self. He says: " Know and then Act".... Action without knowledge is useless and accumulation of knowledge without action is also useless. Under the guidance of Shri Shukal Chand Ji Maharaj, young Amrender Muni was engrossed in the pursuit of knowledge and truth. Gurudev taught him not only the Jain scriptures but also gave him insight into other disciplines. Very quickly he was able to absorb the knowledge imparted to him. Soon his understanding developed to an extent that he was able to 28 shantidoot | messenger of peace

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make his own contributions to the pool of gyan that he had acquired from others. With the blessings of his Gurudev and the other saints that he had met, Amrender Muni's spiritual stature started growing. Whoever came to meet him would feel bliss and contentment in his presence. A radiance shines from him which is a result of his deep sadhana. Today the light which he emits is so bright that whoever comes into his presence experiences it and is blessed. Travels with the Guru and blessings of the Saints Shri Shukal Chand Ji Maharaj traveled extensively in India spreading the light of knowledge to the common people. The blessed company of a true saint is considered essential for spiritual development. Shri Amrender Muni accompanied his Gurudev on these journeys and through close contact with him experienced a further blossoming and growth. : Even though he was quite old and frail, in the year 1964 Shri Shukal Chand Ji Maharaj traveled to Ajmer in Rajasthan for the Shraman Sangh Sadhu Sammelan (a conference of monks belonging to the Shraman Sangh). At that time Amar was also with him. He was still a novice having received his initiation only recently but his radiance was such that it captured the hearts of his seniors. They showered him with their blessings and love. Thus he obtained the blessings of such eminent saints as Poojya Acharya Samrat Shri Anandrishi Ji Maharaj, Malavratna Shri Kastur Chandra Ji Maharaj, Malav Kesri Shri Saubhagyamal Ji Maharaj, Upadhyaya Shri Pushkar Muni Ji Maharaj, Marudhar Kesri Shri Mishri Mal Ji Maharaj, Yuvacharya Madhukar Muni Ji Maharaj, Mewar Kesri Shri Mohan Lal Ji Maharaj, Pravartak Shri Ambala Ji Maharaj and Anuyog Pravartak Shri Kanhaiya Lal Ji Maharaj "Kamal". 29 amrender muni ji maharaj

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Shri Amrender Muni believes that the blessings he received from these saints is his true wealth. Thus, in the present time Acharya Shri Shiv Muni Ji Maharaj, Pravartak Shri Suman Muni Ji Maharaj, Tapasvi Shri Sumati Prakash Ji Maharaj, Yuvacharya Shri Vishal Muni Ji Maharaj , Pravartak Shri Amar Muni Ji Maharaj, Yuvamanishi Uppravartak Shri Subhash Muni Ji Maharaj, Punjab Kesri Shri Vimal Muni Ji Maharaj, Shri Vijay Muni Ji Maharaj " Snehi", Shri Vivek Muni Ji Maharaj, Shri Siddheshwar Muni Ji Maharaj, and the head of the Digambar Samaj Sant Bhattarak Devendra Kirti Ji Maharaj and countless other saints have a deep regard for Shri Amrender Muni Ji Maharaj. Among the women saints Vidushi Mahasadhvi Ramesh Kumari Ji Maharaj, Shri Suyasha Ji Maharaj, Shri Kshama Ji Maharaj have a deep faith in Shri Amrender Muni Ji Maharaj. Mahasamadhi of Gurudev Shri Shukal Chand Ji Maharaj Shri Shukal Chand Ji Maharaj lived a pious life in the service of the people. Towards the evening of his life his health started declining but his strength of purpose and determination remained undiminished. In the deepest pain he maintained his composure and did not let it affect his inner peace. He did not forsake his daily rituals even for a day. Amar served him with love and devotion. When Shri Shukal Chand Ji Maharaj left for his heavenly abode, it was natural for Shri Amrender Muni Ji to experience a jolt. His Guru had been a pillar of strength and without him he felt bereft and alone. Amrender Muni accedes to Acharya Shri Sushil Kumar Ji Maharaj's Request As the news of Shri Shukal Chand Ji Maharaj's mahasamadhi spread, the whole community was plunged into sorrow. Acharya Sushil shantidoot | messenger of peace 30

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Kumar Ji wrote a special letter to Amrender Muni Ji in this time of grief: He wrote: Dear Amrender Muni Ji, We feel a deep sorrow at the passing away of Revered Gurudev. In his protection we felt secure. He was the mountain under which we all could shelter. However no one can stop the passage of time and all of us have to leave our mortal body at one time or the other. I entreat you to maintain your composure at this difficult time. When he read the letter, Amrender Muni Ji's grieving heart felt peace. Time passed. Soon Amrender Muni received another letter from Rev Shri Sushil Kumar Ji Maharaj. He wrote: The Rev Shri Shukal Chand Ji Maharaj had given you to me. At that time you did not come. Since he has attained mahasamadhi, it is my request that now you come to me in Delhi. Amrender Muni Ji replied: At present I am pursuing my studies. Though I am physically here, in spirit I am not separate from you. As soon as I finish my studies I will come to Delhi. Shri Sushil Kumar Ji replied: There are excellent facilities for you to study here in Delhi. At Ahinsa Bhavan we have a full fledged Sanskrit College. Since you are interested in Sanskrit, you can study that here. In addition, whatever else you wish to study will be made available once you come. Amrender Kumar Ji kept receiving several such communications from Shri Sushil Kumar Ji Maharaj. Finally he decided that he could not ignore them any more and traveled to Delhi along with Shri Harish Chandra Ji Maharaj. When Rev Shri Sushil Kumar Ji saw him in Delhi he could not contain his happiness. He hugged him close to his chest and said in joyful tones: Today my disciple has come back to me. Chotte Lal Ji 31 amrender muni ji maharaj

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Maharaj who was Sushil Kumar Ji's Guru also was very happy to see him and showered him with blessings. He said: Amrender Muni, my blessings are with you. Study hard. May you live long and prosper and achieve success in your endeavours. Study and Service In Delhi, under the guidance of Shri Sushil Kumar Ji Maharaj, Amrender Muni Ji pursued his studies diligently. He passed with a First Division in the Shastri Degree in Sanskrit from the Delhi Board. Then he did his M.A. in Philosophy from the Delhi University. He also presented a paper in Hindi entitled: Jain Muni Achaar aur Baudh Bhikshu Vinay (A Comparison between the disciplines of Jain Munis and Buddhist Monks) for his M. Phil degree . Along with his studies he also busied himself in service to the Guru of Shri Sushil Kumar Ji. The elderly saint was very happy with the way Amrender Muni looked after him and blessed him wholeheartedly. Only a fortunate few are able to receive blessings from such a saint. Acharya Shri Sushil kumar Ji Maharaj travels abroad In 1975 Shri Sushil Kumar Ji Maharaj started making preparations to travel abroad. On hearing of his plans there was an outcry from some of the old Jain monks, as traditionally Jain monks are not supposed to use any mechanical forms of transportation. However Rev Shri Sushil Kumar Ji Maharaj was not to be deterred by these superstitions. He was determined to spread the light of Bhagwan Mahavir to countries far and wide. Rev Shri Sushil Kumar Ji Maharaj was successful in his endeavours. He traveled to many countries and was able to meet several thousand people and convey the Jain philosophy. In fact he was successful in getting the United Nations to award "World Religion" status to Jainism. shantidoot | messenger of peace 32

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"Take Amrender Muni abroad with you..." Rev Shri Sushil Kumar Ji Maharaj started traveling frequently to other countries. One day, his Guru called him aside and said: Sushil Muni, I want you to take Amrender Muni abroad with you on your next trip. My heart says that he will be good for your work. This child is a special child. I see that he has a very bright future ahead of him. Do take him abroad with you next time you go. It seemed that destiny was opening a new chapter in Amrender Muni's life. Amrender Muni, come immediately to USA" Rev Shri Sushil Kumar Ji Maharaj was in Staten Island, New York when he sent an urgent summons to his disciple: Amrender Muni, come immediately to New York... I need you urgently. (6 When Amrender Muni received this message he said: Gurudev, I am truly blessed that you are remembering me and want me with you. However I am pursuing my studies in meditation and a comparative analysis of Jain Yoga, Patanjali Yoga and Buddhist Yoga and Darshan. Also I have to look after Rev Shri Chhote Lal Ji Maharaj. Hence I don't feel it is right for me to come to the States just now. Amrender Muni clearly did not want to go abroad! However another Jain monk, Rev Shri Subhag Muni advised him to go, saying: Amar, your Gurudev has asked you to join him... There must be a reason for it. Hence you should go. Shri Amrender Muni said: Yes, it is true. But my heart is not ready to let me travel abroad. Rev Shri Subhag Muni Ji said: Reflect on it carefully. He has called for you and it is your duty to obey him. 33 amrender muni ji maharaj

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Right then Amar received a phone call from his Gurudev. It was a peremptory summons: Come to me immediately! Amrender Muni was confused and in turmoil. That night he dreamed of Shri Shukal Chand Ji Maharaj and two other saints called Acharya Samrat Shri Anand Rishi Ji Maharaj and Upadhyaya Kavi Ratna Shri Amar Muni Ji Maharaj. They did not give him any instructions about what to do but he interpreted seeing them as a blessing to go ahead. As soon as it was daybreak he announced his decision to go abroad. There were a lot of formalities but everything got completed quickly and easily Thus Shri Subhag Muni Ji Maharaj and Amrender Muni Ji traveled to Staten Island, New York. They received a warm welcome from the devotees there and Guruji Sushil Kumar Ji also expressed his pleasure at seeing them. First discourse on foreign soil His Gurudev had called him and he had answered his call, but Amrender Muni Ji's heart was not happy in USA. One night in his dreams the noted saint Shri Roop Chand Ji Maharaj appeared to him and after that his heart became light and at peace. At that time Shri Amrender Muni Ji did not know English. To live and lecture in the Unites States, knowledge of the English language was necessary.He started learning the language and progressed very quickly. In the day time he would study English and at night he would teach Rev Shri Subhag Muni Ji. In April 1982, on the instructions of his Gurudev, he went to Cleveland Ohio to give a lecture. It was his first ever discourse on foreign soil and in a foreign language. He spoke on the importance of charity. The gathered devotees were so impressed by his talk that they shantidoot messenger of peace 34

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gave a collective donation of US Dollars 55, 000 for the proposed Ashram at Siddhachalam. Sudden Departure of Gurudev Shri Sushil Kumar Ji Maharaj in India Amrender Muni Ji was feeling well settled and happy doing his work under the wise guidance of his Guru when fate dealt him a severe blow. His beloved Guru, Shri Sushil Kumar Ji Maharaj breathed his last on 22nd April 1994 in India. Three days before his demise, when there was no reason to think of him departing, Rev Shri Sushil Kumar Ji called Amrender Muni to him and lovingly said : Amrender Muni, I am very happy with your attitude of surrender, humility and your balanced view of life. My blessings are with you. I want to give you some instructions. Amrender Muni humbly replied: Please tell me whatever you want me to do. I will try and carry out your instructions to the letter. Rev Shri Sushil Kumar Ji replied: Amrender Muni, you know that in our path our goal is to conquer the self. On this path there will be obstacles as well as favourable circumstances. You will have to learn to be thick skinned and take the rough with the smooth. Just like the dog and the earth..... The earth is called "sarvamsaha" ie "one who tolerates all"... whether one respects it or plunders it, it tolerates everything. The dog also tolerates both kisses and kicks. In the same way we have to learn to carry on our work in this world no matter what the circumstances. To him who has tolerance, victory is certain. Actually Rev Shri Sushil Kumar Ji had a premonition of his impending demise and so he conveyed the important aspects of his life's work to Amrender Muni with his blessings. Shri Sushil Kumar Ji's work continued till the end. Just an hour 8 . 35 amrender muni ji maharaj

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before his demise he met with a delegation to resolve a crisis of national importance. He was truly a giant among men and his departure was a severe loss not just for Amrender Muni Ji but also the whole world. Trying to Maintain a balance in Turbulent Circumstances On the sudden demise of Rev Shri Sushil Kumar Ji on 22nd April 1994 the whole community was cast into gloom and despair. There was an outpouring of love and affection from around the world for this great saint and condolences poured in from the President of India, Dr Shankar Dayal Sharma, Shri PV Narasimha Rao the Prime Minister of India, the United Nations , UNICEF, the Jain Center of America and others. The towering presence of Sushil Muni Ji was like an umbrella under which his devotees would take shelter. Now that this protection was gone they felt bereft and alone. It was a very difficult time for young Amrender Muni Ji as well. He was the foremost disciple of Rev Shri Sushil Kumar Ji and so the responsibility to carry on his work now rested on his shoulders. At that time there was a lot of divisiveness among the group which made his task even harder. Circumstances and people put obstacles in his path and he had to overcome many challenges. However the presence of his Guru made itself felt in Shri Amrender Muni Ji's heart and gave him the strength to bind the group together and carry the work forward. Lord Mahavir has said that one who is able to maintain a balance in happiness and sorrow is a true saint. Saints do not care for praise or criticism, fame or disgrace, happiness or sorrow, life or death. They remain balanced in the most trying circumstances. Amrender Muni Ji is such a saint. He is unaffected by criticism and believes in carrying everyone with him as a group. This quality was severely tested after his Guru left his body. Rev Shri Sushil Kumar Ji appeared to Amrender Muni Ji several shantidoot messenger of peace 36

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times in his dreams and told him not to let the situation daunt himthat he was always with him- giving him his unseen support - and that everything would get resolved soon. And so it happened. As a result of the untiring efforts of Amrender Muni Ji, there has been an increase in dharma in the world. Self realization for mankind, increasing awareness of environmental issues and spreading peace in the world are his goals in life and he works tirelessly to achieve them. Revered Shri Amrender Muni Ji: An exemplary Yogi There are several unique qualities to note in the life of Amrender Muni Ji - the most important one being his awakened consciousness. Guruji's highly charged consciousness has a direct effect on anyone who comes into contact with him. In his presence one is changed from within without even being aware of it. His disciples find that even those traits which are very deeply ingrained, like anger, seem to get gradually washed away and peace and happiness dawn effortlessly. Shri Amrender Muni Ji Maharaj's main teaching work is carried out wordlessly. He rarely gives instructions to carry out certain activities and does not ask his disciples to stop doing something. However you will notice that as a result of his grace and by chanting the mantra given by him, negative activities just drop away on their own. Long standing problems get sorted out and prosperity prevails in houses where the Namokar Mantra is chanted. This has been the personal experience of his disciples. It is common to find that when someone has achieved a little success in his field, he acquires a sense of pride in his achievements leading to an inflated ego and a feeling of arrogance. This is not the case with Rev Shri Amrender Muni Ji. Even though he is a gyani (enlightened, knowledgeable saint) with enormous unseen powers, he is more humble than most people. This humility is ingrained in him, and is not an act put on to impress others. 37 amrender muni ji maharaj

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It has also been the uncanny experience of some disciples meeting Guruji for the first time, that he knows details about them that he could not possibly have known, and he often answers "unasked questions" and not just the questions which have been voiced by the person meeting him. Amrender Muni Ji's most striking quality is his pure love and compassion which flow like a river quenching the thirst of all the seekers who come to him. This, and the radiant aura that always surrounds him, set him apart as a divine being... a divya swaroopi. Bhagwan Mahavir has said: Dharma resides in the heart which is simple and pure. This can be clearly seen in the persona of our beloved Gurudev. He is far removed from any kind of deception, intrigue, or worldly entanglements. He says what he means, and practices what he preaches. In the scriptures, a saint has been defined as one who is simple, pure of heart, and free of sin. By this definition, Rev Shri Amrender Muni Ji is a true saint. Guruji is never idle- he is always engaged in some work. He does not believe in wasting time. Whoever comes to visit him is spiritually inspired. He never sleeps during the day. Even at night he sleeps very little. Everyday he wakes up at the brahm mahurat ie before dawn and starts his meditation. He does not eat or drink anything without completing his routine of yoga sadhana. He opines that by doing mantra recitation in a disciplined way, one experiences ever increasing bliss. Mantra jap (mantra recitation) is the foundation of success. Extolling the powers of mantra jap, Amrender Muni Ji says that his Guruji would say that the fortunes of a person who recites the mantras will always be on the rise. Such a person gets filled with energy and is able to complete even the most difficult tasks with ease. By recitation of mantras, rigorous penance, meditation and reading the scriptures, Amrender Muni Ji has attained divine powers. shantidoot | messenger of peace 38

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Rev Shri Amrender Muni Ji rendered devoted service to his Gurus, Rev Shri Shukal Chand Ji Maharaj and Rev Shri Sushil Kumar Ji Maharaj. He treated his Guru's word as the word of God and obeyed him without question. He was Shri Shukal Chand Ji Maharaj's youngest, and favourite disciple and Shri Shukal Chand Ji Maharaj bestowed several siddhis (powers) on him, which Shri Amrender Muni Ji earned by his love and devotion. As a result, he is a master of the science of mantra, tantra, yantra and jyotish. He has shared some of this knowledge with us in a later section. On the path of Yoga and Meditation Revered Shri Amrender Muni Ji is a yogi and self realized master of a very high caliber. He started seriously practicing at the feet of his Guru after his initiation at the age of 14 years. After attaining many divine powers he decided that he wanted to achieve that ultimate spiritual goal after attaining which nothing in the material world has any value. Knowledge quenches the thirst of the seeker, whereas yoga awakens the sleeping powers in the seeker. To elevate human qualities and bestow lasting happiness, yoga sadhana is essential. In the Yoga Sutras, Patanjali had outlined eight steps or disciplines to purify the mind and lead to enlightenment. Practice of these eight steps is called Ashtanga Yoga. Yam, niyam, usana, pranayama, pratyahara, dharana, dhyana and samadhi are the 8 limbs of yoga. 1. Yama: These are codes of restraint,(Don'ts) or abstinences / self regulations The yamas or restraints (Don'ts) are divided into five moral injuctions. They should be practiced in word, thought and deed. * Ahinsa or non-violence * Satyam or truthfulness 39 amirender muni ji maharaj

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* * * 2. Niyama: These are observances or practices (Dos), The niyamas or observances (Dos) are also divided into five and complete the ethical precepts started with the yamas.. These qualities are: Brahmacharya or moderation in all things (control of all senses). This mainly refers to celibacy Asteya or non-stealing Aparigraha or non-covetousness or non possessiveness * Saucha or purity - this signifies internal and external cleanliness. * Santosha or contentment * Tapas or austerity Swadhyaya or study of the sacred texts * Ishwara Pranidhana which is constantly living with an awareness of the divine Presence (surrender to God's Will) * 3. Asana: Refers to posture 4. Pranayama: refers to breath control 5. Pratyahara: refers to withdrawal of the senses to still the mind 6. Dharana: refers to concentration 7. Dhyana: refers to meditation 8. Samadhi: refers to superconscious state where oneness with the divine is experienced. The first four limbs-yama, niyama, asana, pranayama-are considered external cleansing practices and the internal cleansing practices are -pratyahara, dharana, and dhyana. In Jain literature, though there is no detailed mention of Ashtanga yoga (the above mentioned 8 limbs of yoga), there is however an acknowledgement of the importance of yoga. shantidoot | messenger of peace 40

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In Jain literature, Mano Yog (mental Yoga), Vachan Yoga (Speech Yoga) and Kaya Yoga (Physical Yoga) have been mentioned. The seeker has been exhorted to follow the path of dhyana (meditation) as well. Dhyana means to make the mind empty and thoughtless. In simple terms we can say that turbulence physical, and mental, has to be removed. By practicing dhyana, an individual becomes free from stress and a divine flow of health and happiness is experienced. Rev Shri Amrender Muni has practiced this for years and till today he remains immersed in his yoga and sadhana for hours. When asked about yoga and sadhana, he expounds on his experience and says: "To reach the goal, dhyana is essential. With this an individual becomes contented and is able to reach very deep into his inner self. Meditation requires that we do not get caught up in a tangle of thoughts. The second requirement is control of the senses-touch, sight smell and taste. For this one has to concentrate on the tip of the nose or the point between the eyebrows. Successful meditation depends on controlling the mind. We can meditate at any time and in any waystanding, sitting or lying down. At that time however the mind should be free of thoughts and desires. Dhyana should ideally be done in the early morning or before going to sleep. The late Revered Shri Sushil Muni Ji Maharaj also used to say that early in the morning nature showers us with nectar. This nectar helps to increase our inner power. Mantra jap, meditation, study or yoga done at this time yields quick results. After sunrise the sun swallows up the nectar and it disappears". In sum, meditation is the purest way to self awakening and peace. Everyone should endeavour to practise this. 41 amrender muni ji maharaj

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The Secular Saint Rev Shri Amrender Muni Ji personifies religious tolerance - he believes in spirituality and not in religious sects. His view is that religion should take us far away from differences. If in the name of religion there is an increase in differences between people then it means that we are harbouring sectarianism in the guise of spirituality. Thus Shri Amrender Muni Ji believes in equality of all religions. He has tolerance for all religions and sects and so has a very good relationship with all the Jain sects. Acharya Samrat Rev Shri Anand Rishi Ji Maharaj has a special place in his heart for Rev Shri Amrender Muni Ji. Devendra Muniji, Shiv Muni Ji, Acharya Shri Dharm Sagar Ji Maharaj, Acharya Shri Vidya Nand Ji Maharaj and Gurudev Acharya Shri Desh Bhooshan Ji Maharaj and other revered saints have praised his religious tolerance. Revered Shri Amrender Muni Ji has also met with almost all the prominent lady saints of the Shraman Sangh- foremost among whom is Aryika Shri Gyanwati Mataji who has praised him highly. The Acharya of the Tehra Panth- Shri Tulsi Gani Ji, Acharya Shri Maha Pragya Ji and the Acharya of the Murtipoojak sect Acharya Shri Padma Sagar Ji Maharaj, Acharya Shri Padm Vijay Ji Maharaj and Acharya Shri Yasho Vijay Ji Maharaj etc are also very attached to Rev Shri Amrender Muni Ji. Not just the saints of the Jain sect but also the Shankaracharya of Kanchipur Shri Sarupachand Ji Maharaj, Shankaracharya Shri Jayant Saraswati Ji Maharaj, Shankaracharya Shri Niranjan Dev Ji Maharaj, Teerth Madhav Nand Ji Saraswati and Rishikesh saint Shri Chidanand Ji Maharaj, Swami Agnivesh Ji, Sant Shri Kripal Ji Maharaj, Sant Shri Darshan Ji Maharaj, Sant Shri Rajendra Ji Maharaj, Namdhari Param Guru Shri Jagjit Ji Maharaj revere him highly. 42 shantidoot messenger of peace

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The head of the Buddhist faith the Dalai Lama, and Brahm Rishi Mahesh Yogi Ji, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Ji Maharaj are also well known to Revered Shri Amrender Muni Ji and he has cordial relations with them. Muslims saints, Sikh saints and Christian saints are some of his dearest friends. Revered Shri Amrender Muni Ji believes that in essence all religions are the same. Guruji being felicitated by the Sikh Community in Delhi April 2008 Because of sectarianism the world has suffered a lot of harm. We need to learn to live together in harmony and tolerance of all religions as taught by Revered Shri Amrender Muni Ji Maharaj. It is important to mention here that Shri Amrender Muni Ji has researched and written a book entitled "Jain Muni Aachaar aur Baudh Bhikshu Vinay. Ek Tulnatmak Adhyayan" loosely translated as " A comparative Analysis between the path of Jain Munis and Buddhist Monks". In this way he has contributed to closing the gap between the two religions and bringing them closer. For Private Personal Use Only amrender muni ji mahanjelibrary.org

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He recently presided over a large meeting to celebrate the 300th year of the establishment of the Sikh religion at the special request of Sikh priests and leaders. This shows the wide respect and affection in which they hold him. Millennium World Peace Summit - United Nations, New York - 28th to 31st August 2000. At the historic prayer meeting organised during the United Nation Millennium Peace Conference , Acharya Shri Amrender Muni Ji stated that Hindu, Muslim, Jain and Buddhist, Sikh, Christian and Parsis-all religions and sects are merely different paths which take us to the same goal. The travellers on these paths should live peacefully together and help each other. We should have friendly feelings towards all and wish for their betterment. This conference, organised to foster peace and brotherhood is a very important conference. In this conference, in addition to Guruji, a saint from the Navterapanth called Roop Chandra Ji Maharaj and other representatives of the Jain community were present. shantidoot messenger of peace

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message of peace to dignitaries all over the world Mother Teresa and Acharya Shri Amrender Muni Ji BHA MARAT EKTA ANDO KAT N PUTRI Mother Teressa and dignitaries with Shri Sushil Kumar Ji Mother Teresa's life has been one of surrender to the needs of the people. When Acharya Shri Amrender Muni Ji met Mother Teresa, he expressed joy at her dedication to serving the poor and asked; "How do you feel when you serve the poor and disadvantaged?" Mother Teresa replied: "Dear Monk, I see God in all those poor people whom I serve. Service to others and compassion towards them amrender muni ji maharajelibrary.org

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is one of the highest virtues of life. In my eyes one who serves the poor is a true human being." Acharya Shri Amrender Muni Ji was overcome with emotion when he heard these words of the Mother and said: "Truly you have found the highest fulfilment in service to others. In the eyes of Lord Mahavir also, one who serves the poor is worthy of praise. Just worshipping God by chanting his name is incomplete worship. We must learn to walk on the path of humanity in accordance with God's will." Acharya Shri Amrender Muni Ji then recited these words of a poem which filled Mother Teresa's heart with joy: "Mubarak hai woh jo doosron ke liye, Apne dil mein dard rakhtey hain. Aankhon mein ansoo, lab pe aahein sard rakhtey hain." Blessed is he who feels the pain of others, their tears in his eyes, their sighs on his lips.". shantidoot | messenger of peace 48

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magA ole Acharya Shri Amrender Muni Ji with Prime Minister Indira Gandhi The ex Prime Minister of India, Mrs Indira Gandhi was a lady of supreme confidence and sharp intellect. She had a very high regard for Acharya Shri Sushil Kumar Ji Maharaj and would to come to seek his blessings and guidance. When Amrender Muni Ji met her at the time of this interview, there was a lot of turmoil in the country. On asking Amrender Muni Ji how to bring about peace Indira Gandhi with Sushil Kumar Ji and Amrender Muni Ji in the land, he said: "You are worried about how to bring about peace in the countrythis is right and good. Only when there is peace in the land will people be able to live in peace. I am a monk. I do not have any political affiliations. Whether it is the Congress party or the BJP I say that they should both work towards the good of the country." He illustrated his meaning with a verse as follows: "Un tarkon ko ham dafna dein, jo vivaad khada karte hain. Un farkon ko ham jhutla dein Jo bhed racha karte hain. Bekar vivadon mein ulajhne Se kuch nahin hasil, Un sharton ko ham bhula dein Jinse taandav macha karte hain." "Let us bury those issues Which create dissent. Let us forget those differences Which create rists between us. Let us not get entangled in useless arguments Let us forget about those conditions, Which lead to a dance of destruction." 49 amrender muni ji maharad elibrary.org

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Acharya Amrender Muni Ji with Former President of India Gyani Zail Singh Even though President Gyani Zail Singh is no more in this world it is still important to record the dialogue he had with Acharya Shri Amrender Muni Ji. Gyani Ji used to have a very high respect for Acharya Shri Amrender Muni Ji. He went and met him several times in his Ghewra Ashram in New Delhi. He was a great thinker. When he used to meet Acharya Shri Amrender Muni Ji He used to ask him a lot of questions. Gyani Zail Singh: In your view what would you consider is a "value"? Acharya Shri Amrender Muni Ji: Let us understand this question by looking at the following example: There are two words; Value and Price. Price is that by which you can buy and sell an item. Value is that which cannot be bought or sold. For example - mothers milk. It is priceless. The process of rising above price takes us to value. Gyani Zail Singh: What solution do you have for the decline in value systems in today's world? Acharya Shri Amrender Muni Ji: There is no doubt that the value system today is disintegrating - however I am hopeful that it will improve. The basis of my hope is the law that nature will prevail in the shantidoot, messenge gof peace

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end. Nature balances everything in this world. And the balance created by nature is always perfect. Nature knows when, how and what has to be destroyed to maintain all the equilibrium in the universe. For value systems to improve, group discussions and group prayers are essential. Unfortunately we have stopped sitting together as a family. I feel that this is very important. Today in each house there is a lack of communication. As soon as the father enters the house, the son leaves. The communication between mother and daughter is also becoming less and less. In my view, we must urgently find a proper solution to this problem. We must become generous, humble and egoless, because it is the ego which creates problems. We communicate a lot with the external world but our communication in the house is almost nil. Inner communication and external communication are like the two wings of the bird. Today, only one wing is being used. This situation must be changed. Even battles are not won on the battlefield- they are finally resolved around the table- by dialogue and communication between both parties. Peace through dialogue is most important. When there is communication, then even the most difficult problem can be resolved. Gyani Zail Singh: What is the connection between values and religion in your opinion? Acharya Shri Amrender Muni Ji: Today religion is bought and sold in the market place. Religion has become a commodity. There is a lot of hype about religion and it has become fashionable to have a Guru. However I do not believe in gathering the masses and converting them to my point of view. I agree that religion has to be taken to the masses but not as a commodity rather as a principle or way of life. You may call it a weakness or incompleteness, but this is what I believe in. * I believe that we will have to break this "price" of religion and take it one step higher to become a value or a way of life. 51 amrender muni ji maharaj

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Gyani Zail Singh: What do you consider to be a value based life? Acharya Shri Amrender Muni Ji: Life itself has value. We have been given life. We need to scrutinise it carefully. In my view a value based life must have these three components: Firstly, simplicity (saadgi), secondly, service (seva) and thirdly independance (svavilamban ).There is no rigidness about this being ascribed to any particular religion. It is not the birthright of any one religion only. According to me these qualities are essential for all of humanity. Any human being can access the source by adhering to these principles. A simple life does not mean we should lead a disorganised or profligate life. Rather it means living a disciplined and moral life a life which is of use to others. Service is a very hard dharma to adhere to. In the scriptures it is written that service is difficult even for highly accomplished yogis to undertake. In fact service to others is akin to worship of God. There is a great need for independence. Nowadays we have become very lazy. We are too lazy to do our own work - what help will we be to others? Gyani Zail Singh: How do you apply values in today's scientific / techno culture? Acharya Shri Amrender Muni Ji: Science is a value. Its value is in making things simple and practical- and providing applicability to all. Science is something which is used by everyone. The laws of science have value. We must use them carefully. The universe is significant in itself. Science should be used for construction and not destruction of the universe. Let us understand this with the example of fire. With fire we can burn a house down or light a ceremonial yagya or even cook for the hungry. You should try to look at science in the same way. shantidoot messenger of peace 52

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Gyani Zail Singh: What do you see as the future of value systems in the 21st century? Acharya Shri Amrender Muni Ji: The 21st century is beckoning us. As Alvin Toffler has written in his book, some new questions will arise. He says that in the culture of tomorrow there will be an end to history. Philosophy will die and then from the ashes of this, new values will arise. 53 amrender muni ji maharaj

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Interview with Dr Shankar Dayal Sharma: Former President of India When Dr Shankar Dayal Sharma met Acharya Shri Amrender Muni Ji he put a question to him: Dr Shankar Dayal Sharma: Respected Sir, please tell me what is the use of the principle of anekant (multiplicity of view points) as outlined by Lord Mahavir. Acharya Shri Amrender Muni Ji: Anekant is a revolutionary principle given to us by Lord Mahavir. To see the essence of something from different angles or viewpoints is the meaning of "anekant". For everything there are different viewpoints. A substance is known by many different characteristics. The living thing (jiva) is permanent from one angle and impermanent from another, depending on how you look at it. Just like in a 3 storey building the person on the first floor will say that the person on the second floor is higher than me and the person on the top floor will say that the person on the middle floor is lower than me. The middle person remains at the same level but is viewed differently by both. In their own way both are correct, even though they are saying the opposite thing. Similarly in many disputes today the same thing happens - both sides are correct when you look the problem from their viewpoint. By accepting the principle of "anekant" ie by accepting that there can be multiple correct though opposing views, we can put an end to conflict. Dr Shankar Dayal Sharma: Respected sir, can you tell me if only the caste of people known as Oswals and Aggarwals can be Jainis or is there a place in Jain dharma for others as well? Acharya Shri Amrender Muni Ji: There is no place for sectarianism 54 shantidoot | messenger of peace

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in Jain dharma. In the dharma of Lord Mahavir, all castes are welcome. Khastriyas, Brahmins , Vaishyas and Shudras - all 4 castes were all treated equally in those days. I want to tell you that all our Tirthankaras were Kshatriyas and all the Ganadhars of Lord Mahavir were Brahmins and they coexisted in harmony. Now we are stuck in a conflict between castes- even to the extent that in the elections, caste plays the leading role in getting votes for a candidate. Dr Shankar Dayal Sharma: What has Lord Mahavir said about how to ensure progress for the nation? Acharya Shri Amrender Muni Ji: About national development and national protection Lord Mahavir has said something which is extremely noteworthy. He has given a list of Ten religious commandments in the Sthanang Sutra and said that every individual should be alert to the interest of the nation as his personal dharma. In the Pratikraman Sutra there is a direct instruction for the practising householder that he should not undertake any action which is injurious to the national interest. An individual who harms his nation is the worst citizen. 55 amrender muni ji maharaj amrender m

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Jain Acharya Ji with Shri LK Advani Deputy Prime Minister of India Rev Shri Amrender Muni Ji is in all ways a true saint. His work and viewpoint is praiseworthy and contributes towards a healthy society and country. and Politicians intellectuals frequently approach him for discussions and advice. Sometimes in his large hearted way, he himself goes across to meet them. The goal is that by keeping in touch with those who rule the nation, a healthy atmosphere should be created. The deputy Prime Minister of India Shri LK Advani conveyed a message to Shri Amrender Muni Ji that he wanted to meet him but because of certain personal reasons was unable to come. When he heard this Shri Amrender Muni Ji went himself to Shri LK Advani's residence. Shri Advani welcomed him warmly. Advani ji is a very capable individual. Shri Amrender Muni Ji told him "Advani ji you are very dedicated to your work. Your method of working is beautiful. I want you to undertake certain special efforts to preserve the values of ahinsa. India is a great nation. The tradition here is one of non violence. I want you to promote vegetarianism and put a curb on slaughterhouses. Positive action is also required to preserve the environment." Shri Advani said; "Please give me your blessings - if your blessings are with me then certainly I will be able to accomplish a lot." Shri Amrender Muni Ji sang the mangal path to him and thereby gave his blessings. Advani Ji was overcome with devotion. 56 shantidoot messenger of peace Private & Personal Use Only

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A discussion with the President of America Mr Bill Clinton Shri Amrender Muni Ji's exceptional qualities are that he is full of sweetness, compassion, warm heartedness, and a simplicity that touches everyone he meets. He has succeeded in introducing people all over the world to the principles of Lord Mahavir. The environment in America is oriented towards materialism. In such an environment, awakening the masses to spirituality is no small feat. The then President of America, Mr Bill Clinton, impressed by his radiant personality, went to meet Shri Amrender Muni Ji. Mr Bill Clinton: In your view, who is a Jain? Acharya Shri Amrender Muni Ji: Whether an individual is Hindu, Sikh ,Christian or Buddhist or of any other faith is not important. If he has compassion and love towards all living creatures and he eschews anger, ego, deceit, greed, jealousy and works toward unity of all, and believes in vegetarianism and non violence then he is a Jain. Being a Jain does not depend on religious affiliations. Bill Clinton: Muniji what is the background of Jainism? Acharya Shri Amrender Muni Ji: To preserve the culture of humanity, Jains sacrificed everything but never compromised their principles or indulged in violence. An individual who is following Jainism proceeds on his path with a heart full of love. amrender muni jinabataelibrary.org

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Bill Clinton: Sir, I would like to know the Jain viewpoint on the environment. Acharya Shri Amrender Muni Ji: In Jain idealogy, there has been a detailed description about preservation of the environment. Protection of the animal kingdom, the avian kingdom and the trees and plants is essential. It is the duty of humanity to protect them for without them we could not exist. One species should not kill another. This kind of thinking is undesirable, in fact, intolerable. The balance of nature depends on cooperation between all the species. Acharya Ji gave the President a detailed account of the teachings of Lord Mahavir and said: Acharya Shri Amrender Muni Ji: By following the principles of non violence, anekant (multiplicity of view points) and aparigraha (non attachment) as propagated by Lord Mahavir, we can achieve world peace. If our thought process and behaviour are infused with tolerance and non violence then any problem can be easily solved. We should never become obstinate and attached to our own viewpoint. We should try and respect the feelings and views of others and accept the truth, whatever it may be. In this world, all living things have a right to exist. To take the life of any living thing is a terrible act. We must learn to live and let live. We should endeavour never to speak harsh words to anyone in fact, even at the level of thought we should not think badly of anyone. By not thinking badly of anyone "thought pollution" will decline. When our thoughts become pure, then other kinds of pollution will automatically decrease. We should remain alert towards preservation of the environment. To preserve ourself we should not destroy someone else. This is inhumane. We should not be possessive. While it is good to earn and accumulate wealth and material objects, we should also share our earnings with people who are less fortunate than us. shantidoot messenger of peace 58

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A meeting with Maulana Moosawi in UNO One of the important qualities of Rev Shri Amrender Muni Ji is that he respects the saints and representatives of all religions. He has stated unequivocally that all religions speak of cooperation and religious tolerance. Thus inciting conflict in the name of religion is wrong. During the Millennium World Peace Summit at the United Nations from 28-31 August 2000, Shri Amrender Muni Ji met a Muslim cleric, Maulana Moosawi and had a fruitful discussion about environmental preservation and religious unity. While expressing his views he said, "All religious leaders should try to push for religious unity and while closing the gap between different sects and religions, promote an increase in brotherly love." Rev Shri Amrender Muni Ji also said that to avoid upsetting the delicate balance of nature, it is important to be aware of environmental issues. To stop the increasing bloodshed in the world, concrete efforts should be made for peace. The increasing pollution in the environmentpollution of thought as well as deed - has frightened mankind. For Privata Personal Use Only amrender muni jivewahjaraelibrary.org

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A meeting with New Jersey Senator Bill Bradley Indian as well as foreign leaders have come under the sway of Rev Shri Amrender Muni Ji's radiant personality. The reason for this is the depth of his wisdom which is a combination of knowledge and practicality, as well as his personal charisma. In his meeting with Acharya Amrender Muni Ji, Senator Bill Bradley expressed a desire to know more about Jain philosophy. Acharya Shri Amrender Muni Ji : Jain philosophy's unique principles are ahinsa, astay, satya, brahmacharya, aparigraha and anekant. These are worthy principles from whichever angle you look at them. However the way in which the six dravyas (6 elements) and nine tatvas (9 substances) have been enumerated is truly unique. In Jain philosophy everything has been explained in a scientific manner. Jiva, ajiva, punya, paap, ashrav, samvar, nirjara, bandh and mokshaThese are the 9 tatvas. The tatvas are linked with the atma or soul. Jiva: That which has a soul. One in whom the desire to learn is presentie the atman or soul is jiva. Jiva is the most important of the 9 tatvas. Ajiva: That which is without a soul; devoid of the desire to learn is ajiva. Punya: Virtue. Positive attitude is a punya. Paap: Sin. Negative thinking is paap. Ashrav: Path of karma. One who is tied to his karma is called "ashrav" Jain Edushantidogt atmessenger of peace Private & Personal Use Only

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Samvar: Actions to stop or block negativity. The path to freedom from karma is called "samvar". Nirjara: Actions to destroy karma. Karma is postulated as particles which adhere to the soul. Karma can be destroyed only partially by these actions called nirjara. Eg fasting destroys some karma. Through penance, mantra repetition and reading of the scriptures and dhyana we can loosen the bonds of karma Bandh: Actions that create karma which weighs us down. Those causes which tie the atman tightly to the karma are called "bandh". Moksha: Total freedom from all karma. This is the ideal state that one aspires to; the state of liberation. Jains believe that Gyan (Right Knowledge), Darshan (Right Faith and Vision) and Charitra (Right Conduct and Right Living) are required on the road to peace and liberation. 61 amrender muni ji maharaj

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A Meeting with Indian Ambassador to Muscat H.E Shri Anil Wadhwa His Holiness, Acharya Amrender Muni Ji, while on a private visit to the Sultanate, called on the Indian Ambassador H.E. Anil Wadhwa. During his 45 minute talk with the Ambassador, Amrender Muni Ji stressed the importance of humility and tolerance. He also stressed the need to avoid sectarianism and spoke of non violence being at the core of all his teachings. Amrender Muni Ji said that Lord Mahavir has said that all of humanity is equal, no one is white or black, superior or inferior. Everyone is the same at the level of the soul, everyone has rights. This was a very important statement of Lord Mahavir. For example, if you are the citizen of a country, you have the right to run for President. Whether you win or lose is a different matter. Just as every citizen has the right to run for Presidency, in the same way every aatma (soul) has the right to become parmaatma (liberated soul). In this way all are equal. We have created factions, such as Christians, Jains, or Muslims. These are worldly distinctions.Wars have been fought in the name of religion for three thousand years. In reality an individual who is dharmic, never fights. Peace, tolerance, and "vasudhev kutumbkam" Jain Educshantidentatlomessenger of pfac Srivate & Personal Use Only

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(the world is my family) become second nature to him. So you see, sectarianism divides, and dharma unites. The time has come to bring about change-we don't have a need for sectarianism, we have a need for dharma. The word "Hindu" has appeared in the Rig Veda, in the Garud Purana, Vishnu Purana and several other sacred texts, and also in the religious scriptures of the Jains called Vasudev Hidi . The meaning of "Hin" is violence, and "Du" means one who is far from hinsa (violence). That is, one who keeps away from violence, is a Hindu. If a Hindu commits acts of violence he is not considered a Hindu. The earth is our family. When love grows within us, we begin to love all creatures as our own. Lord Mahavir has said that until you learn to love the plants, the trees, the animals, and the birds, humanity's place on this planet will not be secure. Animals, birds and plants can live without us, but we cannot live without them. That is why it is imperative that we care about them and respect their right to live. Why did terrorism raise its head? On the one hand there is a man who has so much wealth that he does not know how to spend it, and on the other is a man who is so poor that he does not have enough to eat. So there is conflict between them, and conflict leads to terrorism. If there is feeling of unity among people, then destructive actions will cease. I feel that we are at fault for letting sectarianism raise its head because we sided with sectarianism, instead of religious unity. If we had taken care to preach about unity of religions, then all these religious conflicts and terrorist activites would not have happened. Religion bestows peace, religion never destroys. If this feeling of oneness arises in a human being, that all religions preach the same thing, then conflicts in the world will disappear. 63 amrender muni ji maharaj

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The pure water of the holy Ganges is pure whichever ghat or bank you take it from. Religion is the pure water of the Ganges, and the sects are like the different ghats. Sects are required to some extent, but in the end, as we strive towards our goal, we have to relinquish them. Then in the dharmic individual, a feeling arises that this whole world is his own. I have travelled to at least 40 countries with my Guruji, and six more after he left his body. It is my mission that as long as there is breath in my body, I should do my utmost to help humanity. Ambassador Sahab, it is my dearest wish that you prosper and succeed in your endeavours, and wherever you travel may you spread the message of your country. God bless you. shantidoot messenger of peace 64

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At the celebration of UNO's 50th anniversary Mahatma Gandhi's grand daughter Ila Gandhi meets Acharya Shri Amrender Muni Ji Mahatma Gandhi's grand daughter, Ila Gandhi was extremely happy to meet Rev Acharya Shri Amrender Muni Ji. Acharya Shri Amrender Muni Ji: You are the grand daughter of Mahatma Gandhi. In you I see a special radiance and capability. You must use this capability in the interests of the nation. Mahatma Gandhi had a deep understanding of Jain philosophy, In fact if I may say so - Mahatma Gandhi was a true Jain. When Mahatma Gandhi was going abroad his mother took him to Bechar Das Swami who was a Jain saint and whatever injunctions he gave Mahatma Gandhi he followed to the letter. Mahatma Gandhi was a man of unshakeable determination and a self actualised human being. In Jain sadhana a lot of importance is given to fasting. By fasting not only the body, but the soul too gets purified. In testing times, Gandhi Ji took the help of fasting to achieve his ends. In fact Mahatma Gandhi practically applied the principles of Jain philosophy as outlined by Lord Mahavir. On the basis of Lord Mahavir's principle of non violence he was able to secure independence for India. Gandhi Ji said we must counter violence with non violence and untruth with truth. For Priva& Personal Use Only amrender muni ji maharajblibrary.org 65

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This was such a powerful strategy that against it all weapons of the opposition failed. Gandhi Ji felt the pain of the poor and underprivileged very deeply. When India gained independence, and there were grand celebrations in New Delhi, Gandhi Ji spent his time walking from place to place in Noakhali on foot- wiping the tears of the victims of partition who had suffered terrible atrocities. Gandhi Ji always delivered what he promised. He was not interested in discussions and talk and believed instead in action. Shrimati Ila Gandhi was overjoyed to hear these words of praise about Gandhi Ji's philosophy from the mouth of a saint such as Acharya Shri Amrender Muni Ji . She said , "Respected Muni Ji, there are very few saints of your calibre. You have given me much encouragement by talking to me about Gandhi Ji's life and work, and I will also try to contribute whatever I can in this field." shantidoot messenger of peace 66

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Sheikh Farooque Abdulla , Chief Minister of Kashmir and KV Krishna Rao, Governer of Kashmir meet with Acharya Shri Amrender Muni Ji Maharaj The former Chief Minister of Kashmir, Shri Farooque Abdulla and Governer of Kashmir Shri KV Krishna Rao met with Acharya Shri Amrender Muni Ji and discussed with him about how to resolve the terrorist problem in Kashmir. Acharya Shri Amrender Muni Ji said" In an atmosphere of fear and terrorism it is useless to talk about peace and spirituality. The common man will not understand this. Actually the common man does not want any kind of conflict. All the fighting is a result of the selfish elements in society who instigate conflict for their own gains. This is unfortunate. Then to further illustrate the situation Acharya Shri Amrender Muni Ji composed a few lines of verse : " Ek bhai doosrey bhai par goli daagta hai, maarkar bhai ko kaayar khaiyon mein bhagta hai. Khoon se panjey rangey hain haay, bhookhey bhediyon ney Kya kabhi insaaniyat ka dard dil mein jaagta hai?" For Private Personal Use Only amrender muni ji maharalibrary.org

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" A brother pulls the trigger on a brother, and after killing him, the coward runs into a ravine. The wolves have red blood dripping from their claws, Is there no cry of pain at the death of humanity arising in their hearts?" Sheikh Farooque Abdulla and KV Krishna Rao promised that they would take steps to bring about peace in the region. They said that the lives of saints are dedicated to serving others. We follow the direction given by saints, and even in this time of declining values, whatever values are left is the result of the efforts of such saints. If there were no saints then one wonders what the world would be like. shantidoot messenger of peace 68

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His Holiness Acharya Amrender Muni Ji and former Governor of Tamil Nadu & Assam, Shri Bhishma Narayan Singh In Acharya Amrender Muni Ji's life, the radiance of his meditation and spirituality have inspired many people to follow his path. Shri Bhishma Narayan Singh, who has been appointed governor five times, is one such devotee. In the present time, the attitude towards ascetic society (sant samaj) and religion is one of disbelief (anastha). At this time, to bind people together in faith and take them forward is a difficult task indeed. Shri Bhishma Narayan Singh is a very wise man whose services towards the country have been praise worthy. When they met to discuss the current state of affairs Shri Bhishma Narayan Singh sought Amrender Muni Ji's advice on how to improve matters. Amrender Muni Ji advised him that "in this difficult period, it is very important for a person to have faith in moral values and principles and it is of utmost importance to endorse such efforts." Commenting on the increase in pollution in the environment, Amrender Muni Ji expressed his view saying that "in every aspect of life, pollution is gaining ground. In the name of progress, we are adopting new methods of industrial activity which unfortunately are contributing to our own downfall. The ill effects of air pollution, water pollution, and noise pollution are staring us in the face. Unless we put a stop to this contamination, it will be impossible to have a healthy environment. Nature is trembling at the way trees are being damaged and felled. The excessive destruction of natural resources on earth is one of the main For Priva62 Personal Use Only amrender muni jiwwaliaiaglibrary.org

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factors behind earthquakes. Hence, we need to behave responsibly towards our environment." Amrender Muni Ji also emphasized that the most dangerous pollution is thought pollution. When our thoughts are impure, other kinds of pollution will surely follow. shantidoot / messenger of peace

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Amrender Muni Ji and Union Minister of Human Resource Development Shri Arjun Singh Shri Arjun Singh sought out the company of Shri Amrender Muni Ji to discuss several burning issues faced by the country. During the discussions, when Shri Arjun Singh requested Amrender Muni Ji for his opinion, Amrender Muni Ji commented that "You are Guruji with Shri N.D. Tiwani & Shri Arjun Singh anxious about the betterment of the country, and that in itself is a good thing. In my opinion, people who are in a position of power are misusing the position given to them. It is a bitter truth that the politicians today are thinking of feathering their own nests first. The fact is that today their actions are not being guided by their duty (dharma) towards the country. Politics and dharma must go hand in hand." "Lord Ram is considered to be the perfect ruler and the period of his rule is extolled as the golden age of Ram Raj. Mahatma Gandhi had a dream of modern Ram Raj. In fact it was not just a dream; he made efforts to translate it into a reality. It is unfortunate that his methods were used only in times of conflict. Destiny took him away as soon as the conflict was resolved. Had he lived a few years longer then definitely there would have been a positive effect of his methods on the ruling government." "Mahatma Gandhi is not with us today, but for those who are present, it is essential that they think about the well being of the country with selflessness. In my perspective, dharma should not take a backseat to politics; both are of equal importance. Without dharma, an ideal government cannot exist." amrender muni jinaharajlibrary.org

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Acharya Amrender Muni Ji and Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh Our respected Prime Minister Shri Manmohan Singh has met Acharya Shri Amrender Muni Ji on various occasions. He has a lot of respect and faith in Amrender Muni Ji. In turn Amrender Muni Ji is benevolent towards him. Amrender Muni Ji has said many times that Manmohan Singh Ji is a very capable man with a healthy mental outlook. Amrender Muni Ji and Manmohan Singh Ji have often openly discussed various important matters. When they had their discussion about society and progress and development of the country, then Amrender Muni Ji said that "We live in a society and country and we have a responsibility towards them - we cannot forget those responsibilities. If the country lives then we live, otherwise not." "Gandhi Ji has taught us the principles of truth, non violence, sympathy, brotherhood, friendship, love and unity. He had also given us the golden dream of Ram Raj, so that people of every caste, creed and religion could flourish together without any differences. Unfortunately our selfish politicians did not allow this dream to come true. The common man has started to wonder if he actually belongs to a free India. We gained freedom because of the tough battle fought by our freedom fighters. We must be determined to protect and cherish our hard earned freedom at anycost. For the prosperity of the country, it is necessary that we work together. Criticism shantidoot messenger of peace

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and counter criticism is not the answer to any of our problems. Eventually, what is best for our country and society is best for us." It is important to mention that several politicians including Chief Minister Sheila Dixit, ex Chief Minister Shri Sahib Singh Verma, Shri Mangeram Garg, Shri Jai Bhagwan Agarwal (MLA), Shri Vijendra Gupta-Rohini Deputy Mayor Shri Variyam Kaur, Shrimati Meera Kavariya, Chief of Shiv Sena in Delhi Shri Jai Bhagwan Agarwal, secretary of Vishwa Hindu Parishad Shri Ashok Singhal, Shri V.K. Modhi, Shri Giriraj Kishore, Ex Governor Shri Madan Lal Khurrana, Minister Shri Sukhdev Singh Dhindsah, Shri Kuldeep Singh Bhogal, Shri Kuldeep Jain, Surekha Jain etc have met and benefited from the advice given by Amrender Muni Ji. amrender muni jimaharadlibrary.org

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Guruji in discussion with BJP President, Delhi Pradesh - Dr. Harshvardhan Dr. Harshvardhan has shared a unique connection with Amrender Muni Ji for many years. Amrender Mun Ji blessed Harshvardhanji with his eternal good wishes and blessings. Amrender Muni Ji expressed the view that the greatness of the Indian tradition should under all circumstances remain intact, and all endeavors should be made to preserve Indian culture and tradition. He elaborated on the importance of Indian civilization emphasizing the fact that the culture is imbued with rich values and principles that have the power to create an inner inspiration to follow a higher path. Unfortunately, in present times there have been concerted attacks on our deeply held values and traditions. Nonviolence, truth, patience and brotherhood are the foundations of our civilization. Protecting and following these values enhances personal character and leads to the betterment of the entire world. It is essential to contemplate and discuss these issues. shantidoot messenge of peace

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Blessings to his dear devotee Shri Ram Babu Sharma Delhi Congress President Shri Ram Babu Sharma is one of Amrender Muni Ji's favourite disciples. Blessing him, Amrender Muni Ji said "you have a lot of unique qualities in you, and I can see that your future is bright." amrender muni ji maharajibrary.org

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A meeting with Dr. Karan Singh - a visionary Statesman and last heir apparent to the throne of the former princely state of Kashmir Dr Karan Singh has known Amrender Muni Ji since the time of Shri Sushil Kumar Ji Maharaj, and has a very special place for Amrender Muni Ji in his heart. Dr Karan Singh is a seasoned politician who is very capable and a deep thinker and philosopher who is not A afraid to speak the truth. Once during a special function, in heartfelt words he said: "I see the brilliance and greatness of Acharya Sushil Kumar Ji reflected in Acharya Amrender Muni Ji. After the death of Guru Sushil Kumar Ji, Acharya Amrender Muni Ji has traveled the world with the purpose of spreading peace, and Mahavir Ji's message with great integrity and dedication. This is indeed praiseworthy. Only an aware and interactive saint such as Shri Amrender Muni Ji can keep our culture alive." Jain Education Thternational Ed Shantidogt messenger of perse Private & Personal Use Only

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A discussion with Sardar Maninder Singh Bitta, Member of Parliament & Chairman of All India Anti Terrorist Front (AIATF) Shri Maninder Singh has also been fortunate enough to have reaped benefits from his relationship with Acharya Amrender Muni Ji. Amrender Muni Ji , upon meeting him, said that "the fear, war, and discord that is being induced by the terrorists is creating a harmful environment. Your efforts to convert this environment into one of fearlessness, peace, and brotherhood, are praiseworthy." "In order to get rid of terrorism, it is important to make strong efforts for friendship and peace. Actually, in these times very little emphasis has been given to friendship and peace. There is a growing distrust between people, which is tearing them apart. War cannot be met with war. If we take steps to carry out changes based on the foundation of human values, then the chances of widespread improvement are definite." Shri Lal Bihari Tiwari, BJP MP from East Delhi with Guruji Shri Lal Bihari Tiwari praised Acharya Amrender Muni Ji on his efforts towards universal friendship. He expressed his appreciation and said that "no amount of praise is enough for Shri Amrender Muni Ji and saints of his caliber. The external influence on our Indian culture can only be moderated by someone as capable as Amrender Muni Ji, who has the power to show us the path." 77 amrender muni ji maharaj

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Minister of State (Ministry of Food Processing) Shri Subodh Kant Sahay's views kI puNya At a function organized in honour of Shri Amrender Muni Ji, Shri Subodh Kant Sahay expressed his views by saying "I am extremely impressed by Shri Amrender Muni Ji's personality and his duty towards society. Shri Amrender Muni Ji's thoughts can produce great results, and we should make all efforts to follow and spread them." Amrender Muni Ji and Shri Ashok Walia - Cabinet Minister for Finance, Planning & Power Sri Ashok Walia has benefited many a times by his close relationship to Amrender Muni Ji. Amrender Muni Ji has inspired Shri Ashok Walia to make humanitarian efforts. Amrender Muni Ji advises that "in the present time love and brotherhood between every human being is essential, and these affectionate ties should be strengthened." During the meeting Amrender Muni Ji also discussed the political scene in India. He stessed that if religious leaders, teachers, business men and politicians could work truthfully and serve their nation faithfully and dutifully, then the entire political atmosphere in the country would change for the better. Jain Educshentidestatio messenger of peas Private & Personal Use Only

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spreading ahinsa dharma - the dharma of non violence and humanity, in foreign countries and india The work that Rev Shri Sushil Muni Ji had started of spreading the knowledge of ahinsa dharma abroad, is now being ably carried on by Shri Amrender Muni Ji. His every breath is dedicated to the benefit of mankind. He has a unique sweetness of personality in which humility, sociability, deftness in carrying out his work , a balanced temperament, good speaking skills and a desire to help mankind are all nicely combined. He has visited America, Bahrain, Muscat, Dubai, Africa, Australia, Iran, Switzerland, Germany, Poland, Hungary ... a total of 46 countries and helped thousands of people. It is important to note that he has started meditation groups in 40 countries and in the other 6 countries the groups have been established with his help. (see the end of the book for contact details of various centres) The largest and most important of the foreign centres which was started Taina by Rev Shri Sushil Muni Ji in 1983 2007 and which is now run under the patronage of Shri Amrender Muni Ji is Siddhachalam in New Jersey, USA. CONVENTION For Privat! Personal Use Only amrender muni jimaharajlibrary.org

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Siddhachalam is the first and the only Jain Tirth (pilgrimage centre) outside India. Siddhachalam is located in an idyllic setting in rural New Jersey on a 120 acre land site. The main temple has magnificent marble idols of Lord Adinath, Lord Parshvanath, Lord Mahavir, Lord Chandraprabhu, and Lord Shantinath. There is also a small temple where the main idol is that of Lord Parshvanath. It is a magnificent idol in black marble. Arti and puja worship is performed every morning as well as evening. The timing varies according to the season and times of sunrise and sunset. There are several cottages at Siddhachalam and there is a facility for overnight stay for those who wish to perform morning pujas or attend camps or spiritual retreats. Every year during the months of late spring, summer, and early autumn, monks and nuns visit Siddhachalam to worship as well as to lecture and to teach. Siddhachalam also organises some of the camps which are conducted by monks, nuns, and other teachers. Guruji in Bahrain Among the foreign centres the Bahrain group is active. Group chanting of the Namokar Mantra is held on every Thursday. In addition, auspicious days like Rev Shri Sushil Kumar Ji's birthday and Amrender Muni Ji's birthday are celebrated with a lot of love and festivity. shantidoot messenger of peace 82

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Guruji in Muscat The Muscat Group came together in 2002. It consists of an informal gathering of people of different faiths. Guruji has given discourses to the Jain as well as non Jain community here. He has been accorded an outpouring of love from the people here and as in other centres, the Namokar Mantra is chanted in a group every alternate Thursday at various devotees houses and on special occasions and important festivals. Guruji with devotees in Muscat Jan 2008 Guruji in Dubai & Abu Dhabi Shri Amrender Muni Ji has followers in Dubai and Abu Dhabi as well. He visits them almost every year Guruji with devotees in Dubai May 2008 For Private Personal Use Only amrender muni yirwajaeneljbrary.org

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Among the 40 centres which are functioning in various parts of the world, there are three important centres in Delhi which we must mention here. First is the Shri Shukal Jain Adhyatmik Kendra in Sector 7 Rohini Enclave. In this Asharam there is a Homeopathic Clinic, and Accupressure Centre and a Tailoring School where people can avail of treatment and poor people can also learn a life sustaining skill. Secondly there is an institution in Ghewra, Delhi dedicated to the memory of Revered Acharya Shri Shukal Chand Ji Maharaj and Acharya Shri Sushil Kumar Ji Maharaj called Shukal Dham. In this institution he has started an Ayurvedic Clinic, Meditation Centre and Bhagwan Mahavir Care Centre for the Aged and Infirm. In this Centre there is free treatment of patients and meditation is also taught. In addition, there are complete facilities to take care of the elderly Samadhi Mandir, Ghewra and aged homeless people. In the centre of the Ashram in Ghewra is located a temple called the Samadhi Mandir in which statues of Bhagwan Parshwanath, Shri Roop Chand Ji Maharaj, Manidhari Dada Gurudev Ji, Shri Shukal Chand Ji Maharaj with Prem Sukh Ji Maharaj and Shri Sushil Kumar Ji Maharaj have been installed. Jain Edushaptideetnatmessenger of peace Private & Personal Use Only

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There is no doubt that Acharya Shri Amrender Muni Ji Maharaj has a magic touch which transforms people's hearts. In his company, one automatically feels infused with a spiritual quality, negativities dissolve and a positive upliftment of the soul takes place. In America, Bahrain and Muscat thousands of people have taken initiation from him in which one does not have to wear the robes of a renunciant but rather renounce inner vices and lead a pure life without causing harm to any living being. Guruji advocates chanting of the Namokar Mantra daily in the morning and evening, as well engaging in the service of mankind, eating only vegetarian food and avoiding alcohol and smoking. Regarding the benefits of a vegetarian diet, Guruji says: "Vegetarianism is in all ways the basis of a happy and healthy life. No one starts life as a meat eater. When a child is born his mothers milk gives him nourishment and slowly he grows bigger and stronger. Under the influence of modern ways of thinking, we start feeding the child eggs in one form or the other. It is a strange fact that even habitual vegetarians have now started eating eggs thinking that there is no life within them. This is wrong and we must correct this impression. The egg comes not from any tree or plant, but straight from the mother's womb. Unfertilised eggs can be compared to the monthly bleeding of women. Even unfertilized eggs have life in them. According to Dr Philip Dixon,all eggs have life in them. Eating eggs is not good for the health and this has been stated by several doctors and scientists too. Eating meat is harmful not only for our body, but also from a mental and spiritual standpoint. When we eat a vegetarian, sattvik diet, it gives rise to pure sattvik thoughts. Our thoughts are of paramount importance. When we think pure thoughts, our behaviour and tendencies will also be balanced and pure." amrender muni ji maharaj

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Many people have now become vegetarians, and are setting an example for others to follow. Awards Shantidoot Award 1996: All the 3 Shankaracharyas have honoured Acharya Shri Amrender Muni Ji with the title of "Shantidoot". In this way they have given concrete proof of the deep love that Acharya Shri Amrender Muni Ji has received from people all over the world for his efforts to promote peace. Acharya Shri Amrender Muni Ji is working tirelessly to realise his dream that everyone should be entitled and able to live a life of peace. In every house the flame of dharma should be alive and growing. He is a fine example of a real Shantidoot or Messenger of Peace. Ahinsa Award: 18th January 1998 The All India Digambar Jain Samaj conferred the Ahinsa Award on Acharya Shri Amrender Muni Ji. Avantika Award: 30th April 2001 In a special gathering organised by the Avantika Kala Kendra, Acharya Shri Amrender Muni Ji was presented with the Avantika Award . On this occasion the Hon Minister Shri Murli Manohar Joshi took the opportunity to discuss several issues of national importance with Acharya Shri Amrender Muni Ji . Shri Joshi Ji said that the nation needs saints like him to take the country forward. 1st Lord Mahavir International Award: 2001 The All India Non Violence Organisation has honoured Acharya Shri Amrender Muni Ji with the first Lord Mahavir International Award. shantidoot messenger of peace 86

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Shri Sushil Kumar Ji Maharaj THE major influences Rev Shri Sushil Kumar Ji Maharaj with Rev Shri Amrender Muni Ji Maharaj We can safely say that in the life of Shri Amrender Muni Ji, Shri Sushil Kumar Ji Maharaj, his second Guru, was the biggest influence. The time spent with Shri Sushil Kumar Ji Maharaj, was deeply important to his growth and development. Who was this saint who moulded our beloved Guru Amrender Muni Ji into what he is today? For Privat Personal Use Only amrender muni ji maharajlibrary.org

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Shri Sushil Kumar Ji was born on 15th June 1926 to Shri Sunehra Singh and Shrimati Bharati Devi in the village of Shikohpur (later renamed Sushil Garh in his honour) in Haryana. When Sushil Kumar Ji was a young boy, Shri Roop Chand Ji Maharaj appeared to him in spirit and told him to become a monk. (Shri Roop Chand Ji Maharaj, who left his body 100 years ago, was a great yogi and enlightened master.) So Sushil Kumar Ji left home in 1934 at the tender age of 8 years and went to live with a Jain monk Shri Chhote Lal Ji Maharaj, who later became his living religious guru. At the age of 15, he was initiated as a Jain monk in the Sthanakwasi sect on 20th April 1942 in Jagraon in Punjab. His diksha Guru was the revered saint mentioned above Shri Chhote Lal Ji Maharaj. Rev Shri Sushil Kumar Ji pursued an academic career and obtained the degrees of Shastri,Acharya, Vidya Ratna, and Sahitya Ratna. Acharya Shri Sushil Kumar Ji Maharaj was a self realized master, well known for his practice of the effects of sound on spiritual progress and his teachings of the Arhum Yoga system. Arhum Yoga is an ancient system for the mastery of the inner self through watchfulness and direct perception. It encompasses all aspects of philosophy and yogic practice in the Arihanta tradition. It includes the "Eight Steps of Yoga", sound vibration, healing, awakening of the kundalini and all divine powers, color science, holistic health, the concepts of ahinsa, anekantavada, and the perfection of the soul. This knowledge is based on the "mantrika vidya" (science of letters) of the Namokar Mantra, which is the foremost mantra in the Jain tradition holding much secret knowledge. Rev. Shri Sushil Kumar Ji was literally a giant among men. He had a towering physical and spiritual presence and exuded a sense of great power. From a young age, he started gaining recognition for his work of promoting religious unity among all the religious groups in India. People of all religions and castes respected him as a true man of God. shantidoot | messenger of peace 90

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Sushil Kumar Ji's work in India was not limited to creating religious harmony among the different ethnic groups. He also organized and presided over a significant number of World Religions Conferences. Sushil Kumar Ji was: 1. Honorary president of the World Conference of Religions for Peace 2. Director of the Temple of Understanding 3. Founding member of the Global Forum of Spiritual and Parliamentary Leaders on Human Survival 4. President of the Punjab Peace and Unity Committee 5. President of the Ram Janmabhumi Babri Masjid Solution Committee 6. Founding member of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad These conferences have adopted many declarations advocating world peace, universal brotherhood, animal and environmental protection, and above all nonviolence. Many of these conferences were attended by highly esteemed individuals, including various Presidents and Prime Ministers of India. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, Dr. Radhakrishnan, Dr. Zakir Hussein, Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed, Zail Singh, Rajiv Gandhi, and Indira Gandhi among others. Rev Shri Sushil Kumar Ji founded many spiritual organizations which include: World Fellowship of Religions (1950): Objective is unity among world religions Vishwa Ahinsa Sangh (1957) Kundalini Science Center: Objective is to scientifically research the mental and physical effects of the energy awakened through yogic practice 91 amrender muni ji maharaj

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International Mahavir Jain Mission (1978): Objective is to spread the teachings of the Arihantas Arhat Sangh (1979) World Jain Congress (1981) World Center of Nonviolence Rev Shri Sushil Kumar Ji was known as the "revolutionary saint" because he broke several taboos in his mission to take Lord Mahavir's message of nonviolence, peace and oneness of all living beings to people in the West. He took the unprecedented and highly controversial step of crossing the ocean with a few monks on 15th June 1975 and traveling to America. This was unheard of for Jain monks at that time as Jain monks normally walk everywhere on foot and are not supposed to use any form of mechanical transportation. Amrender Muni Ji, Sushil Kumar Ji and Subhag Muni Ji during the historic first trip to America Rev Sushil Kumar Ji reached America and the rest, as they say, is history. His highly successful career in spreading the principles Lord Mahavir took off. He was a powerful orator and when he spoke people sat up and took notice of what he was saying. His stated goal was to spread the message of Lord Mahavir to all the people of the world. He felt that shantidoot messenger of 92 Private & Personal Use Only

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everyone needed to practice the principles of non violence (ahinsa), non possessiveness (aparigrah),multiplicity of viewpoints (anekant) and compassion towards all living beings. He therefore made preaching and practicing this, his life's work. In 1983 Acharya Shri Sushil Kumar Ji founded an ashram called Siddhachalam which was the first Jain Tirth (pilgrimage place) outside India. Siddhachalam, which means " abode of supreme powers" is located in Blairstown, New Jersey. It is a beautiful, wooded campus spread out over 120 acres. It is the headquarters for the International Mahavir Jain Mission, (IMJM) the World Fellowship of Religions, and the World Jain Congress. It actively promotes ahinsa for world peace, vegetarianism, and nonviolence to animals. It has a campground, cabins, dining facilities, temples, and much more. It is a true retreat. Pilgrims from around the world continue to flock to this magnificent spiritual center in ever increasing numbers. Deer and bears roam freely in the ashram and do not harm anyone. Arti and worship are performed daily in the temple. There are cottages where visitors can stay overnight if they are attending spiritual camps or retreats. In 1982, Sushil Kumar Ji inspired the leaders of eight nations to submit a memorandum demanding peace through nonviolence to the Secretary General of the United Nations. He explained that peace through nonviolence could not be compromised or exploited and would ensure the sanctity of human life as well as extend protection to the animal kingdom, the environment, and all of our Mother Earth. Sushil Kumar Ji and his devotees also served as the fourth largest support group for the peace rally held in New York in 1982, an event that was attended by nearly one million individuals from around the world. 93 amrender muni ji maharaj

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Acharya Sushil Kumar Ji successfully motivated the late Sikh leader Tara Singh to participate in an open and peaceful dialogue with the government. The story goes that Tara Singh Ji decided to undertake a fast unto death, to demand for a separate Punjab suba. This was at the time when some China - India hostilities were taking place. Worried and irritated Prime Minister Nehru spoke to Sushil Kumar Ji. He said that it was very sad that at a time of crisis the saints were not coming forward to help their country. On hearing this Sushil Kumar Ji decided to walk all the way to Amritsar and talk to Tara Singh Ji . Sushil Kumar Ji stayed at Bhagwan Mahavir Jain Bhawan near Jallianwala Bagh. He called Tara Singh Ji there and spoke to him. As Sushil Kumar Ji spoke, Tara Singh Ji started crying and became very emotional. He decided to quit his fast. Sushil Kumar Ji made him put it down on paper and sign it and sent this agreement to Delhi along with a message for Nehruji that next time he should not doubt the capabilities of the saints in the country. In 1986, the late Akali leader Sant Longowal and the late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi met to solve the terrorist problem plaguing Punjab. This accomplishment is largely attributed to Sushil Kumar Ji who convinced the terrorist groups of Punjab to honor their compromise with the government. When Pope John Paul's visit to India was strongly opposed, Sushil Kumar Ji reminded his countrymen that India has a long standing tradition of welcoming all individuals regardless of their religion or belief. In August of 1989, Acharya Sushil Kumar Ji was invited to inaugurate and preside over the World Hindu Conference in Britain. As Hindus regard him as one of their spiritual leaders, they enthusiastically embraced his notion of ahinsa (nonviolence) and vowed to join him in propagating the virtues of meditation, vegetarianism and unity. shantidoot messenger of peace

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Also in 1989, he addressed the World Conference on Religions for Peace in Melbourne, Australia. He spoke about the need to protect the animal kingdom and our natural environment. He explained that all living beings equally share the right to life. An interesting fact for the readers is that at Melbourne both Sushil Kumar Ji and Amrender Muni Ji survived on milk and bananas for 2 days since non vegetarian food was being served. Then Sushil Kumar Ji gave a lecture on vegetarianism and after that vegetarian food was served at the conference venue! Shri Sushil Kumar Ji was revered by Hindus, Sikhs and Muslims as much as he was loved by the Jains. Because he had established himself as a tolerant saint with equal regard for all faiths, people of all faiths loved and respected him. It was this quality that made him acceptable as a mediator in issues of national concern where people of different faiths were involved. He persuaded Muslim leaders to sit in negotiations with Hindu leaders until a consensus was reached in the case of Lord Rama's birth place (Rama Janmabhumi) at Ayodhya, This issue, popularly known as the Ayodhya - Babri Masjid issue in 1990 to 1991 had threatened to tear India apart. In 1990, he was an honored guest at the Global Conference for Human Survival in Moscow. More than 1200 individuals from 70 countries travelled to the USSR to take part in this historic gathering and were present to participate in Sushil Kumar Ji's meditation and to hear his talk on the need for nonviolence. At the conference he met with Mikhail Gorbachev and discussed the issues related to the establishment of world peace and global cooperation. Rev Shri Amrender Muni Ji was with Acharya Sushil Kumar Ji when he traveled to the USSR. He tells us that there was heavy security at the entrance and they were not allowed to carry anything inside. 95 amrender muni ji maharaj

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Sushil Kumar Ji had asked Amrender Muni Ji to keep 2 statues and some books to present to Mikhail Gorbachev. Amrender Muni Ji was worried and told Sushil Kumar Ji that they might not be able to take those things inside. Sushil Muni Ji just said- let us see what happens. Surprisingly, the security guards saw the bag, but did not say anything and Amrender Muni Ji was allowed inside with his bag! In 1991 Sushil Kumar Ji travelled to Iran in an attempt to persuade Saddam Hussein to adopt a peaceful resolution to the Gulf Crisis. Although poor roads and the prevailing war conditions prevented him from entering Iraq, he was widely appreciated for his valiant efforts to stop the Gulf war. By dint of his efforts Sushil Kumar Ji was able to get" World Religion" status for Jainism in the United Nations. Jainism is now recognized as the 12th world religion by UNO. In January 1992, the International Mahavir Jain Mission (IMJM) became affiliated with the United Nations Organisation as a Non Governmental Organisation. Furthermore, the United Nations adopted the concept of ahinsa for the first time in history at the Sacred Earth Summit in order to protect all forms of life existing in the world today. In June 1992, Sushil Kumar Ji addressed the Global Earth Gathering and the Earth Summit, the largest ever international conference held by the United Nations which took place at the Rio centre in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. The World Movement of Nonviolence for Peace and Environment was launched in Rio with Sushil Kumar Ji serving as the founder and president and Dr. Robert Muller as its co president In 1993 Sushil Kumar Ji was also invited to participate in the Global Forum in Kyoto, Japan, where the International Green Cross was launched with the support of more than 700 delegates from 88 countries. Here he met Mikhail Gorbachev for the second time. Sushil Kumar Ji was very encouraged by the former Soviet leader's warm shantidoot / messenger of peace 96

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response to his visionary Ahinsa University (which became affiliated with the United Nations Peace University in Costa Rica in 1993) and the World Movement of Nonviolence for Peace and Environment. In September 1993, Sushil Kumar Ji addressed the Parliament of the World's Religions in Chicago. He addressed the need to embrace non violence for all living beings. Shri Sushil Kumar Ji was influential in getting a Jain studies department opened at the prestigious Columbia University in the USA. His work continued virtually till he took his last breath. He was a fountain of spiritual energies. There is hardly a nation that has not been touched by his efforts. However his teaching was imparted on a personal basis - to the thousands of people for whom he was always available at all hours. He did not deliver sermons. He reached out to the inner-self, even when lecturing to very large audiences. His message was very simple - it was the message of Lord Mahavir, who taught: Remain still, maintain silence, enter into a state of meditation and dissolve yourself. It was this practice which Guruji said would lead one into the natural and unconditioned state of the Self in which one would identify with all living beings and with the environment and with all matter. He left us on 22nd April 1994 in Delhi. Tributes poured in from leaders in India and all over the world as well. The President of India - Dr Shankar Dayal Sharma, Prime Minister of India - Shri PV Narasimha Rao, the United Nations , UNICEF, and the Jain Center of America all wrote expressing their sorrow at his demise. 97 amrender muni ji maharaj

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Excerpts from Rev Sushil Kumar Ji's Speeches On Faith : "Do not believe anything out of force or a sense of duty. Faith should come from direct experience." On Receptivity: "If you have nothing, you are an empty vessel. You can receive anything you want. You are open-minded." On Thought: "Thought is a force. Thought has unlimited power. You are what you think. Anyone can achieve complete success by spiritual awareness. 2,500 years ago Lord Mahavir gave us this perfect truth that "All mankind is one." There is no superiority or inferiority, no caste or creed, Caucasian or Aryan. Weather conditions in various areas may have produced amounts of pigmentation as far as our skin is concerned, but since our systems of birth and death are the same, our smiling and weeping are the same, our reactions to pain and pleasure are similar, how can we make distinctions by caste, color or religion? A cow's skin may be red, white or black but the milk is the same." On Being Here Now: "Catch the moment of the present and the future is in your hands." On Truth and Spiritual Practice (Sadhana): "Truth is one, but there are many aspects and many pathways to that truth. We must become open minded. There is so much confusion on the spiritual path because people think that theirs is the only way, and all other ways are not correct. There is no one way. Some people think SO-HUM practice is the only way to meditate, while others think navel practice, or third eye center practice is better. All of these are related. Many spiritual groups promote their gurus as the one true master for this era. They feel their way is completely shantidoot | messenger of peace 98

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separate, unique, and superior. Some say they are teaching the true Kundalini yoga. Then what are we teaching? I choose to teach you all things so that you don't become prejudiced. After that you can follow one system for practice. For knowledge, you must understand all systems." On the Ideal Community: "In today's world man is experimenting with various social and political systems. One system grants equality (material) but takes away freedom. Another grants freedom but takes away equality. The Arihanta system grants both freedom and equality in the material sense and in the highest spiritual sense. The followers of the Arihantas work selflessly without profit in mind. They consider themselves only as trustees of wealth, to protect and distribute it to aid others in a true sense of brotherhood. My dream is to see our ashram community develop into such a society of non violence and non attachment, always keeping in mind our duty towards mankind." On Subtle Awareness: Can you see the fragrance of a rose? No, it is too subtle for the eyes to see. It is the same with the subtle bodies. You must open your inner senses. The yogi is master of his subtle bodies." " Know Thyself: "When asked what yoga is, Lord Mahavir answered, "performing only one thing at a time." This way all your actions become yoga. Mind, body, and breath should function together. Focus your mind and do one work at a time. This is meditation. Know thyself; if you do not know yourself then how can you know God? Know your body first. Without the knowledge of body, we can not do anything. Read your body. This is our greatest book of knowledge. Go inside your body. Use breath and sound as a vehicle. 99 amrender muni ji maharaj

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We must reach unstruck sound and uncreated light. This is the purpose of meditation. By gross sound one can catch subtle sound. When you catch the divine unstruck sound, consciousness unfolds, you dissolve, merge, and ultimately you become nothing." On Love, Beauty and Action: "Love is unconditional. Love is perfect. Love selflessly. Attachment and attraction is not love. Do not think about the fruit of your actions, otherwise you will lose everything. Love is the first principle. When you feel love then you can not forget it. Anywhere you go, love will inspire you, remind you, and prepare you. Again and again you will remember it. Love is a beautiful thing." On Ahinsa and Respect: "You cannot give life therefore, you have no right to take life. All living beings have meaning." Acknowledgement: www.sushilmuni.org shantidoot | messenger of peace 100

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UU rASTrapati bhAsta bacataMga PRESIDENT REPUBLIC OF INDIA dinAMka 30 apraila, 1994 saMdeza AcArya suzIla muni jI ahiMsA aura sadbhAva kI bhAvanA ke mAdhyama se eka svastha samAja evaM zAMtipUrNa vizva kI sthApanA ke lie anavarata rUpa se kAma karate rahe anekAntavAda meM unakI gaharI AsthA thI / unhoMne bhagavAna mahAvIra ke vicAroM ko vartamAna vizva kI samasyAoM ke samAdhAna ke saMdarbha meM prastuta karake bhAratIya darzana kI sArvakAlikatA aura sArvabhaumikatA ko punarsthApita karane meM mahatvapUrNa yogadAna diyA / nizcita hI aise mahAna vyaktitva kA acAnaka cale jAnA samAja ke sAMskRtika evaM sAmAjika jIvana meM eka zUnya-sA paidA kara detA hai / unake adhUre kAryoM ko Age bar3hAkara hI isa zUnya ko bharA jA sakatA hai / maiM AcArya suzIla muni jI ke mahAna vicAroM evaM kAryoM ke prati apanI zraddhAMjali arpita karatA huuN| saMkara zAla ko kara sAla

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de la Fest This is a great tous to the Spiritual world. My heartfelt condolences. Rover UNITED NATIONS NATIONS UNIES 801 U.N. Plaza, Rm. U-104, New York, NY 10017 TEL: (212) 903-0842 Dear Bawa Jee, 22 April, 1994 We have learned with deep regrets and sorrow of the loss that the International Mahavir Jain Mission had faced. All of us are well aware of the great soul and enlightning mission accomplished by his Holiness Acharya Suhil Kumar g.i Maharaj during his life. Please consider all of us on your side in such difficult time NAMASTE. OM SHANTI AUM. Aid Vincent Marie Piola and all the Staff of the NGO Section

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UNITED NATIONS NATIONS UNIES 801 UN Ple, Am U-104, New York, NY 10017 TEL: 021263 Dear Bawa Jee, 22 April, 1904 We have leamed with deep regrets and sorrow of the loss that the International Mahavir Jain Mission had faoed. All of us are well aware of the great soul and enlightning mission accomplished by his Hollness Acharya Suhil Kumar g. Maharaj during his life. Please consider all of us on your side in such difficult time NAMASTE. OM SHANTI AUM. Vincent Marie Plola and all the staff of the NGO Section PHONE NO.: 919283629649 UNICEF Division of, Public Arfairs FPR. 25. 1994 3:02PM PHONE NO. : 212 393 7952 unicef Omer the brothe Direto United Nation Chlor'Pund Ponda dos Nacions Unies pour l'ense Roado de las Nacions Unidas por la I ndia Und Nestions Meme Now or No Son 203) 3X3 Toler Par: 013) *7465 25 April 1994 Dort Bawa, We In UNICEF are deeply saddened to hear about the sudden death of HIS Hollaers Acharya Sushil Kumar Ji Maharaj. He will be remembered by UNICEF as a great spiritual leader who devoted his life to creaung religious harmony, as an advocate for world peace, and for his treless efforts to protect animals, wildlife and the onvironment. In this time of mourning, allow me to convey to you and to all of Guruji's family our hoartfelt condolences. Sincerely yours, Mr. P.N. Jain Interational Mahavir Jain Mission Blairstown, N.J. James P. Grant Executive Director

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LIVE AND LET LIVE JAIN CENTER OF AMERICA 43-11 Ithaca Street Elmhurst, N.Y. 11373 BXBCUTIVE COUNCIL Prouldest Amul Shah 718-720-2980 April 24,1994 Vice President Dr. Jyorl Oandhi 516-741-2892 Adminitrator Dr. Sumatl Shah $16-625-8617 Trousers Ramesh Lakhani 316-775-8211 Members of Jain Center of America, New York along with Jain community of Metropolitan New York deeply take a note of sad and untimely departure from all of us of our most respected spiritual leader H.H. Acharyashree Sushilkumarji on April 22,1994 at New Delhi, India. Acharyashree was a source of strength and guidance for our religious and spiritual activities not only in New York Area but for the whole North America. Acharyashree was preacher of Jain Religion all over the world and our mother land India. Acharyashree was a great force and was instrumental in bringing all religions of world and their leader to-gather for world peace. Member Bachubhal Mehta 718-997-1939 Shavanji Lodaya 718-476-0132 Ranjan Mehta 718-803-2469 Nitin Vera $16-368-5421 Dinesh Gandhi 516-673-3911 Pravin Vakant 516-741-2820 Chandrakant Shah 718-343-1603 We all pray that his soul rest in peace. May Siddh Bhagavants bless his great soul with eternal peace and strength for further progress towards MOKSHA. Inderjit Shah 718-376-1843 Mahendra Jain 718-367-3687 BOARD OP TRUSTEES Chairman Amal Shah 718-720-2080 The above resolution was proposed by Shri Amul Shah - President and seconded by Shri Naresh Shah - Cont. of Finance at Shraddhanjali - Prayer meeting at New York on April 24,1994. Vice Chairman Bachubhal Mohta (716) 97-1939 Oon Beeretary Sayendra Shah 316-294-3231 Controller of Finance Naresh Shah 516-741-0269 Member Bhavani Lodaya 718-470-0132

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It was with sbock that we the undersigned, members of the CONGO Committee on Freedom of Religion or Bell heard that His Holiness Acharya Sushil Kumar Ji Maharaj recently passed from this world. Our sadness is tempered by the memory of His Holinesses' Love and Compassion for all Being, and our loss is lightened by the spiritual heritage that he so untiringly modeled for all. Sue Nichols Ficheste Adhurora Edris Artis Linda Barrett Ann Buwalda Vince Cominsky Luis Dolan Lenone Sina Dennis Trado Betty Golomb Henry Gordan Darlene Srluan Kerschel Halbert Jean Kotkin Norma Lewitt John McAuley James Mulholland Mary Plante Eila Prounis Ana Purvis Mark Roy Kevin Smith Robert Smytice Anastasios Lavales Leah Jaya President, CONGO Committee on Freedom of Religion or Belle International Association for Religious Freedom Baha'l International Community International Association for Religious Freedom International Association for Religious Freedom Jubiles Campaign Pex Chriant Temple of Understanding Gray Panthers Lutheran Omar for World Community World Union for Prognvasive Judaism Wainwright House Third World Movement Againg the Exploitation of Women ooe of the Anglican Observer at the United Nations International Humania and Ethical Union World Union for Progressive Judaism World Conference on Religion and Peace Pax Romana Pranciscana International Greek Orelodox Archdiocesian Council Interfaith Women for Ecology and Peace Pex Romana Franciscans International Presbyterian Church United Nations once Bewmwenlos Traternasional Podunadion of Tample Sloterdinando

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MBO . ANSEN G the teachings of acharya stori amrender munt ji maharaj Excerpts from the Diary of Acharya Amrender Muni Ji Maharaj Humanitarianism is essential: Swami Ramtirth says ' It is easy to be an M.A... but difficult to be a MAN'. All the problems start from human beings straying away from the essential quality of" humanness". Personal, family, social, national and international...all problems can be solved if we but have sensitivity, a human approach and a loving attitude. How aptly Socrates has put it: A human being becomes great to the extent that he works for the well being of other humans. On one pole is a human being , with the qualities of humanity (manavta) and at the other extreme is an animal with the qualities of "danavta". If we remove "danavta" we are automatically left with "manavta". Don't lose self confidence: Several times we face circumstances which cause us to feel disheartened. At such times if we do not lose confidence and faith, then automatically we draw strength from somewhere and are able to surmount our difficulties. Those who bow their heads and give up, lose the battle...those who hold their heads high and fight on, are victorious. 107 amrender muni ji maharaj

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If we want to develop our confidence, we should not run away from challenges. We should realise that challenges or difficulties come to us to teach us something. In fact difficulties are the real tests of human life. When a storm comes up, small pebbles and leaves get blown away by the wind. However in the face of a tall cliff, the storm itself has to change direction. If we make ourselves strong the storm automatically blows over us and passes away. Utilise time wisely: If we endeavour to utilize time wisely, then we will surely benefit from this endeavour. It is not so important to assess the right time" or " seize the moment" as it is to decide that you are going to use your time to the maximum potential starting NOW. When you have decided this, then when you start your work, put your whole heart and soul into it. Then you will get a chance to act at the right moment and experience the benefits of time. Whoever understands how to assess and manage his time has the key to living life. Never trust time. It waits for no one, and neither does it give you the results that you expect or want. In fact the time, or trends prevailing at a particular time, try to mould us in a particular way. Sometimes the qualities that we possess are not suitable for a particular time, and life passes us by. However we should try our best to utilize our time to the best of our ability and get the maximum benefits from it. This, in my view, is the correct understanding of time. Keep away from vices: Today's generation is habituated to taking alcohol, smoking drugs and other narcotics. These substances are destructive. They weaken us and make us prone to disease. Finally these substances become such an addiction we shantidoot / messenger of peace 108

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cannot leave them even when we want to. In times of stress or frustration these vices raise their head and finally destroy us. Many people say that we drink to drown our sorrows, but this is a fallacy. In reality, when we drink we invite sorrows closer to us. Drink and drugs become an addiction and bind us powerfully in their grip. We find that gradually without even realising it we become stuck in their grip, and then it becomes very difficult to break free. It is my advice to keep away from such habits. Simplicity is the best virtue: One of the ten attributes of dharma is simplicity. Simplicity means a clear connection to one's own inner self. Simplicity implies change... a conversion from the complex to the simple. Often one makes an outer show of being simple while still harbouring anger, shrewdness and a worldly outlook on the inside. But remember that an exhibition is just that ... show put on for someone's benefit. Where there is an exhibition of falsehood there can be no truth at the core. Simplicity should come from within. It is a quality that is inherent in one, it cannot be assumed at will. A cloak of simplicity, at the level of consciousness, can be a further layer keeping the seeker from penetrating within. When a seeker puts on a cloak of simplicity or humility, then his behaviour might become humanitarian and virtuous but not spiritual. Political correctness is an outer virtue.... It is a change of the outer self. It does not count towards sadhana.Simplicity and a clear heart are an inner change. If there is no simplicity within then just pretending to be simple is being deceitful. Anger is a curse: An angry person will never be successful at arriving at the truth. Where there is anger, there is a lack of clarity, courteousness and humility. Anger is the result of an eruption of bitterness, and this leads to destruction. 109 amrender muni ji maharaj

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Anger sends clarity flying out of the window. It disrupts the flow of thought and leads one into a whirlpool of emotions. Any work done in anger does not bear fruit. It creates a storm in one's life which leads to destruction. The systematic order of life gets fragmented and life disintegrates. One may regret it later, but by then it is often too late and the destruction has already taken place. Speaking on anger, Gurudev Shri Amrender Muni Ji, quoting his own Guru has said that if any one gets angry for just 15 minutes he uses up so much energy that he would need 6 months to recover it. Live life to the full and attain your maximum potential: Human life is the highest form of life. If you find any anger or hate around you, it is because you have moved away from the centre. As you become more and more centred you will find that any imbalances that may occur will be temporary and you will become centred again very soon. Nowadays because of many vices, human beings have become separated from themselves. This is a very disturbing state of affairs. The soul incarnates in human form after doing many good deeds in previous lives. Life as a human being should not be wasted. Use your talents, your intelligence in such a way that you become an ideal example for people to follow. All ideals cannot be achieved at once. Hence it is necessary to proceed step by step. In today's life when evil forces are raising their heads, it is a testing time for human beings to retain their essential goodness. I pray that in this test all of you should pass with flying colours...this is my wish. It is without doubt true that human life is the most important life form. To keep it at its high position is the responsibility of all humans. shantidoot | messenger of peace 110

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Greatness is achieved by one who does good deeds: It is by one's good deeds that a human being becomes great. In the past there have lived many such good souls and even today we see a glimpse of their greatness. Friends, in this time of Kalyug, evil is on the rise. However those who live their life righteously will rise to the top in the time ahead. In fact even today the world is resting on the pious deeds performed by right living people. Thus we see that living a righteous life is for our own good. One who does good deeds for others, finds that his own interests are taken care of in his work for others. Here is a story: A poor woman wanted to know when her family would become rich so she told her son to go to a learned Mahatma (holy man) and ask him. So the boy set off to find him. On the way, the boy met a woman who had a daughter who could not speak. The girl's mother wanted to know when she would get married. The boy said he would ask the Mahatma and proceeded on his way. While walking he met a monk who also had a question.... He wanted to know when he would get enlightened. The boy said he would ask the Mahatma and proceeded on his way. Soon he met a farmer who had a plot of land where no plants grew. He wanted to know how to make the land fertile. Again the boy said that he would ask the Mahatma and carried on walking. Finally the boy reached the Mahatma's ashram. Unfortunately the Mahatma gave him permission to ask only three questions. The boy was in a quandrary. He had four questions (including his own) but was only allowed to ask three. He thought of the unfortunate girl, the monk and poor farmer and decided to ask their questions and drop his own. After getting the answers he returned to his mother. 111 amrender muni ji maharaj

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He told his mother that he had not asked his question, but he had got 3 bags of gold coins from the farmer as a reward for finding out how to make his fields fertile. He had got a ruby from the Monk who was grateful to learn how he could attain enlightenment, and he married the dumb girl, who started talking when she met the young boy. By marrying the girl he received half the old woman's wealth and became rich! Thus the moral of the story is that when we look after the interests of others, we find that our own interests are automatically taken care of. So we see that the path to progress lies in learning to help others and dropping the desire to harm anyone. Please try to understand this. This is the essence of human life. Teach your children the right values: It is my belief that children are like unmoulded wet clay. We should give them healthy advice. If you have a disagreement with your neighbour, keep it to yourself. Don't discuss it with the children. It is the duty of the parents to bring up their children with a healthy mindset. Parents should not let them hear or use inappropriate words, tell lies or condone bad behaviour. Wherever possible one should not talk badly of others. Even if one has to say something hurtful about someone, one should use such words that a bad impression is not formed in the child's mind. In short it is very important to teach children the right values from a young age. Respected Sushil Kumar Ji used to say that you may be very proud of having given your children everything in life, but your job is incomplete if you have not given them the right values. It is a painful truth that children who are not taught the correct values sometimes end up turning on their own parents. shantidoot | messenger of peace 112

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In fact we can put it this way: " If you want your life to be full of happiness, feed your children from the bowl of good values." Don't suppress your emotions, channelise them positively: Suppression of emotions leads to stress. This gives rise to conflict between humans. Hence do not let stress develop in yourselves, channelise those stressful emotions into a positive direction. This is the best way to advance spiritually. If we do this then our bad habits gradually fall away and we are spared the pain of suffering for their consequences. At this stage we have to be careful not to allow them to re enter our lives. We must strive hard to maintain our achievements.... This is possible if we remain alert and do our spiritual practices. We must be careful to remain balanced and centred. This is very difficult to do because the mind is fickle and keeps returning to its previous bad habits. However, as said earlier, we must be alert and continue with our practice and slowly channelise the mind into that groove. Cultivate only those desires which do not bring you down: Friends, I would not like you to suppress your desires. Instead elevate your desires to such an extent that they are not tainted by selfishness. Your desire should be to work for the collective good without any personal attachment. If there is such a desire in you, I would not condemn it, rather it is praiseworthy. You must not think that it is not possible to achieve this level of feeling in yourselves. Impossible is not a word that a sincere person has in their vocabulary. Such people proceed step by step and finally achieve their goal. 113 amrender muni ji maharaj

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Let us desire the ultimate desire.... But before we start this, we must cleanse our basic desires, by non attachment to them. If we remove this layer of dust from our desires, they will become purer and purer. Then the journey that we have started will surely reach to its real goal. The best thing we can do for ourselves is to raise our desire. That desire is the best which does not bring us down. The king of desires is one which draws us into the depths of our own being. Non violence has a magical effect: If someone practises non violence determinedly, then his aura starts to shine. The effect is magical. Even a cruel person who comes in contact with such a being, automatically loses his desire for cruelty. There is a fine example of this in Mahatma Gandhi. Once when he was returning after addressing a conference in South Africa, a man followed him with a knife in his hand with a view to killing him. But strangely enough, he was not able to raise his hand to strike him and the knife fell uselessly from his hand. He found himself at Gandhiji's feet asking for forgiveness. Such was the power of Gandhiji's aura. But sadly we find that instead of non violence the governments of many countries are competing with each other to produce the best weapons of mass destruction. However, we should remind ourselves that true peace will only be possible with non violence. We can also put it in this way; "Sab dharmon ka sab panthon ka dharm ahinsa saccha saar, Bina ahinsa aur prem ke ho nahin sakta sukh sanchaar," "The true essence of all religions and sects is ahinsa- non violence. Without ahinsa and love, happiness cannot flower." Religion joins people together and sects divide people. However shantidoot messenger of peace 114

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sects are required to a certain extent. Sects are like the peel of the fruit which protects the soft centre until the seeker delves deep and reaches the sweet essence inside the centre of the fruit. It is essential to oppose violence: Nowadays we see that there is a trend towards violence in the world. No one seems to be putting a full stop to it, instead it seems to be growing and flowering. There are many reasons for this. Even wise people cannot avoid violence. Knowingly or unknowingly everyone falls into the trap of hurting other beings. Man has made progress in the scientific field, in those areas which give rise to violence. Whether it be a small weapon or a weapon of mass destruction, there has been a continous progress in their development. Even as far as food goes, man has started using chemicals in its production which makes the food hard to digest. So we find that even in bread, ice cream, biscuits and soft drinks chemicals have been added as preservatives or for taste enhancing. The food that is given to livestock also contains similar additives. There is a trend towards making even"vegetarian" animals eat non vegetarian food. Thus we see that in cattle feed, lime made from fish is added. Beauty products are also made by killing animals and using them in cruel ways. Eggs and other animal by products are widely used in face packs, shampoos etc. In clothing also animal products are widely used. For a human being to avoid these traps is very difficult. Knowingly or unknowingly he falls into one or the other, thereby contributing to violence. 115 amrender muni ji maharaj

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At the Governmental level, encouragement is being given to silk farming, fish farms and poultry farming. However violence is hidden even in this apparently harmless activity for in the end, the very reason for nurturing these animals is to kill them. In medicines we find blood, intestines and fish oils being widely used. It is important to oppose this. The difference between religion and spirituality: Spirituality is the basis of human life. A man cannot live without it. One should understand ones dharma and remain connected to it. There is a huge difference between religion and spirituality... as much as the difference between day and night. Spirituality binds people together and religion separates them. We can achieve something only if we rise above religion. By creating religious divisions, man has corrupted spirituality and brought society down to a pitiful state. Religious sects have diluted the real essence of spirituality and people have forgotten the purpose of religion. The way to peace is through meditation: The best way to achieve peace of mind is through meditation. Meditation takes one to the depths of one's heart where peace resides. Turbulence is superficial and cannot reach the depths that meditation takes us to. Only through meditation can unfulfilled desires, unhappiness and unresolved sanskaras (past life impressions) and vestiges of past karma be wiped out. When body speech and mind are aligned and focused in concentration we are in a state of meditation. We can meditate by fixing our thought on a single goal, ideal or an enlightened being or personal God. One finds a deep stability in meditation. shantidoot i messenger of peace 116

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The benefits of meditation: Meditation connects us to the divine light. Meditation creates a special enchantment with one's inner self which makes one want to go deeper and deeper within. It joins the fragmented parts of the self. Meditation is, in essence, an inward journey. A journey however in which one does not travel here and there but instead remains stable and anchored. It is an inner celebration. In this celebration divinity integrates itself. Meditation gives us abundance and establishes us in a higher realm. It gives us depth. It also gives a new dimension to our being. With the help of meditation we can stop seeking here and there for happiness and find it within. Using meditation as a tool we can reach our goals. The four types of meditation: According to Jain philosophy, our thoughts get focused, or in a meditative state in four different ways. They have called these ways four different types of dhyana: Aart dhyana, Raudra dhyana, Dharma dhyana and Shukal dhyana. Aart dhyana and Raudra dhyana are inauspicious and should be avoided. They increase the pull towards the materialistic world. Dharma dhyana and Shukal dhyana are auspicious. They result in spiritual progress. These four categories cover all the conditions of mind. 1) Aart Dhyana - Aart means pain. When our painful experiences get hold of our mind we are in the state of Aart dhyana. For example in Hindu mythology when Dushyant went away, Shankuntala went into Aart dhyan. There are four broad subclassifications of this type of dhyana as follows: i) Anista-samyoga Aart Dhyana. This happens when we are put in 117 amrender muni ji maharaj

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unhappy circumstances or relationships and we keep thinking about it. ii) Ista-viyoga Aart Dhyana. This happens when there is a loss of a happy relationship or situation and we keep thinking about it. iii) Roga-chinta Aart Dhyana. This happens when we keep thinking or worrying about physical disease or pain. iv) Nidana Aart Dhyana, This happens when we keep thinking or worrying about objectives which are difficult to obtain. In all these four conditions we remain worried and feel unhappy and our mind remains sad, which in turn brings more bad karmas. 2) Raudra Dhyana - Raudra means cruel, harsh. When the mind is full of anger, hatred, malice and is thinking of violent actions, we are in Raudra dhyana.All mental activities to grab power and wealth, sexual enjoyment and anti-social acts fall within this classification. There are four sub-classifications of this as follows: i) Himsanandi Raudra dhyana means thinking delightfully about killing, crushing or destroying living beings either by self or through another. ii) Mrsanandi Raudra dhyana means thinking delightfully about lying, composing deceptive literature, and collecting wealth by deceptive means. iii) Chauryanandi Raudra dhyana means thinking delightfully about the act of theft and also preaching dexterity in theft. iv) Visayanandi Raudra dhyana means thinking delightfully about satisfying desires. This includes being possessive and thinking of fighting ferociously to attain the objects of enjoyment. Both the above-referred dhyanas spiritually degrade the self by attracting bad vibrations and karmas. Most of us remain permanently engaged in these two dhyanas with the result that we are not able to make any progress spiritually. shantidoot messenger of peace 118

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The next two dhyanas are auspicious and help us to progress further in our spiritual journey. 3) Dharma Dhyana - When we meditate on the betterment of everyone we are practising Dharma dhyana. There are four subclassifications of this, as follows: i. Ajna (Agna)-vichaya Dharma dhyana: Meditating about the flawless nature of the views expressed by enlightened souls. ii. Apaya-vichaya Dharma dhyana: Meditating about how the true character of the self is clouded by its contact with "kasayas" such as anger, pride. Kasayas are things that tighten and confine the aatma- like greed, delusion (maya) etc. iii. Vipaka-vichaya Dharma dhyana: Meditating on the nature of the results of various karmas. "Vipaka" means fruits iv. Loka-samsthana-vichaya Dharma Dhyana: Meditating on the nature of the universe (Loka). Dharma dhyana takes our mind away from Aart and Raudra dhyana, which cause the accumulation of karmas. Dharma-dhyana constitutes the best type of satsanga (good company), which puts us on the right path to realize the truth. 4) Shukal Dhyana 'Shukal' means 'white or pure'. In Dharma dhyana, the mind concentrates upon certain features of worldly existence while in Shukal dhyana the mind gradually shortens the field of concentration and becomes steady and motionless. And on the attainment of omniscience, the functions of the mind are completely annihilated. The qualities of Shukal dhyana are that it is Shuddh or pure, Buddh or imbued with pure knowledge, Nirakar - not having any desire and Niranjan ie having no attachment whatsoever. 119 amrender muni ji maharaj

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Shukal-dhyana has four types. i. Prathakatva-vitarka-savichara Shukal dhyana. Prathakatva means "staying away" ii. Ekatva-vitarka-vichayra Shukal dhyana. "Ekatva" is the realization that you have come alone and will go alone from this world. iii. Suksma-kriya-pratipatti Shukal dhyana iv. Samucchaya-kriya-nivrtti or Vyuparata-kriya-nivrtti Shukal dhyana The function of the first two types is to collect and concentrate the mind on the minutest possible entity. When one has achieved perfection in this and has lost all attraction for worldly things, one attains pure and perfect enlightenmemnt. The functions of the mind are now no more. There is no more conceptual thinking. The function of dhyana at this time is not the concentration of thought because there is now no thought. The soul is now omniscient. Dhyana is utilized for the purpose of stopping the activities of the sense organs of speech and body. The last two types of Shukal dhyana do this. The last type of Shukal dhyana is immediately followed by emancipation. In the final stage, even the soul's subtle connection with the body is broken. By the end of this stage the soul gets liberated and becomes 'Siddha'. This is how the great masters have described the process of meditation leading to liberation. The main cause of stress is our own actions: When an individual acts unthinkingly then he commits many mistakes which result in knots and stress. Like a spider which spins its own web, so an individual creates his own problems. Movement from right action towards wrong action is the main cause of mental stress and tension. To lead a tension free, simple life, shantidoot | messenger of peace 120

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we have to get rid of jealousy and limit our desires. The more one limits ones desires, the closer one gets to nature. In nature, at every moment there is energy, sweetness, dynamism, enthusiasm and happiness and the climax of happiness which is ecstacy. The youth is the mainstay of society and the nation: Youth is the backbone of society. In truth a "youth" is one who is awakened. The collective consciousness of youth creates a society which is progressive. The youth are the ones who are filled with energy, enthusiasm and potentiality. The youth are the ones who are filled with the force that can bring society to the level of divinity. With the radiance of youth several problems get resolved which may have been creating obstacles. The young have an unlimited thinking capacity. Society will move in the direction in which they focus themselves. If the youth proceed in the right direction then there is no problem at all. They can shoulder the responsibility of carrying all of society forward according to their ideals. The importance of faith: Faith increases our virtues. The mainstay of dharma is faith. Faith can move mountains. The unwavering flame of faith can free us from strife. Then we find total bliss. Where there is faith there is realization. In the absence of faith mere determination and focus can waver. Faith has the power to fill us with enthusiasm and energy. Faith also has the power to make the impossible possible. 121 amrender muni ji maharaj

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The absence of spirituality leads to imbalance: Nowadays the imbalance in society, eg rude behaviour is the result of a purely materialistic approach which is lacking in spiritual values. Whether in the material world or in the spiritual sphere the seeker has to proceed with focus and determination. Single mindedness is the base of success and self realization. Pure materialism takes one away from spirituality. We have to seek spirituality while living in the material world. As one descends deeper into the truth, the world seems increasingly irrelevant. Put your energy into being creative: In this world there is no shortage of goodness. We must seek goodness with a positive approach. In a garden one finds both flowers and thorns. The wise one is he who rejects the thorns and fills his basket with flowers. Use your energy positively and do not fritter it away. Practise self discipline and determination: Better than conquering others is to conquer one's own desires by discipline and spiritual practice. The person who keeps a watch on himself is happy in this world and the next. A mighty warrior who has defeated hundreds in battle is still a coward if he has not conquered his own desires. In the language of spirituality, discipline refers to self discipline. By practicing self discipline we are able to bear many hardships without losing our balance. When we discipline our inner self its reflection is seen in our outward behaviour also. When there is a balance between the inner and outer selves, then divinity dawns in us. Self discipline helps us to experience our own inner awakening. Along with self discipline, single minded focus is also an essential quality to take us to the goal. It is because of this single minded focus shantidoot | messenger of peace 122

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that ascetics and sages are able to complete difficult penances and practices. Whatever be the field of endeavour, determination is an essential ingredient for success. The practice of yoga in today's world: The practice of yoga has been given a lot of importance in India since ancient times. We have heard of sages who have attained miraculous powers by the practice of yoga and have spread the knowledge that they have gained through their personal experiences to other seekers to help them attain a state of bliss. In between there was also a time when man was immersed only in worldly pleasures. However now we find that man has become unsatisfied and saturated with that and is once again seeking the path to peace.I have seen that all over the world, people are turning to yoga. I can honestly say that I have "lived" yoga with all my heart and soul and on the basis of my own experience I can say that it is extremely important to practice yoga. Let us first understand what is yoga... If you are walking, just walk. If you are talking, just talk. Put simplylive in the moment.Concentrate only on the task at hand. That is yoga. In our tradition, there are 3 types of yoga: yoga of the mind, yoga of speech and yoga of the body.Yoga involves control of thought, body and mind (chit) with a pure intention. Yoga also involves meditation. If one can achieve yoga (union) of mind, speech and body one is very fortunate. When we have achieved yoga of mind, speech and body we must utilize it wisely. In the practice of yoga there are different types of postures or asanas that have been prescribed. It is best to learn them under the guidance of the Guru. 123 amrender muni ji maharaj

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The practice of yoga leads to physical, mental and spiritual health. One who practices yoga is always healthy and happy. He is healed of many ailments of the body and mind. He is blessed with a long life and prosperity. Let us connect ourselves to the principles of Bhagwan Mahavir.... Bhagwan Mahavir, who was a guiding light in the world, is an ideal personality to worship. He propagated the ideals of ahinsa (non violence), satya (truth), asteya (non stealing), brahmacharya (celibacy), aparigraha (non attachment) and anekant (multiplicity of viewpoints, seeing Truth from all angles). Anekant teaches us to be non judgemental- Not to think that anyone is bad; learn to use "and" (bhi) instead of "only" (hee). Listen to a story: There were six blind men who gathered around an elephant. They were trying to understand what it looked like. One man felt his leg and said that it was big and thick like a tree. Another felt his trunk and said it was long and thin like a snake and so on. Each blind man touched a different part of the animal and thought that only he was right, and so they started quarelling among themselves about what the elephant actually looked like. They were all right and yet wrong at the same time because each one saw the elephant from just his own angle. Truth must be seen from every angle- and that is the principle of "anekant". Mahavir Ji has not said that any religion is bad- not even " Charvak" which is an atheistic viewpoint (they believe that there is no God or soul and that the body which is composed of 5 elements , is everything)... also has some truth in it. The need of the day is to practice these ideals of Lord Mahavir in our daily life. shantidoot messenger of peace 124

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This will lead to a spreading of peace and happiness in the whole world. However it is a bitter truth that instead of these ideals we are more attached to religious differences. It is immaterial whether Bhagwan Mahavir was clothed or unclothed, married or unmarried. Nothing will be achieved by debating this, as far as I know. Even if Bhagwan Mahavir was clothed or in the company of his family, he still remained unattached. Attachment or non attachment to the world comes from within and is not dependant on external factors. In Jainism, the Digambar Sect maintains that Bhagwan Mahavir was unclothed and the Shwetambar Sect maintains that he was married and used to wear clothing. In this debate my clear opinion is that we should rise above these petty differences. We should not encourage this debate. Bhagwan Mahavir attained liberation. He did his sadhana (practice) with single minded focus toward the goal of liberation and he was successful in achieving this goal. We also need to follow his example. In Jain literature, attachment to the material world is considered to be the strongest attachment. Shwetambar, Digambar, Shtanakwasi, Tera Panthi etc... these are all differences that man has created. By doing this we have suffered. Now let us not make the mistake of suffering any more. By recognizing the main principles of the Jain dharma as propagated by Bhagwan Mahavir, let us renounce self importance, jealousy, ego, differences, loathing, pomp and show and make our life pure, simple, meaningful and start the inward journey. Only by this can we attain self realization. Without this no amount of rituals or penance, repentance or visiting holy places will help. We should realize the importance of unity and internalize the practical benefits of these principles in our daily life. "We are neither Digambar, nor Shwetambar, nor Tera panthi or Sthanakwasi, We are travelers on a single path, believers in a single God. 125 amrender muni ji maharaj

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We are Jaini's and our religion Jain, Let only this be our identity, We are guided by these main principles, So let all differences be resolved". Non violence is the foundation of World Peace & Violence is one of the Causes of Earthquakes: All the principles of living advocated by Bhagwan Mahavir are important, but in the present time, ahinsa, anekant (multiplicity of viewpoints and aparigraha (non attachment) are vital. The absence of violence is non violence. Non violence is the soul of Indian culture and is ever new, ever relevant. The proof of becoming a "gyani" or wise person is that one avoids violence. The killing of any living thing is like killing oneself and compassion towards a living being is compassion towards one's very own self. One should not hurt a living thing by thought word or action. Earth, water, air and fire, vegetation and trees and plants are all living things...they are all alive. To hurt them in any way is cruel. Nowadays the earth's resources are being destroyed at a fast pace, just to satisfy man's desires. The sad result of this is an increase in pollution of the environment and instability in nature. Earthquakes and cyclones which have occurred with increasing frequency in many countries are the result of exploitation of the environment and steadily increasing violence. Experts have certified to this after conducting much research on the subject. It is only the teachings of Lord Mahavir which will act as a shield to protect us from the effects of violence and the ravages done to nature. In this context I would like to specifically outline the causes that lead to an increase in earthquakes, cyclones and storms. Broadly shantidoot | messenger of peace 126

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speaking, earthquakes are said to be caused by a movement in the surface tectonic plates of the earth due to changes in its inner core. By studying the waves generated by earthquakes, scientists have been able to understand a little bit about changes in the earth's core that cause them. This is one explanation. However there are several causes of earthquakes, not just one. Almost all the studies on the causes of earthquakes have looked at physical reasons only. However there was one interesting research undertaken in the mid nineties which looked at some other reasons for earthquakes. In 1995, three researchers of Delhi University- Dr Madan Mohan Bajaj, Dr MSM Abraham and Dr Vijay Raj Singh showed that in Sudgal, Russia the cries of pain emitted by slaughtered animals caused tremors in the earth. On the basis of their study they presented evidence that proved that earthquakes occur when there is violence, murder, cruelty, slaughtering of animals and war . Of course this does not negate the other natural phenomena which lead to earthquakes. In short we can say that if violence is reduced or stopped, then natural calamities will either become limited or their severity will be reduced. "Etiology of Earthquakes - A New Approach" is the book published by these 3 scientists that looks at the occurrence of earthquakes in this new light. If we ignore these findings and fail to act on them then the results will be catastrophic. Using Newton's three laws of motion they have proved that if fishing along the coastline of India is not controlled and plundering of marine resources continues unchecked then storms and cyclones are likely to occur in the coastal states of Orissa and Andhra Pradesh. 127 amrender muni ji maharaj

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In 1984, in a place called Kushina in Russia a research paper was presented on Epstein waves (EPW). This stated that during the brutal killing of animals in a slaughterhouse, 1040 Megawatts of energy (EPW) were released leading to the occurrence of earthquakes in the region. The cries of animals release vibrations which cause faults in the earth's crust. When there are many such faults, then earthquakes occur. Bhagwan Mahavir was a great scientist. More than 2,500 years ago, the words that he spoke about the causes of earthquakes are now being proved to be true. Lord Mahavir worshipped the Goddess of Non Violence. His shining life is a testimony to that. Ahinsa (non violence) is the basis of world peace. Bhagwan Mahavir has encouraged those religions which are based on non violence. In our thinking and behaviour we should follow the adage: Live and let live. This is one of the most important principles of Lord Mahavir and we should always be alert so as not to harm any living creature even unintentionally. Rev Shri Sushil Kumar Ji Maharaj often said " Parasparo, upgraho jivanaam". No species is irrelevant in the scheme of things. If each of us follows this principle in our lives it will slowly spread to the whole world. All living creatures are dependant on each other. Even those flies and mosquitoes which you think of as useless are helping to fertilize the trees and plants. Many years ago in China, all the flies and mosquitoes were killed off. That year there was no harvest of grain or fruits. After searching for the cause, the Government found that the reason was that the pollen which used to be transported by the insects to fertilise the trees could not be carried to its destination because they had been exterminated. There is one incident I would like to relate... Rev Shri Sushil Kumar Ji Maharaj took me with him when he visited a science centre in Canada. I saw that in a glass container a snake and a plant were sealed together. Clearly they were dependant on each other for survival. The snake needed Oxygen which he got from the plant and the plant shantidoot messenger of peace 128

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needed Carbon Dioxide which it got from the snake. Thus they were both helping each other. The moral of this story is that all life is interdependent. Life thrives on support from other living things. This principle of Bhagwan Mahavir's should be part of our daily lives. Avoid becoming arrogant: Mahavir Ji says that a person who is arrogant, or who is full of his own praises, who desires name and fame, is destined to take birth again and again in this world, and experience its sorrows. Pride leads to one's downfall. When one is centered in one's ego, then one is far away from awakening one's consciousness. The behaviour that arises from ego centredness takes one away from humane values towards the other end of the spectrum. Ego pollutes the spirit of sadhana and gives rise to all sorts of negativities. The different forms of ego incude negation of oneself, self hate and self pity. The importance of mantra repetition: Everyone agrees that mantra jap is very important. There is a potent power hidden inside the mantra which cannot be explained in words but can be experienced by repeating the mantra. This power can only be experienced and not explained. For those who believe in it, there is no need to explain. For the others, well, they will just have to try it and see. The deer has musk in its navel.... whoever wants to experience the fragrance of the musk, will have to make an effort to do so. However this much I do want to say that nowadays even scientists have testified to the power of the mantra. The word is God. Words have power. There is vibration in sound which has a powerful effect. 129 amrender muni ji maharaj

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On this matter I will not say much more except that whoever wants to do mantra jap should do it under guidance and in a proper manner and with faith. Mantra repetition done with faith will surely give success. shantidoot | messenger of peace 130

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SCIENCE OF MANTRA (Excerpts from "Song of the Soul" by Acharya Sushil Kumar Ji Maharaj and Guruji's speech in USA ) General Mantra Knowledge Mantras are based on the science of sound and vibration. A mantra works to release man's hidden powers to improve physical, mental, and spiritual health. Mantras can change our life for the better. A mantra is used in many faiths by other names. For example, the Bible describes sound thus "In the beginning was the Word". And sound is the end. In Hindu text Shabda Advaita, a word or a sound is said to be Brahma sahodar meaning "Brahma's brother". Five Limbs of Mantras In the Hindu and Jain traditions, mantra is divided into five parts or limbs, like the branches of a tree. 1. Rishianga is the source of mantra. Mantra was given to us by the ancient sages, the rishis. They experienced these mantras during meditation as mystical sounds (gupta-vidya). These mantras have been handed down to us today. 2. Chandanga, tells us how to properly recite (or chant) the mantra. 3. Devanga, teaches us to invoke and establish a particular devta or a divinity with proper visualization. This divinity might be a devta such as Saraswati, Hanuman, or Quan Yin. They symbolize particular objectives of power such as knowledge or wealth or health. 4. Beejanga, is the seed sound, the root of the mantra. And it holds the power that awakens the prana, or natural spiritual energy sleeping in all people. 131 amrender muni ji maharaj

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And finally 5. Shaktianga, has the total power of the mantra. When we are reciting the mantra for a devta or a divine power, shaktianga helps us feel or realize that power. Categorization or Classification of Mantras Among both the Jain and Hindu traditions, 70,000,000 mantras are discussed in ancient texts. To understand them, they are grouped into five categories: 1. GENDER. The first category relates to the gender of the divinity that our mantra is being offered up to. The aspects here are: * Male divinity or purusha mantra. For example Hanuman. * Female or stree devta mantra. For example Sarasvati or Padmavati * Neuter or napunsek mantra. This does not mean that male mantras are for men only. For example, if a man desires the qualities symbolized by a female divinity, it is okay for him to use a female mantra. You can tell the gender of a mantra by its ending. "Vashat" or "phat" is the ending on a male mantra. "Voshat" or "svaha" is the ending for a female mantra. And "hum" or "nameh" is the ending for a neuter mantra. 2. POWER. The second category indicates the power of the mantra to do its work. * Siddha: A siddha mantra is a powerful mantra given to a person by a Guru or saint. It comes to you very highly energized and works very quickly. * Sadhya: This is a mantra to help you achieve a special objective, such as health, prosperity, peace of mind, or sacred knowledge. Susiddha: These mantras are even more powerful than siddha mantras and might be revealed during meditation. shantidoot | messenger of peace 132

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* Ari: With 70,000,000 mantras, it is important to understand that mantras can have a wide range of effects. For example, Ari mantras are used by evil persons to do physical harm or destroy their enemies. But remember that the fundamental virtue of Jainism is compassionate non-violence towards all living beings. This is central to the Jain teachings. 3. BY NUMBER OF SOUNDS. Mantras are also categorized by the number of their sounds as follows: (Generally the fewer the number of sounds, the more powerful the mantra.) * Pinda Mantra has one sound. Such as Om or Hreem. * Kartari mantra has two sounds. * Beeja mantra has three to nine sounds. * Mantra) mantra has ten to twenty sounds. And, * Mala mantra has more than twenty sounds. 4. BASIC NATURE. Mantras are also classified by the way they affect your nature: Sattva mantras bring calm, clear thinking and general feeling of spiritual light. * Rajas mantras will make you more active. * And Tamas mantras will make you angry, subject to inertia and less likely to pursue a spiritual path. 5. OTHER MANTRAS. The final category is mantras that cause disruption. These are cursing mantras and are called Sabar or Dabar. Conclusion This is a lot of technical talk about mantra. The best thing to do is to regularly practice mantra repetition and discover its benefits for yourself. Many of the people I meet with tell me stories of the powerful 133 amrender muni ji maharaj

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effects of mantras. I started my speech today by reciting the Jain Namokar Mantra. It has the sound "Nam" after each line. This sound energizes Ida and Pingala which help us with Sansara. Navel center energy is awakened by Allahu, Sahunam and Manipadmehum. Sushmana has the energy to bring us closer to Samadhi. Mantras provide strong physical, mental, and spiritual protection for us. They awaken a sleeping power within your soul. This power spreads through your energy body, to your mind, and it finally settles in your physical body. This provides a broad spectrum of protection. It helps drive away the bad thoughts that hurt us, like anger, fear, greed, and hatred. It also helps us attain better physical health, and allows us to go through our daily life with a calm mind. Mantra jap makes us more aware of our true spiritual nature and brings us closer to liberation because the mantra has the power to destroy the deeply ingrained impressions of bad karma. The Guru's role The Guru is one who has harnessed the power of sound. When he gives the disciple a mantra, this sound is alive. It is the same thing as eating. Before we eat, we and the food are separate. But after we chew, digest and assimilate the food, it becomes part of us. We do not call it food anymore, because it has become part of our blood, body and life force. It is no longer separate. So when the Guru gives a mantra, the disciple at first is separate from the mantra. But after he or she has spent some time repeating it with love and faith, following the proper techniques, the disciple will completely absorb the mantra. It will be part of the life force and will work positively for him or her. It is the duty of the disciple to practice faithfully and follow the guidance of the Guru. The disciple should not only have the attitude that the Guru will give all the benefits. He will indeed do so, but first the disciple must forget who is the giver and who is the receiver. The shantidoot | messenger of peace

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mantra will give help only if the disciple can dissolve the self into the mantra. It is the Guru's duty to give the mantra energy, so that the disciple will easily be able to feel the current which the mantra creates. By the power of the Guru, the mantra works in the disciple, and eventually the disciple and the mantra become one. The four levels of sound There are countless sounds vibrating in the universe and within us, at different levels of vibration and subtlety. The four stages of sound are as follows: Vaikhari is the grossest form of sound that we hear in the world around us. It is the level of the spoken word, or the sound of striking two objects together. Here, thought is translated into name and form (language). This sound appears from throat to mouth. Madhyama means "in the middle". It is the transition stage between heard sound and subtle inner vibration. This sound appears from the heart to the throat and is also referred to as unstruck sound. Pashyati is sound in the form of light. It can be seen as light but it is a very subtle inner sound and can be heard only by an awakened practitioner. This sound appears from the navel to the heart. Para is the stage of transcendental sound. It is beyond all names and forms. This is the starting point of subtle sound (nadam) which corresponds to the kundalini energy. It is sound which has an infinite wave-length. It is the base and root of sound. Para means beyond time, space and nature. Nothing can affect it. To understand the reality, totality and secret mystical power of sound, para sound must be realized. Only enlightened persons can perceive this sound. The root of this sound is the base of the spine to the root of the navel. It is difficult to understand the system of para sound. The root of the navel is a great computer. All sound has its source there, then it 135 amrender muni ji maharaj

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appears successively in the heart (pashyati), in the throat (madhyama), and finally from the mouth (vaikhari). When the kundalini (concentrated pranic energy) moves upward, as it passes different centres, various sounds can be heard. This is called anahat nadam or unstruck sound. When the sushumna path is clear, the kundalini will pierce the brahmagranthi (psychic knot in the muladhar), the vishnugranthi (knot in the heart chakra) and the rudragranthi (knot in the third eye centre). Upon reaching the sahasrar, sound becomes soundless. This is the state of superconsciousness, the state where para sound is realized. When you perceive how life force moves, how it turns into sound and how this sound emanates from its source, the root of the navel, then you will be enlightened. As human beings our five senses are very limited. Members of the animal kingdom far surpass our powers. For example we can hear a bell riniging, and if we remain close to the bell after the sound has diminished, we may perceive some vibration. However long after the continuing sound is imperceptible to us it can still be heard by a mouse. Each of the five senses can be classified into different states of perception. As humans we have not developed our subtle powers. Our awareness is so limited, we are like persons sitting in front of a television- we can see and hear the sounds on the screen, but it is impossible for our other senses to be involved in the scene. A yogi on the other hand, has awakened all his subtle senses and can perceive true reality. Gross sound is incomplete; we must reach its source, the current of nadam. If we can approach the science of the Namokar Mantra from all four levels of sound, then the hghest result will be attained. Starting with vaikhari repetition, the mantra can awaken all our sleeping powers, bring us to the state of deep meditation, and ultimately to the realiazation of para sound. shantidoot | messenger of peace 136

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NAMOKAR MANTRA Namokar Mantra Namo Arihantanam Namo Siddhanam Namo Aiyariyanam Namo Uvajhayanam Namo Loye Savvasahunam Eso Pancha Namokaro Savva Pavvapanasano Mangalanan Ch Savvesingh Padamam Havve Mangalam ogan odw egned nemud ban Namo Arihantanam I bow in reverence to the Arihantas, the perfected human beings, Godmen Namo Siddhanam I bow in reverence to the Siddhas, liberated bodiless souls, God Namo Ayariyanam I bow in reverence to the Acharyas, the masters and heads of congregations Namo Uvajjhayanam I bow in reverence to the Upadhyayas, the spiritual teachers namo arihaMtANaM Fruit ferearvi namo AyariyANa namo uvajjhAyANaM namo loe savvasAhuNaM eso paMca namukkAro savvapAvappaNAsaNo maMgalANaM ca savvesiM paDhamaM havAi maMgalaM wires arbaried sort on T Namo Loye Savva Sahunam I bow in reverence to all Sadhus, the spiritual practitioners in the universe Eso Panch Namokaro This five-fold obeisance mantra Savva Pavappanasano Destroys all sins and obstacles Mangalanam Cha Savvesim And of all auspicious repetitions Padhamam Havai Mangalam Is the first and foremost 137. amrender muni ji maharalelibrary.org

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Digambars and Sthanakvasis regard the first five lines as the main mantra, the following lines are considered explanatory. The Namokar Mantra is a treasured gift to humanity of inestimable worth for the purification, upliftment and spiritual evolution of everyone. The Namokar Mantra or Navkar Mantra is the most important mantra in Jainism. While reciting the Namokar Mantra, we are bowing with respect to the arihantas, siddhas, acharyas, upadhyayas, sadhus (male renunciant monks), and sadhvis (nuns, female renunciant monks). Collectively, they are called the "panch parmesthi" (five supreme spiritual people). In this mantra we worship their virtues rather than worshipping any one particular person or tirthankara. This mantra is also called the Namaskar Mantra as we are bowing in respect (ie. namaskar) to the panch parmeshti. The Namokar Mantra is the essence of the gospel of the tirthankaras. These are the great arihantas, the enlightened human beings who appear in decided eras to guide and teach mankind. An enlightened person has discovered the true nature of reality beyond appearances, and has penetrated all the secrets and mysteries of existence. This is the state of the arihanta which any aspirant may emulate. In its eternal significance and application, the Namokar Mantra is without beginning or end. However the Namokar Mantra as given above, came to us from the ganadharas, the chief disciples of the tirthankaras. They were skilled in the esoteric science of letters (mantrika vidya) and knew the special powers of each vowel and consonant. They used this precious knowledge to actually form a mantra by combining letters and their sounds and powers for the most beneficial effect. Since Lord Mahavir spoke Ardh- Magadhi Prakrit, the language of the common people as opposed to Sanskrit the language of the scholars, the Namokar Mantra was composed in Prakrit. shantidoot messenger of peace 138

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As only the ganadhar is qualified to combine sounds as taught by the tirthankaras, no one else can change the form of the mantra without distorting it. There is a deep secret science to the combination of sounds. Specific syllables are seeds for the awakening of latent powers. Only the person who has been initiated into the vibrational realms, who has actually experienced this level of reality, can fully understand this. The Namokar Mantra is the great protector and healer. The destruction of karma and attainment of knowledge and bliss are its spiritual benefits. Through the Namokar Mantra we can also gain various wordly attainments and siddhis (extraordinary physical and mental powers). Beginning the Namokar Mantra with Om will give worldly benefits. Through Om we contact cosmic energy whereby we can control the five elements and also affect our mental psychic abilities. The main purpose of the Namokar Mantra is the achievement of moksha - a total liberation and freedom from the cycle of rebirth. This is the state of the siddha. From the total enlightenment of the arihanta, the soul progresses to siddhahood- complete liberation and boundless omniscience. By repeating the Namokar Mantra, all the divine qualities of the arihanta, siddha, acharya, upadhyaya and sadhu are awakened in the self as well as the "Three Jewels". Right Knowledge, Faith and Conduct. In the Namokar Mantra we pay homage to the five divine personalities but they are not separate from us. They are actually symbolic of noble qualities, or states of consciousness, which we are striving to attain. They do not represent different paths to the goal of liberation but rather, various stages in the evolution of the soul. If we are spiritual practitioners, then in essence we are sadhus, and we can progress to the ultimate states of arihanta and siddha and attain liberation. 139 amrender muni ji maharaj

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Let us describe in a little more detail, the 5 divine personalities: Arihantas: The word arihanta is made up of two words: Ari, meaning enemies, and hanta, meaning destroyer. Therefore, arihanta means a destroyer of enemies. These enemies are not people like you, me, or any animal, or plant, etc. These enemies are inner desires known as passions and include anger, ego, deception, and greed. These are the internal enemies within us. Until we control our passions, the real nature or the power of our soul will not be realized or manifested. When a person (soul) wins over these inner enemies he/she is called an arihanta. When that happens, the person has destroyed the four ghati karmas namely Jnanavarniya (knowledge blocking) karma, Darshanavarniya (perception blocking) karma, Mohniya (passion causing) karma and Antaraya (obstacle causing) karma. These karmas are called ghati karmas because they directly affect the true nature of the soul. Thus an arihanta attains 1) Kevaljnan, perfect knowledge due to the destruction of all Jnanavarniya karmas, 2) Kevaldarshan, perfect perception due to the destruction of all Darshanavarniya karmas, 3) becomes devoid of passion due to the destruction of all Mohniya karmas, and 4) gains infinite power due to the destruction of all Antaraya karmas. Complete knowledge and perception means they know and see everything everywhere that is happening now, that has happened in the past, and that will happen in the future. Arihantas are divided into two categories: Tirthankara and Ordinary. shantidoot | messenger of peace 140

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Tirthankaras are special arihantas because they revitalize the Jain Sangh (four-fold Jain Order) consisting of sadhus, sadhvis, shravaks (male householders), and shravikas (female householders) During every half time cycle, twenty-four persons like us rise to the level of tirthankara. The first tirthankara of our time period was Lord Rishabhdev, and the twenty-fourth and last tirthankara was Lord Mahavira, who lived from 599 BCE to 527 BCE. A tirthankara is also called a jina. Jina means conqueror of passions. At the time of nirvana (liberation) when an arihanta becomes a siddha, the arihanta sheds off the remaining four aghati karmas namely 1) Nam (physical structure forming) karma, 2) Gotra (status forming) karma, 3) Vedniya (pain and pleasure causing) karma and 4) Ayushya (life span determining) karma. These four karmas are called aghati karmas because they do not affect the true nature of the soul; Thus when the Arihanta sheds even the karmas which give rise to a physical form they become Siddhasperfected bodiless beings. Siddhas: Siddhas are the liberated souls. They are no longer among us because they have completely ended the cycle of birth and death. They have reached the ultimate highest state, salvation. They do not have any karmas, and they do not collect any new karmas. This state of true freedom is called moksha. Siddhas are experiencing unobstructed bliss (eternal happiness). They have complete knowledge and perception. They are formless and have no passions and therefore are free from all temptations. 141 amrender muni ji maharaj

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Acharyas: The message of Jina, Lord Mahavir, the last tirthankara, is carried on by the acharyas. They are our spiritual leaders. The responsibility of the spiritual welfare of the entire Jain Sangh, rests on the shoulders of the acharyas. Before reaching this state, one has to do in-depth study and achieve mastery of the Jain scriptures (Agamas). In addition to acquiring a high level of spiritual excellence, they have the ability to lead the monks and nuns. They know various languages with a sound knowledge of other philosophies and religions of the area and the world. Upadhyayas: Upadhyayas are the teachers. This title is given to those sadhus who have acquired a special knowledge of the Agamas and philosophical systems. They teach Jain scriptures to sadhus and sadhvis. Sadhus and Sadhvis: When householders become detached from the worldly aspects of life and desire spiritual upliftment, they give up their worldly lives and become sadhus (monks) or sadhvis (nuns). Before becoming sadhus or sadhvis, a lay person must observe sadhus or sadhvis to understand their life style. When they feel confident that they will be able to live the life of a monk or a nun, they inform the acharya that they are ready. If the acharya is convinced that they are ready and are capable of following the strict vows of monkhood, then he gives them deeksha. Deeksha is the initiation ceremony when a householder becomes a monk or a nun. At the time of deeksha, the sadhu or sadhvi voluntarily agrees to obey the following five major vows for the rest of his/ her life. 1. Commitment to total ahinsa (non-violence)-not to commit any type of violence 2. Commitment to total satya (truth)-not to indulge in any type of lie or falsehood shantidoot | messenger of peace 142

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3. Commitment to total asteya (non-stealing)-not to take anything unless it is given 4. Commitment to total brahmacharya (celibacy)-not to indulge in any sensual activities. 5. Commitment to total aparigraha (non-possessiveness)-not to acquire more than what is needed to maintain day to day life. Some other things they observe are : They do not eat before sunrise or after sunset * They drink boiled water They walk bare footed and do not sit in a car, train, airplane or any other vehicle They do not stay in one place for a long time * They do not touch any person of the opposite sex even children of the opposite sex. They do not get involved in social matters * Some monks wear no clothes while others wear white clothes only * They offer spiritual guidance to us- Self-discipline and purity is an essential part of their daily lives Practical advice for Repetition of the Namokar Mantra We should prepare ourselves to chant the Namokar Mantra by feeling love, devotion and oneness. Visualize the arihanta and merge with him. Purify the mind of desires, thoughts and negativities. The body must be clean and peaceful and the seat should be clean. Sit comfortably with the back erect, facing North or East. Apply the Namokar Mantra to your body with colours five times, then repeat one mala of the mantra (108 repetitions). The mantra will not become completely active unless it is first applied in this way before repetition. For more complete preparation apply the mantra first to your fingers with colour (and then to your 143 amrender muni ji maharaj

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body). Apply it to the fingers of both hands at the same time, one pair of fingers at a time, starting with the thumbs: Namo Arihantanam: Thumb............ White Namo Siddhanam: Index finger....... Red Namo Aiyariyanam: Middle finger........ Yellow Namo Uvajhayanam: Ring finger........ Blue Namo Loe Savva Sahunam: Little finger.... Black This advice is for your daily morning jap or special kind of repetition. Of course, you can use the Namokar Mantra anytime, anywhere for help and protection. Once you establish a relationship with the mantra, even though you may sometimes forget it, it will never forget you. There are 3 main systems for repetition of the Namokar Mantra or any mantra. Mentally: Will bring the power to predict the future and develop the power of speech Mentally with visualization: Will remove inner negativities , bring spiritual progress and self realization. Vocally softly: Will bring worldly achievements Vocally loudly: Will improve the atmosphere of the environment, attract angels and divine powers, will destroy poverty. shantidoot / messenger of peace 144 lain Education International

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Method of Protecting the Body by the Namokar Mantra NAMO ARIHANTANAM (white - top of head) NAMO SIDDHANAM (red - face) NAMO AIRIYANAM (yellow - right ear) NAMO LOE SAVVA SAHUNAM (black - left ear) NAMO UVAJHAYANAM (blue - throat) SAVVA PAVAPANASNO (red - left arm and torsco) ESO PANCHA NAMOKARO (white - right arm and torso) MANGALANAMCHA SAVVESIM (yellow - left leg) PADHAMAM HAVAI MANGALAM (blue - right leg) 145 amrender muni ji maharaj

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OTHER MANTRAS: These mantras have been blessed by Guruji so that they will benefit the readers of this book... Mangal Path CHATTARI MANGALAM ARIHANTA MANGALAM SIDDHA MANGALAM SAHU MANGALAM KEVALI PANNATTO DHAMMO MANGALAM CHATTARI LOGUTTAMA ARIHANTA LOGUTTAMA SIDDHA LOGUTTAMA SAHU LOGUTTAMA KEVALI PANNATO DHAMMO LOGUTTAMO CHATTARI SHARANAM PAVVAJJAMI ARIHANTE SHARANAM PAVVAJJAMI SAHU SHARANAM PAVVAJJAMI KEVALI PANNATUM DHAMMUM SHARANAM PAVVAJJAMI These four destroy all sins- the Arihantas, the Siddhas, the Sadhus, and the Dharma expounded by the Kevalin (omniscient beings) These four are the most divine in the universe- the Arihantas, the Siddhas, the Sadhus and the Dharma expounded by the Kevalin. May I take refuge in these four- the Arihantas, the Siddhas, the Sadhus and the Dharma expounded by the Kevalin and in none else. shantidoot messenger of peace 146

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Saraswati Maha Mantra: Revered Shri Amrender Muni Ji has said if you have a lot of doubts or are confused or restless 'bechain' recite the Saraswati Mahamantra 7 times. This is a very powerful mantra and is given below: OM ARHAN MUKHA KAMAL VASINI PAPATMA KSHAYAM KARI SHRUT JNANA JWALA SAHASRA JWALATE SARASWATI MATPAPAM HANA HANA DAH DAH KSHAM, KSHEEM, KSHOOM, KSHOUM, KSHAH KSHEER DHAVALE ! AMRITA SAMBHAVE! VUM VUM HOOM HOOM SWAHA oM arhana mukha kamalavAsinI, pApAtma kSayaM krii| zruta jJAna jvAlA sahastra jvalite srsvtii|| HYT 6-67-66-66-ETI L ETT 47:/ kSIra dhavale amRta sambhave, vaM vaM huM huM svAhAH / / Oh Goddess! You live in the divine mouth of the arihanta, You can destroy all sins You glow bright with the thousands of flames of divine knowledge emerging from you, and you spread the fire of divine knowledge Burn and destroy my sins. Bestow bliss on me- awaken my kundalini, deliver me from despair, help me to attain Paramatma swaroop. Oh Mother Saraswati you are as white as milk. You were born from nectar. Grant me wisdom and answer my prayer. Ksham- seed sound of power for protection and happiness Ksheem-seed sound of psychic power and goodness Kshoom- seed sound of power to remove sadness and depression 147 amrender muni ji maharaj

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Kshoum- seed sound of power to purify the sushumna and contact the Divine Kshah- seed sound of calling power and acceptance Rishi Mandal Mantra: Rev Shri Amrender Muni Ji says that the Rishi Mandal Mantra should be recited at least 21 or 108 times. During the 3 days of Holi or Diwali if the Rishi Mandal Mantra is recited for a minimum of 8,500 times, then a son can be obtained by couples desirous of having a son. The Rishi Mandal Mantra is a commentary on the Namokar Mantra and praise of the divine self. ("Rishi" means enlightened master or the tirthankara and "mandal" is translated as circle. Rishi Mandal thus means circle of tirthankaras as symbolized in Hreem). The Rishi Mandal Mantra and Rishi Mandal Stotram are white tantric forms of the Namokar Mantra. The term tantric means technique. The stotram includes techniques for the application of esoteric knowledge, and the mantra gives the key points of this knowledge. The Rishi Mandal Stotram is a detailed commentary describing the system of the 24 tirthankaras and how they are related to letters and colours. It also includes complete knowledge about the conscious, subconscious, and unconscious mind, and techniques for health and body and mind , worldly attainments and spiritual salvation. The mantra and stotram stress Om, Arhum and Hreem, which also represent the Namokar Mantra. Hreem is widely employed in the tantric system, using colour and sound. Hreem represents universal energy. It is derived from arihantanam - ri and han combine to form Hreem. The five colours of Hreem represent the five stages of consciousness. These five stages are also represented by Hram, Hreem, Hrum, Hroom, Hrem in the Rishi Mandal Mantra. These five sounds, shantidoot | messenger of peace 148

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plus Hreim, Hroum, and Hrah for Right Knowledge, Faith and Conduct, are the eight forms of Hreem. The Rishi Mandal Mantra also includes the first letters of each of the five divine personalities: A - Arihant, Si- Siddha, A - Acharya, U - Upadhyaya, Sa - Sadhu. It then stresses the attainment of Gyan, Darshan, Charitra (Right Knowledge, Faith and Conduct). The Rishi Mandal Mantra begins with Hreem and ends with Hreem, finally stating that all powers come from Hreem. With the repetition of the mantra and stotram, Right Knowledge, Faith and Conduct awaken; these purify the physical, fire and causal bodies respectively. The stotram gives the key for merging with the arihanta and for the mastery of the inner bodies by visualization of mantra and colour. OM HRAM HREEM HRUM (transpersonal point) (fontanel) (forehead) (eyes) white white red saffron HROOM HREM HREIM HROUM HRAH (nose) (mouth) (throat front) (heart to navel) (navel to feet) blue black white saffron blue SAMYAG JNAN DARSHAN CHARITREBHYO HREEM NAMAH SWAHAH (Right Knowledge, Faith and Conduct. All powers come from Hreem. I bow and offer my respect.) 149 amrender muni ji maharaj

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So the complete mantra is: OM HRAM HREEM HRUM HROOM HREM HREIM HROUM HRAH A SI A U SA SAMYAG JNAN DARSHAN CHARITREBHYO HREEM NAMAH SWAHA OM hrAM hrIM huM hrUM heM haiM hoM haH / asi Au sA samyakjJAna darzana cAritrebhyo hrIM namaH svAhA / Mani Bhadra Mantra: Mani Bhadra Mantra is chanted to overcome fear and obstacles. It must be recited at least 7 times. OM AM HREEM KREEM KSHWEEM KLEEM BLOOM EIM HRAM HREEM OM NAMO BHAGWATE MANI BHADRAYE KSHETRA PALAYA KRISHNA RUPAYA CHATUR BHUJAYA JINA SHASHAN BHAKTAYA HILI HILI, MILI MILI, KILI KILI CHAKSHURMAYI SWAHAH U~- A~- hrIM krIM- kSvIM-klIM- blU- aiM- hA~ hrIM OM Namo bhagavate mANibhadrAya kSetrapAlAya kRSNarUpAya caturbhujAya jina zAsana bhaktAya hili-hili mili-mili kili- kili cakSurmayi svAhAH / Jain Educshantidoostomessenger of peace rivate & Perser Use Only

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(Seed sounds for calling and connection ie. Om, Am..... Hreem) I bow to you, Lord Mani Bhadra. You are the protector of this place, You are black in colour, You have four arms representing Ahinsa, Truth, Love and Karmayoga You are the devotee of the Arihanta tradition (seed sounds for calling and connection ie. Hili Hili, Mili Mili, Kili Kili) Appear before my eyes! The Mantra Jap of Mother Padmavati: In the Jain tradition there are 24 tirthankaras out of which the 23rd was Bhagwan Parshwanath. They say that all the tithankaras have the same powers and capacity and all of them are equally worthy of worship, however the events in the life of Bhagwan Parshwanath are exceptional. Dharanendra and Padmavati were the loyal servants of Lord Parshwanath (who was the ruler at that time) like Hanuman Ji was to Idol of Padmavati Devi at Dada Bari Lord Ram. The story goes that Dharanendra and Padmavati were male and female serpents in their previous lives. A yogi called Kamath was burning logs of wood in For Privatb5bersonal Use Only amrender muni jimaharaglibrary.org

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his ceremonial fire. Unknown to him, there were two serpents inside a big log. When Lord Parshwanath came there he realised with his intuitive powers that there were two live serpents burning inside the fire. He asked the yogi why he was destroying living beings. The yogi replied that he was only destroying his own tendencies with his penances and prayers and was not harming any living thing. Then Lord Parshwanath pulled the burning log out of the fire and split it open, and sure enough there were two badly burned serpents inside. In their final moments, he bestowed the Namokar Mantra on them. They accepted the Namokar Mantra with faith and devotion, and were reborn as Dharanendra and Padmavati, in the human form. Dharanendra and Padmavati Devi became the loyal servants of Lord Parshwanath and served him with faith and devotion. Lord Parshwanath comes to the aid of whoever remembers him even now. The mantra jap of Ma Padmavati is done to help one in times of trouble. She is easily pleased and her mantra jap gives quick results. It is considered auspicious to chant one or twenty seven malas of Lord Parshwanath's" Upsarg Har Stotra" before starting the Jap of Ma Padmavati. Whoever wants to chant the mantra of Ma Padmavati should start it on a Friday .They have to chant OM HREEM PADME U~ hrIM padme / for sixteen Fridays continuously on a mala made of red corals. The seat on which they are sitting and the clothes that they are wearing should be red. They should remain celibate during this period, and they should think pure thoughts. After the sixteen Fridays are completed, sixteen devotees should be given devotional items and sixteen maidens or sixteen people should be fed. shantidoot | messenger of peace 152

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Nakora Bhairav Jap There are some deities who are propitiated only after a lot of prayers. However, Nakora Bhairavji is not one of those. He is easily pleased and fulfils all types of desires very quickly. Nakora Bhairav is famous throughout India, and the pilgrimage site for Nakora Bhairavji is situated between Jodhpur and Balora. On Saturday and Sunday, one has to chant OM HREEM SHREEM NAKORA BHAIRVAYE NAMAH U~ hrIM zrIM nAkor3A bhairavAya namaH with the intention that whatever desires are there in your heart should be fulfilled. While doing the jap, it is very important to maintain purity of intent. One should purify the implements of worship (eg the seat, mala etc) the place of worship (it should be clean for 100 paces all around), maintain purity of devotion, and make sure that one chants at the correct time. It is not appropriate to chant at 12 noon or 12 midnight as the devtas shift from one direction to the other eg from West to East or South to North at that time. If one chants at that time, and the pronounciation is not correct, they get annoyed and can harm one or place obstacles in one's path. If these things are taken care of, then the mantra jap yields quick results. It is very important to remember that while chanting any mantra, one should not desire to harm anyone. Ghantakaran Mahamantra Ghantakaran Mahavir occupies a major place not only in the Jain religion, but in other religions as well. They say that in the time that it takes for the sound of a bell (ghanta) to reach your ears, Ghantakaran Mahavir come to your aid. 153 amrender muni ji maharaj

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o WE 3279 CRU The mantra jap of Ghantakaran Mahavir done with faith and devotion, OMghaMTAkarNamahAbIra namostute works wonders to dispel demons, the evil eye, and black magic. This mantra also works well to acquire wealth and achieve success in business and administration. One should recite the Ghantakaran mantra 3, 5, or 7 times. It is essential to maintain the purity of asan (seat), clothes, devotion, and diet. Those who do this mantra for attaining wealth should do a certain number of malas on certain auspicious dates ie forty malas on Dhan traiyodashi, Idol of Ghantakaran Mahavir at Dada Bari, Delhi 42 malas on Roop chaturdashi, and 43 malas on Diwali. This jap should be done facing north, on a mala made of coral, or red chandan, while sitting on a red seat wearing red clothes. On each bead of the mala, one should chant the following mantra: 2 EB OM HREEM SHREEM KLEEM THA OM GHANTA KARAN MAHAVIR LAKSHMI POORAY POORAY SUKH SAUBHAGYA KURU KURU SWAHA. U~ hrIM zrIM klIM ThaM U~ ghaMTAkarNa mahAvIra lakSmI pUraya pUraya sukha saubhAgya kurU kurU svaahaa| Ganesh Jap In the traditions of India, Lord Ganesh is regarded as the remover of obstacles and harbinger of prosperity. Before undertaking any auspicious work, it is considered essential to invoke Lord Ganesh or do his jap. Ganeshji's jap should be started on a Wednesday. OM GANG GANPATIYE NAMAH U~ gaM gaNapataye namaH Jain Edushuntidentalismessenger of peaseprivate & Persbhat Use Only

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In addition, the following shlok is very effective OM VAKRATUND MAHA KAYA SURYA KOTI SAMAPRABHA NIRVIGHNAM KURUMEDEVA SARVA KARYESHU SARVADA U~ vakratuNDa mahAkAya, sUrya koTi samaprabhaH / nirvighnaM kuru meM deva sarvakAryeSu sarvadA / / || 1 Shiv Jap Everyone knows the power of Lord Shiva. Shiva is considered the Lord of the Devas. The mantra jap of Lord Shiva acts as a protective shield. The chanting of OM NAMAH SHIVAY U~ namaH shivaay| gives one a feeling of bliss. It makes one's path easy, and should be especially done on Mondays as Monday is Lord Shiv's day. Hanuman Jap Lord Hanuman is famous as the most faithful devotee of Lord Ram. Lord Hanuman is completely surrendered to Lord Ram. Wherever there is a recitation of Ram Katha or jap of Lord Ram, Lord Hanuman is automatically present, and protects the devotees gathered there. It considered auspicious to chant the Hanuman jap on Saturdays and Tuesdays. The chanting of Hanuman Chalisa, and Bajrang Baan protects the devotee from all sorts of adversities in life. It is important to note that those who chant the Hanuman Chalisa, 155 amrender muni ji maharaj

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Bajrang Baan, and Sankat Mochanashtak morning and evening, achieve success in their business, studies, and official work. Kshetrapal jap There are entities which guard and look after designated areas of the earth. These entities are called Kshetrapals. When we live in a particular area, or when we enter a particular place, it is important to keep the guardians of that place happy. If the guardians are happy the inhabitants of that place will certainly be happy. For this, one should chant the Kshetrapal jap, which is: OM KSHETRA PALAYA NAMAH U~ kSetrapAlAya nmH| Guru Vandana Finally, it is important to remember the Guru at the beginning and end of any prayer. Guru Vandana is a prayer to the Guru. TIKKHUTTO AYAHINAM PAYAHINAM KAREMI VANDAMI NAMASMAMI SAKKAREMI SAMMANEMI KALLANAM MANGALAM DEVAYAM CHAYIYAM PAJJUWASAMI MATTEN VANDAMI Three times to the right side I make a circle (with folded hands) I do worship, bow, respect, and honour you. You are divine. You are the remover of obstacles. You are like a God. You are an ocean of knowledge. I serve you. I bow my head at your feet. shantidoot / messenger of peace 156

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A PRAVACHAN (DISCOURSE) GIVEN IN BAHRAIN Mangalpath... Jai Gurudev. We were discussing Arhum and the Namokar Mantra. We always chant Om and Arhum. Om is univeral sound. It contains Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesh, arihantas, siddhas, acharyas, uppadhyas and munis, along with gyan, appearance (darshan) and character (charitra). Gyan means right knowledge, Darshan means Right Faith and Charitra means Right Behaviour. There are lots of other interpretations, which I will not go into as I discussed them yesterday, I am mentioning this so that the meaning of the Namokar Mantra is clear, and so that you have this knowledge. Lord Rishabdev's son Bahubali, lost interest in and became detached from the world. He remained standing for one whole year, during which birds built their nests on him, and termites and ants built anthills on his legs. He did not stir through all of this. However despite his steadfastness he did not achieve enlightenment. Why didn't he achieve enlightenment? This is because he had a big ego. He thought "my brother who is younger than me has become enlightened. If I go to Lord Rishabdev then I will have to bow down in respect before Lord Rishabhdev and the entire assembly including my younger brother who will be there." He felt that it was not right to bend in front of a brother who was younger than him. When Lord Rishabdev saw this in his meditation, he sent his two daughters Brahmi and Sundari to tell Bahubali to get down from his elephant. They went to Bahubali and told him "Vira, you will not achieve enlightenment (Keval gyan/ Brahm gyan) by sitting on your elephant." Bahubali was confused and thought "Why did they say that?", As far as he knew, he wasn't sitting on an elephant. He then went deep into himself and kept going deeper and deeper, and the thought came to him that the elephant he was sitting on was his ego, and that he had to 157 amrender muni ji maharaj

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come down from there. He realised that though his brother might be younger than him, in character, knowledge and spiritual discipline, he was far ahead of him. His brother had attained enlightenment first, and so he must bow in respect to him. He had to get down from the elephant called ego. With this thought in mind, he decided to go to Lord Rishabhdev. As soon as he took the first step towards Rishabdev's ashram, he attained enlightenment. So you see, ego completely overshadows your knowledge and understanding. It also stops your achievements and spiritual growth. An individual should be ready to bend. There are a lot of good qualities that come with bending/ putting aside your ego. I keep saying that there are five fingers, if they started to think that they should not bend, will you be able to do any work? You won't be able to do anything, either in the kitchen or in the office. You have knees, which are meant for walking. Now if they started to think that it was an insult for them to bend, then you would become stiff, you would not be able to walk. There is a saying that only those who have life, can bend- and stiffness (ego) is the immediate identification of a corpse! A corpse remains rigid and unbending. Hence, bending is the biggest quality, and should be present in both householders, and saints. Even a saint, who does not know how to bend; who does not practice humility will find that his sadhana is not fulfilled. Lord Mahavir observed intense penance (tapasya) for twelve and a half years. It is believed in the Jain tradition, that the tapasya of Lord Mahavir was equal to the penance of all the other twenty three Jain tirthankaras put together. They say that Mahavir's tapasya was so harsh and intense, that no one else's tapasya could match it. During Mahavir's twelve and a half years of tapasya, when he was steeped in meditation, an angel called Sangam Dev, came to test him. He had heard many compliments from Indra (the god of rain), that on shantidoot | messenger of peace 158

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Earth there was a human called Mahavir whose penance was so intense and steadfast, that nothing could shake him. The Gods were curious about this human who thought he could do penance comparable to the Gods. How could he be so audacious? A human is nothing compared to a God, and so they decided to test Mahavir. Sangam Dev was sent to test this human, and ascertain the truth of Indra's words. For six months, he troubled Mahavir. He took the form of a rat, monkey, snake, mongoose, and even an elephant, and troubled him in many ways. However, Mahavir did not stir. They say that when Mahavir was in deep meditation, Sangam Dev took the form of a boulder weighing a hundred tons and then fell on the Lord's head and pushed him deep into the earth, upto his shoulders.. The Lord remained unmoved. Finally, Sangam Dev understood that what Indra was saying was the truth, and a human can awaken such powers within himself. Lord Mahavir was a tirthankara. Who are tirthankaras? Not every individual can become a tirthankara, They are special beings. Their bodies are considered "vajra"- harder and tougher than steel. Vajra can be explained in this way: when a car that weighs a 100 tons rolls over that individual's body, all they feel is a light touch. Such an individual can go to either great heights or great depths. He can gain liberation, but can also go to hell.If his negative intentions are awakened, then he can reach the seventh hell. However if he dedicates himself to meditation, and surrenders himself completely, and only pure thoughts are awakened, then liberation can be achieved. So the Gods tested Mahavir for six months, and when Sangam Dev accepted defeat and was about to retreat, defeated, Mahavir looked at him and thought "this man has been very helpful to me by troubling me, and now God knows what type of karma he has accumulated by his actions. What is going to happen to him? In what wretched planes will he have to wander?" 159 amrender muni ji maharaj

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At these thoughts, two tear drops emerged from Mahavir's eyes. Sangam Dev was surprised to see this. He had troubled Mahavir for six months, and Mahavir had remained completely unmoved, and now that he was leaving, why were there tears in Mahavir's eyes? Sangam Dev turned around and said "Lord, for six months I have troubled you, and you have attained enlightenment, then on what matter have you now become troubled?" Mahavir said "Sangam, I am not troubled - rather my compassion has started to flow through my eyes. You are a very good friend of mine - if you had not troubled me for six months I would not have been able to attain this state I am in now. When I thought of this, love started flowing by itself." So all the great beings, don't mind even if someone tries to harm them. They take their actions in the right way. They consider their enemies also to be their friends. Lord Rishabdev, is known as Aadi Brahma, according to the Rig Ved, Yajur Ved, Bhagvat Purana, Shiv Puran, and the Vishnu Puran.The Bhagvat Puran, from the "fifth to eight part" has a reference to him. Lord Rishabdev, after meditating for one thousand years, gained enlightenment. In those times, one used to have a very long life and Lord Rishabhdev did intense penances to attain liberation. To talk about moksha, and to experience it are two different things. Talking about it is very easy, however, to attain moksha is very difficult. You can see the mountain, but reaching the mountain, taking one step at a time, is a very difficult task. In this way, penance and prayers (upasana) cannot happen by just talking about them, one has to discipline one's self. Discipline is important, no matter what the path. Even for a student, if discipline is lacking, then whatever he wants to achieve, he will not be able to achieve. Who was Rishabdev exactly? He was Nabhi Raja's son. There are people who achieve greatness through their fathers, and those who shantidoot | messenger of peace 160

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achieve greatness through their sons and there are those who are known neither through their fathers or their sons. Examples of such beings were Nabhi Raja and Lord Rishabdev, they were both great. Let me tell you about Nabhi Raja.... One day, he was sitting in his parliament, and all his ministers, courtiers, Prime Minister, and the general public were present. The people seated there told the king " Oh mighty King, you serve the public, you are dutiful, and a supporter of the truth, you treat the common man like your own son, and your fame is spreading through the world" On hearing these words Nabhi Raja turned and looked into a hand mirror that he had kept next to him. Each time he was praised he would look into the mirror. The public found this very strange. Why was he doing this? He was checking in the mirror to see if the people were really telling the truth. Was he really worthy of their praise? He was looking to see: Are there really such qualities in me? The individual who looks into the mirror, keeps his ego under control. Ego is the hardest and harshest of enemies. It is a like a sweet poison, that works its way slowly through your system. To conquer it is very hard. Praise feels very good, and one can drown in that praise. When someone is talking badly of another person, you tend to enjoy it, you like it. You like the thought that you are great, and others are not so great. You sing your own praises, and enjoy that no one is talking badly of you. There was once a sculptor, who made lovely statues of Gods and Goddesses. Someone told him that he had only one month left to live. He got scared. He could not sleep at night, and felt that he could see death dancing in front of him every moment. Finally, he went to a saint and fell at the saint's feet. He cried and pleaded with him, and said "I don't want to die, please save me from death." The saint told him to make nine lifesize statues that looked exactly like him and make the " . 161 amrender muni ji maharaj

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statues wear the same clothes as him. After that the saint told him to get inside one of the statues and hide. The saint said that the day the angel of death comes, hold your breath and stand still inside the statue, he will get confused and will go away. In this way your time of death will pass and you will be saved. (Though no one is saved from death, this is only a story!) Anyway, the angel of death sent his soldiers, and they came to take the sculptor away. They were surprised to see nine statues that looked identical and beautiful. They fell into confusion and went back without the sculptor. The angel of death was very worried when he heard their story and decided to go to the universal father, Brahmaji. He asked Brahmaji what was happening. Brahmaji visited the sculptor, and what he saw amazed him. He said that even he, the Creator, had not made two that were exactly alike, so who had made these nine identical statues? He then said that he was mystified and would have to seek the help of Lord Vishnu. They took Lord Vishnu to the sculptor's house. Upon looking at the nine statues, Lord Vishnu understood and smiled. He said "Lord, this is a lovely piece of work, one has to praise this art work. If the sculptor is found, not only will I praise him, I will also give him a big reward." On hearing this praise of himself and his work, the sculptor hiding inside the statue, came out and said "Lord, I have made them, this is my work." Lord Vishnu caught him by the ears, and said "Come on now, we have been looking for you," and so they took him away. So praise turned out to be his downfall. Therefore, Nabhi Raja used to look at his face in the mirror when praised by people, to see if those qualities really existed in him or not. The mirror showed his true reflection - the replection seen by the inflated ego was false. Now you can ask me any questions if you want to. shantidoot | messenger of peace

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Question: "Guruji how does one increase one's focus or concentration during sadhna or while doing normal work?" Answer: Kabir Das has said "Soone mandir mein diya jala kar aasan se mat dol re, tohe piya milenge Ghunghat ke pat khol re Tohe Piya mileinge" "Soone mandir mein" means "slow down the pace of your breathing". When you sit on your aasan, and if your spinal chord droops, then your pace of breathing increases. The more your breathing increases, the more your mind becomes flighty. There is a relationship between your mind and your breath. "Aasan se mat dol re" means "erect your back bone". The backbone needs to be straight, and your faith, devotion, and trust should not be shaken. When your devotion is shaken then the fruits that you can reap, will not be given. Imagine that there is water; if something falls in it it will become dirty. However, the same water, if frozen, is unaffected no matter what you put on it. Devotion is just like this frozen water or ice. If solid, then nothing can affect you. You will be successful if your devotion does not waver. Only then will you see the Lord..." ghoonghat ke path khol re"...means only then will the veil of illusion be lifted. When praying, the direction should be correct. The north is supposed to be the best direction, and if you are sleeping, your feet should never face the east. You can get headaches, many types of bad dreams may come, so in this way when you pray and you sleep, you should be careful of the direction. Aarti 163 amrender muni ji maharaj

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in Education International FOS Priate Personale e Olive

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90% interesting information gleaned in the course of conversation The importance of a well organized house The house should be well organized and well maintained. Revered Amrender Muni Ji believes that the contents of the house should be kept in an organized fashion (devoid of clutter), with everything in its proper place. The house that we live in can shower blessings on us if we maintain it properly. However a little bit of ignorance can prove to be disastrous in the life of an individual. The undermentioned points are not new and in the present day, there are several theories that have come to light and are being followed. However, the reason why we are mentioning the points below is because they bear the stamp of Amrender Muni Ji's direct experience. Readers can try it for themselves and see. Amrender Muni Ji states that in the house, the location of the kitchen is of paramount importance.The kitchen should be in the fire region of the house. The television, and any of the applicances connected to the fire should be in this area. One should never keep medicines in the kitchen- if you do there is a possibility of illness affecting members of the household. Drinking water should never be kept near the gas cylinder or the cooking range. Also be careful not to expose your kitchen to everyone's gaze. 165 amrender muni ji maharaj

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The pooja room should be situated in the Northeast, and water should also be kept in this direction. In your home, the pooja room is considered your temple. However a flag should never be installed over it. A householder should not establish statues of Lord Neminath or Lord Mahavir in the house. Other than these, any other statues can be established, however, care should be taken that these statues should not be touching or leaning against the wall as this is considered inauspicious. You should not keep scissors, knives, etc in the bedroom. Your bedhead should be in the West, so that as soon as you wake up you face East. Old people and middle aged people should keep their bedhead in the East. When you get out of bed, depending on whether the breath is coming through the left or right nostril, the left or right foot should be placed on the floor first. You should make sure that there is no beam located over your bed or over the chair where you sit. When asked to advise on the best way to achieve material gains, revered Amrender Muni Ji replied that one should live an exemplary life, keeping the good of everyone in one's heart, One should also do the following jap OM CHANDAPPAHAM VANDEH U~ caMdappahaM vNde| and OM HREEM SHREEM LABDHI NIDHANAYA GAUTAMAYA NAMAH U~ hrIM zrIM labdhi nidhAnAya gautamAya namaH | Om Chandappaham Vandeh should be started on a Monday and the jap of Gautam should be started on a Wednesday. shantidoot / messenger of peace 166

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Placement of vault or safe, and cash box: Everyone has a vault or cash box in the house or shop. Revered Shri Amrender Muni Ji says that it is important to place the vault in such a way, that its door opens towards the North or East. The vault should never sit on a shaky base, and should always be firmly placed. Whoever is sitting at the shop should make sure that the cashbox is always kept on his right side. Interpretation of Omens: Revered Amrender Muni Ji when asked about omens, says that there is a science to omens, and this science is very important. He states that before starting any work, it is important to consider the positive or negative omens that appear, because they indicate the events to follow. We can get an idea of the result of the event, based on the sightings of omens. If a good omen is sighted, that means the individual should proceed with confidence; however, if there is an inauspicious omen, then one should wait for some time. When asked to explain this with an example, he said that for example if you leave your house and you happen to see a married woman (not a widow) harijan woman, young maiden, a brahmin wearing a tika, a soldier carrying arms, a student with his books, cow, bull, etc, then these are considered auspicious. Seeing someone carrying wheat or ghee on their head, growling or fighting dogs, barber, goldsmith, widow, etc are considered inauspicious. Like this, there are many omens, but it is not possible to list all of them here. Indications in dreams: Every individual dreams in his sleep. Very often things that you have seen or thought about during the day appear in your dreams. People who have studied dreams have done a lot of research and classify dreams into four types: Most auspicious, medium, ordinary, and very 167 amrender muni ji maharaj

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low or inauspicious. If you see yourself on a mountain or a woodpile, if you see an elephant or a palace or bull, then it means that you are going to receive praise. If you see yourself covered in excrement it means you are going to have good health. If you cry in your dream, then it indicates that a happy event is going to take place. If you see a king, an elephant, a horse, gold, cow or your family, then it means that something auspicious is going to happen or there is going to be a possible addition to the family. If you see yourself swimming in the sea, it indicates that even an ordinary person can achieve great heights. If you see a candle, meat, fruit, maiden, lotus, "chhatter" (a large umbrella used to shelter kings), or flag, it signifies victory. If you see your ancestors it means that additional years have been added to your life. Seeing white objects in dreams is considered auspicious except for raw cotton, ashes , bones, and churned buttermilk. Apart from elephants, deities, horses and kings, black objects are considered inauspicious. It is considered inauspicious to see dancing or singing in your dreams. It is also inauspicious to see demons, ghosts, snakes, monkeys, thorny plants, rivers, date palms, cremation grounds, camels, donkeys, cats, vomit, bones, and fighting. shantidoot messenger of peace 168

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"Grah Shanti" - Propitiating the Planets When he was recovering from a serious stroke in America, Rev Shri Amrender Muni Ji stayed with Dr. Subhash Jain and his wife Mrs Sarla Jain, who rendered him devoted service. In the course of conversation with him they asked him questions on how to propitiate the planets and what to do when things don't seem to be going right for us. As the information given to them would be helpful to others as well, it is reproduced verbatim as it was recorded by Dr Jain. Dr Jain: Guruji, please tell us what are the important things we should take care of while doing mantra jap for grah shanti.... Rev. Amrender Muni Ji: There are several Jain scriptures like Chandra Pragyapti and Surya Pragyapti which give detailed information about planetary influences. There are nine planets in total. The Sun, Moon, Mars (mangal), Budh grah, Guru grah, Shukra Grah, Shani grah and Rahu Grah and Ketu Grah constitute these nine planets. Dr Jain: It is said that these planets have the power to influence people's lives in a positive or negative way. Is this true? Rev. Amrender Muni Ji: Yes, the planets do affect us in positive and negative ways, but there is no need to be scared. If you do your mantra jap, tap etc with a pure mind, do good to others and proceed on the spriritual path then the planets do not harm you. Sarla Jain: Guruji please tell us what mantras should be chanted for grah shanti to appease the planets? Rev. Amrender Muni Ji: When one is afflicted by the Sun (surya grah) then one should chant "OM HREEM SHREEM NAMO SIDDHANAM" U~ hrIM zrIM namo siddhaannN| 169 amrender muniji maharaj

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For the Moon: "OM HREEM SHREEM NAMO ARIHANTANAM U~ hrIM zrIM namo arihaMtANaM / For Mars (Mangal): OM HREEM SHREEM NAMO SIDDHANAM OM hrIM zrIM namo siddhANaM / For Mercury (Budh): OM HREEM SHREEM NAMO UVAJHAYANAM U~ hrIM zrIM namo uvajjhAyANaM / For Jupiter (Guru): OM HREEM SHREEM NAMO AYARIYANAM U~ hrIM zrIM namo AyariyANaM / For Venus (Shukra): OM HREEM SHREEM NAMO ARIHANTANAM U~ hrIM zrIM namo arihaMtANaM / For Saturn, South and North lodes (Shani, Rahu and Ketu ): OM HREEM SHREEM NAMO LOE SAVVA SAHUNAM. U~ hrIM zrIM namo loe savva sAhUNaM / One should start with 10 malas of the appropriate Jap for the first 21 days. Then one can reduce it to one mala a day. In addition to this, one can also do the jap of the Tirthankaras as follows: For the Sun: OM HREEM SHREEM PADM PRABHAVE NAMEH U~ hrIM zrIM padma prabhave namaH / For the Moon: OM HREEM SHREEM CHANDRA PRABHAVE NAMEH OM hrIM zrIM candra prabhave namaH / For Mars (Mangal): OM HREEM SHREEM VASUPUJYA PRABHAVE NAMEH OM hrIM zrIM vAsupUjya prabhave namaH / shantidoot | messenger of peace 170

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For Mercury (Budh): OM HREEM SHREEM SHANTINATHAYEH NAMEH U~ hrIM zrIM zAMtinAthAya nmH| For Jupiter (Guru): OM HREEM SHREEM ADINATHAYEH NAMEH OM hrIM zrIM AdinAthAya namaH | For Venus (Shukra): OM HREEM SHREEM SUVIDHI NATHAYEH NAMEH U~ hrIM zrIM suvidhi nAthAya namaH | For Saturn (Shani): OM HREEM SHREEM MUNI SUVRATAYEH NAMEH OM hrIM zrIM muni suvratAya nmH| For North lode (Rahu): OM HREEM SHREEM NEMINATHAYEH NAMEH U~ hrIM zrIM neminAthAya namaH | For South lode (Ketu): OM HREEM SHREEM PARSHWANATHAYEH NAMEH U~ hrIM zrIM pArzvanAthAya namaH | Knowledgeable and experienced people say that no matter which planet is afflicting one, the mantra jap of the 23rd Tirthankar, Lord Parshwanath is always beneficial. If one is able to do the "Upsarghar Stotra" also then that gives additional benefits. Acharya Amrender Muni Ji Maharaj has written several mantras and facts related to astrology in his diary. These have been included in the book, so that they can benefit those devotees who read the book. We can assure the readers that whatever has been given here, has been certified by Guruji, and it is true and comes from his personal experience.However, Acharya Amrender Muni Ji says that the success of any of the techniques mentioned depends on your faith, effort, and ultimately on your destiny. 171 amrender muni ji maharaj

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Rudraksh (Excerpts from a talk given by Chaitanyananda Natha Saraswati Wijayaharan "Aiya" in Muscat) Importance of Shivratri, Symbols of Shiva, Rudraksh On the spinal cord there is a channel called the neural canal. The neural canal is not continuously open all the time. On the neural canal between the sex organs and the navel there is a constriction. This constriction is called the "Brahmagranthi". Granthi means knot. The second constriction is between the heart lotus ie. Anahata chakra and the throat lotus ie. Vishuddhi chakra. This is called "Vishnugranthi". The third constriction corresponds to the eyebrow centre but lies directly behind it this is called "Rudragranthi". Three times a year they open up on their own and allow a free passage for the cerebrospinal fluid to go up and down along with the kundalini. The first time is Shivratri, the second time is Vyasa Purnima, and the third time is Sharada Navratri. In Sharada Navratri, the first three days are for Durga, the next three days are for Lakshmi and the final three days are for Saraswati. During the first three days the Brahmagranthi will open, the next three days the Vishnugranthi will open and the last three days the Rudragranthi will open and its only in the Naumi that all three will be completely open together. Then after Dussehra (Dashmi) they will start to close again. During these days you should chant whatever mantras you know. It is does not matter in the least bit, which religion or text they are from These 3 Granthis open automatically for everyone during these days of the year. On Shivratri, the kundalini energy flows freely up and down the channel. After the night of Shivratri, ie after the Brahm Mahurtam next morning, the granthis start to close up. Any prayer chanted during Shivratri bears fruit 108,000 times! At this time if you chant a mantra (any mantra) once, it has the effect of 108,000 chantings. That is the real importance of Shivratri which people who had the knowledge hid from others. Thus everyone should chant, as shantidoot | messenger of peace 172

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much as possible on Shivratri. If Shivratri falls for eg. on the 5th of the month then chant on 5th night into 6th morning. During the 9 days of Navratri also, you should do as much prayer as possible. In my (Aiya's) tradition we chant the Rudram 11 times during Shivratri. So the question arises what is Rudram? It is a set of shlokas or a litany from the Yajur Veda, 5th patala (ie 5th book of the Veda): Krishna Yajur Veda. When the primal explosion took place before creation, Aum was the first sound that manifested after creation. When there was nothing in space, from this formless entity, the universe was manifested. John said: "in the beginning was the word..." This word was Aum. So there was a transition from nirguna brahmam to saguna brahmam. Nirguna brahmam is the formless entity which became saguna brahmam that is the universe that was formed. At the site of the primordial explosion the temperature was 2 and a half billion degrees C. This was Rudram. So when you chant the Rudram you are recreating in your system, that primordial explosion that took place at the time of creation. Why should you create that heat? Because all the previous karmas that you have created over thousands of births till that point will be burnt. So you want that heat in your body (but you must not overdo it.) Women can also chant the Rudram but not during their menses as it can cause excessive bleeding and scarring. In 1 out of 8 women of child bearing age, chanting of the Rudram will cause endometriosis or prolapse of the uterus. Thus they should be careful not to overdo it. Rudram has to be chanted in the proper way with force at the appropriate points. It has to be learnt from a person who knows the proper method of chanting. When the Rudram is chanted the temperature created in your body is proportional to your muscle tone, the space that you occupy (ie the volume of your body), your musculature, your breath control and your ability to inflect the sounds. During this time of Shiva there are several things that are important. 173 amrender muni ji maharaj

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Symbols of Shiva: 1. Vibhuti: The sacred ash called Vibhuti is the first symbol of Shiva. It has to be specially prepared and then applied in 16 places while chanting Om Namah Shivayah. First mix it with water and dip your fingers in it and apply horizontally on the forehead then on the left collarbone and then on the left arm in 4 places then on the left side of the body at waist level and then left side of the neck (8). Repeat it in the same way for the right side (15) and lastly horizontally on the back of the neck (nape) is 16. There is potassium in the vibhuti which enters into the blood stream through the skin in the same way as nicotine from nicotine patches. 2. Kumkum: This is made by mixing turmeric with lime. By varying the quality of turmeric you can get different shades of kumkum from maroon to post office red. There is a chemical reaction which takes place between the lime and the turmeric and one of the by products is lacto calamine. When the ladies put a big bindi (dot) of this on the face and then wash it off next day, it spreads all over the face and cleanses the skin. This is one of the benefits of kumkum. 3. Rudraksham: This is the third symbol of Shiva. "Rudra" means Shiva and "aksham" means eyes. The tears of Shiva are supposed to have crystallized into rudraksham. Shiva has three eyes. The right eye is called "dakshin netram".That is supposed to correspond to the Kshatriyas. His left eye is called "vama netram". That corresponds to the Brahmans. The middle eye called the "jnan netram" and corresponds to the Shudras. The rudraksh seeds have come from each eye and you can distinguish them by colour. (Right eye gave red, left eye gave whitish grey or gold and centre eye gave black) Dakshin netram or right eye of Shiva is also called the Surya (sun) netram ie the deity is Surya. How many trees came out of the right eye? There are 12 names of Surya and 12 trees are supposed to have come out of Shiva's right eye and those rudrakshams are red in colour. shantidoot / messenger of peace 174

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Kshatriyas are supposed to be "rajasikam" and red is their colour. The left eye of Shiva is the Chandra (moon) netra and it has 16 kalas and 16 trees have come out of the tears from the left eye and those rudrakshams are whitish grey or gold in colour. From the centre eye came the most common rudrakshams which are black in colour. That is the Sudra netram also called the Agni netram and 10 trees came out of that. So the right eye gave 12 trees, left eye 16 trees and central eye 10 trees. Rudraksha Vamanetram Left eye of Shiva (Brahmana) Dakshinanetram Right eye of Shiva (Kshatriya) Jnananeteram Middle eye of Shiva (Sudra) Deity: Agni Color: Black 10 Trees Deity: Chandra Color: Whitish 16 Trees Deity: Surya Color: Brownish, Grey, Red, Gold 12 Trees The best or "uttamam" rudraksham seeds are the size of a big Amla. These are the best for wearing for pooja. The second one "madhyamam" or mediocre are the size of a gooseberry. Anything smaller than that has no merit. It is useful only for keeping count. Please remember that rudrakshas are not ornaments. They are not pieces of jewellery to be worn 24 hours in a day. If you wear the For Prida75& Personal Use Onlyamrender muni ji mahaajainelibrary.org

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rudraksham, after pooja you must take it off and replace it in its resting place. You must treat the rudraksham as Shiva himself- you cannot treat it any other way. And the bigger the rudraksham the bigger the risk. The botanical name of rudraksham is 'Elaeocarpus Granitrus' and it grows in the foothills of the Himalayas, Burma, Java, Hawaii. From one rudraksh tree only 20% of the fruits are useful. The other 80% should be eliminated. Rudraksham seeds can have one to twenty one faces. These faces are naturally formed. Each type has a particular reason and a particular use. Eka Mukhi (Single faceted): These are suitable for people born under the Nakshatras of Krittika, Uttarashada and Uttaraphalguni. They have certain effects which can be seen in detail in the following pages. Dvi Mukhi (Double faceted): These are very rare. If you check on the net you may find some Dvi Mukhis which cost 600 dollars each. However they are very powerful. You must wear it during pooja and then take it off reverently and keep it back in its place. It particularly benefits people born under the Nakshatras of Rohini, Hasta and Shravan. Thus each type of rudraksham has been described in detail in the following pages. There are various scriptural sources where one can read about rudraksh like Padma Purana, Shiva Mahapurana, Tripura Upanishad, Rama Rahasya Upanishad and Devi Purana. shantidoot | messenger of peace 176

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Sivagamam Number of Rudrakshas to be worn in various parts of the body Head, 36 Ears, 1 each Neck, 32 Chest, 108 Arms, 16 each Wrists, 12 each When wearing the rudraksh if it is worn at the level of the throat or heart it is good for you. There are also rules about how many rudrakshas you should wear on different parts of your body. If you wear in the ears , it is two- one in each ear. On the top of the head it is thirty six, around your neck hundred and eight. Around the arms (like an armband) it is sixteen, around the wrists it is twelve. Please note that no rudraksh or vibhuti should be worn below the waist. Before using the rudraksham it should be purified by washing it with panchamritam (a mixture of milk, sugar, yoghurt, honey and ghee). Then it should be taken out and washed with hot water and soaked in Sesame oil (Gingelly oil) for two hours or so. This is necessary because it is a seed and if it is not treated it will dry out and fall apart. 177 amrender muni ji maharaj

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Types of Rudraksh Eka Mukhi (Single faceted) Purpose Elevates one to super consciousness, provides improved concentration, mental structure, and allows for one to put more importance on renunciation rather than worldly affairs. The wearer enjoys all comforts at his command but still remains unattached. It's ruling planet is the Sun. Affects the 7th chakra on top of head named Sahasrara. Affects the neurophysiology and consciousness through the Pineal Gland, Pituitary Gland, the Optic Chiasma and the Hypothalmus. Recommended for headaches, heart diseases and defects in the right eye. Mantra Om Hreem Namah Ruling Planet Sun Nakshatra Krittika, Uttarashadha, Uttaraphalguni Jain Educashantiderationemessenger of peacerivate & Personal Use Only 178

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Dvi Mukhi (Double faceted) Purpose This represents Ardhanareshwara-a joint image of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and blesses the wearer with unity. It could be related to Guru-Shishya, parents-children, husband-wife or friends. Maintaining oneness is its peculiarity. It's ruling planet is the Moon. Recommended for defects in the left eye, heart diseases, lungs, brain, kidneys and intestines. Mantra Om Hreem Namah Shivayaischa -Namah Shivaya Ruling Planet Moon Nakshatra Rohini, Hasta, Shravana Jain Education international For Prvl.2] Personal use only amren 1.79 For Private & Personal Use Only amrender muni ji mahaaajelibrary.org

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Tri Mukhi (Trible faceted) Purpose This rudraksha represents Agni, the god of fire. Just as fire consumes everything and remains pure, the wearer too becomes free from sins or wrongs from his life and returns to purity when blessed. Ideal for those who suffer from an inferiority complex, fears, guilt and depression. Its ruling planet is Mars. Recommended for blood defects, plagues, small pox, blood pressure, weakness, disturbed menstrual cycles, miscarriages and ulcers. Mantra Om Kleem Namah Ruling Planet Mars Nakshatra Mrigashira, Chitra, Dhanishta shantidoot messenger o PFC Private & Personal Use Only

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Chatur Mukhi (With four faces) Purpose This represents Lord Brahma. The wearer gains power of creativity when blessed. Very effective for students, scientists, researchers, scholars, artists, writers and journalists. Increases memory power, wit and intelligence. Its ruling planet is Mercury. Recommended for mental diseases, paralysis, yellow fever, and nasal diseases. Mantra Om Hreem Namah Ruling Planet Mercury Nakshatra Ashlesha, Jyestha, Revati amrender muni ji maharelibrary.org 181

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Pancha Mukhi (With five faces) Purpose This represents Lord Shiva. The wearer of the pancha mukhi mala gains health and peace. This rudraksha regulates blood pressure and cardiac ailments. This is a common rudraksha. By wearing the mala the wearer's mind remains peaceful. It is believed that the wearer of this type of rudraksha mala never meets an untimely death. Its ruling planet is Jupiter. Affects all Major Chakra Points. Recommended for bone marrow, liver, kidneys, feet, ear, and diseases of fat and Diabetes. Mantra Om Hreem Namah Om Nama Shivaya Ruling Planet Jupiter Nakshatra Punarvasu, Vishaka, Purvabhadrapada shantidoot messenger of peace, 182

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Shan Mukhi (With six faces) Purpose This rudraksha represents Lord Kartikeya. It saves us from the emotional trauma of worldly sorrows and gives learning, wisdom and knowledge. Affects understanding and appreciation of love, sexual pleasure, music and personal relationships. Its ruling planet is Venus. It affects the neurophysiology through the sacral plexus, sexual and reproductive organs, prostrate gland and gives protected emotional response as it relates to physical and mental comfort levels. Recommended for problems with eyes, reproductive organs, urinary tract, prostate, mouth and throat. May be worn on right hand. Mantra Om Hreem Hum Namah Om Saravana Bhavaya Namah Ruling Planet Venus Nakshatra Bharani, Purvaphanguni, Purvashadha For Privatd & Personal Use Only amrender muni ji maharajibrary.org

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Sapta Mukhi (With seven faces) Purpose This rudraksha represents Goddess Mahalakshmi. The person who wears this rudraksha is blessed with good health. It should be worn by those who are suffering from miseries pertaining to the body, finance and mental facilities. By wearing this rudraksha one can progress in business and service, and live one's life happily. Its ruling planet is Saturn. Affects entire psychological and physical neurophysiology related to malefic effects of Saturn which are weakness, colic pain, pain in bone and muscles, paralysis, long term diseases, impotency, worries and hopelessness. Mantra Om Hum Namah Om Sreem Namah Ruling Planet Saturn Nakshatra Pushya, Anuradha, Uttarabhadrapada 184 shantidoot messenger enger of peace

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Ashta Mukhi (With eight faces) Purpose This rudraksha represents Lord Ganesha. Removes all obstacles and brings success in all undertakings. It gives the wearer all kinds of powers or siddhis. His opponents are conquered in that the minds or intentions of his opponents are changed. Its ruling planet is Rahu. Affects Medulla Oblongata, Hypothalamus and Limbic System. Recommended for lungs, feet, skin and eyes. Mantra Om Hreem Namah Ruling Planet Rahu Nakshatra Ardra, Swati, Shatabhisha For Private Personal Use Only amrender muni jiymahata library.org

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Nava Mukhi (With nine faces) Purpose This rudraksha represents Goddess Durga (Shakti). When invoked, the mother Goddess blesses the wearer with a lot of energy, powers, dynamism and fearlessness, which are required to live a successful life. Its ruling planet is Ketu. Affects pineal gland, pituitary gland. Recommended for diseases of lungs, fever, eye pain, bowel pain, skin disease and general body pain. It may be worn on the left hand. Mantra Om Hreem Namah Om Hreem Hum Namah Ruling Planet Ketu Nakshatra Ashvini, Magha, Mula shantidoot messenger of peace Private & Personal Use Only 186

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Dasa Mukhi (With ten faces) Purpose This rudraksha has no ruling planet, and pacifies all negative planetary energy. This contains the influence of the 10 fingers of Devi (which are the ten incarnations of Vishnu) and the ten directions. It works like a shield on one's body and drives evils away. When invoked, the wearer's family will be nourished endlessly for generation after generation. It is held to sublimate all the malefic effects of all the planets and is recommended for the entire neurophysiology. Mantra Om Hreem Namah Ruling Planet Has no Ruling Planet Nakshatra N/A amrender muni ji maharajelibrary.org

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Eka Dasa Mukhi (With eleven faces) Purpose This rudraksha represents Rudra. When invoked the wearer is blessed with wisdom, right judgment, powerful vocabulary, adventurous life and success. Above all, it also protects from accidental death. The wearer becomes fearless. It also helps in meditation and removes the difficulties encountered in yogic practice. It has no ruling planet. Recommended for never-ending energy and maintenance of the entire neurophysiology Mantra Om Hreem Houm Namashivaya Ruling Planet Sun Nakshatra Krittika, Uttaraphalguni, Uttarashadha shantidoot messenger of peace

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Dva Dasa Mukhi (With twelve faces) Purpose This represents Surya, the Sun. The wearer gets limitless administrative capacity. He gets the quality of the Sun,to rule and to move continuously with brilliant radiance and strength. Good for ministers, politicians, administrators, businessmen and executives. It is miraculously effective. It affects the 4th Chakra (Anahata) at the heart. It removes worry, suspicion and fear and increases self-image and motivation. Affects the neurophysiology through the cerebral hemisphere, heart, lungs and skin. Recommended for problems with heart diseases, constipation, the esophagus, and general bowel problems. Mantra Om Hreem Grunhi Surya Adityom : Ruling Planet Sun Nakshatra Krittika, Uttaraphalguni, Uttarashadha 120 For Privacy & Personal Use Onlyamrender muni ji maharajnelibrary.org

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Triyo Dasa Mukhi (With thirteen faces) Purpose This rudraksha represents Lord Indra. When invoked, it showers all possible comforts of life one can ever desire. It gives riches and honour and fulfills all the earthly desires and gives the eight accomplishments (siddhis), as well as attractive powers of love to the wearer. The ruling planet is Venus. Affects the solar plexus and prostate. It is helpful for meditation and spiritual attainments and also causes material improvements. Mantra Om Lam Indraya Namah Ruling Planet N/A Nakshatra N/A 190 Jain Educashantidoottib messenger of peacerivate & Personal Use Only

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Chatur Dasa Mukhi (With fourteen faces) Purpose 14-Mukhi rudraksha (or fourteen faceted rudraksha) is the most precious divine gem or Deva Mani. It awakens the organ of the sixth sense by which the wearer foresees the future. Its wearer never fails in his decisions. Its wearer is rid of all calamities, miseries and worries. It protects the wearer from ghosts, evil spirits and black magic. It provides the wearer safety, security riches and power. It is a very powerful antidote for the miseries caused by Saturn and provides miraculous cures for several ailments. Recommended to be worn on the chest, forehead or right arm. Mantra Om Nama Kadi Vidya: Ruling Planet Saturn Nakshatra Pushya, Anuradha, Uttarabhadrapada 101 For Private Personal Use Only amrender muni ji maharaj elibrary.org

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Pancha Dasa Mukhi (With fifteen faces) Purpose Devi's Grace Mantra Kadi Vidya Hadi Vidya Sadi Vidya Dattatreya Purpose Oneness with Devi, Advaita Siddhi shantidoot messenger of Mantra Anushtup Mantra peace 192

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Gouri Shankar Purpose Gowri-Shankar rudraksha is said to be the one that helps the wearer achieve Sarvasiddhi as it makes attainable all the four human pursuits ie. virtue, wealth, sensual pleasures and salvation (dharma, artha, kama, moksha). The Gowri-Shankar rudraksha is a rudraksha that looks as if two rudrakshas are joined together, and one is smaller than the other even if only a little bit. It is said to fulfill all desires and makes the person satisfied and contented. It is especially good for people in business who want to earn money in a big way and earn it quickly. Scriptural Refefrences 1. Rudraksha Jabalopanishad 2. Padma Purana 3. Siva Maha Purana 4. Tripura Tapini Upanishad 5. Tripuropanishad 6. Basma Japalopanishad 7. Brihat Japalopanishad 8. Rama rahasya Upanishad 9. Aksha Malika Upanishad 10.Devi Purana For Priva93 Personal Use Only amrender muni ji Waelibrary.org

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jainism- a brief outline Rev Acharya Amrender Muni Ji has said: "The Jain tradition amongst all traditions worldwide, holds a very special and important place. It is important to understand what we mean by tradition. During my moments of contemplation, I felt that dharma and tradition are two different things, though they complement each other. Dharma gives you the capability to assimilate certain characteristics. Truth, good behaviour, friendship, compassion, and other such good qualities and capabilities are accquired through dharma. And tradition nurtures and protects these characteristics. It enables these good qualities to spread and flourish. Tradition also protects good people and good qualities from the attack of negativities in society. It keeps them safe from negative influences. The Jain tradition is not oriented towards worldly enjoyment, rather, it is a path of sacrifice. It inspires a person to lead his life in a balanced, discriminating and aware manner. Full details of the Jain tradition cannot be presented in a small write up. However, the basic foundation comprises truth, non-violence, non-possession, varied view points, and importance of the atma tatva or soul. The meaning of "ahinsa" is non violence, meaning literally not to harm. To end someone's life is definitely violence, but to harm someone 195 amrender muni ji maharaj

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through harsh words, or make someone sad, or think badly of someone is considered violence as well. In the Jain tradition, saints as well as householders are expected to follow certain vows - Maha Vrat (vows for monks) and Anu Vrat (limited vows for householders). However it is important to note that if one does not practice non-violence, the meditation done by householders and saints does not bear any fruits and is lifeless and useless. In the same manner, non possession is integral to our lives. If one keeps accumulating and not sharing one's possessions then inequality is created, and that is a sin. This is one of the reasons that wars are being fought. As per the Jain tradition, society has a right to a part of your earnings. The Jain tradition compels and inspires one to look at diverse view points that are generous, healthy, and positive. Whatever the issues one may have with others, they should be looked at with an open mind. To overlook any issue and to have a biased view is wrong. Issues arising in the area of family, society and nation can be resolved by looking through the other person's eyes and appreciating their view point. The most striking aspect of the Jain tradition is "aatma tatva"- the importance of the soul. According to the Jain tradition, all the joys and suffering that you experience are borne by the soul. As the individual does, so he receives. As per the Jain tradition, God or anyone else cannot be blamed for your happiness or suffering. On the whole, the main aim of the Jain tradition is the upliftment of mankind and there is immense stress placed on human values. The Jain tradition comes from an ancient lineage however no tradition can survive on its history and past glories alone. It can neither live on these nor be considered praiseworthy based on these. The tradition will not be considered truly alive and flourishing until the followers of the tradition follow its principles with true feeling towards the good of all living things. shantidoot messenger of peace 196

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Thus the main duty of us Jains is to first awaken the tradition in our hearts and then follow its principles rather than just following it outwardly in a mechanical way. To preserve the Jain tradition and culture and carry it forward into the present day we have to protect its essence and make it part of our daily lives." Lord Rishabhdev: The First Tirthankara Rishabdev is considered the first tirthankara of Jainism. Rishabhdev was born more than 5000 years ago around 3000 B.C. He is a forefather to Lord Rama, the Hindu avatar of supreme God.The worship of Rishabhdev dates from the time period of the Indus Valley and Harappan civilizations. Rishabdev is mentioned in all the Vaishnava/ Shaiva Puranas, as well as in the Bhagvata Purana. The Bhagvata Purana says: Ashtame Merudevyam tu nabherjath urukrameh Darshyan varm dheeranam sarva shraman namaskritam (In the womb of Merudevi, wife of Nabhi, Rishabh had his eighth avatar. He showed himself in a form that is to be worshipped by all Shramanas.) Bhagavata calls him "Shareer matra parigrah" (body his only possession), "gagan paridhaneh" (wearing the sky), " vatarshana" (wearing the wind). According to the Bhagavata, he was born to show the people of this world the path of salvation. It was he who advised the people to follow the path of eternal bliss, instead of indulging in a life of worldly pleasures and enjoyment. He is the founder and promoter of shramanic (monastic) culture. 107 For Private &19bonal Use Only amrender munija poalanrairy.org

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As he was the first of the tirthankaras he is also known as Adinath or Adideva, foremost among the tirthankaras. Mahavir was the last tirthankara. It is to be noted that Jainism is a shramana parampara, ie, a monastic tradition, as opposed to orthodox Hinduism, which is a Vedic parampara; this also is what the Bhagavata Purana mentions. It was during the last part of the third 'Ara' of the current descending cycle of time that the great soul that was to become Rishabhdev descended into the womb of Marudevi. In the ancient Jain scriptures it is mentioned that during many previous births, the soul that was to be Rishabhdev had done prolonged spiritual practices. As a result of a high degree of purity of thoughts and attitude as well as penance, meditation, charity and benevolent deeds it had earned highly pious karmas. In his incarnation as Dhanna, the caravan leader, he had offered alms and services to ascetics and others. As doctor Jivanand he had taken good care of ailing masses as well as ascetics. As King Vajranabh he had supported poor and desolate masses, renounced the world and become an ascetic. Thus, he earned Tirthankaranam-and-gotra-karma which resulted in his taking birth as Rishabhdev. On the eighth day of the dark half of the month of Chaitra, around midnight, Marudevi gave birth to twins. Next morning King Nabhiraja organized the birth celebrations. He invited his friends and relatives to a feast and announced, "As there is a sign of a bull on the thigh of the new born, and Marudevi saw a bull in her great dreams, we name this child "Rishabh Kumar." His twin will be known as "Sumangala". Rishabh Kumar was married to a girl named Sunanda whose twin had died in an accident. This was the beginning of the marriage system. He was also married to his twin Sumangala in a ceremony that was arranged by the gods. Prince Rishabh led a happy married life. In due shantidoot | messenger of peace 198

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course Sumangala gave birth to Bharat, Brahmi and ninety eight other sons. Sunanda gave birth to Bahubali and Sundari. Prince Rishabh was a highly endowed, farsighted and industrious individual. Looking at the needs, the times and society he evolved numerous arts, crafts and trades and taught them to people with right aptitude and physical and mental capacities. To some he taught farming and to others the trade of agricultural produce. He invented the alphabets, language, and the numbers along with the tools for writing. For self defense he evolved martial arts and taught these to individuals with strong physique. He also established systems of social security and penal codes. Pottery, architecture, music, dance, and many other arts and crafts that enriched human society are said to be his contributions. One day, on the request of the people's representatives. Nabhiraja nominated Rishabh to become the first king of this age. He arranged for an elaborate coronation ceremony and handed over the reigns of the state to Rishabh Kumar. The king of gods ordered Kuber, the god of wealth, to construct a suitable city. This beautiful city was named Vinita; later on it became popularly known as Ayodhya. During the reign of his father the population was organized into random groups only. Rishabhdev reorganized them according to their virtues, activities and professions, and broadly divided the society into three groups. The trading community was known as Vaishyas,the martial community was known as Kshatriyas and all other people indulging in a variety of services were known as Shudras. Till his times the Brahman group was not formed. After a long span of time (6.3 million Purva) he started losing interest in mundane things and activities, and drifting toward detachment. He felt that he should transfer all his responsibilities to his sons and proceed towards liberation through spiritual practices. His concept was that indulgence in mundane things does not give 199 amrender muni ji maharaj

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happiness. It gives only an illusion of happiness. True happiness is derived out of freedom from mundane indulgences. Following the stream of his thoughts Rishabhdev divided the area of his rule between his one hundred sons. Bharat was given the state of Ayodhya and Bahubali that of Takshila. Getting free of the responsibilities of the state, Rishabhdev decided to take diksha (the formal initiation into the ascetic way). After becoming an ascetic, Rishabhdev took the vow of total silence and started wandering accompanied by other ascetics. When, after his penance, he went out to beg for food, he did not get anything to eat. The common people of that age were ignorant about the practice of giving food as alms. They did not even appreciate the need to do so. Whenever Rishabhdev approached them, they offered him respect and valuable gifts as they would to a king. Rishabhdev would then proceed ahead without accepting anything. After one entire year of wandering from place to place and doing harsh spiritual practices without touching any food or water Rishabhdev decided to beg food once again. He came to Hastinapur town. Bahubali's son, Somprabh, was the king of Hastinapur. His son Shreyans Kumar saw a dream at night that Swarnagiri, the golden mountain, had turned black and he had brought it back its golden color by washing it with pitchers full of milk. He narrated his dream to his father and friends, but no one could interpret its significance. Shreyans Kumar was sitting in the balcony of his palace and brooding over the dream he had seen last night. All of a sudden he heard the noise caused by happy masses who had seen Rishabhdev entering the town. Thousands of citizens of Hastinapur rushed toward Rishabhdev with gifts. Rishabhdev did not even look at these things and continued his graceful walk in the direction of the palace. shantidoot messenger of peace 200

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When Shreyans saw the approaching Rishabhdev, he ran to welcome his great grandfather. After bowing down at the great ascetics feet when Shreyans looked at Rishabhdev's face he could not shift his gaze. He went into a state of meditative thoughts and suddenly he acquired Jati-smaran Jnan, the knowledge that opens up memories of past births. In his past birth Shreyans was the charioteer of king Vajranabh (the past incarnation of Rishabhdev). This knowledge also made him aware of the duties of householders towards ascetics. He realized that Bhagwan Rishabhdev had been wandering around without food or water due to the prevailing ignorance of the people regarding ascetic norms. With reverence he requested Rishabhdev, "Prabhu! I am honored by your presence. I have just received 108 pitchers full of fresh sugarcane juice that are pure and suitable for you in all respects. Kindly accept the juice and break your fast." Rishabhdev extended his cupped palms and Shreyans poured the sugar-cane juice from a pitcher. Rishabhdev broke his fast and the skies reverberated with the sound of divine drums and divine applause, "Hail the alms giving!" The Gods also showered gems, flowers and perfumes. This was the beginning of the tradition of religious charity and alms giving. In memory of this incident, the third day of the bright half of the month of Vaishakh is celebrated as Akshay Tritiya festival. The Jains specifically celebrate it as the day they break their fast after the penance of Varshi Tap (one meal and fast on alternate days for one year). For one thousand years Bhagwan Rishabhdev continued his harsh spiritual practices completely ignoring his body and other mundane activities. On the eleventh day of the dark half of the month of Phalgun he was meditating under a banyan tree in the Shakatmukh garden outside Purimtal town, close to Ayodhya. Around forenoon he transcended to the purest higher state of meditation. The intensity of his practice caused the shedding of the knowledge and perception 201 amrender muni ji maharaj

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obscuring karmas as well as the illusory karmas. As a result, he attained omniscience, the purest and enlightened state of soul. Rishabhdev became a Jina. For a long time Bhagwan Rishabhdev continued to propagate his religion having the five great vows as its central theme. When he realized that all his remaining karmas were approaching their end he proceeded to the Ashtapad mountain. On the thirteenth day of the dark half of the month of Magh, a little before noon time, Rishabhdev, along with ten thousand other ascetics, was observing a six day fast without water. He was sitting in meditation in the Paryanka pose. When the moon entered the Abhijit lunar mansion he attained nirvana and got liberated from all sorrows. The Palitana temples are considered the most sacred pilgrimage place (tirth) by the Jain community. There are a total of 1250 temples located on the Shetrunjaya hills, exquisitely carved in marble. The main temple on top of the hill, is dedicated to lord Rishabdev.No one is allowed to sleep overnight including the priest, because the temple city has been built as an abode for the Gods only. Lord Parshwanath: The Twenty Third Tirthankara About 3000 years ago, Parshwa-kumar was born on the 10th day of the dark half of the month of Margashirsh (which usually falls in December) in the city of Varanasi also known as Banaras, in India. His father's name was King Asvasen and mother's name was Queen Vamadevi. Observing the miseries that living beings had to experience in their worldly life, Parshwa-kumar developed a high degree of detachment towards worldly possessions and relationships. At the age of 30, he renounced all his possessions and his family and became a monk. Later, he became known as Parshwanath. He spent most of his time meditating in search of the ultimate truth. Developing a higher purity shantidoot / messenger of peace 202

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of consciousness, he ultimately attained Kevaljnan (omniscience) or perfect enlightenment on the 84th day of his renunciation. Parshwanath then began preaching true religion. He reinstated the "tirtha" or religious four-fold order, namely monk (sadhu), nun (sadhvi), layman (shravak), and laywoman (shravika). This order is known as the Jain Sangha. He attained nirvana and his purified soul left his body and achieved complete liberation at the age of 100 at Mountain Sametsikhar in Bihar, India. He became the 23rd tithankara of the Jain religion. Lord Parshwanath is always represented with the hood of a snake shading his head. The yaksha Dharanendra and the yakshi Padmavati are often shown flanking him. In Jain canonical literature, Parshwanath is represented in 'padmasana' (lotus) posture - both palms and feet, with auspicious lotus marks on them, placed upward. He has a blue-black complexion - the color of the cosmos. The seven-headed serpent "Shesh"- unfurling its hoods over the deity like an umbrella, represents elements of the earth and the ocean and has hence a similar body colour. Parshwanath has been represented as wearing a gem studded crown and other ornaments. He has a golden throne as a seat and a rich canopy above. Lord Mahavir: The Twenty Fourth and last Tirthankara Lord Mahavir was not the founder of Jainism.His teachings were based on those of his predecessors. Mahavir was more of a reformer and propagator of an existing religious order than the founder of a new faith. He followed the well-established creed of his predecessor tirthankara Parshwanath. About 2600 years ago Lord Mahavir (599 to 527 BC), revived the Jain philosophy. Mahavir was a prince and his childhood name was Vardhaman. Being the son of a king, he had many worldly pleasures, comforts, and services at his command, but at the age of thirty he left 203 amrender muni ji maharaj

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his family and royal household, gave up his worldly possessions, and became a monk in search of a solution to eliminate pain, sorrow, and suffering from life. Mahavir spent the next twelve and a half years in deep silence and meditation to conquer his desires, feelings, and attachments. He carefully avoided harming other living beings including animals, birds, insects, and plants. He also went without food for long periods of time. He was calm and peaceful while enduring unbearable hardships. During this period, his spiritual powers developed fully and he realized perfect perception, perfect knowledge, perfect power, and total bliss. This realization is known as kevaljnan or perfect enlightenment. Mahavir spent the next thirty years travelling barefoot around India preaching the eternal truth he had realized. The ultimate objective of his teaching is how one can attain total freedom from the cycle of birth, life, pain, misery, and death, and achieve the permanent blissful state of one's self. This is also known as liberation, nirvana, absolute freedom, or moksha. At the age of 72 (527 BC) Lord Mahavir attained nirvana (salvation) and his purified soul left his body and achieved complete liberation. He became a siddha, pure consciousness, a liberated soul, living forever in a state of complete bliss. On the night of his nirvana, people celebrated the festival of lights" Diwali" in his honour. This is the last day of the Hindu and Jain calendar year. Jains believe all souls are equal because they all possess the potential of being liberated and attaining moksha. Tirthankaras and siddhas are role models only because they have attained moksha. Jains believe that every human is responsible for his/her actions and all living beings have an eternal soul or jiva. Jainism insists that we live, think and act respectfully and honor the spiritual nature of all life. Jains view God as the unchanging traits of the pure soul of each living being, chiefly shantidoot messenger of peace

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described as Infinite Knowledge, Perception, Consciousness, and Happiness (Anant Gyan, Anant Darshan, Anant Charitra, and Anant Sukh). General Principles of Jainism Jains do not believe in an omnipotent supreme being, creator, or manager or "karta" but rather in an eternal universe governed by natural laws and the interplay of its attributes (gunas) and matter (dravya). Jainism's stance on nonviolence goes much beyond vegetarianism. Jains refuse food obtained with unnecessary cruelty. Many are vegan due to the violence of modern dairy farms, and others exclude root vegetables from their diets in order to preserve the lives of the plants from which they eat. Garlic and onions in particular are avoided by those who see them as tamasi foods, those which create angry passions. Devout Jains do not eat, drink, or travel after sunset (chauvihar) or rise before sunrise. Jains are usually very welcoming and friendly toward other faiths and often help with interfaith functions. Several non-Jain temples in India are administered by Jains. The Jain religion places great emphasis on the theory of karma. Essentially, it means that all jivas reap what they sow. A happy or miserable existence is influenced by actions in previous births. These results may not occur in the same life, and what we sow is not limited to physical actions. Physical, verbal, and mental activities play a role in future situations. Jains believe that devas (angels or celestial beings) cannot help the jiva to obtain liberation, which must be achieved by individuals through their own efforts. In fact, devas themselves cannot achieve liberation until they reincarnate as humans and undertake the difficult act of 205 amrender muni ji maharaj

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removing karma. Their efforts to attain the exalted state of siddha, the permanent liberation of jiva from all involvement in worldly existence, must be their own. The Jain ethical code is taken very seriously. Five vows are followed by both householders and monks/nuns. These are: 1. Ahinsa (Non Violence) 2. Satya (Truth) 3. Asteya (non stealing) 4. Brahmacharya (chastity) 5. Aparigraha (non possession or non possesiveness) Along with the Five Vows, Jains avoid harboring ill will toward others and practice forgiveness. They believe that the atma (soul) can lead one to becoming parmatma (liberated soul) and this must come from one's inner self. Jains refrain from all violence (ahinsa) and have named 18 activities, called paapstanaks that should be eradicated. 1. Pranatipaat - Killing of Praan ie violence 2. Mrushavaad - Untruth 3. Adattadan - Theft 4. Maithun - Unchaste behaviour 5. Parigraha - Possesiveness 6. Krodh - Anger 7. Maan - Arrogance 8. Maya - Illusion 9. Lobh Greed 10. Raag - Attachment 11. Dvesh - Hate 12. Kalaha - Agitation shantidoot messenger of peace 206

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13. Abhyakhyan - Accusation 14. Paishoonya - Gossip 15. Par- parivad - Criticism 16. Rati- Arati - Pleasure- Displeasure 17. Maya-Moso - Malice 18. Mithyya Darshan Shalya - Wrong belief Jainism has a very distinct idea underlying tirthankara worship. The physical form is not to be worshiped, rather it is the gunas (virtues and qualities) which are praised. Tirthankaras are only role-models, and sects such as the Sthanakvasi stringently reject the appearance of worshipping statues The holiest symbol is a simple Swastika. The Swastika has 4 arms which signify the 4 gatis (planes of existence) which must be crossed to reach the apex. The four arms represent hell (the devil), animal, human and angel gatis. anrender muni ji maharaj library on

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Another important symbol incorporates a wheel on the palm of the hand, symbolizing ahinsa. Other main Jain symbols include: * 24 Lacchanas (symbols) of the tirthankaras * Triratna and shrivatsa symbols A tirthankara's or chakravarti's mother's dreams (14 auspicious objects ie white bull , a giant elephant having four tusks, a lion, Goddess Laxmi seated on a lotus,a garland of flowers, the full moon resplendent in the sky, the scintillating sun, a fluttering flag, a golden urn, a pond full of lotus flowers, a sea of milk, a space vehicle of gods, a heap of gems, smokeless fire) Dharmachakra and siddhachakra * Eight auspicious symbols (the Asht Mangals) which are: 1. Swastika - Signifies peace and well being 2. Shrivatsa - A beautiful mark which manifests itself from the heart of the Jina 3. Nandhyavarta - Big Swastika with 9 corners shantidoot messenger of peace 208

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4. Vardhamanaka - A shallow earthen dish used for lamps. This symbol is suggestive of increase of wealth, fame and merit due to the grace of the Lord Jina 5. Bhadrasana - Meaning throne. It is considered auspicious because it is sanctified by the feet of the blessed Lord Jina. 6. Kalasha - The kalasha filled with pure water , which signifies wisdom and fullness. 7. Minyugala - A pair of fish. It is a symbol of Cupid's banners coming to worship the Jina after the defeat of the God of Love. 8. Darpan - The mirror which reflects ones true self because of its clarity. Jain festivals are characterized by renunciation, austerities, study of the scriptures, repetition of holy hymns, meditation, and expressing devotion for the parmatma. Even those people who are caught in the meshes of mundane life, according to their ability and conveniences, get free from the worldly entanglements to the extent possible and become immersed in worship and meditation. Renunciation and austerity constitute the very foundation of the Jain dharma. Most Jains fast during holy days and festivals; some Jains choose fasting at other times in order to purify or to assist in their spiritual development. This ritual can vary from giving up food and drink entirely to only giving up favourite foods. Many Jains choose to fast when their death is approaching so that they may purify their thoughts in the preceding moments to their death. Holy Days and Celebrations: * Mahavir Jayanti. Occurs around March/April. A celebration of the birth of Lord Mahavir. Celebrations include community worship, processions, and other devotional and spiritual activities. 209 amrender muni ji maharaj

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* Holi. 3 days of fasting, maun (silence) or meditation are recommended during Holi. Paryushana. Occurs in August/September. Considered by some to be the most important festival in Jainism. All Jains are required to fast and spiritual preceptors read out and explain in detail the Kalpasutra (sacred scripture). The first seven days of the festival are days of attainment, and the eighth and finally day is one of fulfilment and achievement. Diwali: Occurs in October November. The whole night of Diwali should be spent in the recitation of holy hymns and meditation. Svetambara Jains believe that on the night of the day of Diwali in 537 B.C.E., Mahavir achieved Nirvana, or deliverance and attained a state of absolute bliss. The day after Diwali marks the beginning of the New Year in their calendar. Kartik Purnima: Occurs in October/November. Thousands of Jains go on pilgrimages on this day to sacred Jain sites. Mauna Agyaras: Occurs around November/December. This is the day on which Jains fast and observes total silence. It is a day for meditation. shantidoot | messenger of peace 210

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ernational For Priva & Pe Use o

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OR a question and answer session with guruji 1. Guruji, what is your mission in life? The main aim of my life is, that while remaining absorbed in my spiritual pursuits, I should be able to spread the principles of nonviolence of Lord Mahavir and help create a society where there is no conflict of any kind. A society where everyone lives together in peace and brotherhood, where people are loving and supportive of each other and where they follow vegetarianism and work towards world peace. 2. It is said that the Guru comes when the shishya (disciple) is ready. What is that state of readiness that draws the Guru to the shishya? The state of readiness" mentioned above refers to a state of longing for the divine and a desire for the Guru to appear in one's life. When this desire is so intense that one is filled with a sense of longing and surrender the Guru has no option but to come. A Guru will definitely be drawn to a soul with such a strong craving. What expectations do you have from your disciples? Do you have any rules that they must follow? The Guru expects only one thing from his disciples and that is that they should tread the path of righteousness. By this I mean they should develop "satvik" (pure) tendencies and mental habits. 213 amrender muni ji maharaj

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This is the most important requirement for any disciple. I do not recommend any rules that tie people to a particular religious sect. I believe in change of hearts and minds towards a purer self. 4. Guru seva (service to the Guru) has great significance in our culture... but what is Guru seva exactly? Is just following the Guru's teachings diligently and correctly enough, or is does it involve much greater duties? Certainly, Indian culture stresses the paramount importance of a Guru. In India, the Guru is equated with God, in fact the Guru is given more importance, even, than God. The Guru sows the desire for good (satvik) qualities and pure mental tendencies in his disciples. The responsibility of a true disciple is to stay far away from negative thoughts, habits, tendencies and desires. This is true Guru seva. 5. In your opinion what is the ideal Guru shishya (disciple) relationship? Is it different in the East and the West? Do you think that the Guru shishya relationship has changed or should change to keep pace with modern times? The relationship between a Guru and disciple is completely devoid of any self interest, or selfishness. The Guru is one who gives "sight"; sight which symbolizes knowledge and light. The disciple, using the "sight" of knowledge and discrimination given by the Guru, now proceeds with open eyes on his spiritual path. The relationship between a Guru and disciple remains the same whether it is the East or the West. What is a mantra? Are there different mantras for different people? How does the mantra affect us? A mantra is the condensed form of special (vishisht) energies. The atom, though minute, contains enormous energy. It is the same with mantras. The Word is God- Naad Brahman! When the shantidoot messenger of peace 214

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7. disciple gets immersed in mantra jap, he starts experiencing a special energy both internally and externally. There are various mantras. Each mantra is assigned according to the suitability and capability of the disciple. Can you give some short mantras for Ganesh, Vishnu and Hanuman? There are several short mantras and stotras related to Shri Ganesh, Lord Hanuman, and Lord Vishnu. These short mantras are also given only on assessing the capability of the disciple. 8. Can anyone do the Namokar Mantra without a Guru giving it to you? Not only "Namokar", no mantra should be chanted without being given specifically by the Guru. After being given the mantra by the Guru, it can only be passed on to others after the Guru gives permission. 9. Guruji , can you tell us how to concentrate? Yoga sadhna is a good means for concentration of the mind. It is written :Yoga-chit, vritti nirodh; Yoga stills the ripples in the ocean of the mind. 10. If one has concentration, is it better to chant the mantra in the mind rather than chanting it aloud? "OM" or any other mantra, as guided by the Guru, can be repeated in silence, to concentrate the mind. 11. Is it better to chant together to increase the energy for everyone around? There are three types of Jap. Mansic (mental jap ), Upanshu jap (in which the tongue moves but sound is not uttered), and samoohic (group) jap. Group jap is also called group "kirtan".Chanting in a 215 aprender muni ji maharaj

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group generates pure vibrations in the environment. Guruji, what is the difference between the path of meditation and the path of mantra jap? Meditation (dhyana yoga), and mantra chanting, though different, are complementary to each other. Without concentration (dhyana), mantra jap will not be effective. 13. How do we know that we have found our one true Guru? Is it possible to have more than one Guru at the same time? If the disciple has true devotion, he will intuitively know that he has found his true and designated Guru. However, any teacher is also a Guru and is worthy of respect. One should be respectful to anyone who imparts important knowledge to us. The divine force that guides the disciple is one, it can reach the disciple through their designated Guru as well as other saints. They all are worthy of loving service. "Guru ek, seva anek" 14. If a seeker is strongly drawn to a saint or Guru who has already taken samadhi (ie. left his body), can a sadhak (seeker) take him as his Guru and proceed with sadhana? Will he receive guidance? A Guru remains a Guru even after leaving his mortal body. The Guru always shows the path and gives encouragement. Such Gurus guide us indirectly at the intuition and experience level. 15. Should meditation be practiced strictly under the guidance of a Guru (living master) or can we do it on our own? Whether it is the path of meditation or the path of yoga, it should be started only under the guidance of the Guru. When this is done the seeker does not face any difficulties. shantidoot | messenger of peace 216

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16. How do we know that we are making progress on the spiritual path? As the sadhak progresses on the path, he starts realising intuitively what is good for him or bad for him. 17. What does one have to do to lead a good life? Why is there so much suffering in the world and what can we do to change it? In order to lead a good and exemplary life, we must entertain good thoughts in our mind. Our conduct should also be good. This world is the world after all. It is not that the world contains only suffering; The sea holds pearls as well as stones in its depths. We should concentrate only on the pearls ie we should pay attention only to the good. We cannot change the world; Neither Lord Mahavir, Ram, Krishna or Buddha, were able to change the world. We should change ourselves. When we change the direction of our life, situations and conditions change automatically. 18. In the Gita, the Lord says "Renounce everything and take refuge in me....". Do you think that a grihasta (householder) should neglect his or her duties and leave everything for God? Unlike the Gita, Jain philosophy does not profess responsibility for removing the miseries of its followers. Man is himself the creator of his destiny. He reaps the fruits of his actions (karma) and Jain philosophy advises that one should perform good deeds (karma). A doctor can restore the sight of a patient by operating on his eyes, but he cannot hold the patient's stick and help him walk all his life. Likewise, a Guru shows the way- gives the path. However whether you decide to follow that path or not is entirely your choice. 19. How do we find a balance in life's activities? How do we know where to draw the lines? In a householder's life, performance of his duties is his primary responsibility. Once the duties are performed well and 217 amrender muni ji maharaj

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responsibilities handled well, the mind starts becoming steady in its spiritual pursuit, without losing balance, and without wavering. 20. What is the final goal of human beings? Is it moksha? Can we attain that state while still in the human body? The ultimate goal of life is to free oneself in mind, speech, and action, of all negatives. Moksha does not refer to any particular place like "heaven". According to the tatvarth sutra, to be able to rise above all actions, attachments, attractions or affections is moksha. The state of moksha can be experienced while still in a human body. 21. What is moksha? Can you describe it for us? What is it like? Moksha is as described above. 22. Does even eternal bliss become boring after some time? Eternal bliss is a state beyond any kind of expectations. Boredom or suffocation arise only among the expectations of physical life. Kabir says when the mind is in eternal bliss, what can it speak? Speaking, swaying, happen only outside this bliss. 23. They say that God's grace is flowing all the time but that we have to open our hearts to receive it. What does "opening ones heart" mean? What are the factors that keep our hearts closed? Opening of one's heart means opening of Shiva's third eye, the eye of knowledge i.e. attaining knowledge of the self or aatma-gyan. The seeker with self knowledge experiences the bliss of God's grace in every moment. When attachment, anger, and desires increase, the door of the heart closes shut. 24. Whenever some new projects are started, there is always someone who does not agree with it or want it to happen. When we push ahead with the project, we hurt them in the larger interest of the project. How should we cope with this phenomenon? 218 shantidoot messenger of peace

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"Shreyansi bahu vighnani". According to this sutra good work often has to face opposition and hurdles. If our objective is good, we should not worry or bother about opposition. A time comes when even our opponents get influenced by our good work and start walking hand in hand with us. 25. All religions, Jainism, Buddhism emphasize the significance of love and ahinsa. However does this mean that we should always have a total lack of anger even when someone is taking advantage of a situation with unrighteous conduct? Or when children (who are your responsibility) repeatedly indulge in wrong conduct, does anger (krodh) have a part to play? Anger is necessary where injustice is taking place. It is not wrong to be angry to oppose injustice or to bring someone around to the correct path. However, we should not harbour negative intentions towards them in our heart. 26. Guruji sometimes seekers on the spiritual path suffer from shaky faith in God and Guru when they are going through a rough period in life. Sometimes a mishap happens and completely shakes them out of their faith. Do you have any advice for them? Everyone has difficulties in life. One should not get unnerved or frustrated in the face of difficulties. Whenever you face difficulties, just think that "this too shall pass". This is my advice. 27. Guruji, what is the difference between atma and parmatma? What is in atma is there in parmatma. The soul who is still engangled in the bonds of karma is atma, and one who is completely free of bondage is parmatma 219 amrender muni ji maharaj

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28. Guruji, what is the point in living, when everything we do just accrues karma? Is there any way out of it? Undertaking every action with discrimination and a sharp intellect, is the straight path to avoid the bonds of karma. 29. Guruji , what makes you happy? I feel happy when I see an individual developing good thoughts and good inclinations. 30. What are miracles and how do they happen? The biggest miracle or truth is doing good to others. I do not give importance to miracles or showing off. Even a magician can perform miracles. A seeker's perceptions should be beyond the glamour of miracles. A sadhak's life itself is a miracle, he does not even realise when miracles start happening around him. 31. Guruji we would like to ask you some questions about Jainism....Do all Jains believe in mantra jap as a vehicle for progress? What about havans poojas etc , do they believe in that? All Jains believe in the Namokar Mantra. Certain sects of Jains believe in havans and poojas. For example, Digambar Jains believe in havans and Svetambara Jains do murti pooja (idol worship). 32. Do Jains have any system of Gods like the trinity of Brahma Vishnu and Mahesh in Hinduism or do they just worship tirthankaras? Jains believe there is a God , but God is not the creator. They believe that God is beyond any kind of desire even that of creation. He does not interfere in our development. Each soul is responsible for destroying its own karma and achieving perfection. All souls have 8 karmas. Anyone who destroys these 8 karmas becomes God. When four karmas are destroyed, one becomes an arihanta (self shantidoot | messenger of peace 220

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realized but still holding a bodily form). When 8 karmas are destroyed then one becomes a siddha (a perfected bodiless being). There are 3 types of things in nature: Some take birth, some are destroyed, some are neither born nor destroyed ie they are constant like the atma or soul. 33. What are the unique aspects of Jainism? How is it different from Buddhism and Hinduism.... seeing that it arose in the same cradle of civilisation as these 2 religions and Lord Mahavir's life followed almost the same pattern as Lord Buddha's. Hinduism is not a religion. Hinduism is a culture. "Sanatan dharm" is religion, and it believes in God as the doer or "karta". Buddhism does not believe in "atma" and "non violence". Buddhists eat meat. 221 amrender muni ji maharaj

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Jain Edu internationa Sonal Use Only Just inelibrary.org

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experiences of devotees The Centre of my Existence - Revered Gurudev Shri Amrender Muni Ji Maharaj Anuja Mathur Bahrain In the spiritual life of a seeker the role of the Guru is decisive and all encompassing. He is the one who lights the path. While walking on the path of life, the relationship between the Guru and the disciple becomes as deep as the ocean and without any boundaries at all. The deeper we dive into the depths of the ocean of love that is our Guruji, the more gems we find. I have the deepest respect for Guruji. Before I write about how I came in contact with Guruji, I feel I should tell the reader a little bit about myself. My name is Anuja Mathur and I am an NRI living with my husband Shri Pradeep Mathur and two sons, Prashant and Anirudh Mathur, in the Gulf for the last 25 years or so. In around 1992 I had my first glimpse of Revered Guruji. It happened like this.... A friend of mine had called me for lunch saying that her Guru was going to come there too.I made some excuse and declined the invitation and unknowingly lost an invaluable 223 amrender muni ji maharaj

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opportunity about which I had no idea at that time. However God was smiling on me or else my good karmas were weighing on my side, for soon thereafter I received another invitation to attend a Satyanarain Katha. After the katha I became engrossed in a discussion with my friends, completely oblivious to the bright future that beckoned to me through my Revered Guruji. All of a sudden I felt a powerful presence standing behind me, who was asking about me from one of my friends. My friend introduced me as "Anu" to him. In a grave and deep voice he said; "Yes, I had thought that her name should start with A" So saying he departed, but left my heart all churned up with emotions. That was a very precious moment of my life which changed my entire way of thinking. My friends were still busy talking but my mind was not in their chatter. I excused myself from the group and ran after Guruji. Guruji had gone outside by now. It was the height of summer and the floor was baking hot. You can imagine how hot it gets in the summer in the Gulf, and there I was running barefoot on the hot ground. I requested him to give me an opportunity to see him again. He said that he was leaving the next day, and so gave me the time of 8 am the next morning. That night I could not sleep. I was just waiting for day break, so that I could have the darshan of that divine being. In those days we used to entertain a lot on Thursdays and because Friday is a holiday in the Gulf, we used to get up late on Fridays. But, I think for the first time, I got up early on a Friday morning. I was bathed and ready and at my friend's house before 8 am, and sat down to await the arrival of Guruji. When it became 8:30 and there was still no sign of Guruji, I felt let down that he had still not come to meet shantidoot | messenger of peace 224

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me, and I started making plans to go back home. However my friend patiently explained to me that it was not right to leave without meeting him. On that day I was waiting with such reluctance to meet the one who is now the guiding light for not just me but my entire family. However, within the next few minutes Guruji arrived. That first meeting lasted barely 5 minutes. Then a crowd gathered around him and in a short while he had to leave for the airport. I did not stay to bid him goodbye, I came home before he left. That first time I had gone to him to pray for the health of my children. Both my sons, Prashant and Anirudh had asthma. Every month they would have such severe attacks that we would not be able to sleep for several nights looking after them. They had even been admitted to hospital because of the severity of the attacks. Guruji had given me a mantra to say for the health of the children. I did not realize the full importance of the mantra at that time. Now when I look back and see where my beloved Master has taken me from that level of ignorance , I am speechless. The Guru's grace is infinite. I only realized this when I noticed that the children did not get any asthma attacks for 6 months after I met Guruji, whereas earlier they used to have an attack every month. At this time my friend used to tell me that Guruji has been asking about your children. At that time I used to think, how can he remember us in the midst of so many people, my friend must be just saying it for courtesy's sake. However when the children started regaining their health I realized that how deep was Guruji's concern for the children. Now my faith in Guruji was deepening and slowly I was able to 225 amrender muni ji maharaj

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understand and feel a little bit of the divinity that lay within him. Next year we went to Spain on our holiday. There, in an old fort in Segovia, I fell and twisted my ankle. My husband took me to a hospital nearby where the doctor asked me to be taken to the Emergency Ward without my husband and children. I was in a strange country, not knowing the local language and in a lot of pain, so it was a terrifying experience. I was taken in a wheelchair to the top floor in a lift where two people carried me and laid me on a bed and then left , leaving me totally alone and unattended. There was not a soul around and I felt very alone and scared. At that precise moment I felt a sense of peace steal into my heart. I felt Guruji's presence close to me. Slowly my fear dissolved and I found myself in a prayerful mood. That experience was so deep and heartfelt that I felt myself to have reached a very secure and peaceful place. I felt Guruji's presence, in his white robes protecting me throughout. Then the doctors took my X rays and wheeled me down to my husband and children. However in this duration I felt a depth of divine feeling which I cannot express in words. When I think about that experience I feel such gratitude. Only one who has experienced that sense of his presence in his physical absence can understand what I felt. After we returned from Spain, our inclination towards reading spiritual books grew. Inside me I felt a growing sense of the importance of the Guru's grace. I realized what a priceless treasure had been given to me. I thanked those lucky stars of mine which had led me to a meeting with my Guru. My children have also experienced his invisible power. My husband is a very shy and reticent man. He has not spoken about his experiences, but his unbounded love for Guruji is testimony to his faith and belief in him. shantidoot messenger of peace 226

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Now my every moment is lived in his remembrance. Now not just me, my husband, children and my mother, brother and his whole family are bound in the threads of his love. The more I get to know him, the more I realize that he is like the unfathomable ocean, deep and unlimited. It is my firm belief that a Revered Master like Guruji carries a disciple on his wings on a voyage that is beyond the stars, beyond all duality to the centre of infinity. Gurur Brahma, Gurur Vishnu Gurur Devo Maheshwara, Guru Sakshat Param Brahma, Tasmay Shree Guruveh Namah. 227 amrender muni ji maharaj

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The Power of the Namokar Mantra Geetanjali Engineer Bahrain It was sometime in January 2007 that I attended one of Guruji's talks in a friend's house. The effect it had on me was immense and I was mesmerized. After attending the first 'Pravachan' there was a magnetic pull that took me to his Pravachan again and again. The chanting of the Namokar Mantra in his presence was a divine experience. The energy and vibration was incredible. I continued with the mantra even after Guruji had left the island. A couple of months later some circumstances in my life brought me closer to Guruji. Just talking to him, listening to his 'Updesh' during those turbulent times was my support and strength. His assurance, blessings, and words of wisdom helped me fight through my most difficult times and his presence and the effect of the Namokar Mantra on my life has been indescribable. shantidoot messenger 228 of peace

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His Holiness Amrender Muni Ji Maharaj Naresh Jain, USA His Holiness Amrender Muni Ji was introduced to me by HH Acharya Sushil Kumar Ji in 1986 at Siddhachalam, New Jersey, USA. Since then I am in contact with him. We have attended several international programs together to promote nonviolence including the Annual Interfaith Prayer Services on the occasion of the opening of the General Assembly of the United Nations in New York, Visit to the US President Clinton in the Whitehouse in Washington, DC; Museum of World Religions in Taiwan; Parliament of World's Religions in Barcelona, Spain; and World Religions Congress after September 11 in Montreal, Canada. Muniji's sessions on Yoga and Sound Vibrations are very well appreciated by all. Muniji also inspired me and my friends to help educate the needy children in India so that they can become capable to support themselves and come out of poverty. We started Educare Foundation which currently provides educational assistance to over 1,000 needy children in India, every year. Muniji's passion to promote nonviolence to save human lives, yoga for good health and compassion to help the needy is admirable. Our family is very fortunate to benefit from his knowledge and experiences. Best wishes, Naresh Jain njain52253@aol.com Member/Advisor, Boards of the Council for a Parliament of the World's Religions; Educare Foundation; Federation of Jain Associations in North America (JAINA); International Jain Sangh; and Monmouth Center for World Religions and Ethical Thought. Interfaith Co-Chair- JAINA. 229 amrender muni ji maharaj

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An unforgettable boat ride with Guruji Agam Jerath Bahrain I have known Guruji since a long time. Year after year I have been meeting him and attending his courses like many others in Bahrain. About 4 years ago I got a chance to receive him at the airport along with his other bhakts. That meeting with him is deeply engrained in my mind. I did not know that a split second of his grace at the airport itself had established a very deep connection with him. I actually felt an electrifying spark emanating from him and physically touching me. The overpowering energy had sent me reeling for a moment. I knew what I felt was not my imagination because I had met him so many times but I had never experienced anything like this before. I had a lot of respect and love for him but this feeling was totally new for me. It was too beautiful to be shared with anyone, so I wrapped it within the folds of my heart - a secret to be cherished in solitude. Time went by and I found myself growing fonder and fonder of Guruji. Every year I used to wait for his holiness to come and bless me and my family. Last year, on his Gulf trip I heard he was going to Muscat first. I packed my bags and flew down to Muscat with a friend because I couldn't bear to wait any longer. Seeing him, hearing him, watching him, serving him, who is our divinity incarnate! Oh words can never express what I felt. Those two days were paradise itself. His hosts planned to take him on a boat trip to an island. When I heard of these plans I was brought back to my mundane existence with a jolt. All my ailments and with it all the accompanying worries came rushing. I had spondalitis. Even a quick movement can throw me off balance sometimes. For years I have been on medication for balancing my Eustachian fluids. During the attacks sometimes I lie in bed for days because even moving in the house makes me giddy. Now, they were all shantidoot messenger of peace 230

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going for a boat ride with our master into the rough sea!! The boat ride with him meant the world to me and yet I knew I couldn't possibly do it. My heart reached out to him in silence. I remember we all drove down to the sea shore. Everyone was so excited -changing their shoes, drying out their towels, folding up their trousers to get into the boat. I stood quietly watching, forlorn and sad. I thought the only way to make myself useful was to offer to look after everyone's things which they were not carrying. As they all started moving towards the boat to climb in, Guruji turned back and looked right into my eyes and gestured with his hand for me to come. For a moment I hesitated, and then I told him about my problem. He said "don't worry, nothing will happen". I followed him in complete trust and surrender, without any doubts. He gave me a place next to him in the boat. Once we took off, I forgot about myself. Being in the sea, sitting near him, singing bhajans with all my friends ... I cannot write in words how beautiful it was. By the time we came back to the shore, 1 ? - 2 hours had already passed, and I found myself normal as ever!! Not the slightest inkling of giddiness or discomfort had I felt during the whole sea ride, where there were rough patches too! Have you wondered what Guruji's powers are, after reading this? He is an entity who can never be understood to his fullest. All we can do is just be grateful to the heavens for getting us to meet him, to be under his care, to be under his grace! Oh Guruji I know you have heard this from me for ever and ever, and I will still say this to you once again with folded hands - from the bottom of my heart - I really always feel that you are showering me with more than I deserve. I was named right when I was born AGAM DASI, your 'DAASI' FOR EVER. 231 amrender muni ji maharaj

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How can one describe the ways of a Master? Sunita Malhotra Bahrain Our Guruji works on His devotees at a subtle level and it is amazing to see how His Grace flows through them and brings changes in their lives. Words cannot explain what His " Grace" means, we can only experience it. His WORDS pervade deep in our hearts and begin to unfold the unselfish "LOVE" for all living creatures including plants. On listening to His pravachans, qualities like Forgiveness, Compassion, Non-Violence and Tolerance begin to blossom in us. HE himself is a symbol of Purity , Radiance and extreme Tolerance. His voice is the most melodious voice I have ever heard and when he sings the Mantras you feel immediately connected to the Divine, and each time I feel that even the angels come down to listen to Him. Our Guruji is H.D.H. Shantidoot - Dhyan Yogi Acharya Amrender Muniji I met Gurujii about 14 years ago in Bahrain. My older son (who was then 10 yrs old), my younger son (who was then 7 yrs old) and I used to ask Guruji lots of questions and he would patiently answer them all. Initially our questions were mostly queries about religious rituals, then gradually, over the years, with his grace, our questions evolved to deeper Spiritual ones. About 10 years ago, when I spoke to Guruji over the phone in America, he told me that I should stop eating meat. I said "OK, I will try", but in my mind I thought that this would be impossible as we all loved our non-vegetarian food and ate it every day and so I did not even dare tell this to any of my family members. Soon, Guruji's grace began to work!! Within two months my older son began to feel that he must stop eating non-vegetarian food and within four months to every ones surprise, my sons and I stopped eating non-veg food and by His Grace shantidoot messenger of peace 232

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we have remained vegetarians ever since. It was amazing how quickly it all happened and I am so grateful for His blessings. I feel much lighter and purer now as compared to before. Guruji ones said that "His energy is connected to his devotees and when they are in pain he becomes aware of it". Most of his devotees (including me) have experienced His presence when in extreme pain like in an accident or injury!! And many have actually experienced Him sending energy to them to ease the pain!! Guruji always says "A saint belongs to all, no matter what their religion." I am a Sikh, and I have never felt that Guruji made any distinction between a Jain and non-Jain devotee. He guides all of us to follow the principle "Live and Let Live". I bow to the lotus feet of my Guru and am forever grateful for all His Blessings, Guidance and Grace he has showered on my family and friends. I am also very Grateful for every opportunity he gives us to serve Him and the world around us. Thank you Guruji, 233 amrender muni ji maharaj

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Letter to Amrender Muni Ji Pat Bruno USA Dear Muniji, Thank you so much for coming to New Hampshire and Massachusetts and honoring us with your presence. Many years ago I asked Guruji (Sushil Kumar Ji) what I should do when he could no longer come and teach us and he told me to call Amrender Muniji and he would help. He said, "Amrender Muni will be coming to teach Arhum Yoga and Jainism and to give spiritual guidance when I am gone. It is very important that people everywhere know about nonviolence and how to go within themselves and meditate. Yoga is a good practice to make people aware of their bodies and in this way, when they discover themselves, they will see their connection to all other living things. Then they will understand that all people are connected, they will take care of nature and violence will stop. Amrender Muni will carry on for me and you can call him if there is any confusion." We have been so sad since Guruji's death. Your visit has given us much joy and the confidence to keep practicing our mantra, yoga practices, and meditation. Having you here has been so exciting to everyone and it has brought new people to our Arhum Yoga practice. All the Pathways Yoga Teachers are now more encouraged to teach and thereby reach more people with the message of self-awareness and non-violence. I have been working to keep Guruji's vision alive here in New England but without your presence and loving help, I could not have been so successful. We hope that our help to the Universal Ahimsa Foundation can help with your project in Delhi and we look forward to seeing more shantidoot | messenger of peace 234

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pictures of your center. Please remember us in your prayers. We will be thinking of you always with love and devotion. Om Arhum, Pat Bruno, (Padmavati) Swami Padmananda Pat Bruno Director Pathways Yoga Systems 603-475-7770 www.Pathways Yoga@comcast.net 235 amrender muni ji maharaj

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My Guru- H.H. Amrender Muniji Mary Van Abs, Chandan Bala Arhum Yoga Teacher Groveland, Massachusetts USA I first met Amrender Muniji in 1992 when my yoga teacher, Pat Bruno, brought our class to Siddhachalam to meet her guru Acharya Sushil Kumar. At that time I thought that it must be wonderful being a monk, having all the time in the world to do yoga and meditate. I still think being a monk is wonderful but now I have a much greater appreciation of what this special vocation requires. Over the year Amrender Muniji and I have worked closely together, Muniji has described our relationship as that of mother and son. I have been privileged to have a glimpse into this private world. It is definitely more complex than my first impression. I started as His English tutor, then became His assistant and driver (most mothers know just what I mean). There have been many new experiences for me since meeting Muniji: life's joys, sorrows, disappointments, illnesses and disasters, Muniji has been a constant inspiration, not only by praying and teaching but by example. I observed His calm during difficult situations, His heartbreaking disappointment when I informed Him of the September 11th disasters, His recovery from His stroke, and the joy He receives from teaching children at yoga camp. While Muniji is fluent in English, He took special care to make sure the translation was accurate as he prepared for presentations at the United Nations and other interfaithand international assemblies. And of course, the obvious, He is always there to listen and support those who come to him for comfort. shantidoot | messenger of peace 236

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I began, in theory, as His teacher. The reality is that I was the one learning the lessons. He teaches through example- peace, dedication, patience, integrity and gentle compassion. Looking back over the years I was so blessed to share so many experiences with Muniji. Many of these were the more ordinary, day to day events. It's these however, woven together, that made the fabric of our relationship. One thing for sure, Muniji has had a significant influence on my life. He has graced me by including me in his party on his visits to the U.N., by visiting my family home and meeting my parents when they were in their 80's, by praying for them when they were in need, comforting me and soothing my fears for them when my father was dying , praying for my neice who developed a brain tumor in 2007 when she was 18 (she's survived surgery and is doing well, as Muniji said she would) and for helping me to see the world in a new way and granting me inner peace by his constant presence. I always feel a smile coming to my face when I see him in my mind's eye. He has shown such compassion for my difficulties and laughed when I apologized for causing him more "prayer time". What a blessing that we have a monk who walks the world with the sole purpose of devotion to non-violence yet still has the time to pray for the rest of us. I do not know how many times he said, "Do not worry, I will pray"... "Be happy". Happiness is, knowing and being graced by His Holiness Amrender Muni Ji Maharaj With great respect, humility and love, Mary Van Abs, Chandan Bala Arhum Yoga Teacher Groveland, Massachusetts USA 237 amrender muni ji maharaj

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Power of the Namokar Mantra Prashant Mathur Canada Dec 31 2005 Saar, Bahrain - It was the winter break during my Master's degree program at Queen's University (Canada) and I was visiting my family back in Bahrain. Guruji graced us with His presence by timing his Middle East trip to match our schedules. To usher in the New Year and benefit from Guruji's presence, a 12-hour Namokar Mahamantra chanting session was arranged. Devotees and interested followers were invited and the evening was set into motion. As is customary, Guruji initiated the session and the momentum gathered with time and number of participants. The hours rolled by and the session closing was drawing close. Guruji re-joined the New Year's Namokar party, chanting with us in unison. Upon closure, Guruji graced all present with well wishes and blessings for the New Year. He then proceeded to distribute blessed rosaries ("malas") to us individually, calling us each in turn. It was only after we returned home that we were able to exchange notes with one another about the preceding events and our great fortune to have such a being in our midst on this occasion. "Bliss", "happiness" and synonymous terms were used to describe the session, but I like to sum it up by saying "Guruji dropped the peace bomb on us." Jai Gurudev! shantidoot messenger of peace 238

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Under his Divine Protection By a bhakt who wishes to remain anonymous A next door friend had asked me to light her Mandir diyas while she was away to India. I was working those days and before going to office every day I would go to her house ,clean her mandir and light the diyas. One morning before I started out I felt Guruji coming to me and telling me not to go to that house.. By the time I got ready for work and picked my car keys at least 4-5 times I kept hearing him saying the same thing...'DO NOT GO THERE TODAY'. Finally I figured out that surely this strange message from Guruji was not my imagination. His orders were crystal clear . I obeyed his wish and decided to go to office straight and after that did not go to that house .Anyway my friend was coming back soon. A few days later I got a call from my friend. She had returned and was upset. On coming home she found everything topsy turvy and somethings had been shattered to pieces.. Apparently her dog had got into a frenzy for some reason and had pulled things down and torn things apart!! Her big Lord Ganesha idol at the entrance was lying on the ground ! I was frightened to hear this. A few days tater I was speaking to Guruji who was in the U.S.A at that time. I narrated my experience to him. I told him I had heard him telling me not to go to my friend's house that day.For a moment he was quiet and then in a grave voice he said "How could I let you go there .. . the energy in that house was not right that day." I was stunned !! I had not told him anything about the dog or what had happened there !!! My breath froze at the thought of what could have happened to me if Guruji had not stopped me from going there .And then I stood spell bound at his all pervasiveness. Yes, I do remember reading .... The Guru knows everything. He is everywhere and he protects his dear ones at every step from everything. I do 239 amrender muni ji maharaj

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remember having read it somewhere. It was all rushing back to me flooding my heart. my mind, my full self my head bowed down to him in reverence and gratefulness...and tears of joy and gratitude flowed down. shantidoot messenger of peace 240

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My first encounter with Guruji Rajeshwari Mathur Jaipur About ten years ago I had fallen and fractured my ribs. As you can imagine I was in extreme pain and distress. That eventful evening I was finding it difficult to breathe. Almost each breath was a gasp and I was wondering how long would I be able to bear this. Suddenly I felt a divine presence - a hazy figure in white entered the room and started moving towards me .Then I felt a big ball of celestial light entering me - touching my chest .It enveloped me like a sheath. That moment brought total relief and I stopped gasping for breath.I felt warmth and comfort spreading all over my body. I think I slept off almost instantly after that. The next day my son in law was coming from abroad to see me. My daughter and her sons had done the REIKI course that year so I thanked my son in law, assuming that they all had sent me distance reiki that evening. I narrated my experience to him . Later when he went back and shared this with my daughter she rang me up very very excited.She told me that she had been praying to her Guruji to help me. When I told her that I had seen someone very tall in white robes there was in no doubt in her mind that it was her Guruji who had heard her prayers and come to help. She wrote a letter to Guruji and asked him if he had gone to me to heal ,and a few days later she received his humble reply in Hindi saying" when someone prays intensely and from the bottom of their heart things start happening automatically and the Guru is compelled to take action'. That was my first encounter with Guruji. After that I met him in person that very year and now my whole family is under his grace. JAI GURU DEV WE CAN NEVER THANK YOU ENOUGH FOR ALL THAT YOU ARE DOING FOR US ALL. 241 amrender muni ji maharaj

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World Trade Centre Tragedy Rasila Sivani Bahrain September 11th 2001 changed the history of this planet, but little did I know that it would change the history of our lives too. My younger sister's husband who had gone to work that morning in the world trade center was missing!! When I spoke to my sister, my heart started pounding, ready to jump out. These things only happened to others and in movies. This could not be happening to us! From then began our nightmare. My mind stopped functioning. All I could think of was Guruji ... Guruji ... Guruji, the almighty who runs my life.. my beloved master. I immediately phoned him in America and told him everything. The hunt for my brother-in-law was on. It went on for days and days.Days became weeks and still there was no sign of him! Every police station, every hospital, every mortuary was contacted but to no avail. We were hoping against hope that we would find him somewhere, maybe in a state of coma or in a state of amnesia but alive - somewhere. Knowing Guruji's powers I beseeched him to give us some direction. Till then my sister had not met him. The only balm to her hurt mind that I could offer each day was Guruji's name. I kept telling her not to worry because Guruji was there looking after us. Slowly he was becoming a pillar of strength for the entire family. Again when our anxiety became unbearable I rang him and begged him to share his insight. He said he couldn't see any positive news. My mind believed him but my heart was not ready to accept what was being indicated. The hunt had been on for days and days. Our hopes were diminishing as time went by. I rang up Guruji. I was desperate. Again I asked him the same thing - where could we find him? Where was he? By now we were prepared for the ultimate , but only if we could get some concrete proof! shantidoot messenger of peace 242

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Sitting in meditation, far away in his little room in Siddhachalam Guruji located my brother in laws' body. He said he could see the body intact but could not see the face. Completely devastated and our minds numb, we hired people to search that area again. And low and behold, sure enough, after 2 months his body was found exactly in the same condition and the same place that Guruji had described, buried under the rubble of the World Trade Centre. When the police came to give the news about the body my sister and her two sons were in London, attending the memorial service organized by Queen Elizabeth at Buckingham Palace. My mother was at home with my sister's friend in New Jersey. They brought his ID and his wallet with them. They told my mother that they found my brother-in-law's body whole. His face and head was completely crushed. It was unbelievable that his body was found after months and still it was fresh!! We had a proper funeral with all the family members and freinds with elaborate prayers and rituals by Guruji's grace to bid him a final farewell. Guruji's powers are unfathomable, his strength unparalleled! After that, what we went through and how he has taken the whole family especially my sister and her 2 young sons under his grace, and how he continues to look after us since then is another story by itself!! 243 amrender muni ji maharaj

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He walks like a cloud..... Padmini Atal Muscat We have been blessed to have Guruji visiting us in Muscat for the past 5 years or so. Whenever Guruji comes here he stays at the house of very dear friends of ours- Vandana and Mahesh Verma. Even though he has been coming here for so many years, and I have been practically living in Vandana's house when he visits, so that I can spend every available moment with him, I had never thought to call him home. There was some kind of "block" which finally dissolved in January of this year when I plucked up the courage to invite him to our house for lunch. I remember that day very well... It was the 17th of January 2007. We had been decorating the house for the last 2 days, in our excitement that everything should be perfect when he came. Red and white flower garlands (not real flowers- Guruji doesn't like to hurt them) had been hung up at the entrance, there was a welcoming "Toran" at the door; flowers had been put out to float in a blue painted bowl, and the piece de resistance was a big "rangoli" which we had made on the ground with loose powder in colours of red green and yellow early that morning. Guruji arrived at about 12:30 pm in my car. I parked my car in the slot where I normally park and when we walked in, I escorted Guruji into the house from the path which leads in from the car shed. This way allowed us to skirt the rangoli as we walked in. shantidoot messenger of peace 244

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There was much excitement, and confusion too, as all of us rushed into the kitchen. All the friends who wanted to help feed Guruji ran around carrying hot rotis and other food to him. And he presided at the table and lovingly allowed us to feed him and pamper him to our hearts content. When it was time to leave, we escorted him to the front door and I started to lead him to my car to drive him to my friend's house. To my embarrassment and horror I found that a big water tanker had chosen that very time to come and it had reversed into our drive and was blocking both our cars. Worse, it was not possible to remove it right away. So my friend Roli's husband , whose car was parked outside the main wooden arched gate, (just opposite the rangoli), said that he would take Guruji in his car. And now comes the most amazing part, which all of us who were standing around Guruji that day, saw with our own eyes. As he now had to exit through the front gate, Guruji proceeded to walk straight through the rangoli. I thought to myself. " Oh what a shame, the rangoli will get spoilt- but it doesn't matter- it has done its job of welcoming Guruji." My husband also had the same thought and looked closely at his feet as he walked through. Guruji was wearing the white cloth shoes that he normally wears, and he has a kind of shuffling gait. He shuffled through the rangoli, which was made of loose powder, and nothing happened to it! I realized this only later when we came back after seeing him off at the gate. 245 amrender muni ji maharaj

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Nothing had happened to the rangoli, and he had walked straight through it! I took a photograph of it 2 days later and you can see for yourself. It seemed as if he had just floated over that rangoli which is so easy to spoil that it gets disturbed even with the small foot prints of the household cats. Truly, Guruji walks through this world like a cloud. We are so blessed and fortunate that he came into our lives. Jai Gurudev! Jain Educalanticondtibmaessenger of reacPrivate & Pers Use Only

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My Experience with Amrender Muni Ji Maharaj Pat Bruno, USA I met H.H. Shri Amrender Muniji Maharaj in 1983. He had come to the U.S. with my Guru H.H. Acharya Sushil Kumar Maharaji . They stayed at my home in Malden, Massachusetts while attending various functions in the Boston area. Acharya Sushil Kumar had been my Guru since 1976 . I was thrilled to have not only him but this pleasant young monk stay with my family. As a yoga teacher I hold yearly workshops for people in the New England area. Guruji would be the honored guest at these workshops teaching about Jainism, Arhum Yoga and healing. Hundreds of people would attend the seminars he held at Universities, churches, philosophical organizations and private homes throughout the United States and Canada . Still, he would come to yoga centers and talk, chant and teach to all the teachers. When asked, he said that he had started to do yoga in India after reading about it in Jaina Sanskrit texts and realized that it held the key to good health and longevity. He also mastered the science of sound and brought the true understanding of sound vibration to all the yoga teachers who had studied traditional yoga. By 1986, Guruji had become so renowned and busy with the World Conference of Religions, the United Nations, meeting with world leaders and with people at Siddhachalam, that he had no time to come to our yoga workshops. He sent Amrender Muni in his place. When I expressed my concern that people would not attend if he personally was not present, he said, "If I am not available, Amrender Muni will come. He speaks for me as my substitute. Muniji is not only a Jain monk but an accomplished yogi as well. 247 amrender muni ji maharaj

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He is the person who will be here for you and represent Arhum (Jain) Yoga in the United States." ...and he has done so ever since. Muniji has maintained a connection with all the Americans who met with Acharya Sushil throughout his years in New England. The loss of Guruji in 1994 was assuaged by having Amrender Muni present in our lives. He carries the message of Ahimsa to everyone who will listen. He has been visiting us every year since then. Muniji is unfailingly serene, kind and compassionate. We all see a monk who meditates, sends healing energy, gives intuitive as well as spiritual advice, and practices what he preaches. His path is straight and his message clear... Muniji does no harm in action, word or thought! But...we have also seen the miracle of Muniji's path unfold. In 2003, Muniji had a stroke that was brought on by a staph infection. He was once again staying at my house for a week of meetings and he was using a medication for a rash that a doctor had given him. He wasn't well but wanted to meet with the people who had driven so many miles to spend a day with him. It was a yoga workshop and the studio had about 45 people attending. The temperature on that August day was about 87 degrees. We had only fans to cool us but Muniji said, "No problem, I will teach"...and teach he did. Arhum Yoga uses bhastrika breathing with asanas and it is rigorous when done for long. 4+ 1\2 hours later I had to beg Muniji to stop because everyone was exhausted! After a rest period, during which Muniji met personally with various people, he then gave a lecture on non-violence and led a 1 hour meditation. Personal meetings took up the evening and not a soul would have known that the tranquil monk patiently listening to them had a fever and was very sick. The next day he told me he was having a "little dizziness" so he went to Boston to meet with a Jain doctor who was concerned about his health. He would shortly suffer the stroke which everyone feared would be a permanent disability. For one year Muniji worked to return to his normal speech and shantidoot | messenger of peace 248

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physical condition. When he was able to return to us in the U.S., we could not believe that he was so seemingly untouched by this sometimes dire illness. Our joy was boundless. However, joy turned to amazement soon when we realized that he was still able to read, write and speak in English. He had to relearn certain things. The awesome thing was that he did! And, so quickly! He demonstrated the yoga exercises he used to recover. He gave a lecture at a world conference in Barcelona, Spain at which Muniji was applauded for his work. He travels the world on his mission of peace while being tireless in his attention to his devotees. He has an unbelievably full schedule and yet still meditates, prays and does his yoga every day. He has proven to us that not only does yoga help keep us strong and meditation help keep us mentally alert but, also, that the universe does need his presence in it to remind us that the scriptures are true...that miracles do happen...that saints still walk the earth. The blessings of the Guru are with us still... Om Arhum Pat Bruno Swami Padmananda by the blessings of H.H. Acharya Sushil Kumarji Maharaj Founder and Director of the teaching school of Arhum Yoga... Pathways Yoga Systems Ltd., USA 249 amrender muni ji maharaj

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Even the sea comes to touch his feet. Neha Verma Muscat I know it was a Monday because it was his "Maun". We all decided that we would take Guruji out for a picnic by the sea because Guruji loves the sea. Seven of us (Mama, Baba, Rhea, Anu Aunty, Pradeep Uncle and I) packed ourselves and our mats and picnic basket into 2 small cars ---very excited that we were going to spend time with Guruji at the beach. PDO beach is a small beach in a secluded cove in Qurm and perfect for Guruji because it is not crowded. It was around 4:30 pm- I remember that because Guruji had not yet eaten his dinner which he always has before sunset. The sky was overcast and the sea was very calm. We put out the mats and chatais on the sand and made a seat for Guruji to sit on, and served him his evening meal. It was a simple meal of soup and sandwiches and a salad of Fennel and Rocket leaves which he likes. After he finished his dinner, Guruji sat quietly by the sea and closed his eyes and meditated for a very long time. I saw that the sea which had been calm until then suddenly seemed energised and that the waves had started rising higher and higher. We were all sitting behind Guruji on the sand- all with our eyes closed and meditating. When I opened my eyes I noticed that a small portion of the water was heading towards Guruji, and seemed to be edging closer and closer to his feet. It did not come towards any of us, only towards Guruji. It kept coming forward till it soaked the edge of his robes. Then shantidoot messenger 250 of peace

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Guruji got up, went towards the sea, took off his Mala and with a swishing motion, washed it in the waves as if to give his blessing. As soon as he did that the sea calmed down and receded . It seemed it had been waiting for just that. As a devotee, I feel extremely blessed and fortunate to know that Guruji's hand is always over our heads, guiding us at every step of the way. I feel very much like the sea, yearning for Guruji's attention, and when it is given, it fills me with overwhelming happiness, love and gratitude. I was blessed the day he came into my life, and I feel blessed that the Divine himself has come in the purest form of my Guru to guide me back to him. 251 amrender muni ji maharaj

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His Holiness Gurudeva Sevak Shobhna Bahrain Jai Gurudev I bow to the respected Lotus Feet of Muniji Maharajji Shree. Any amount of tribute I pay to Muniji cannot describe his Divine Grace. My spiritual journey began 13-14 years ago when I first had darshan of Muniji Maharajji. It was as though a divine being had descended from the heavens above. His voice was celestial, his whole being radiated an energy never imagined or experienced before. The gentleness and kindness emanating from him was pure nectar of the divine. His whole being radiated a magnificent totality in harmony. Over the passing years his sermons which preached absolute nonviolence in thought, speech and action towards all beings and respect to the environment, began to dawn a new awareness in my attitude towards everything. No harm to be done to ants and animals and protection of trees - he preached to 'Live and Let Live.' To be grateful to the elements in nature. To be vegetarian and be balanced in our intake of food. His teachings have been so powerful that one is awakened to such an extent that one seeks that the mother earth should be happy to support one's life on the planet. His nectar like teachings have brought about a grateful and tolerant attitude in my life. My approach to people and situations is so positive now. Muniji Maharajji has made me realise one's mission in life is to serve the poor and help people in distress & live in harmony. His guidance and blessings are showing me to be pure in thought, speech and action and to live honourably and in harmony. The celestial grace, blessings and experiences experienced under Muniji Maharajji Shree are phenomenal and amazing. Through his celestial intervention so many difficult times in my life have passed easily, so healing and shantidoot | messenger of peace 252

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helpful has been his presence. The effort to live in my higher self has dawned on me only because of Muniji Maharajji's teachings. It is like being born again. He is turning my life into devotion and a prayer. About 5 years ago, I saw Maharajji Muniji Shree in my house - astral travelling. He appeared as a small figure about one foot high, and was seated meditating in the lotus asana. Lo and behold! It was a wonderful sight to see; and then his celestial voice said: Your name is Shobhna. What is your mission in life? Where are you going? That was my awakening moment. My Master had come to lead me. When I had the fortune of his darshan next, after about 2 months, I spoke to him of this incident; Maharajji Muniji Shree said he has come to my house many times. (He was taking care of me all the time). On many occasions I feel the divine presence of Maharajji Amrender Muniji Shree around me. His presence is in the form of divine grace, blissful and very protective and also serves as a reminder to observe good conduct. Maharajji Muniji Shree's presence is accompanied by a splendid fragrance many a time. Once I was taking a big picture of Maharajji Muniji Shree to my friend's house for a pooja for the next day. Within seconds my car was full of Maharajji Muniji Shree's fragrance which stayed in the car for several days. He has blessed me with the "Mahamantra Namokar Mantra". The nectar and blessings and protection pouring from the chanting of this Mahamantra are amazing and have helped my family and me tremendously from obstacles. Once it so happened that when I was chanting the Maha Namokar Mantra on my jap mala (given to me by Maharajji Muni Shree) the phone rang and the thought crossed my mind that if I do not answer it my friends would think that she is constantly chanting and is not paying attention to us (Maharajji Muniji was in the US New Jersey Ashram, Siddhachalam, at that time whereas I was in the Middle East) His celestial voice floated to me saying that "At this stage in a person's life 253 amrender muni ji maharaj

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jap mala chanting is enhancing for the person". This noble experience reminded me of my mission. (I am sixty years old now). I am truly grateful to and bow to the Honourable Lotus Feet of Bhagwan Parshwanathji and Swami Mahavirji whose ancient teachings Guruji Maharajji has taught in his sermons. I also bow gratefully to the Honourable Lotus Feet of His Lordship Roop Chandji Maharajji, Bade Bade Guruji (Acharya Shukal Chandji Maharajji) and Bade Guruji (Acharaya Sushil Kumar Muniji). Sevak Shobhna. Two years ago, my maid Anandibai and her niece Mala accompanied me to Shirdi from Pune. We left by 12 noon and reached by 7. I asked my maid and her niece where we should go, as there was a huge crowd. It was hot in Shirdi, but all of a sudden, I felt that by my side, there was a very cool feeling. I looked around to see a very good looking young saint, clad all in white, who was hardly 21. The saint told me told me "Mother, come this way, you will a get a good darshan from here, and you will be able to meditate properly." We reached Sai Babaji, and the Panditji doing the pooja there was very kind and loving. I thought he was so kind, and all my offerings he kept touching to the feet of Sai Babaji and returning them to me. He was offering them very lovingly, otherwise the priests are very busy and in a hurry. We sat down to meditate, and the police didn't tell us to leave and no one disturbed us which was quite unusual. We meditated for forty five minutes, and I asked Anandibai where the young priest was because I wanted to thank him. I again felt a cool breeze and the young priest appeared. He asked me if everything went off well. I thanked him, and told him that I would never forget him. He said , pointing upwards, "Forget me, but never forget Him." I said "No, shantidoot | messenger of peace 254

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never!." Then he said "Come mother, I will take you on a tirth, to Khandobaji's mandir." He took us all around, and he kept looking back at me and asking "Mother are you ok?" He told me that he had just come from Haridwar that morning, and was returning the next day to Rishikesh. I told him that when he went back to please give my pranams to his Guruji. He said that "you have given your pranams, and they have already been received by this Guruji." I thanked him, and then went around Khandobaji's mandir, and the young saint took us around till 11 at night on foot. At eleven, he told me that I should head back now. I said my pranams and took my maid and her niece and fed them in a coffee shop. I got into bed, still wearing the white shirt and skirt I had been wearing throughout the day. In the morning, when I got up about six, I noticed that there was roli and kum kum on my shirt, and even in my sleeve. I ran to my maid and asked her and her niece if they had the same colour on their clothes. They said no. I was confused as to where it had come from. It seemed like some one had sprayed me with a pichkari from the front, (whereas no one had actually done so) and there was not a spot on the back. This was Babaji's prasad, the amazing factor was that the young saint talked just like Guruji. Most surprising was the fact that the young saint chose us from a crowd of hundreds of devotees in Shirdi. This was our Gurudeva's grace in the form of intervention. Once when I was chanting the Namokar on Thursday, it seemed like someone was standing next to me, a huge rishi, taller that 6 feet, with really long arms, and a deep voice was chanting with us. I asked Guruji who he was, and he replied he was Baba Kashiramji. 255 amrender muni ji maharaj

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I had an akhand Namokar jap for five and a half hours on one Thursday. I had readied the pooja, and put out all the photographs of Guruji Maharajji, Bade Guruji and Baba Roopchandji Maharajji, and had decorated them with gota (gold ribbon). I got up at four, and thinking that everything was set, and all I had to do was light the diyas I thought that I would rest for fifteen minutes. As I was resting I saw two angels,...not with these physical eyes, but with an inner sight. They were talking a strange divine language that I have never heard before. They were saying: Lets wake her up or it will get late for the pooja. So you see, the powers-that-be did not want me to be late in starting the pooja so they sent the angels to wake me.. I met Guruji many years ago at my friend's house in Bahrain. That night a lot of people were coming to meet him. I thought people would like to sit in the front, so I sat at the back. Everyone was sitting in the front, and I saw Guruji coming down the stairs and there was a magnificent light, it was the most magnificent light that I have ever seen in my life and it was emanating from Guruji. I wondered "Who is that? Was it Shri Ramchandraji?" Then when everyone was leaving, and I went to him and did my pranams, I said "Guruji you came to my house, I saw you." He said "I have come several times..." He was coming to look after me and prepare me! Three or four days later Guruji was going back to India, and I thought: He is flying tonight, and he is going to be hungry on the plane. He never asks for food, and what was he going to do? I took some foil paper from my kitchen, got in the car and rushed to the super market, and got kishmish, badam, and some other dry fruits and wrapped it up in the foil and headed to where Guruji was staying. I rang the bell, and the lady opened the door and said "Yes, what is it?", I said "I have come to meet Guruji", and she said "He is having his breakfast", and I said "That is allright, I will sit on stairs" Then I heard shantidoot | messenger of peace 256

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a voice calling "Who is it?", and she said "Shobha has come", and he said "Tell her to come here." I went in and Guruji was having his breakfast, and I did namaste, and he told me to sit, and I sat down next to him on the chair.(I did not know anything at that stage) He then said "Now tell me, how did you happen to come here?" See he knows everything, so I said "I got this dry fruit for you, because you are going in a plane, and you will be hungy." I told him "you never ask anyone on the plane for food, so just keep this in your pocket, please have this whenever you feel hungry." It was very strange this feeling I had, that he was like a little boy, and he was going to feel hungry, who would serve him and he needed to be taken care of. He laughed, and gave me prashad from his plate. Next time he came, there was an injury to his toe and a preparation of boiled neem leaves had to be put on his toe. I boiled the leaves and prepared the medicine, When I drove to where he was staying with the boiling medicine in my car, Guruji had already left for another appointment. The satisfaction I received for doing this was amazingly tremendous. All the time, we do nothing, it is he who is steering us and making us do what we do. I went to Delhi, to his ashram, and I remember running up the stairs, and I was feeling so light. I said "Guruji, I am feeling so light, light as air." I used to tell Guruji, I dont understand what is Ras Leela, but now I understand. The Leela is with your Guru, because he is your God, the love and devotion is for him. All the time you are playing with him, loving him, working for him, praying for him. Everything is Ras Leela. I am eternally grateful for his divine presence in my life. 257 amrender muni ji maharaj

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FINDING A GURU Mahesh Verma Muscat They say that one can never go looking for a Guru............ in fact, it is the Guru who supposedly walks into your life when the time is right. Well..........I can definitely vouch for that!!!!!!!! It was 1999 and I was working with Merrill Lynch, shuttling between Muscat (where the family was) and Bahrain (where the office was). A very close friend of mine from Muscat, Pradeep Mathur, was also working in Bahrain. The Mathurs were my surrogate family there, and I would often have lunch with them. One day Pradeep called me to say that their Guruji was in town and if I would come and meet him....because I worked very long hours, I told him that except for week-ends, I really could not leave my work, and hence could not go over in the evenings. A few days later, Pradeep called again and asked me to come with him that evening for a "pravachan" being given by Guruji at some one else's residence. I finally decided to go along with him that evening and after the "pravachan" he took me to get Guruji's blessings and introduced me as his friend from Muscat. I must have been with him for not more than a minute as there were other people behind me waiting to get his blessings. I subsequently left Merrill and Bahrain in June 2001 and returned to Muscat and did not get to meet Guruji after that brief encounter. In May 2002, we got a call from Pradeep and Anu that Guruji was planning to come to the region and had specifically mentioned that he wanted to come to Muscat and stay with us. I was dumb- struck, and repeatedly asked Anu if Guruji had referred to me, because I had not imagined that he would have remembered ever meeting me. Anu told 258 shantidoot / messenger of peace

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us that Guruji had mentioned to them that he wanted to visit Muscat and stay with their friend who he had met in Bahrain. And then Guruji walked into our home and our lives..............and took the four of us under his protection. To use a cliche..........the rest, as they say, is history. He has given us so much............financially, spiritually and in every possible way. He has done so many miracles for me, that it is not even possible to enumerate them...........however two instances stand out which I would like to share with the others. My niece (daughter of my elder brother) was born with spina bifida, which basically means that she is handicapped and wheel-chair bound. She is 35 now and four years ago she developed a sore which led to blood poisoning. The doctors were not too hopeful of her recovering and we were all very worried. I keep Guruji updated with the various developments in my life, and when the doctors gave up hope, I called Guruji up in New Jersey and told him the seriousness of the situation. He replied in his usual modest way......."Sab theek hojayega.... Main pooja karoonga"(Everything will be alright....I shall pray for her) recovery And from that moment onwards, she started showing signs of and even the doctors were surprised at the sudden turn around in her condition. It was Guruji's grace and the power of his prayers that saved her life. And now, whenever I tell Guruji, he just smiles and says he did not do anything...it was all God's wish. The other case happened in late January 2008. Our younger daughter, Rhea was going back to Boston after her winter break. She was flying via Frankfurt where she had a five hour lay over. I received a call from her early morning to inform me that her bag containing her passport, ticket and wallet had been stolen at the airport. I was at my wits end, because without her passport and the relevant visas, she could neither travel to the U.S. nor come back to Oman. 259 amrender muni ji maharaj

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I immediately contacted the Indian Ambassador in Muscat and the Consul General in Frankfurt for advice and help, and then called Guruji in Delhi to tell him about what had happened. After hearing about the incident, Guruji kept saying that "Gudiya ko bahut pareshaani ho jaayegi"(She will face a lot of problems). I told Guruji that she will because without her passport and visas, she will be stuck in Frankfurt without any money. While speaking, he suddenly kept very quiet for about 20 seconds and then said to me that things will get sorted out. I kept the phone down and immediately called up Rhea who informed me that her bag was found and returned by the police a minute ago. The police informed her that the bag was found abandoned at the other end of the terminal, and Rhea had not even been there. Apparently nothing had been taken from the bag, and it was as though the thief had a change of heart at the last moment and dropped the bag and left. I immediately called up Guruji to thank him and all he said was, "Guruji ne meri laaj rakh lee" meaning that his Guruji, Acharya Sushil Munijee had helped him. We are just so fortunate to have him in our lives and to be in his protection. He is literally a life saver for us!!!!!!!! shantidoot | messenger of peace 260

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He is all knowing, All seeing, All pervading Anirudh Mathur Bahrain My Diksha When I was about 15 years old, I started to feel a yearning. I yearned for Guruji to accept me as his bhakt. It all culminated in an eventful trip of His, to Bahrain. He was gracing somebody's residence for a few hours. I was sitting in the crowd as Guruji was singing the Mangal Paath. Earlier in the day, as well as the previous few days, I had been feeling that I want Guruji to tell me that he wants to give me 'Diksha', instead of me asking for it. As I sat there with my eyes closed and my mind wandering, I suddenly felt a hand touch my head. It was the hand of Bade Guruji. I felt Him telling me that Guruji will definitely give me Diskha and not to worry. I was amazed, but slightly unsure of what to make of the experience. About three days passed by without me thinking about it much. One evening, as I was walking beside Guruji after his daily evening Pravachan, He told me to come and meet Him before He leaves for India the next day. To my astonishment, He told me that he wanted to give me Diksha. I was amazed. I couldn't believe what had just happened. My experience of feeling Bade Guruji's hand on my head was completely true. Some years later I told Guruji about the experience I had had before He gave me Diksha. He told me that Bade Guruji had given Him instructions to give me Diksha. Once again I couldn't believe it! It reaffirmed everything in my mind and I was filled with joy. A Special Blessing When I was young, I suffered from frequent and severe asthma attacks. Twice it was so severe that I had to be admitted into hospital. 261 amrender muni ji maharaj

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Both times I spent five days in hospital. Nothing seemed to improve my condition. We even tried several ayurvedic and herbal treatments. Then Guruji entered into my life. My family and I went to visit Guruji at a friend's house, for the first time. At this point, we did not know anything about Him. Guruji gave a lecture for about an hour. Frankly, I sat through it just waiting for it to get over, as I was only about 12 years old and I did not really understand what He was saying. My family and I had to leave the session a little early. As I was leaving, I went to touch Guruji's feet. He caught my head and held it down in His lap, with His hand on my head. I struggled to get free, as I had no idea of what He was doing. I now realize that He was giving me a special blessing. After this point, there was a marked improvement in my health - my asthma improved dramatically. I was never admitted in hospital after this and to this day, with Guruji's grace, my asthma is mild. In retrospect, I had no idea of what Guruji was doing at the time. However now that I have gained a little more of an understanding, Guruji's powers continuously amaze me. And I know that I have barely seen the tip of the iceberg. shantidoot / messenger of peace 262

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My compassionate Gurudev By a bhakt who wishes to remain anonymous One winter morning I was on my way to Rohini for the darshan of our Guruji. In the middle of all the screeching and honking of the Delhi traffic, I thought I heard my mobile ringing. I could barely hear the caller. It was my Aunt. I just caught a few words. Surely what she was trying to tell me was a mistake. I thought I hadn't heard it right. I tried to listen to her more carefully, closing the other ear to block off all the noise around. My cousin, the light of our family, vivacious and young, had just passed away in a car accident. I couldn't hear the rest. I was shocked. How could it happen? Why should it happen? My mind was flooded. I felt like crying out aloud but I told myself to hold my emotions tight and pretended to be normal. Havoc was playing inside. I sat in stunned silence. Somehow I reached Rohini and tottered up to Guruji's ashram. I did my usual pranams. He was busy talking on the phone. He looked up and blessed me. While he was on the phone, I ran out of the room to call my Aunt again to find out what exactly had happened. After a couple of calls, I went back to him and sat down quietly. I could not hold myself any longer. I told him in between sobs, about this news. Guruji, without meditating or pondering over it, told me in a consoling voice, "Don't be sad. She has gone very comfortably". Then he explained in details how the soul leaves the body in different ways. Either it shoots out like a bullet painlessly or like a weaver's weave ('julaha' is the exact word he used). It moves and struggles and has to leave slowly with difficulty. He said she had gone out like a bullet and that it was time for her to go anyway because she had learned all the lessons she had to, in this birth. Then again in a contemplative mood as if he was watching something he said ' there were two people in the car. The driver was driving' I was half listening to all that he was saying because I was drowned in sorrow. He said don't cry for her because she 263 amrender muni ji maharaj

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is happy, in the womb of a mother who will love her a lot. My God now when I think of it, it was priceless information that he was imparting. But he uses his powers only when he needs to. He never flaunts them. On my way back home I was thinking to myself all that Guruji had told me. I do know for a fact that my cousin always drove herself. Her family had never kept a driver. When I found out all the details I was taken aback. All that Guruji had told me was accurate. She was sitting by the side of her colleague who was driving so somebody else was driving. There were two people in the car, her and him. Both of them did have instant deaths - on the spot. Guruji had said that it was not an untimely death. She had to go at that time and then a faint memory came seeping in. When we were children some astrologer had told my aunt that their daughter would have a very short life and will die young, I remember hearing this hush-hush thing All the information that Guruji had given was so amazingly precise. He has the power to see it all, and foretell it all, but only when necessary. When I narrated this whole thing to a friend she said she had read a book called "Many Lives, Many Masters " which said that the soul travels from life to life each time taking on a new body under new circumstances to learn the lessons it has to and then it drops the body to take birth again. It struck me like lightning that Guruji had said it was time for her to go because she had learnt the lesson she had come for!! Although now I have known our Guruji for so many years still each new experience with him makes me feel that I am only beginning to really know him. shantidoot messenger of peace 264

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Dhania Pani ... (Coriander Water) Vandana Verma Muscat Guruji burst into our life one early morning in May of 2002 like bright golden sunshine. I still remember him framed against my kitchen door with his flowing beard and golden white locks and face which oozed love and compassion. I truly felt that Lord Jesus was standing in front of me. I was completely spellbound and my overactive tear ducts were at work. Our life has completely changed with the gracious presence of Guruji. One of the experiences that is etched in my mind is the episode of Dhania Pani. My older daughter and I were leaving with Guruji for Bahrain. The time was evening and we were leaving for the airport in a couple of hours. As is normal, I had a number of chores to complete before we left for the airport and one of them was to boil some coriander water (Dhania Pani). My husband, who was staying behind, likes to have this every morning for medicinal purposes. I put the water to boil with some coriander seeds and left the kitchen to finish off some other work thinking that the water would take some time to boil. We left for the airport around 8 o'clock or so. We were being driven to the airport by my dear friend, Padmini. On our way it suddenly struck me that the Dhaniya pani was still boiling, and I had completely forgotten to switch the gas off. I was very worried, as there was no one at home to take care of this situation. As we had already left home, turning back would have meant missing the flight. I still remember Guruji was meditating, and Padmini asked him if we should turn back, or continue on towards the airport. Guruji first asked if we had left the gas on, after we said that we had, he thought for a bit and then gave us permission to head to the airport. After Padmini dropped us off, she came back to my home to check if the gas was on, and she surprisingly 265 amrender muni ji maharaj

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found that the gas was switched off, and the water was cool. As my husband was not home, and my house help was away, no one could have switched the gas off. While on the plane, we told Guruji about this miracle, and he turned red and gave us his all knowing, loving smile, and looked out of the window, almost as if he wanted to disown this miracle he had just made happen. I feel that Guruji has taken my family and me under his protection completely. I know in my heart that I never have to worry about anything. I am indeed blessed and fortunate to have him in my life, and cannot thank him enough for the grace he has showered upon us. shantidoot messenger of peace 266

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Divine Light Usha G Powai, Mumbai I was living in Bahrain before I came to Mumbai and was fortunate to have been blessed by Guruji's darshan over there. I remember one occasion when Guruji had visited the house of my friend to give a pravachan. The pravachan got over at night and it was full moon night. Guruji was surrounded by a throng of people and was walking towards the car which was a little away in the distance. Then I saw that Guruji's physical form seemed to merge into the white light of the moonbeam. pure I can never forget this experience. I feel blessed that Guruji showed me this experience which cannot be explained. Guruji has taken me and my entire family under his protection and showered us with so many blessings. We are very thankful to him. 267 amrender muni ji maharaj

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Amazing behaviour of a Flowering creeper and Devout cat Padmini Atal Muscat Muscat, and indeed all of Oman was blessed by Guruji's charan (footsteps) on the 11th of January 2008. He graced us with his presence and all of us who were in his company experienced showers of his divine love and grace. His grace extended not only to us, his human followers, but poured forth on the plants, animals, birds and all the other living things fortunate enough to come into contact with him. I must relate two inexplicable incidents here which show how even plants and animals respond to his energy and love... Guruji spent the 15th night and half of 16th January at my house. I was all excited because I had planned to take him out to sea early on 16th morning and show him the Dolphins which are found in Omani waters. However fate had other plans. It rained so hard and the wind was so strong that all the boats were stopped from going out to sea, so we had to scrap our Dolphin watching idea. Instead, we gave Guruji a leisurely breakfast and people came to meet him and ask questions and take his advice. When Guruji sat on the sofa in the drawing room to meet people, my one eyed cat, Arjun, exhibited the most extraordinary behaviour. My friend Geetha, who was present there saw this with her own eyes and told me about it later.... As is usual with him, Guruji sat cross legged in Padmasana on the sofa. Thus his feet were up on the sofa.My cat jumped up on the sofa, and touched his head to Guruji's foot, and then climbed up into his lap and curled up there. When I came there later, I saw him sitting on Guruji's lap with folded paws, doing pranam! This was really amazing because he has never ever done this before. I ran and fetched my camera and took a picture... here it is! shantidoot | messenger of peace 268

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The second incident relates to a flowering creeper called Jacquomontia. The creeper has small blue flowers which open only during the day and close at night. In fact I had told my husband several times that it was a real shame that when we had outdoor parties at night our guests could never appreciate the beauty of this creeper because the blue flowers did not bloom at night. However after Guruji visited us I saw another miracle happen in front of my eyes. He had left our house and gone to my friend's house in the evening for dinner. I was missing his presence which had seemed to light up the whole house during the day. Lost in thought I went out into the garden. It was dark by then and I wandered around looking at the plants. When I looked at the Jacquomontia creeper, it took me almost a minute or two to realize what was so strange about it. It was in full bloom at night! I could not believe my eyes- I shouted out to all my family members to come and see. My husband and maid, Shobha, came running and were amazed at what they saw. In fact the creeper continued to bloom at night for 3 days after Guruji left! Such is the power of his presence! 269 amrender muni ji maharaj

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Miracle at the Temple Sevak Shobhna Bahrain I used to go to the ISKON temple everyday. First we would do the mantra jap, then there would be Arti and then the Pujari Ji would distribute the flowers as Prasad. One day it rained very heavily and there was no rickshaw even available because of the heavy rains. I told Lord Krishan Ji in my mind - today I won't get any flowers because Arti will be over by the time I reach..... But I went anyway.. I reached the temple and took off my walking shoes and kept them outside with the socks on top and on top of that my open umbrella so that they would not get dirty. Then I went inside and sat in the little room dedicated to Lord Balaji, next to the Krishna Temple and did my Mantra Jap for 45 minutes. After finishing my Mantra jap I got up to go and put on my shoes. No one was there because of the heavy rains. I went to the place where I had kept my umbrella and lifted it up. There were my shoes just as I had left them with the socks on top and next to them was a white flower! When I told Guruji about it later he said that it was a result of my faith and devotion.. "Yeh aapki shraddha ka natija hai" Jai Gurudev! shantidoot messenger of peace 270

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The Compassionate Healer Chandra Prakash Pandey (Banaras Wale Vaidji), Varanasi as related to Archna Mathur Guruji asked me to speak to Banaras wale Vaidji (as Guruji likes to call him). He is actually Chandra Prakash Pandeyji (a vaid from Banaras) He told me "Ram Sagar Yadav (who was the mukhiya adhikari of zilla parishad-zilla Mahu) has a son, who had some how lost his mind and became mentally unbalanced. One day he was found unconscious on the railway platform. They rushed him to BHU- hospital. There the doctors declared him in a coma and could not tell the parents if their son would survive or not. They were unwilling to commit anything. The distraught parents contacted Vaidji who made them talk to Guruji over the cell phone. Guruji calmed them and then told Vaidji that their son would not come out of coma before 2 and a half months- but after that he would be fine. He had looked into his past life and found that he had been violent towards a spotted cow in a previous life. The cow's curse had borne fruit in this life. Guurji asked the parents of the boy to do seva (ie. feed and look after) to cows for a specified period of time in a specified manner. Vaidji told this to the parents even though many people told him not to unnecessarily raise Yadavji's hopes. The boys parents did as they were instructed and by Guruji's grace -exactly after 2 and a half months the boy suddenly became all right.-much to everybody's joy and relief." 271 amrender muni ji maharaj

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Guruji: A Fount of Energy and Love Bharti Mathur Delhi A lot of times now, with Master's grace, I have experienced His calm energy and the presence of his light in our lives. Guruji however had never talked to us about it until... Once as we went to Guruji's ashram in Rohini, Guruji was flipping through an empty photo album. He told me that it was a gift. He told me to fill it up with some of His old photographs. It was one amazing task! There were stories attached to each one of them... memories of Bade Guruji, meetings with world leaders, or some of Guruji's magical trips. There were some of Guruji's photographs that appealed to me so much, that I decided to make copies of them and keep them (greedy as I am!) as a memory of this special moment. One of them that I had selected for my collection was simply a photograph of Master in the midst of the beautiful greens of Siddhachalam with something clasped gently in between His palms that seemed to exude all the happiness in the world! It brought a heavenly joyous expression on His face. He seemed so happy in the moment! I just had to have a copy of that picture of His... As we were deciding to leave, Master called me by His side to share the mysterious stories that were connected to those pictures. He told me that this particular photograph was special. He drew my attention towards a tiny blessed little rabbit in between His hands that according to Guruji was radiating light! I was surprised, as I hadn't even noticed a stream of light that was emanating from Master's hands. It was only later that someone told me that it was actually Guruji's energy that the rabbit was receiving and that was accidentally (or not...) shantidoot messenger of peace 272

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captured by the camera. I have seen the warm love that Guruji extends towards all the animals and I know that Siddhachalam is generally bustling with life even when there are fewer humans there... Guruji's outward expressions only reflect the state of Oneness and harmony that He feels with the universe around him and with each one of us... amrender muni u maharlibrary.org

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Nain Education International

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dowanSSON MAP 108 names for guruji-a loving tribute U~ AnandAya namo nmH| U~ annapUrNAya namo nmH| U~ AtmasvarUpAya namo namaH / U~ AcAryAya namo nmH| U~ AtmAnandAya namo nmH| U~ amRtAya namo nmH| U~ agocarAya namo nmH| U~ ajo anantAya namo namaH / U~ antaryAmI namo nmH| U~ bhagavatpAya namo namaH / U~ bahmarUpAya namo nmH| U~ bholenAthAya namo nmH| OM candrazekharAya namo namaH / OM dayAvAnAya namo namaH / U~ devAdhidevAya namo namaH / U~ dharmAtmAya namo nmH| U~ dInadayAlAya namo nmH| U~ dInAnAthAya namo nmH| OM IzvarAya namo nmH| U~ gurUnAthAya namo nmH| OM jagatgurUve namo nmH| OM jagapitA namo namaH / U~ santAya namo nmH| U~ surAya namo nmH| 275 amrender muni ji maharaj

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U~ sarvezvarAya namo namaH / U~ zAntinAthAya namo namaH / U~ zAnti svarUpAya namo namaH / U~ sAdhu rUpAya namo namaH / U~ satpurUSAya namo namaH / U~ sattatvAya namo namaH / U~ santoSAya namo namaH / S satguNAya namo namaH / OM dInabandhuve namo namaH / U~ sundarAya namo nmH| OM samarthAya namo namaH | U~ zItalasvarUpAya namo namaH / U~ zItalasvabhAvAya namo namaH / U~ sahAyakAya namo namaH / U~ zuddhAya namo namaH / OM satguruve namo namaH / U~ sahanazIlAya namo namaH / U~ zuddhasvarUpAya namo namaH / OM siddhezvarAya namo namaH / U~ raba dA rUpAya namo namaH / U~ gurUdattAya namo nmH| shantidoot | messenger of peace OM jJAnarUpAya namo namaH / OM gurUdevAya namo namaH / OM rakSakAya namo namaH / 276 OM kRpAnidhAnAya namo namaH / U~ kSamAzIlAya namo namaH / U~ lokapriyAya namo namaH / U~ manamohanAya namo namaH / OM mahAdevAya namo namaH / OM mahezvarAya namo namaH / OM manoharAya namo namaH / U~ rAjadhirAjAya namo namaH / S namo namaH / madhurasvarUpAya U~ paramAnandAya namo namaH / OM parabrahmAya namo namaH / OM paramapitAya namo namaH / OM priyagurUve namo namaH | OM prANanAthAya namo namaH / U~ prItamAya namo namaH / U~ paramhaMsAya namo namaH / U~ prasiddhAya namo namaH / U~ prarUSottamAya namo namaH /

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U~ svAminArAyaNAya namo nmH| OM ThAkurAya namo nmH| U~ caraNa kamalAya namo namaH / OM prakAzAya namo nmH| U~ pAvanasvarUpAya namo nmH| U~ prANapriyAya namo nmH| U~ preraNAya namo namaH / U~ paramvIrAya namo nmH| U~ vidhAtAya namo nmH| U~ vizvarUpAya namo nmH| U~ vizve devAya namo nmH| U~ vizvagurUve namo nmH| U~ vinAyakAya namo namaH / U~ vizvarAjAya namo nmH| U~ vizvanAthAya namo nmH| U~ vinamratAya namo nmH| U~ nirmalAya namo nmH| U~ niraMjanAya namo namaH / U~ nirvikArAya namo nmH| U~ nirAkArAya namo namaH / U~ niraMkArAya namo nmH| OM nitanUtanAya namo nmH| U~ nirAlAya namo namaH / OM govindAya namo nmH| OM gopAlAya namo namaH / U~ kAnhAya namo nmH| OM paramapUjya gurUdevAya namo namaH / OM hRdayanAthAya namo namaH / U~ jIvanAdhArAya namo namaH / U~ karUNA svarUpAya namo namaH / OM madhusUdanAya namo nmH| U~ prabhuve namo nmH| U~ prema bhaMDArAya namo nmH| U~ zrI gurUcaraNa kamalebhyo namo namaH | U~ priya locanAya namo namaH / U~ mRduvacanAya namo nmH| U~ mRdukaMThAya namo nmH| U~ svarUpa sundarAya namo namaH / U~ mRdulasvabhAvAya namo namaH / U~ mahAnAtmAye namo namaH / U~ yogIrAjAya namo nmH| OM zAntidUtAya namo namaH / 277 amrender muni ji maharaj

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ain Exication Int ivate ersonal Us inelibrary.org

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jain prayer of forgiveness Let us end this book with the Jain prayer of forgiveness. Jains seek forgiveness, not from an almighty God, but from any living beings they may have harmed, seeking to love all as their friends. Khamemi savve jive, Sawe jiva khamantu me; Mitti me sawa bhuesu, Veram majza na kenai. I forgive all living beings, Let all living beings forgive me; All in this world are my friends, I have no enemies. 279 amrender muni ji maharaj

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on international www.ainelibrary.org

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O some important information RUDRAKSH MALA- INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE 1. On Sunday soak the Rudraksh mala overnight in milk. 2. On Monday, wash the mala with water. Then keep it in a tray. Light incense sticks (2) and holding the lighted incense sticks in your right hand, trace circles in front of the mala, as if worshipping it. Let the mala dry. 3. When dry, hold the mala in your right hand, between the second and third finger, starting from the 1st bead and do 21 or 108 repetitions of " Om Namah Shivayeh". This purifies the Rudraksh mala. 4. Now you can do any mantra on this mala. 5. After one or two or three months, soak the mala overnight in Mustard oil. The next day hang it up somewhere with a vessel underneath. The oil will drip into the vessel. After that wash it with yoghurt, then milk and then water. Then you can dry it and use it. This procedure prolongs the life of the mala. 6. When chanting the mantra on the mala one should do it in private so that no ones gaze falls on the mala. If people are present, cover the mala and chant. 7. Keep the mala safely in a pouch so that no one touches it. 281 amrender muni ji maharaj

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RUDRAKSH MALA- INSTRUCTIONS FOR PURIFICATION If your Rudraksh has been touched by others you can purify it as follows: 1. Soak it in milk for a minimum of one hour and maximum overnight. 2. Then wash it with water. 3. Light Dhoop or Agarbatti in front of it and let the smoke curl over it, around it. 4. If you do not have any Agarbatti or Dhoop available where you are, visualize it mentally and do the procedure mentally. This will work as well as doing it practically. shantidoot messenger of peace 282

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Donations for Guruji's Charity Work All donations given towards Guruji's charity work are given to the Trust Fund set up by him for charitable purposes called Universal Ahimsa Foundation in New Delhi, India. Drafts or cheques should be made out in the name of UNIVERSAL AHIMSA FOUNDATION. All cheques/ drafts should be drawn in Indian Rupees on a bank in New Delhi, India. For donors in the U.S, the draft can be posted to : Pat Bruno, Director, Pathways Yoga Systems, PO Box 843, Exeter, NH 03833 Or call: Pathways Yoga in NH at 603-475-7770 E mail: info@Pathways Yoga.com or Pat@Pathways Yoga.com For donors outside the U.S. the contributions can be sent to Universal Ahimsa Foundation, C/o. P.O. Box 803, P.C. 116, Mina Al Fahal, Sultanate of Oman. 283 amrender muni ji maharaj

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Contact Information INDIA SHREE SHUKAL FOUNDATION (REGD) TEL: + 91 11 2705 2030 SHREE SHUKAL DHAM JAIN MANDIR TEL: +91 11 2595 4033 BHAGWAN MAHAVIR CARE CENTRE TEL: +91 11 2595 4033 UNIVERSAL AHIMSA FOUNDATION (REGD) VISHWA AHIMSA SANGH ACHARYA SUSHIL MUNI SILAI KENDRA BHAGWAN MAHAVIR HOMEO CHARITABLE HOSPITAL shantidoot | messenger of peace 284

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Ashram Addresses Other Contact Details: Shri Shukal Adhyatmik Kendra CANADA G 22/ 37-38, Sector 7, Rohini 1270 Playter Place, Delhi - 85. Oakville, Ontario, L6M2V4, Tel: +91 11 2705 2030 CANADA Tel: + 1 905 4698 869 Acharya Sushil Muni Ashram Shankar Road, Rajinder Nagar, UNITED KINGDOM New Delhi-60. Tel: + 44 1923 827 279 Tel: + 911128741749/ 28743681 (London) Bhagwan Mahavir Care Centre Tel: + 44 7761 090 439 (Birmingham) Ghewra Nizampur Road, Village Sauda, SWITZERLAND Delhi - 81. Tel: + 41 229 504 545 Tel: +91 11 2595 4033 (London) U.S.A DUBAI ( U.A.E) Siddhachalam Tel: + 9714 367 5474 65 Mudpond Road, Blairstwon, Tel: +97150 6508 078 NJ 07825 Tel: +1 908 362 5936 BAHRAIN Tel: +1 908 362 9793 Tel: +973 17 691 957 Fax: +1 908 362 9649 Tel: 073 39 676 617 50, Maple Street, Rutherford, NJ 07070 Tel: +1 201 933 8963 Email: njain52253@aol.com OMAN Tel: + 968 24564451 Tel: + 968 99 346 885 285 amrender muni ji maharaj

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Guruji with Prime Minister Morarji Desai and Shri Anand Raj Surana Amrender Muni Ji with former President of India. Shri Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed At the formation of the Arhatsangh: Guruji standing with Acharya Sushil Kumar Ji and Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Shiv Raj Patil (bending) Guruji in discussion with Vice President of India Shri Krishnakant Guruji in discussion with former Vice President of USA Mr. Al Gore Guruji with his Guru, Acharya Sushil Kumar Ji Maharaj Jain Educhantidoot messenger of peacePrivate & Personal Use Only 286

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Wu Guan Huan Ying Wan Hui CEPTION OF THE MUSE MOF WORLD RELIGIONS Taiwan Conference: Swami Dayanandji, Bawa Jain, Guruji, Leader of the Namdhari Sect Surender Manchanda & Late Shri Sai Das Baba Ji Maharaj Guruji in Taiwan Conference on World Religions 9th November 2001 with Master Dharma, Naresh Jain & Bawa Jain RENCE ON THE GLOBAL PRESERVATION OF SACRED SITES JEUGIOUS WOD PEACE In the Taiwan conference, Guruji Ji with Master Dharma and Jain nuns Shri Chandanaji and Shilapi Ji Guruji at conference in Taiwan with Buddhist monk Master Dharma and Jain nuns Shri Chandanaji and Shilapi Ji and others Guruji with President of Taiwan & Shri Surender Manchanda & others Guruji with Chief Jatthedar of Gurudwara Anandpur Saheb, Shri Manjit Singh 287 For Private Personal Use Only amrender muni maharaglibrary.org

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Guruji talking with Bahedudeen Khan, Muslim Saint and scholar Shankaracharya H.H. Shri Swaroopanandji Maharaj "Dwarakapeethadheeshwar" Guruji with Shankaracharya Shri Madhvashramji Maharaj during a discussion Guruji in Siddhachalam with Swami Chidanandji, ex president Sri Arun Kothari, ex president Sri Shanti Shah, trustee Sri Madhav Jain and Mouji Ram Sharma Yoga Master Baba Ramdev ji in New Jersey with Guruji Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Ji with Guruji Jain Educshantidootub messenger of peacerivate & Pers488 se Only

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Swami Hansdas Ji Maharaj with Guruji Acharya Shri Sushil Kumar Ji Maharaj and Amrender Muniji and Nayab Imam in a special meeting Guruji in Exeter, New Hampshire, holding an Arhum yoga camp. A camp in Dayton Ohio, USA in 1983. Guruji with campers OCENTE RTS CAROLIN Guruji with participants of a yoga camp held in Siddhachalam Guruji with participants of a Yoga camp held in North Carolina For Private og ersonal Use Only amrender muni jivmaharajibrary.org

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Jaina Conference, USA 2007, Guruji with Shri Chitrabhanuji, Swami Shri Chidanandji Maharaj and Dr. Naveen Mehta Jaina President Shri Dalip Shah, Hukum Chand Bharill, ex president Shri Kirit Daftary, Shri Rakesh Jhaveri, Congressman Frank Pallone, Guruji and Devendra Kirti Ji Bhattark aina CONVENTION 2007 President of Jaina Dalip Shah, Guruji, other monks and nuns Guruji, addressing Jaina Conference 2007 in New Jersey Interfaith Representation at the Jaina Conference in New Jersey in 2007 Jain Educshantnissetj messenger of peacPrivate & Pers290se Only

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Guruji with Shri Satyanarayan Goenka Ji and Shri Shanti Yogi Ji Guruji with Justice Mangeram in Shukal Dham on the occasion of laying the foundation stone of Shukal Dham in Ghewra Guruji with Kashmir's Governor Shri K.B. Krishnarao Guruji with late Shri Sahib Singh Verma the Chief Minister of Delhi & Vidhayak of Rohini Shri Jai Bhagwan Agarwal Guruji with Delhi's Chief Minister Shri Sahib Singh Verma, at the opening of Bhagwan Mahavir Homeopathic Center, along with Shri Keemtilal Jain and Shri Gulshan Jain Guruji with Shri Manindar Singh Bitta taking blessings from Guruji. Standing in the middle is Shri Kuldeep Jain 201 For Private Personal Use Only amrender muni jimaharabrary.org

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hasA paramAdhama aura jIne dI Guruji and Union Minister Ashok Pradhan and other devotees Guruji with film star Rajesh Khanna on the occasion of Mahavir Jayanti explaining importance of nonviolence & Mahavir Ji's teachings jandaguru zaMkarAcArya prayA pAThaka bhavya abhinandana samAroha zrIzaMkarAcArya pinanna samAroha mami mata bhAratI liera jAnna ki Guruji with Union Minister Shri H.K.L Bhagat, Delhi's Deputy Governor Shri Tejendra Khanna, Mahant Shri Sevadas Ji, Smt. Kiran Bedi Chief of Police, Shri Kuldeep Jain and other devotees at Raj Bhavan, Delhi Shankaracharya Shri Madhvanandji Saraswati, Guruji and Sports Minister Shri Sukhdev Singh Ji Dhindsa Bahrain devotees with Guruji in 2003 Guruji in New Hampshire with devotees, Mahesh Verma family, of Muscat Jain Edushantidoendtimessenger of peace Private & Per Use Only

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nu8 2008 den-sea 9 Tu ta dang so - bvaa Guruji being felicitated by the Sikh community in Delhi The Sikh community honouring Guruji by presenting him a ceremonial sword and saffron cloth Guruji presenting copies of his book to Shri Vijay Goyal, national vice president of BJP and Shri Vijendra Gupta Guruji with ex Mayor of Delhi Mrs Anita Arya, Vivek Muni Ji, Kuldeep Jain & others Finance Minister Shri Ashok Walia taking Guruji's blessings in 2008 Swami Pragyanand Ji with Guruji, ex Congress Minister Shri Vasant Sathe and Shri Murli Manohar Joshi on the occasion of Swami Hariharanand Ji's punyatithi. 203 For Private Personal Use Only amrender muni ji maharajibrary.org

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Guruji with devotees in Muscat Guruji with devotees in Bombay Guruji's devotees Pradeep Mathur and family from Bahrain Guruji with his devotees- Deepak Atal and family from Muscat Guruji with his devotees Dr Malhotra & family from Bahrain Guruji's devotees Umesh Mathur, Archna Mathur & Umesh's mother 294 Jain Educshanticleotafiamessenger of peacePrivate & Perseratuse Only

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"Shukal Dham", Ghewra Ashram Delhi Inauguration of old people's home in Ghewra : Shri Ram Lubhaya Uppal, Kavi Kamal Jain, Union Minister HKL Bhagat. Swami Agnivesh of Arya Samaj Guruji, AK Merchant the religious leader of the Bahai faith, and the leader of the Radha Soami Sect Shri Gopi Ram Ji, Statue of Manidhari Dada Gurudev in the Samadhi Mandir in Ghewra Guruji with old people and other devotees in Shukaldham in Ghewra Guruji with devotees in Ghewra Guruji in front of statue of Shri Shukal Chand Ji Maharaj in the Samadhi Mandir in Ghewra 205 For Private Personal Use Only amrender munivimal acabrary.org

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+ "Swarg Ashram", Baba Roopchand Ji's Samadhi in Jagraon, Punjab, set amidst open wheat fields. Guruji with devotees in Swarg Ashram, Jagraon Guruji outside Shri Trayambakeshwar Temple near Shirdi, giving blessings Baba Roopchand Ji Maharaj known as the "Miracle Saint" Baba Roopchand Ji Maharaj's portrait in the memorial temple in Jagraon city Guruji in Parmarth Niketan Ashram, Rishikesh in front of statue of Lord Shiva 296 Jain Edushantidoontimessenger of peace Private & Perec Use Only

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Guruji with Vivek Muni Ji and Siddheshwar Muni Ji on his birthday 12th April 2008 in Rohini Ashram, Delhi Guruji praying in Dadabari Jain Temple in Mehrauli, Delhi Guruji praying in front of Parasnath Ji at Dadabari Temple in Delhi Guruji serving the poor people at a Bhandara held in Ghewra on the occasion of Shri Shukul Chand Ji Maharaj's punyatithi on 29th Feb 2008 Guruji praying in front of Parasnath Ji at Dadabari Temple in Delhi Guruji giving a big blessing! 297 For Private Personal Use Only nly amrender muni ji maharaj www.janeirbrary.org

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SIDDHACHALAM ti Acharya Amrender Muni Ji standing on the grounds of Siddhachalam Portrait of Shri Sushil Kumar Ji, founder of Siddhachalam Sushil Kumar Ji with Amrender Muni Ji Guruji with Suyasprabha Sagar Ji. Ashok Sancheti and Shri Kamal Surana and other devotees on Acharya Sushil Kumar Ji Maharaj's (Bade Guruji) birthday on 15th June 2008 in Siddhachalam Amrender Muni Ji (Guruji) with Shri Suyashprabha Sagar Ji, President of Siddhachalam, Shri Jaipat Jain and doctors & volunteers at a medical camp held on Shri Sushil Muni Ji's birthday on 15th June 2008 Buddhist monk Dalai Lama's Chief disciple with Guruji & other campers in Siddhachalam 298 bilan Ed Shantidootd messenger of peace Private & Personal Use Only

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Statue of Shri Sushil Kumar Ji (Bade Guruji) in Siddhachalam View of the dining hall in Siddhachalam View of the new dining hall in Siddhachalam Statue of Lord Adinath, in the temple in Siddhachalam Guruji standing outside his sthanak in Siddhachalam WO2003 Guruji in his room in the Sthanak at Siddhachalm 299 amrender muni ji maharaj ji mananelibrary.org

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Bonny and Dennis with Guruji Pat Bruno with Guruji Guruji with devotees in New Hampshire 2008 Guruji at "Trails" Inauguration in Siddhachalam in 2008 "Trails" Inauguration - Guruji with statue of Sushil Kumar Ji, Siddchalam's trustees and others Guruji giving blesssings during "Trails" Inauguration 2008 SU Jain shantidopted messenger of peace-or Private & P onal Use Only

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Il shantidoot || messenger of peace For Private & Personal use only

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Il shantidoot || messenger of peace ucation natio Private & Persa