Festival of Forgiveness	By Mahadev Desai
	Photos : Ketan Shah

 Over 450 blissful devotees attended Paryushana Maha Parva 2004; the Festival of Forgiveness celebrated at the Jain Temple of Atlanta on Sunday, September 12. Jain Society of Greater Atlanta organized the event.

Gurudev Chitrabhanuji graced his presence to the many devotees. He had previously inspired in the building of the Jain Temple in Atlanta and is now here again to bless the new proposed building of adjoining Jain Derasar in the near future.

Gurudev Chitrabhanuji a man of calm and composed gave an erudite spiritual discourse soon after lunch. Gurudev began by reciting “Namokar Mantra” the Jain Prayer that shows our respect for those souls, which are liberated as well as those who are on the path to be liberated. He has command over various languages, touring various Jain centers around the world. He brought the Jain philosophy to the West. He spread the message of Ahims and Anekantvaad by his writings, he has written over 25 books.

He said he was happy to participate in the most auspicious Mahavir Jayanti celebrations as well as Paryushana Parva. During Paryushana, the devotees fast from eight to eleven days. It is a period of admission and atonement for sins by seeking forgiveness.

He inspired the young generation to learn, understand, and practice true Jaina Dharma. Also encourages Jains to take charge of their own spiritual journey and use their energies for the benefit of all through Ahimsa, and reverence for all life. His visit helps to generate solidarity in the Jain community and help strengthen its identity.

Gurudev spoke about “aparigraha” meaning detachment or non-attachment. “God is within us but we keep on searching for Him outside. What lies behind you, what lies around you and what lies in front of you is nothing compared to what lies within you. Man is a creature of habits and clings to material things. He must learn to conquer his ego and cultivate detachment by living a life of frugality-kam khao, gum khao and nam jao; which means eat sparsely, speak less and be humble and respectful”. He also referred quotes from the sacred Srimad Bhagwad Gita to perform good deeds without expecting fruits in return.

Then he spoke about Lord Mahavir’s life and how he had forsaken everything in his spiritual quest. While talking about the “Sapna ceremony” he said Lord Mahavira’s mother Trishala had 14 beautiful and wholesome dreams in which each symbol signified noble virtues in Lord Mahavira. Gurudev said that it was important to have a dream and realize it. He said when he was 15, he had dreamt of going to Harvard. At that time, he felt that it was an empty dream but serendipitously he was invited to address the Second Spiritual Conference at Geneva in 1970. About 3000 scholars representing different philosophies attended this Conference, where he was invited to inaugurate it. He had spoken about “Ahimsa” and got a standing ovation for his inspirational talk. The Dean of Harvard attended that Conference and having been greatly impressed by Gurudev’s scholarly talk invited him to Harvard University in 1971, where he was one among the twelve scholarly panel members!

After the conclusion of Gurudev’s discourse, the “Sapna” ceremony was performed. Raju Shah, the President of JSGA-2004, said that he felt very happy and proud that Gurudev’s visit coincided with one more laudable initiative of the Jain Society-“Jain Derasar” In addition, he has also blessed the Jain Scholarship program to be implemented this year. He said that Navin Shah, the Chairperson and Committee members Rajen Sheth and Youth Director Ketan Shah would announce the details of the Scholarships to be awarded during Diwali/New Year this year.

The evening came to an end with the Swami Vatslaya dinner coordinated by Mrs. Chetna Malbari.