Jain Digest 1997 06 Vol 13 No 02

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

Page 11

AFFILIATE NOTES
Jain Meditation International Centre
On July 26, 1977, the Mesonic Hall in New York City was filled with joyful reunions and the experience of a unique satsang, celebration of Gurudev Shri Chitrabhanu's 75th birthday. As he was ushered in by Bahubali Bob Feinson, with Pramodaben and Darshan, about 200 multi-cultural voices joined in the singing of "Happy Birthday."
This birthday party sparked a deep sense of belonging, a loving kindness and re-dedication to Gurudev's inspiring teachings of Mahavir, rekindling the messages of peace and ahimsa.
As the tributes were shared by Dr. Dhiraj Shah, President of JAINA; Dr. Dhiraj Shah recalled his being the first Jain to be granted a landmark conscientious objector status thanks to Gurudev's book published in English, and he elaborated on Gurudev's influence in organizing 55 Jain centers to transfer the strength of the heritage and culture to the children, and co-founding JAINA, with commitment to worldwide philanthropy and community service akin to the Red Cross and to the support for the production of vegetarian world video. He called Gurudev 'Vishwa Manvi-World Citizen, belonging to world and considering all equal to himself. Leonard Marks related his first introduction to Jain teachings with Gurudev in the West, and Chatna Florida used the metaphor of building a cathedral with her life, the foundation being Gurudev's teaching how to meditate and celebrate each day with the three jewels of Jainism. In his biographic article and poem, Devendra Peer, a JMIC director, refered to Gurudev as "tall as the Himalayas, yet ever approachable, in his presence unreal becomes real, and real thing begin to seem unreal, joy of self-realization becomes certain and clear." In his birthday message to his father, Rajeev said I believe in you the most, not just because you are my father, you are a lighthouse in the sea, the magnitude of your achievements are truly unsurpassable. Darshan recalled cherishing the father/Guru and Son walks together, so appreciating his refreshing perspective of the world and having gained the insight through the teachings that we are virtual temples can take our God where ever we go, preparing the Temple inside; starting with the self. We can see the holiness of others'.
Of special note is that Yashoda Jordan developed a Website for JMIC in honor of Gurudev's birthday, located at http:// www.jainmeditation.org.
With music from the heart and soul, the program started with Navkar Mantra by all led by Rashmi Rose Gunter, accompanied by James Allen on the keyboard. Mona, nine year-old, sang Maitri Bhavanu, self-accompanied on keyboard; followed by Premal Takacs
erator
BE
Bruce Johnson, State Senator, honored Gurudev on his 75th birthday at the Ohio State House.
of Ohio and the Jain Youth of New York who also sang Maitri, and then Kanan Kapadia presenting to Gurudev the Young Jain's essays based on his books. The Michigan group in chorus sang Chattari Mangalam and Namaste Song. And Pramodaben led us with Mangalam Mantra.
A joyful magic-miracle roast was performed by Bahubali Feinson; and Subodi Feyler and Peter Mathews mimed an amusing skit on meditation as Dr. Atma and Mind. Rashmi Rose, a professional singer, rendered her original birthday song with James on the keyboard. The evening was also accentuated with delicious Gujarati food, and a special birthday cake. Dr. Dhirajbhai invited us all to contribute to the JAINA Education Fund, established in Gurudev's honor so that scholarship support is available for all those commited to furthering their Jain studies.
The colorful and enriched evening of celebration concluded with Gurudev's retelling of his journey from India to JFK airport and then his message "I've come here to collect your loving blessings The teaching is not preaching: It is practise. What more can we do on earth than to transform ones consciousness, practise nonviolence and conquer weakness. It is a blessing to fill our hearts with love, compassion, forgiveness. Looking into your eyes, seeing the changes, the creativity, the love that has developed, what more joy is their in this life? And acknowledging the torch bearers of the future, like Nicky Gould, a vegetarian American Jain youth, and some of the accomplishments of some of the first American students such as Leonard, editing the meditation manual, realize what you are, and bringing the teachings to his work as a trial lawyer. And Alan Slifka, celebrating the gifts of the teachings by creating the Abraham foundation for Middle East peace." By evenings end, that all hearts and souls were filled with precious memories that will remain for a long time to come.
JAIN DIGEST FALL 1997/9