Acharya Chandanaji In India Today

This article from India Today, titled "Acharya Chandanaji in India Today," highlights the revolutionary and impactful work of Acharya Shri Chandanaji, a prominent Jain spiritual leader. The summary below is based on the provided pages.

Acharya Shri Chandanaji: A Pioneer of "Compassion in Action"

The article introduces Acharya Shri Chandanaji as an extraordinary individual who has profoundly touched the lives of millions. It begins with an emotional testimonial from Bhola Prasad, a flood victim in Bihar, who found immense solace and courage from Acharya Chandanaji's presence and words during a time of utter devastation. This personal account sets the stage for understanding the deep impact she has on individuals from all walks of life.

A Revolutionary in the Jain Tradition:

Acharya Chandanaji is presented as a pivotal figure who initiated a significant shift within the Jain tradition by championing the concept of "Compassion in Action." She is the first Jain Sadhvi to receive the title of "Acharya," a testament to her leadership and influence. Breaking from historical norms that often restricted ascetics to introspection and individual liberation, she inspired and trained renunciates to actively engage in social service and community upliftment. This move was revolutionary, challenging traditional practices and reinterpreting the essence of Jainism to align with contemporary societal needs.

Challenging Tradition for Compassion:

Born Shakuntala in 1937, she renounced the world at the young age of 14. After a period of vow of silence, she embarked on a journey of profound questioning about existing traditions. She pondered why ascetics were discouraged from actively helping the suffering, why religious focus seemed solely on individual liberation, and why the path of active service (Seva) was not integrated into asceticism. Her core belief is that religion should not only aim for Moksha (liberation) but also provide solutions for everyday challenges and bring peace and bliss. She felt that traditions had narrowed the expansive philosophy of Tirthankar Mahavir into rigid rituals, and she was driven to spread Mahavir's teachings of unconditional love and compassion to all.

Veerayatan: A Global Organization of Service:

Three decades ago, Acharya Chandanaji founded Veerayatan, an organization dedicated to Seva (service), Shiksha (education), and Sadhna (inner development). Veerayatan operates as a non-profit, non-governmental organization with offices in ten countries, impacting thousands of lives over the past 40 years. The organization runs hospitals, schools, colleges, and vocational training programs, serving all individuals irrespective of their background. Veerayatan has been at the forefront of disaster relief, providing immediate aid and rehabilitation after events like the Gujarat earthquake, the Tsunami, and various floods.

Key Achievements and Philosophy:

The article lists numerous achievements of Veerayatan under Acharya Chandanaji's guidance, including:

• Inspirational programs for addiction-free societies and healthy living.
• Establishment of schools, colleges, and hostels for underprivileged children.
• Extensive medical treatments, including a significant number of eye surgeries.
• Rehabilitation efforts for earthquake-affected children.
• Vocational training programs for self-reliance.
• The establishment of educational institutions in Kutch.
• Environmental awareness programs and spiritual training centers.
• Development of retirement communities in the USA.

Acharya Chandanaji's philosophy extends to a deep love for nature and animals, and she believes in the power of creativity and the importance of transforming pilgrimage sites into centers of motivation. She advocates for making entire villages "temples" rather than just constructing temples within villages.

Celebrating through Service:

In anticipation of her 75th birthday, Acharya Chandanaji emphasized that "Seva is my only celebration." This sentiment underscores her unwavering commitment to service. The commemoration included a mega medical camp in Bihar, performing thousands of surgeries, and announcing the opening of new educational and vocational programs nationwide. The celebration aims to spread the message of Ahimsa and Compassion, with the guiding principle: "where there is a temple there should also be a school."

Personal Insights and Motivations:

In an interview, Acharya Chandanaji reflects on her childhood inspiration, her belief in past lives, and her innate drive to sympathize and serve. She reiterates her belief that true religion addresses the suffering of others, and that traditions should not impede acts of compassion. She sees Veerayatan's work as a "small drop in the ocean" and wishes to expand its reach to animal welfare. Her vision for the next generation of Sadhvis is one of selfless service, devoid of ego and personal gain, acting as "divine messengers on earth."

A particularly memorable incident recounted is her encounter with a young girl named Malu, who, despite her own poverty, was willing to give all her earnings to support the school being built for poor children. This act of selfless generosity deeply impacted Acharya Chandanaji. She views the "divinity within" as her source of inspiration and defines Moksha as absolute freedom from pain and the ability to smile and experience joy. Her motive for Seva stems from her inability to witness suffering and her desire to help, which has become an intrinsic part of her being.

Finally, she emphasizes the importance of gratitude in strengthening human relationships, recognizing our interdependence with nature and fellow humans. She urges a daily reflection on what others have done for us and a commitment to contributing to the well-being of others, believing this shift in attitude can transform lives and relationships.