Jain Journal 1981 07

SR No.: 520063
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Jain Bhawan Publication
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication
Publication Year: 1981
Total Pages: 46
Language: English
Classification: Magazine, India_Jain Journal, & India
File Size: 3 MB

Page 34

JULY, 1981
other enthusiastic and dedicated young men and women who are in the process of creating a Centre for the study and practice of Jaina philosophy. They have purchased a large Victorian Congregational Church and have begun to convert it into a Jain temple. Plans for the future include beautiful pūjā rooms with carvings and murtis, a library for scholarly research, a kitchen and community space for social events, and rooms where classes in philosophy and meditation can be held.
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In 1980, Paryuṣaṇa was highlighted by the observation of the traditional Jain practices. Each evening at sunset pratikramaṇa was carried out, followed by ārati and the singing of the sacred mantras and bhajans. In addition, classes and discussions of Jain meditation and philosophy were held twice each day in Gujarati and in English.
When these programmes were concluded every evening, a crowd of six to seven hundred would convene to listen to the discourses of Gurudeva Chitrabhanu. He would bless the gathering with sanctified stanzas and then shed the light of his forty years' experience of deep meditation on the teachings of Jain dharma. The air would be charged with his inspiring energy, and every word, gesture, anecdote and image worked in beautiful harmony to uplift the listeners and lead them to their own place of peace.
During the week Gurudeva discussed and explained in detail the subtle points in the intricate law of karma, and also gave guidance and direction for daily living in the world. Drawing upon his vast knowledge of the original scriptures and his experiences helping seekers on four continents, Gurudeva captured the hearts of the audience with his dynamic presentations of Bhagavan Mahavira's principles. He emphasized anekāntavāda as the way to broaden oneself and develop tolerance, and he reminded all of the rewards of contentment and peace of mind inherent in the practice of aparigraha. "Have we come here only to eat, sleep, enjoy pleasures and comforts, accumulate possessions and then die? What marks the difference between human beings and any other form of life? To overcome the enemies of anger, pride, deceitfulness, and greed is our mission in this life. It is our purpose and our great opportunity in this human birth."
Talking about the navkāra mantra, Gurudeva showed how to meditate on each line to bring out the soul's inherent qualities of ananta jñāna, ananta virya and ananta ananda, infininte knowledge, energy and bliss. Frequently he would remind his listeners that although we can receive inspiration and guidance from great teachers and sages, each of us must