Jain Heritage and Beyond

Author(s): Shailesh Shah
Publisher: Oshwal Associations of The UK

Page 16

JMIC
Jal Meditation International Center 401 East 86 Street. #20A . New York New York 10028. 212-362-6483.212-534-6090
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Pujya Shree Chitrabhanu's Message
Founder
Chitrabhanuji His Holiness Pujya Shree Chitrabhanuji
My dear President and All Members of Oshwal Association of the U. K. Directors
Jai Jinendra Jivan Proctor Pramoda Chitrabhanu We are very glad to receive the loving invitation of Pratishtha Mahotsav of Bhagwan Mahavir
Barry Wolfe Swami's Daherasar in London. It is beautiful and unique. Devendra Peer
Blessings to all who have devoted their wealth of heart, head and hand to have this auspicious occasion of celebrating Pratishtha Mahotsav. The beautiful dream of a magnificent and opulent Shrikharbandhi Temple has become fulfilled. It was in 1980 that we had cherished the dream of a Community Center and a London Temple which now has become a reality through the dedicated perseverance of all of the members of the Oshwal Community. This is a holy occasion for all the Jains and all peace-loving aspirants, for this Temple welcomes all and is an inspiration to all. People of all walks of life, without discrimination of caste or creed, man or woman, young or old, rich or poor, can come and pray peacefully to get in touch with their inner beauty. When a world is torn in war and violence, we are blessed to have this rich heritage of Ahimsa, Anekantavada and Aparigraha. These non-violent and peaceful ways of co-existence with all living beings are a blessing to all mankind. Bhagwan Vardaman Mahavira lighted the lamps of Ahinsa, Anekantavada, Aparigraha, Law of Karma and Self-Realization from his own living life. Now it is our privilege to go on pouring the oil of service and dedication in these lamps to keep illuminating the path of love, peace, understanding, and simplicity. Through practice and expression, we bring to life this teaching of sacredness of all life forms that influence our surroundings and the growing generation. They in turn influence others, and succeeding generations will influence their coming generation. In this way, the teaching and heritage of Peaceful Liberators will go on and grow forever. We are what we are as vegetarians and believers in Reverence for Life because of the influence of our ancestors and parents. So, in the same way, by being models, we are influencing future generations. Often people go to religious places to pray only for the success of business, for power and position, for protection of their accumulated wealth. This sort of praying is the product of a selfish mind. That is why these kinds of prayers and rituals have lost meaningful values and have become commonplace. Real prayer is meant for the peace and the spiritual upliftment which open the doors to divinity within and without Let us tap the inherent power of our senses, mind, heart and soul by nourishing our body with
vegetarian food; enlightening our mind with creatively positive ideas; enriching our heart with love CTION.RE
and compassion, and illuminating our soul with wisdom and self-realization. Again, let us remind ourselves that life be perfumed with Ahimsa, Anekantavada, and Aparigraha for personal transformation and world peace. Love and blessings, Chitrabhanu
NCE IN 4
ON VIOITA
Jalk laternational Meditation Center
014
E-1. Queen's View. . 28-30 Walkeshwar Road, Mumbai 400 006. India
Phone : 368 6887 . Tel / Fax 367 3355