Shantidoot Amrender Muniji

Author(s): Padmini Atal
Publisher: Universal Ahimsa Foundation

Page 95

everyone needed to practice the principles of non violence (ahinsa), non possessiveness (aparigrah),multiplicity of viewpoints (anekant) and compassion towards all living beings. He therefore made preaching and practicing this, his life's work.
In 1983 Acharya Shri Sushil Kumar Ji founded an ashram called Siddhachalam which was the first Jain Tirth (pilgrimage place) outside India. Siddhachalam, which means “ abode of supreme powers” is located in Blairstown, New Jersey. It is a beautiful, wooded campus spread out over 120 acres. It is the headquarters for the International Mahavir Jain Mission, (IMJM) the World Fellowship of Religions, and the World Jain Congress. It actively promotes ahinsa for world peace, vegetarianism, and nonviolence to animals.
It has a campground, cabins, dining facilities, temples, and much more. It is a true retreat. Pilgrims from around the world continue to flock to this magnificent spiritual center in ever increasing numbers.
Deer and bears roam freely in the ashram and do not harm anyone. Arti and worship are performed daily in the temple. There are cottages where visitors can stay overnight if they are attending spiritual camps or
retreats.
In 1982, Sushil Kumar Ji inspired the leaders of eight nations to submit a memorandum demanding peace through nonviolence to the Secretary General of the United Nations. He explained that peace through nonviolence could not be compromised or exploited and would ensure the sanctity of human life as well as extend protection to the animal kingdom, the environment, and all of our Mother Earth. Sushil Kumar Ji and his devotees also served as the fourth largest support group for the peace rally held in New York in 1982, an event that was attended by nearly one million individuals from around the world.
93
amrender muni ji maharaj