Jain Digest 1994 06 Vol 10 No 02

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

Page 18

Jain principles of Non-violence, Vegetarianism, Aparigraha (non-possessiveness) and Anekantvad (multi-viewpoint) fully intact. Mahendra K. Dosi, Alpharetta, GA.
It is intriguing to note how Jainism, as a non-vedic, anti-brahmanical, sect has survived in India, and now spreading intact across the oceans. There is no doubt this high degree of mobilization of the Jains as a community across North America is to a great extent attributable to Acharya Shri Sushil Muniji's efforts. In the tradition of some of the monks in 100 B.C. to 850 A.D. who, in order to maintain the Jain tradition, had to gain royal support, and therefore compromise religious order to some extent, Sushil Muniji too, searched for a paradigm shift in the Jain beliefs. In doing so, he was controversial, yet very effective. We must continue his work through harmony and unity within our divergent practices and beliefs, while also maintaining good relations with the communities at large. Dr. Anant Jain, Dallas, TX.
(Guruji) always gave logical answers to lot of mysterious questions related to Jainism. His knowledge on Jainism was deep. He said he had recited Namokar Mantra more than 900,000 times in his life...... Guruji always believed in the powers of Namokar Mantra and he preached his followers to believe in it whole-heartedly. Navin S. Dedhia, San Jose, CA
Guruji was a Sadhak and a social visionary. Throughout his life and up to the last moment he worked hard for the unity, harmony and peace in the community, country and the (world) environment. It is a great loss for the humanity at the time when his quest for a non-violent and peaceful coexistence wasgaining acceptance among the world leaders. Mahendra Shah, Fl.
Acharya Sushil Muniji has done more than any one single individual in bringing the Jains together in America and in providing the courage in practice of Jainism. My children and this community gained courage, vision, and pride in practice of Jainism through his teachings at Jain camps in Niagara Falls. Ravi Pahade, Getzville, NY.
Sushil Muniji's death is an irreparable loss for Jain community. His message of non-violence, peace and oneness of all living beings with the world at large will stay forever with us. Guruji's SIDDHACHALAM Ashram in New Jersey is a living example of his hard work, dedication to a cause and self service. Manoj C. Maniar, San Diego, CA.
Acharya Sushil Kumarji Maharaj was a dynamic teacher. During many of his visits to the Dallas area he taught us techniques of meditation and Arhum Yoga. These techniques became an asset to my traditional counseling skills, and from my professional and personal experience I know that they have proven to be very effective in healing and stress management. Guruji was a promoter of peace and non-violence, and has made a significant contribution in the field of holistic approach to healing. His great teachings shall live with us forever.
Nalini Shah, Richardson, TX.
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Acharya Sushil Kumarji Maharaj was one of the trail blazers for youngsters growing up in North America. He taught them the fundamentals of Lord Mahavir's teachings, which has given them confidence in themselves and faith in their religion. He was a visionary and an ambassador of peace and a champion of the teachings of Lord Mahavira.
Jain Center of Central Ohio, Columbus, OH.
Guruji had a unique way of explaining difficult concepts by using simple stories. Here is an example of his way of clarifying the difference between Dravya Karma and Bhava Karma. "...A man was driving a bicycle, and he hit another man. If the man gets up after getting hit and confronts the rider of the bicycle, what should the rider do? The cause of collision is the part operation of Dravya Karma. If both people fight or argue viciously, they form Bhava Karma, which in turn will cause fresh new Dravya Karmas. If the rider apologizes and says he was really sorry from the heart, then no more bad Karmas are formed... Path of Khsama (asking forgiveness) is the greatest wisdom a human should have. Nirmal Dosi, Scholar's Visitation Committee, JAINA.
Guruji was more than a religious leader. He symbolized patience, strength, and happiness. He taught me things that I would never hear my parents or teachers say. He showed me how to believe in something that offers protection and comfort. He was not only a teacher and leader, but my good friend. I could ask Guruji any question, no matter how silly, and he would have an answer. He would reply with as silly an answer as the question I asked." Mamta Jain (15), Irvine, CA.
A FRIEND
A friend
with a heart pure and clean, a child's heart, unbiased, undivided love, knew no bounds. Uninhibited thoughts, residing in scholarly mind, a open mind, vast and deep, a face full of life, charming and benign,
who could understand us better? who could give us peace? THE FRIEND, OUR GURU.
JAIN DIGEST
Ritambhra Jain, Long Beach, CA.
The very mention of his (Guruji's) presence would bring a smile to anyone's face. The only time I couldn't bring myself to smile was two Fridays ago when my mom called me and told me about Guruji's passing away. Like many of us here, I cried and felt a deep sense of loss. And even though we are taught by faith that death is neither a beginning nor an end in and of itself, I still can't help but feel sad at this time. I would like to end today with a small poem about a true guru.
June 1994 www.jainelibrary.org