Jain Digest 1994 06 Special Issue

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

Page 19

JAIN UNITY
must be taken to unite, educate and enlighten all brothers and sisters. This is the purpose of the World Jain Congress and the International Jain Conferences. And specifically, through the efforts of the Indo-American Conference, we are working to increase communication between India and America. Accomplishments have been made with the founding of the international center, Siddhachalam, and the establishment of more Jain societies and temples throughout the United States and Canada. Each individual must make efforts to spread the teachings of non-violence, then the time will not be far when we can find Jain ashrams, temples and centers all over the world. My thanks and blessings to all sincere devotees who are working on local, national and international scales to bring about a greater sense of unity among Jains.
by H. H. Acharya Sushil Kumarji Maharaj It has been my life's experience that no good can come from sectarianism or groupism. By sectarianism we are spoiling the purpose of religion. Religion means reunite with your true self. It is the Dharma meaning to follow your true nature. But when we are involved in sectarianism, naturally we forget the meaning of Dharma and forget the Arihantas. Unfortunately, for 2,000 years of Jain history, many religious authorities have promoted sects rather than one common religion. Some are working for religion, but sects divide us and pull us back to narrow-mindedness. Now is the time to make a change. We must focus on nonviolence. We are children of the Arihantas, and worshippers of the Namokar Mantra. We see this universe as the essence of the six substances. Lord Mahavir and Lord Paraswanath taught self-realization through yogic practice, the unity of all living beings, and the purification of our karma. Health selfrealization and total bliss - this is the purpose of practice as described by the Arihantas. When we involve in narrow-mindedness we neglect this purpose. Many monks have spread the message of nonviolence and the yoga of the Arihantas. But unfortunately, we could not maintain continuity due to fear of sectarian rules and regulations. In Lord Paraswanath's time and Lord Mahavir's time preaching was spread to many corners of the world, when disciple monks travelled extensively. According to 7th century accounts Harivansha Puran by Acharya Jinsen and Gyanavarnavby Acharya Shubhachandra, these teachings were spread not only in India but elsewhere in Asia, in the Far East, the Middle East, Africa, Greece and the Balkan countries. It is unfortunate that this system was not maintained. Now is the time for Jain clergy and laity to become more active and work to spread the teachings of the Arihantas. Jainism is the only religion where there is no system of conversion. Any Christian, Muslim, Hindu, or Buddhist can also be a Jain - as long as he or she has total faith in nonviolence. This belief can fit into any culture or religion. It is a matter of a change of heart - to awaken mercy and feel oneness with all living beings. There are nearly 500,000 Jains residing outside of India in Asia, Africa, North America and Europe. Now bold steps
Acharaya Ji at Siddhachalam with dignataries from
the United Nations and others
"LIVE SIMPLY. Living luxuriously leads to more desires
which cannot be fulfilled. Appreciate the world's beauty, but live simply and think highly.” Guruji
Page 17
Jain Digest
June 1994