Chaturmas 2007 Ambala

It has been a centre of attraction for the Jain Samaj. The very first Jain educational centre‘Jainendra Gurukul’ was established in Ambala which is still attaining new heights of success.
Ambala is considered to be a place of pilgrimage for the Jains due to the asceticism (Tapa) and renunciation (Tyaga) of the great saints of the era including Bharat Kesari Acharya Pravar Pujya Shri Kanshi Ram Ji Maharaj, a great ascetic revered Shri Lal Chand Ji Maharaj, a great hermit Shri Sudarshan Muni Ji Maharaj and a great saint Santhara Sadhika Shri Swarn Kanta Ji Maharaj. When during the Jammu Chaturmas of Yug Purush, Shraman Sanghiya Chaturath Pattadhar, Acharya Smrat , Pujya Shri Shiv Muni Ji Maharaj, the chaturmas for 2007 for Ambala was declared, there was a wave of happiness in the Jain Samaj of Ambala. The Jain Samaj was so enthusiastic that preparations for the Chaturmas started from that day. Under the leadership of Shri Prem Raj Jain, President, S S Jain Sabha, Ambala City, This Chaturmas became historical as being the first Chaturmas by a Jain Acharya on the holy land of Ambala. The presence of Maha Sadhvi Maha Shramani Shri Sudha Ji Maharaj added yet another feather in the cap of Jain Samaj of Ambala.
On the Maha Parv of Samvatsari, the ‘Kshmapana Patra’ issued by the humble and kind-hearted Acharya Bhagwan Pujya Shri Shiv Muni Ji Maharaj, for the unity of Shraman Sangh was widely welcomed and honoured in the whole country and ‘Ambala’ became even more significant and memorable in the history of Jain Samaj. For the success of this Chaturmas the efforts of Shri Gulshan Jain, General Secretary, S S Jain Sabha, Ambala City and the members of the working Committee are highly appreciable.
Grand Show on the Entrance of Acharya Shri Ji in Ambala
It was a Red Letters Day in the history of Jain Samaj and a historic moment for the people of Ambala when they stood to welcome with zeal and devotion, the great saint of the era Yug Purush, Shraman Sanghiya Chaturath Pattadhar, Acharya Smrat , Pujya Shri Shiv Muni Ji Maharaj, in the early morning of 25th July 2007 on his entrance in Ambala City. The welcome procession started from P K R Jain School where the School Management, the Principal, the staff and the students and the office bearers and members of S S Jain Sabha gave a warm welcome to Acharya Shri Ji and his disciples.
Mahila Mandals, Yuvak Mandals and various members of the Jain Samaj accompanied Acharya ji and raised slogans his honour. They also sung various welcome and devotional songs. The procession was so giant and amazing that the entire entrance path was decorated with 71 great gates. The students of the various schools and the women made it even more grand and beautiful. People of Ambala were seen standing alongside the road to have a glimpse of their great Acharya and have his blessings. A number of distinguished people of various sects were also standing to express their gratitude for the great Acharya. They bowed their heads and welcomed him. Even the God Indra was so happy on his arrival at Ambala that he also welcomed him by a brief shower of rains. The procession finally reached it destination i.e. Mahavir Jain Bhawan where Acharya Shri Ji and his disciples and Mahasadhavi Ji and her disciples were formally welcomed.
In the felicitation ceremony, good wishes for this Chaturmas were expressed by Shri Shubham Muni Ji Maharaj. He on this occasion presented a sweet song. Later Shri Gulshan Jain, General Secretary, S S Jain Sabha, Ambala City welcomed Acharya Ji, Shri Shirish Muni Ji, Shri Shubham Muni Ji and other saints. He also gave warm welcome to Mahasadhvi Shri Sudha Ji Maharaj and her disciples. The chairman reception Shri Vijay Kumar Jain welcomed the guests present on this occasion. Shri Arihant Jain, Shri Vishav Jain and Smt. Neelam Jain were the Chief Guests on this occasion. The flag was unfurled by the Hon’ble Chief Guests, Chairman of the Shravak Samiti Shri Sumti Lal Karnavat and Shri S. K. Jain and Smt. Vinay Jain of Ludhiana. ‘Shivacharya Samavasaran’ was inaugurated by Master Babu Ram Jain Family of Ambala. Prof. Ramesh Jain and his son Shri Vinay Jain, Proprietor, Vinayak Group of Companies were honouredfor accepting the responsibility to take care of food/breakfast of the guests and visitors for the entire Chaturmas.
On this occasion, a number of distinguished people presented their devotional feelings in the form of songs, lectures and poetic recitations. Local unit of Taruni Mandal, children of P K R Jain School and Shri Vinay Jain Devbandi presented their welcome songs. Lala Nem Nath Jain, Shri Hira Lal Jain and Shri Sumti Lal Karnavat expressed their best wishes for the Chaturmas of Acharya Ji and appreciated the history of Ambala. They congratulated the Ambala Sri Sangh for this historic Chaturmas.
On 22nd July, Public welcome was accorded to Acharya Ji in Sector-7, Urban Estate, and Ambala City. Hon’ble Education Minister, Haryana, welcomed Acharya Ji. The people of Ambala greeted this great saint in a most humble and beautiful manner. The entire Urban Estate was decorated splendidly. Acharya Shri Ji entered the Jain Sthanak of Sector-7 by the main pathway where he was greeted by Shri Sat Pal Jain, General Secretary, Shri Rajiv Jain and other members of the Working Committee. Mahavir Jain Yuvak Mandal of the Urban Estate was founded on this occasion and its members got valuable guidelines from Acharya Shri Ji.
Shasan Jyoti Maha Sadhvi Shri Sudha Ji Maharaj and Maha Sadhvi Shri Kiran Ji Maharaj also welcomed Acharya Ji and expressed their gratitude towards him. Acharya Shri Ji preached ‘Dharma’ to all present on the occasion. He praised the Sadhvivrind and remembered Santhara-Sadhika Maha Sadhvi Shri Swarn Kanta Ji Maharaj by making a special mention of her. He also expressed his devotion for Acharya Smrat Pujya Shri Kanshi Ram Ji Maharaj, Pujya Shri Lal Chand Ji Maharaj and Uppravartak Pujya Shri Sudarshan Muni Ji Maharaj. He bowed his head with reverence at their feet and praised their asceticism and detachment. Addressing the people of Ambala on this occasion, He called upon them to remember the Arihant Parmatma at every step of their life who is presently seated in Mahavideh Kshetra and is leading thousands of pure souls to salvation.
He accepted, it is true that everyone cannot take ‘Diksha’ but we still can lead a controlled family life. While entering into the ‘Dharm Kshetra’ one has to face many hardships and opposition of the society. The society does not allow him to follow the path of ‘Dharma’. But if you are determined and have faith and devotion within you, then you live like a Lotus which lives in the mud but still remains unattached. When a person is doing some business or running a family, no one questions him but as he takes a step to follow the path of ‘Dharma’ debates start and his determination is getting examined. On this occasion Shraman Sanghiya Mantri Shri Shirish Muni Ji Maharaj, Maha Sadhvi Shri Kiran Ji Maharaj, The Chairman of Sarv Dharm Shanti Mission Shri Karnail Singh Ji Garib expressed their feelings of devotion to him.
Atam Vikas Course completed on this day in which 180 meditators were trained with the Art of Living.
Shraman Sanghiya Mantri Shri Shirish Muni Ji Maharaj, Maha Sadhvi Shri Kiran Ji Maharaj, Shanti Doot Karnail Singh Garib, Jagadacharya Shri Chandra Swami Ji, Shri Sumti Lal Karnavat, Shri Nemi Chand Chopra, Shri Kanti Lal Jain and Shri Hasti Mal Munot prayed for the long life of Acharya Ji and congratulated him on the unity of Shraman Sangh and stated that he had created a new history which has formed an environment of pleasure and happiness in the country. Lacs of people are today impressed with the personality of Acharya Shri and are expressing their deep devotions for him. Mahila Mandal and P K R Jain Sr. Sec.School presented a play on the life of Acharya Ji which motivated people to attend meditation camps organized by Acharya Shri Ji.
On this occasion, various devotees present from different parts of the country expressed their best wishes to Acharya Shri Ji. The members of Jain Samaj of Udaipur, Indore, Delhi and Malerkotla prayed wholeheartedly for the next Chaturmas of Acharya Shri Ji in their regions. The Chairman of the Welcome Committee of the programme Shri Arun Kumar Jain; the Chairman, Shri Nem Nath Jain; The Chief Guest, Shri Rameshwar Parshad Aggarwal; Sardar Surjeet Singh Rakhra and Shantidoot Shri Karnail Singh Garib; the Guest of Honour, Jagadacharya Shri Chandra Swami Ji; the Special Guest of Honour, Shri Shyam Sunder Jindal; Chairman Shravakn Samiti, Shri Sumti Lal Karnavat; Chairman Jain Conferece, Shri Kanti Lal Jain; General Secretary, Shri Paras Ji Chajed ex-President, Shri Nemi Chand Chopra and other distinguished guests were honoured by garlanding and presenting mementoes.
Shri Surjeet Singh Rakhra was honoured with the title ‘Udyog Shiromani’ by the Jain Sabha. The services of the President of S S Jain Sabha Shri Prem Raj Jain and his working Committee were quite appreciable. The General Secretary Shri Gulshan Jain conducted the proceedings in a well organized manner. On the occasion of Atam -Shukal-Shiv Jayanti different programmes were organized from 18th to 23rd September. 18th September was celebrated as Samayik Divas. On this day Langar was also organized by Bhagwan Mahavir Charitable Trust for the poor. The devotees present on this occasion wished and prayed for long life of Acharya Shriji. Various songs, bhajans and poems were presented by them to express their inner heart feelings. Mahasadhavi Kiran ji
Maharaj also expressed her feelings and praised the qualities of Acharyaji. The Prabhavana of that day was performed by Shri Prem Raj Jain. On 19th September ‘Atam-Shukal-Shiv Prashan Manch’ was beautifully conducted by Shri Shubham Ji Maharaj and a number of brothers and sisters added to their knowledge by enthusiastically participating in it. The Shri Sangh honoured the 1st, 2nd and 3rd position holders in the contest. On 20th September free Medical Check-up Camp was organized in which thousands of patients were examined and free medicines were distributed.
On 21st September different schools presented a short play on the life sketch of Shivacharya in which 1st position was bagged by the students of P K R Jain Public School, 2nd position was held by P K R Jain Girls School and the 3rd was occupied by P K R Jain Vatika. P K R Jain Public School which stood 1st presented its programme on 23rd September again. On 21st September “Ek Raat Shivacharya Ke Naam”
On 22nd September, with the blessings and good wishes of Acharyashriji, the Chairman and the office bearers of Akhil Bhartiya Shravak Samiti inaugurated the Kshmapana Ank of Vimal Vivek Patrika. Samaj Gaurav Shri Vimal Jain Anshu presented his views on this occasion. ‘Kshamapana and Samarpan’ – bowing head before Acharyaji During the past four years many charges had been leveled against Shivacharyaji Maharaj for division of the Sangh. But he had been bearing all the disrespect like a true soldier of Lord Mahavira and continued to proceed in his ‘Veetraag Sadhana’. Many influential people tried to suppress him but he did not bow down against the truth. He continued to work for the Shraman Sangh. On the pious occasion of Samvatsari Acharya Shriji apologized to everyone from the inner core of his heart and brought the reality on the earth. The entire country welcomed this move. As the news of unity in the Shraman Sangh spread, brothers and sisters and distinguished members of various Shrisanghs individually and collectively reached to Acharyaji to convey their congratulations for this historic movement and asking forkshmapana as well.
Shri Kanti Lal Jain, The Chairman of Akhil Bharat Varshiya Swetambar Sthanakwasi Jain Conference; Shri ParasChajed, General Secretary; ShriKesrimal Burar, The Chairman of Jeevan PrakashYojna; ShriNem Chand Chopra, Youth Chairman; Shri KishoreChabia and his team are few names to mention. The Kshmapana letter of Shri Roop Muni Ji Maharaj was presented to Acharyaji which sought the blessings of Acharyaji and stated that we are indebted to theopen heartedness shown by you and we shall work with you to make the organization of Shraman Sangh stronger than ever. For rest of the issues, we shall come to you shortly. From the Punjab (Northern India) Shri T R Jain, Shri Rajinder Kumar Jain, Shri Rajinder Pal Jain, Shri Vimal Parkash Jain (President, Jain Sabha Jalandhar), Shri Amrit Lal Jain, Amritsar, Shri Padam Jain, Patiala, Shri Subhash Oswal, Delhi came to Acharyaji and welcomed the openness of Acharyaji to ask for Kshmapana.
They also asked for Kshmapana on their behalf and said that the whole Punjab bows before you and we shall make efforts to bring other saints into the mainstream who are still having any grievance. We pray that the Shraman Sangh be united and remain united. On this occasion Shri Prem Raj Jain, President, S S Jain Sabha; Shri Gulshan Jain,Gernral Secretary and Shri Rattan Lal Jain, President, P K R Jain Girls Sr. Sec. School Managing Committeewere also present. Besides the above, a group of 21 members, including Shri Manakchand Kothari, Shri Chetan Parkash Dungarwal, Shri Lunawat Ji, as representatives of Banglore Shri Sangh congratulated Acharya Ji and prayed to Acharya Ji for their next Chaturmas for Banglore. Shri Harsh Kumar Manot, Hyderabad; Shri Abhay Kotecha, Amaravati and their colleagues got the blessings of Acharya Ji.
Rastriya Mahila Adhyaksha of the Conference Smt. Leelabai Lodha, Vice-President Dr. Madhu Bala Jain, General Secretary Lata Vohra etc also expressed their total dedication and reverence for Acharya Ji. Some other members who expressed their complete faith in Acharya Ji and had the grace of his appearance included The President of Gian Parkash Yojna, Shri Prem Chand Kotecha, Bhusawal; Chairman of Karnataka, Smt. Shakuntala Mehta and Shri RajinderJain ,ShriKimti Jain and their colleagues from Hyderabad. Union of Two Outstanding Scholars
The union of the founder of The Art of Living, Shri Ravi Shankar Ji and founder of the Atam Dhyan, Shri Shivacharya Ji Maharaj took place in a very cordial manner. The two Great men of the era expressed their gratitude to each other and said that they don’t need any formality and will like to talk in an intimate manner. Both give more importance to meditation and both are working for peace in the world by meditation and love and aim to develop a tension-free society. Shri Ravi Shankar Ji said to Acharya Ji that it is due to such ascetics that every thing in the world is working in an organized manner. He prayed for the blessings of Acharya Ji. He was welcomed by Shri Deepak Jain, Cashier; Shri Umesh Jain Chairperson of the Youth Shravak Samiti and Shri Vinay Jain, General Secretary and other distinguished members of the society.
Meditation Teaches to Study by Delight With the kind blessings of Acharya Bhagwan Shri Shiv Muni JI Maharaj ‘Atam Chetna Shivir’ was organized in P K R Jain Public School by Shraman Sanghiya Mantri Shri Shirish Muni Ji Maharaj and Shri Shubham Muni Ji Maharaj in which students of 11th class participated. In this Shivir the participating children learnt the method to do Pranayam and meditation. The children used to be struck by tension due to their studies. They were told the methods to make tension free studies. They were also awakened about their responsibilities towards their home, school, city and the country by acknowledging the greatness inherent in them. It was a three-day camp in which Veetraag Sadhika Nisha Jain, Neha Jain, Smt. Renu Jain, Smt. Monti Jain, Smt. Kusum Jain and Smt. Damini Malhotra made their significant contribution.
The environment of the school improved a lot due to attending of the Shivir by more than 100 teachers of the school. The teachers said that earlier they used to get tensed and restless but now they remain active. The family life of the teachers also became healthy and affectionate. The teachers also said that we have done a lot of hard work to study and get degrees but we were going away from ourselves. This Shivir gave them an opportunity to know about themselves and it was indeed a big contribution of this camp.
Atam Dhyan Sadhna Shivir In order to make change in the basic structure of the society, Shivicharya Shri Ji started a movement of ‘Atam Dhyan’. Under this movement, every Shravak gets manifestation of the inherent power and is made to realize his responsibility towards the family, society, country and the whole world. By exposing the qualities of leadership, they are manifested in the ‘Sharan Bhav’ from the ‘Karta Bhav’ i.e. I am not doer but an acceptor. Acceptance of any circumstance is salvation and its non-acceptance is pain. Therefore every one should remember his basic nature that he is an acceptor not a maker/creator. He gave knowledge about the pure ‘Veetraag Dharm’ and explaining its nature spread the knowledge of - who am I? From where I have come? And Where I have to go? They were imparted knowledge of ‘Veetraag Samayik’.