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that Gurudev has put in our daily lives. He quoted Bhagwan Mahaveer's message from Achranga Sutra on prohibition against torture or killing of animals and compared it with Gurudev Chitrabhanujis insistence on Veganism as true practice of Ahimsa. Dr. Sushil Jain President of JAINA was the next speaker. He recounted his own family's ties with Gurudev and his accomplishments in inspiring so many Jain Centers all over North America and formation of JAINA with Acharya Shri Sushil Kumar Ji. He proposed planting of a tree in each Jain center as a gesture of recognizing Gurudev's legacy and offered JAINA's financial support in planting a first tree at the Jain Center of NJ. He was followed by H.E. Amrendra Muni Ji who told everyone to follow Gurudev's example and live the message of Mahaveer – reading and praising Bhagwan's message is not enough.
the documentary film "Fork over Knives" and learn about the cruelty visited upon the speechless animals. The only reason people are consuming milk and cheese is tradition and ignorance (There is plenty of literature out there enumerating adverse health effects of milk) about modern dairy farm practices. He urged everyone to not trust the memories of olden days where cows were treated like a member of the family in the present age of factory farming. Consumption of milk is a subsidy to the meat industry and we the followers of Ahimsa as way of life must turn away from dairy products.
He told everyone that he did not have particular desire to live to be a hundred or one hundred twenty years - they are just numbers devoid of any significance in a spiritual life. What he worries every day before he puts his head to the pillow at the end of the day is how many blessings he gained that day. He would love to get blessings of people, animals and birds. He would like cows to bless him because he refused milk so that baby cow can have the milk. Number of years is not a good measure of a man but number of blessings collected is what is to be treasured.
Many other speakers spoke about their admiration for the life he has lived or path he has shown and their own encounters with Gurudev. Three past Presidents of JAINA, past and present JAINA committee chairs, Jain center executives and prominent Jains from neighboring states shared stories of how Gurudev had influenced their lives. A few chosen messages of people who could not be there were read to demonstrate depth of feelings and gratitude apparent in their writings. Everyone was wishing a long life to Gurudev and looking forward to his 100th Birthday celebration. Now it was the time for the main event of the day - what everyone was waiting for patiently - address by Gurudev himself.
The day ended with a sumptuous vegan meal. Many who had never before tried a vegan meal were heard saying - not bad at all - I can be a vegan!
Gurudev spoke in his serene and loving voice. Gurudev started by talking about the four important characteristics everyone should strive for: Maitry (amity), Pramod (appreciation) ,Karuna (Compassion) and Madhyastha (equanimity). But, above all, living an Ahimsak life is a must. Ahimsa in words, thoughts and action. One cannot claim to be a true vegetarian if he/she also consumes milk and milk products. Milk does not grow on plants. Milk is one of nature's most beautiful wonders. We can say MILK stands for Mother's Infinite Love and Kindness. He urged everyone to watch
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