In his address, Acharya Samrat Dr. Shri Shivmuni Ji M.S. remarked that today, there are numerous news channels across the globe. While progress and new means of comfort and convenience are emerging daily both at home and abroad, individuals remain neither joyful nor satisfied; they lack true happiness. In the past, there were no convent schools; instead, Indian culture featured Gurukuls. Gurukuls were led by Acharyas (teachers) who imparted knowledge of all ancient disciplines. Looking at history—whether the lives of Lord Rama or Lord Krishna—one finds that they all pursued their studies while residing in Gurukuls. There, they were taught Brahma-gyan (supreme spiritual knowledge); that is, they studied the nature of the self.

Acharya Bhagwan further explained that self-knowledge (Atma-gyan) or Brahma-gyan is essentially an introduction to one’s own self—one’s soul. Once a person attains self-realization, they can lead a blissful life regardless of whether they possess wealth, status, or prestige. This is because they realize that happiness does not lie in material objects (pudgal), but resides solely within the soul.

Citing the example of Saint Ravidas, he noted that the saint worked as a cobbler. Although people persecuted him, he remained calm and continued his work. In those days, people from lower castes were often denied access to village wells; some approached Saint Ravidas to share their plight. As soon as Saint Ravidas offered a prayer, water miraculously appeared in abundance. Saint Ravidas was a saint of the highest order, possessing self-knowledge and self-realization. It is said, “If the mind is pure, the Ganges flows in the humble water-vessel (kathoti).” People were even healed by the water from his vessel. The key lies in Atmabal—the immense power inherent in the soul.

Acharya Bhagwan also remarked that we are currently slumbering in the sleep of worldly attachment (moha). Since time immemorial, man has been slumbering in the sleep of delusion due to a lack of realization of his true self (the soul); consequently, he wanders through the four realms of existence and the 8.4 million species of life. A spiritual seeker who has realized the soul can attain liberation from this cycle of worldly existence. The soul is pure, perfect, and free from conceptual thought; it can be known only through one’s own direct experience.

In his address, Pramukh Mantri Shri Shirish Muni Ji M.S. stated that religion should not merely be a matter of ritualistic acts but should manifest in one’s life. When religion truly manifests in life, the individual becomes absorbed in the state of the infinite Siddhas (liberated souls). A seeker performs religious practices such as fasting, great vows (Mahavratas), and Samayik (equanimity meditation); however, the crucial factor is whether, during those acts, one was abiding in one’s true nature (Swabhava) or in a state of deluded modification (Vibhava). The living being (Jiva) cannot truly be the ‘doer’ (Karta). Jain philosophy places great emphasis on such subtle nuances. All souls are equal, but if one succumbs to the ego—believing there is no one superior to oneself or becoming arrogant about one’s knowledge—and engages in reactive behavior, Karma bondage ensues.

Sahamantri Shri Shubham Muni Ji M.S. presented a devotional song (Bhajan) titled “Sansar ko Jibhar dekh liya ab tumko bhi Jibhar dekhenge.”

Devotees observing austerities such as Upvas (complete fast), Ekasan (single meal a day), and Ayambil (a specific dietary austerity) via online platforms took their formal vows (Pratyakhyan).

In addition to local residents, devotees from Udaipur, Bardoli, and Hyderabad were present at today’s gathering to seek the blessings and audience of the Guru.