JAINA Convention 2015 07 Atlanta GA

Author(s): Federation of JAINA
Publisher: USA Federation of JAINA

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Speakers
Gurudev Chitrabhanji
Gurudev Chitrabhanuji, a disciple of Acharya Sagaranand Surishvarji, is a Jain pioneer, global leader and author of more than 26 books. Formerly a Jain monk, his western pilgrimage began with an invitation from Harvard Divinity School in 1971. He gave up his vow of monkhood because of the call to bring Ahimsa principles to the west. He embodies brilliantly, the message of non-violence, tolerance, compassion and ecological interdependency of all living beings. He is the founder and advisor to the Devine Knowledge Society in Mumbai and Jain Meditation International Center in New York City.
Acharya Chandanaji
Acharya Chandanaji, is a disciple of Upadhyay Shri Amar Muniji, and took diksha at the age of 14. She established Veerayatan centers in Rajghiri, Bhuj, Mumbai, and Pune, as well as outside of India. Veerayatan is founded based on the principles of seva, siksha and sadhana. Veerayatan's humanitarian work includes health seminars and the building of schools and hospitals. Acharya Chandanaji accomplished the monumental task of translating the Uttaradhyayan Sutra in 33 days. Her publication Bhav-Dhara mirrors her purity of thoughts, words and deeds. She and her group preach the Jain philosophy to many centers around the world.
Acharya Lokesh Muni
Acharya Dr. Lokesh Muni Ji renounced his worldly life at the young age of twenty-two, received Diksha from Late Acharya Shri Tulsi, and studied Jain, Budhist and Vedic philosophy. Acharya Ji is a versatile thinker, creative writer, poet, and a social reformer. He is founder of 'Ahimsa Vishwa Bharti' and is actively promoting and spreading message of Peace, Harmony and Non Violence throughout the world. He is an author of more than dozen books both in prose and poetry.
Sadhvi Sanghamitraji
Sadhvi Sanghamitraji, is the first person from the United States of America to take diksha in 2011, under Acharya Shri Chandanaji at Veerayatan, India. Her final or Badi diksha was celebrated in April 2012, at Jain Center of Northern California, in San Francisco. At the young age of six, she memorized many stotras, including Bhaktamar and Tattvartha Sutra. She studied scriptures and ancient languages under the divine and scholarly guidance of Param Pujya Gurudev Amar Muniji Maharaj and Acharya Chandanaji.
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Speakers
Pramodaben Chitrabhanu
Mrs. Pramodaben, spiritual companion of Gurudev Chitrabhanu, is a Director of Jain Meditation International Center in New York City and former Chairperson of JAINA's Jivdaya Committee. She has sponsored projects in educating and rehabilitating the poor and the underprivileged. She works for Reverence for Life Society and Beauty Without Cruelty and PETA, to promote animal welfare and Vegan life-style. She has written many books including "The Book of Compassion". She is an adviser to Lighthouse Center in Whitmore Lake, Michigan - a unique spiritual interfaith organization.
Gurudev Namra Muni (via webcast)
A revolutionary saint with extraordinary dynamism, Rashtra Sant Pujya Gurudev Shree Namramuniji Maharaj Saheb is an endearing person whose futuristic vision compels seekers across the world to rethink their very purpose and redesign the course of their life. A messiah of humanity, Pujya Gurudev's compassionate heart. constantly inspires innumerable missions for the social and spiritual elevation of every living being. He strongly believes, "The language of Vibrations is far more transformative than the words of Wisdom...!"
Nirmal Sagar
Nirmal Sagarji took Jain diksha, at the age of 14, in 1978, under Acharya Padamsagar Suriji and stayed in monkhood for 22 years. Along with Jain agams and philosophy, he studied literature in Hinduism and Buddhism. Since 2005, he is with the Hong Kong Jain Center, conducting daily study classes and pujas. He has performed various poojans and temple pratishthas. He visits the United States of America to deliver lectures and conduct paryushana. After completing Sadhana Kendra in Mt. Abu, he plans to start "Shri Buddhi-Vihar Pyramid Meditation Temple" in Mahudi, Gujarat.
Amrendrer Muniji Maharaj
Muniji is a main disciple of Acharya Sushil Kumarji. He took Diksha at the age of 14. He wrote the book "Yoga-Siddhi" which emphasizes the importance of meditation and mantra through Arhum yoga. He has established health centers in India serving health needs for the poor through alternative medicines. He has shared his knowledge, dedication and care for non-violence and environment, with many leaders in India and USA.
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