Jain Digest 1986 01 Vol 03 No 01

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

Page 23

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: MUNI SUSHIL KUMAR
ACHARYA'S CRUSADE
Acharya Shusil Kumar, Jain spiritual leader in North America, and the world, outside India, is the most prominent and reverend Jain Muni for all Jain followers irrespective of implicit difference in language, social customs and traditions. Muniji is the champion of unity among Jains, promoter of Peace on world stage and a visionary for progressive future. He is working tirelessly for the establishment of "Panch Tirth" at Siddhachalam in New Jersey, U.S.A. Siddhachalam, is the first Jain resident community for monks and nuns, shravakas and shravakis in North America. The editor of Jain Digest had an opportunity to interview the Acharya in Toronto during his recent Canadian visit...
Question: Muniji, could you tell about your mission as a Jain Acharya in North America?
Acharya : Indepth studies of Agamic scripture, its philosophical approach to performing wisdom in self-realization and salvation set me, a long ago, in the course of propogating and publicising the virtues and the values of Jain principles. While this is all fine, the rapid development of science has risen so much in the hands of man that it has brought us to the brink of total annihilation of Mankind. Ahimsa and peace, in the threat of nuclear annhilation, are the very foundations for the salvation of Mankind. Ahimsa, as practiced by Mahatma Gandhi, brought salvation to India. You know, Gandhiji derived his strength from Ahimsa through direct influence of his mother, a devoted Jain and the continued dialogue he had with Jain Muni Rajchandra and sadhvi Ujal Kumari of Maharashtra. This historical truth of Ahimsa as preached by the Arihants equally rema in, even today, as important as ever for a durable Peace in the world. My mission is Ahimsa and Peace, as enunciated and interpreted by the Arihants.
Question: In brief, could you explain the philosophy you espose for your crusade?
Acharya: Jain philosophy is a treasure of ethical, logical and truth oriented phenomena. Take the simple principle of Ratnatraya -- interrelated right knowledge, right perception and right conduct. This observance ensures the progress in its cycle. And teachings of Mahavira