Jain Digest 2011 04

SR No.: 527119
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Federation of JAINA
Publisher: USA Federation of JAINA
Publication Year: 2011
Total Pages: 80
Language: English
Classification: Magazine, USA_Jain Digest, & USA
File Size: 18 MB

Page 45

JAIN DIGEST.. May 2011
passerby told Indrabhuti that the place was packed to brim with thousands of visitors but not one came out disappointed. This interviewer had a similar observation for Acharya Jaishekharsuriji; Hundreds would visit Acharyaji daily, but none would return disappointed. Acharyaji's ever smiling face and ever blessing behavior reflects the four bhavanas of Jainism; Maitri (being a Friend), Pramod (appreciation), Karuna (Compassion) and Madhyastha Bhavana (neutral or unattached). He is friend to everyone and has amazing capacity of remembering everyone's names. He owes all his positive qualities to his Guru. Acharyaji also does not fail to appreciate the positive qualities of people meeting him, encouraging them to grow further. What stands out the most is his caring nature and a deep desire for the welfare of everyone who comes to meet him. Acharyaji would always make himself available to people seeking his advice to resolving issues troubling them. He would then regularly follow-up to check on their well-being. At all times he would maintain his neutrality and remain unattached to people seeking his help. On further inquiring what the source of this energy as, Acharyaji told that it all started with his guru asking him to recite one Nokarvadi with full concentration prior to going to sleep. It turned out to be one of the most pleasant experiences of his life. One Nokarvadi increased to three and with it started meditation, ohm and other Japs both early in the morning and late in the evening. The Japs and meditation were the source of his energy. When asked how he found time for these prolonged Japs in his busy schedule, his answer was simple, "sleep two hours less".
Acharya Shri Vijay Ramachandrasuriji Samuday
1.
We also asked him, if these interactions with all kinds of people cost him emotionally? Initially, he just smiled, but when we pressed further, he replied, "we a committed to our soul, but we also have the responsibility of the sangh. Some of these interactions do take a toll on our emotional well-being or the state of equanimity. We just have to be aware of these changes, go back to our meditation (jap) and retain our balanced state."
List of Acharyas of Murtipujak Samudays (Sub-groups)
Gachchha Sthavir Acharya Lalitshekhar Suri
Acharyaji is an excellent orator. He is specially known for his extempore examples that relate directly to audience's concerns and questions. He credits his guru Jayanandsuri Maharaj and Pratapsuri Maharaj for this skill. One day when a large attendance was expected, both Pratapsuri Maharaj and Jayanandsuri Maharaj excused themselves, leaving the then young sadhu Jaishakhaerji alone in front of the audience. The young nervous Jaishakhar Maharaj had no option but to give his first extempore vyakhayan; a lecture that was highly appreciated. Three days later he was addressing a huge gathering with his guru sitting beside him!
Acharyaji raised concern about the Jain Society in India. He feels that beyond the practice of vegetarianism and certain Jain traditions, many in society are morally bankrupt. He has noticed a fundamental change in the social structure, due to small independent families. The elderly have nowhere to go. They are not welcomed at their children houses and at the same time they are neither financially nor physically capable of living independently. After a small experiment at Palitana he is convinced of a need for elderly homes. Family members can visit them or they can visit their family but they would have an independent home of their own. Acharyaji also sees a need to improve education among Jain youths. He realizes the value of English as a medium of education in the modern world. He wants Jain philanthropists to come forward and build quality schools that would provide education with Jain Heritage in mind.
The following beautiful Sanskrit subhashit (saying) best describes Acharya Shri Jaishakharsuri. Prabodhaya Hitaya Cha, Prashamaya Vivekaya Cha.
Samyak Tatvopadeshena, Santasuktih Pravartate.
A life of a Saint (Sadhu) is to awaken the others, ensure welfare of others, assist other in emotional purification, guide other to discriminate and learn what is correct and share the knowledge of Truth.
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Ji
Acharya Rajshekhar Suri ji Acharya Prabhakar Suri ji Acharya Veer Shekhar Suriji
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