Pinnacle Of Spirituality

Author(s): Kumarpal Desai
Publisher: Raj Saubhag Satsang Mandal

Page 11

Ladakchandbhai Manekchand Vora, whom we fondly call “Pujya Bapuji" and he inspired in our hearts true love and devotion for Shrimad. Studying Shrimad's letters has been invaluable in our progress on the spiritual path. Shrimad's thinking was non-sectarian and non-dogmatic, and his loyalty lay with any path which leads to the Soul. In his thoughts we find a perfect combination of the paths of devotion, wisdom and of ritual, and he covers them with both practical and philosophical perspectives. This philosophy will awaken many Seekers and bring them to the path of Moksha.
23"^ April 2000 marks a century since Shrimad passed away. We wanted to pay our homage to this divine being and to bring more awareness of Shrimad to the Jain community as well as humanity at large. With this objective, all Shree Raj Saubhag Satsang Mandal has planned a series of events to bring to light the events in his life, his thoughts and his spiritual accomplishments. Our dream has now turned into reality.
The Herculean task of coordinating these centennial celebrations has received widespread support. The holy town of Vavania where Shrimad was born and spent his childhood is where the Shrimad Rajchandra Janma Bhuvan Trust was established. Shrimad Rajchandra's grand son and the President of this Trust, Shri Manubhai Modi has given his sincere and invaluable support and co-operation.
Our objective was to have to whole Jain Community, which is spread right across the glob to participate in these celebratations With this in mind, we approached Mr. Nemubhai Chandaria, the coordinator of the Institute of Jainology, who welcomed the idea wholeheartedly and has provided his full support. The Institute has, over the last seventeen years, coordinated many activities of the four Jain sects and represented their interests internationally.
Representatives of these three organisations, Shrimad Rajchandra Janmabhuvan Trust (Vavania), the Institute of Jainology and the Shree Raj-Saubhag Satsang Mandal (Sayla), have established an International Centennial Celebrations Committee to undertake this great task. Additionally, an Advisory Committee consisting of representatives from all four Jain sects, eminent Jain scholars, and leaders and dignitaries from various Jain organisations around the world has also been formed. This Advisory committee has members from Australia, Belgium, Canada, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Kenya, Nepal, Singapore, the U.K. and the U.S.A. The various ashrams established by the followers of Shrimad's teachings have also welcomed the celebrations and pledged their support.
This is one of the broadest platforms ever created in Jain history. To have so many different elements of the Jain community represented is an historically unprecedented