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JMIC
Jain Meditation International Center 401 East 86 Street #20A . New York New York 10028. 212-362-6483 • 212-534-6090
TAX EXEMPT # M-75-ED-1739 NON-PROFIT EDUCATIONAL ORGANIZATION
My Dear President, Directors, Members,
and Young Jains of Greater St. Louis Center,
May 29, 1999
Jai Jinendra!
Founder His Holiness Pujya Shree Chitrabhanuji
Direotors
Jivan Proctor Pramoda Chitrabhanu
Barry Wolfe Devendra Peer
I want to bless you and thank you for the information of the Pratishtha Mahotsav of Bhagwan Mahavir and Bhagwan Parshvanath at the Hindu Temple of St. Louis, and for inviting me to participate in this auspicious event.
This is a holy occasion for all the Jains and all peace-loving aspirants, for this Temple welcomes all and is an inspiration to all. People of all walks of life, without discrimination of caste or creed, man or woman, young or old, rich or poor, can come and pray peacefully to get in touch with their inner beauty.
When a world is torn in war and violence, we are blessed to have this rich heritage of Ahimsa and peaceful co-existence with all living beings.
Vardhaman Mahavira lighted the lamps of ahimsa, anekantavada, aparigraha, law of karma, and self-realization. Now it is our privilege to go on pouring the oil of service in these lamps to keep illuminating the path of love, peace, understanding, and simplicity.
The greed of man and the ego of politicians, the narrow-mindedness of parochialism and fanaticism of fundamentalists have driven people to war and violence. War and violence are dehumanizing; and because of war and violence, millions of people are being killed, and billions are suffering agonizing pain and torture — but the Jain teaching is an answer and a healing bond for mankind.
Through patience and expression, we bring to life this teaching of sacredness of all life forms which influence our surroundings and the growing generation. They in turn influence others and succeeding generations will influence their coming generation. In this way, the teaching and heritage of Peaceful Liberators will go on and grow forever. We are what we are as vegetarians and believers in Reverence for Life because of the influence of our ancestors and parents. So, in the same way, by being models, we will be able to influence future generations.
Let us tap the power of our senses, mind, heart and soul by nourishing our body with vegetarian food; enlightening our mind with creative ideas; enriching our heart with love and reverence for life; and illuminating our soul with wisdom and selfrealization.
May my blessings be with all of you as you follow the path of loving compassion, anekantavada, and ahimsa for personal transformation and world peace.
RELATI
ACTIO
ENCE
ON VIOLA
IN THIN
Love and Blessings, Chitrabhanu
ONIN
Jala laternational Meditation Center
E-1, Queen's View,- 28-30 Walkeshwar Road, Mumbai - 400 006. India
Phone : 368-6887 • Tel. / Fax : 367-3355
Jain Education Intemational
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
