Jain Digest 1994 06 Special Issue

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

Page 32

GURUJI'S MISSION AT SIDDHACHALAM TO CONTINUE
Upon learning of the sudden demise of Acharya Sushil Kumarji Maharaj (Guruji) on April 22 in New Delhi, India, an emergency meeting of the Board of Trustees was called on April 30 at Siddhachalam. The meeting was attended by 18 of the 21 Trustees. After a brief condolence prayer under the spiritual guidance of Guruji, it was unanimously decided to continue the mission of Siddhachalam (IMJM) as laid down by Guruji. Mr. Arun Kothari of New Jersey, the current President and Vice Chairman of IMJM, shall be responsible for overseeing the operations of the IMJM.
It was further resolved that all regular activities of Siddhachalam such as the summer youth camp, promotion of non-violence, participation at the U.N., the spreading of the Jain philosophy at academic institutions, celebration of major Jain festivals, inviting visiting Jain scholars, will continue.
The Board also discussed various capital projects, previously initated by Guruji. These projects include road improvement, water tower replacement and the winterization of the cabins. Further, the Board conceptually approved the establishment of the Acharya Sushil Kumarji Maharaj Memorial Fund to provide resources for the furtherance of his mission. The Trustees also emphasized the need to strengthen communication with the Jain community in North America and Abroad. A regular news letter will be initiated to inform the Jain Community of upcoming events at Siddhachalam. *For further information regarding activities at Siddhachalam, please contact Shanti Jain Smith or Bawa Jain.
"All things are interconnected... Whatever befalls the earth befalls the people of earth.
Man did not weave the web of life: he is merely a strand in it.
Whatever he does to the web, he does to
himself."
Chief Seattle
Page 30
Guruji on Siddhachalam:
"There is a very powerful vibration here. Ultimately, the situation at Siddhachalam will be that when anyone comes here he will get enlightenment. I will do some work perfectly;
I know what the result will be. "Whether the Guru sits here or not, whether anyone gives suggestion or not, kundalini will awaken. This will be the situation, and I will do this in my lifetime and yours.
"I saw one dream when I was a child
where I was constructing a beautiful temple - a beautiful place on a small hill. I saw this when I was 15 years old. Roop Chandji Maharaj* appeared to me at that
time. I was sitting on a river bank. "You can accomplish anything here. You can meditate and you will get success. You can do business and you will get success. And you can play. The time is coming. "But this place wants sacrifice. The land has already taken the sacrifice of so many people. Long ago it was a battlefield. Much blood was shed.
"In the past, people fought among themselves. But now we will fight with inner enemies as Lord Mahavir did. We must sacrifice our comforts, devote our time and work hard."
12/7/83
*Roop Chandji Maharaj was a great yogi and enlightened master in the family of monks to which Guruji belongs. He left his body 100 years ago. Maharaj is Guruji's spiritual Guru.
June 1994 Jain Digest