Jain Study Center NC Raleigh 1999 08 Twenty Years

Author(s): Jain Study Center NC Raleigh
Publisher: USA Jain Study Center NC Raleigh

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Scholar Visitation Activity
The Jain Center has been blessed by visits from many ascetics and scholars over the past 20 years. Acharya Shri Shushil Muni was the first ascetic who visited our center in 1980. Every year, three to four scholars from all the different sects of Jainism visit our center.
Acharya Shri Shushil Muni and Shri Amerandra Muni
Acharya Shri Shushil Muni was one of the pioneer Jain monks in establishing Jainism in this country. He was a very dynamic monk. He established International Mahavir Jain mission and many Jain Ashrams including Siddhacham at New Jersey. Siddhacham is the only Jain tirth exist in this country. He visited our center many times with his disciple Amrendra Muni and Gurushakti. They inspired us in many ways how to study, practice and propagate Jainism. He was well respected by the Hindu community and was the main speaker for the opening ceremony of Hindu Temple and Mahavir murti sthapana. He was our first visiting scholar and monk. We also had a first Jain camp with him and his disciple Gurushakti. We owe a great deal to our beloved Acharya for our progress of the center. Amrendra Muni is a master of Yoga and meditation. We had a Jain camp with him and Shirley from Siddhacham.
Gurudev Shri Chitrabhanuji and Pramodaben
Gurudev and Pramodaben visited our center in 1995. Gurudev was the first Jain monk who traveled abroad for the purpose of spreading Mahavir's message in 1971. He is the first pioneer in establishing Jainism in North America. He is the author of many Jain books. Many Americans follow the teaching of Lord Mahavir because of his effort. Pramodaben conducts meditation sessions. Both of them are vegan.
Dr Shri Atmanandji (Dr. Soneji)
Shri Atmanandji is the spirit behind Shrimad Rajchandra Adhyatmic Sadhana Kendra, Koba, Amdavad, India. Shri Atmanandji's pious life, scriptural knowledge, compelling oratory, tireless commitment to the society has influenced thousands of devotees to live a divine life. He is the author of many Jain books. He visited our center 1987 and had a one-day Jain workshop at Optimist Farm and also lectured at Hindu society.
Acharya Chandanaji, Sadhvi Subhamji, and Vibhaji
Acharya Shri Chadanaji and other sadhvijis are from Veerayatan, Bihar, India. Veerayatan has been described as the place of "Compassion in Action". Its development and continued progress are all attributed to the untiring efforts of Acharya Shri Chandanaji and her dedicated team of learned and talented Sadhvis. Seva (helping others), Shiksha (educating others), and Sadhana (our spiritual progress) is the motto of this unique Jain institution. They visited our center several times in recent years. Our center is actively participates in supporting Veerayatan activities and have donated more than 20,000 dollars in recent years.
Professor Shri Pratap Tolia
Prof. Pratap Tolia is the founding president of Vardhaman Bharati International Foundation, Baglore, India. He visited our center several times in earlier years. He is a renowned Jain scholar and singer. We organized several Bhajan programs along with his Jain discourses during
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