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SHARDDHANJALI
His Holiness Acharya Sushil Kumar Ji Maharaj is no longer in our midst in his physical form. His sudden and untimely passing away has struck a severe blow to the entire world of believers in peace through non-violence in general and the Jain Community, especially of North America, in particular. But his spirit is here with all of us. Guruji (as some of his devotees called him with affection) is in Heaven. He is looking upon us with trust and confidence that we all shall fulfill his dream of spreading the message of non-violence in thoughts, words and deeds and respect for multiple views (Anekantwad) given by Lord Mahavir and other Tirthankars throughout the world. Guruji was an apostle of peace and non-violence, an embodiment of love and a torch bearer of the principles of Jain Religion. He was a man of vision and foresight. He was dedicated to religious harmony and therefore founded the World Fellowship of Religions and the International Mahavir Jain Mission. By organizing periodic World Religious Conferences, he carved out a new path for the co-existence of different faiths, which the world greatly needs. Siddhachalam, established by him as the first Jain Teerth outside India, is a living monument of his dreams to unite all the Jains. This Teerth is going to play a major role in the accomplishment of spreading Jainism in the West. Guruji's efforts brought about recognition of Jainism by the United Nations organization, introduction of the study of Jainism at Columbia University, New York and establishment of numerous Jain Centers all over the world. Guruji interacted with world religious and political leaders and tried to resolve some of the problems through non-violent means. He also presented before the world, the Jains' views on ecology and environment by participating in the World Earth Summit. On behalf of the Federation of Jain Associations in North America, on behalf of my family and my ownself, I most respectfully offer my Sharddhanjali (Homage) in honor of Guruji and resolve with all of you that we shall continue to carry his mission forward by completing his unfinished works. Jagat Jain President, JAINA
With the passing away of Guruji, as he was known affectionately by millions of his followers throughout the world, a remarkable period in the history of Jain religion comes to an end while a rich and lasting spiritual legacy remains. Guruji was destined to be a monk. He was born a Hindu Brahmin and not a Jain. Yet, at the age of fifteen he became a Jain monk. Asa Jain monk, however, Guruji strived to build bridges amongst different religions. He had studied and mastered not only Jain philosophy but also philosophies of other religions. His dynamism made him carry on with his mission against all odds and against traditions and taboos. He was original as he was self-realized. Guruji was an activist through-out his life. His mission was not only to preach. He was at the centre of life, be it political or social. He was at the centre stage during the Punjab crisis as he was during the Babri Masjid dispute. He had successfully negotiated a resolution to the Punjab dispute; the actual negotiations had at one critical stage taken place at the Golden Temple, the security forces having been withdrawn during the time the negotiations were taking place. In the Babri masjid dispute he was able to get all religious leaders together to negotiate. Guruji reminded the people opposing Pope's visit to India of the Indian tradition of respect for all faiths. In the pursuit of Inter-faith understanding Guruji organized and presided over six World religions Conferences. The last one was held in February, 1994. Successive Prime Ministers and Presidents of India attended these meetings. Guruji was the first Jain Monk to travel outside of India. In 1975 he came out of India to carry on his work in the west. Guruji whose mode of travel had thus far been on foot only, following a strict Jain tradition, took to flying by plane. He established Siddhachalam, the first Jain pilgrimage center outside of India, in New Jersey, USA and was instrumental in having numerous Jain and Hindu-Jain temples built all over the World. Guruji took his message of peace and non-violence to the world. He travelled to Iran in 1991 with a view to proceeding to Iraq to seek a peaceful resolution of the Gulf crisis. He launched a world-wide campaign for non-violence at the Rio Earth summit. His Mission became a non-government member of U.N.O. in 1992. Let us now pledge to re-dedicate ourselves to strive to realize the visions of our beloved Guruji.
Yours in Ahrimsa, Arun Kothari, Vice Chair, President - IMJM
Jain Digest
June 1994
Page 1
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