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Thoughts from Gurudev
from Gurudev Chitrabhanuji
My Dear Friends of the Jain Study Center of North Carolina,
It is happy news that the Jain Center of North Carolina will celebrate its 20th Anniversary on October 2nd, 1999. The growth of the Jain Study Center, over twenty years, stands as a testimony of faith of the community's dedication to knowledge and wisdom. I have observed this dedication from the establishment of the Center to the current tones of literary material published on the Jainism.org web site.
The time, in which we are, is a unique period, where we see perfection of means and confusion of ends. With the help of Jain Dharma we can understand the nature of Atma which is beyond time, place and matter. We must find our center in the center of soul where peace is our nature. It is a place of maitri where one can rest in poise and reverence.
For that, one requires time. However, we give time to everything except the self. But I am sure all of you will take time to recognize the presence of soul, which is more essential than anything and everything. Then we will be able to contemplate what we are and will realize the wisdom of choice - vivek. Many people do not take time and they live life in a hurry, without knowing where they are heading. They think they are late. But late for what? They rush. But towards what? It seems like a paradox. But life can become a paradox in these modern times.
I am sure you will find your center by pondering over these ideas during the celebration of the North Carolina Jain Study Center's 20th Anniversary.
Love and Peace, Chitrabhanu
Gurudev Chitrabhanuji is a pioneer of Jainism in North America. He is a Jain spiritual leader and the author of many books on Jainism.
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