Jain Digest 1986 01 Vol 03 No 01

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

Page 25

My vision for Siddhachalam is manyfold. People of Jain Faith in North America number about 60,000. Currently, several beautiful statues of marble and brass of various Tirthankaras have been installed at Siddhachalam and are temporarily in the Meditation Hall. Future plans call for worship facilities that include the establishment of "Panch Tirth". These will be replicas of five of India's beautiful Jain shrines -- Palitana, Shikarji, Pavapuri, Bahubali and Mahavirji. Also planned is the establishment of Ahimsa University, offering accredited courses in religion, philosophy, yoga and social studies. Other things planned are library and Jain Art Gallery.
"Panch Tirth" will build a bridge to the heritage of the Jains in North America and their cultural contribution to the adopted home will enrich their life quality. Thus, Siddhachalam will provide spiritual feeling and a sense of pilgrimage to revere.
Question: Acharyaji, when did you become a Jain Acharya and how your presence as Acharya will affect Jain communities across North America?
Acharya: H. H. Upadyaya Kavi Shri Amar Muni at Veerayatan in Rajgir, India honoured me with the title of Acharya in 1980. This facilitated to establish Arhat Sangha with several renunciates at Siddhachalam. The Sangha is a progressive group in the sense that the group is allowed to use fire, water for cooking, tilling the soil, use of vehicle for movement, working and managing money. This progressive adjustment has updated the renunciate life to meet the demands of modern times and help to propogate the teachings of the Thirthankaras.
Regarding the effects on Jain communities, I suppose the benefits are numerous. We will provide spiritual and moral leadership and direction and that will alleviate some of the complexities of fast lane life. We will surely strive to pass on the Jain heritage to the younger generation.
Question: Acharyaji, now I like to pose two last questions and they are simple and yet are of interest to the community.
Acharya: Do not hesitate; go ahead. I will surely answer them.
Question: Muniji, are you grooming anyone to carry your ideals and responsibilities in your absence?