JAIN ACHARYAS
Scholarly and Spiritual Pillars
Sushil Kumarji Maharaj
For over 50 years, Acharya Shri Shushil Kumarji (June 15, 1926 - April 22, 1994) dedicated his life to bringing global peace through Ahimsa (non-violence) and resolutions when inner-faith conflict and tensions peaked. "Guruji" as commonly referred to as by his devotees was a self-realized master of meditation and science of sound, and more famously the first Jain monk to leave India in order to spread Lord Mahivira and Jain religion with his mantras, teachings, philosophies, and personal life experiences.
This major shift in 1975 was a major controversy both locally in India and overseas, separating centuries of rules and regulations, since Jain monks were not allowed to travel any other way than foot.
Before leaving, he already walked over 150,000 kilometers (approximately 93,000 miles) barefoot and bare-headed to ensure his lessons personally reached the masses and locals in India, across several states (I.e. Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir, Punjabi, and Uttar Pradesh).
His Holiness (born as Sardar Singh) was world renowned for his peacemaking abilities and spiritual wisdom, but also was an orator, yogi, and teacher amongst many subjects. He acquired degrees in Shastri Acharya, Vidya Ratna, and Sahitya Ratna. In addition, he mastered Indian classic and yogic philosophies.
Through these life experiences and efforts, he found several worldwide institutions, including, but not limited to:
- Bharatiya Ahinsak Samaj
- Bombay Cow Protection Committee Jain Shastra Sahitya Prakashan
- Vishwa Dharam Sangam Acharya Sushil Foundation
- Kundalini Science Centre International World Jain Congress
- Adhyatmic Vikas Mandal
- Vishwa Ahimsa Sangh
- International Mahavir Jain Mission World Religion Congress
- International Arhat Jain Sangh Temple of Understanding
No matter what religion, race, color, or gender, Acharya Sushil Kumarji had the inner strength to bring all religions together, an ability that would later change the perception of gender equality that we still know today. He became the go-to-mediator for Jains, Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, Christians, and many more religions.
He strongly believed that we are all Hindus, not the religion, but the culture itself. From his inspiring beliefs, he further founded Vishwa Hindu Parishad and motivated hundreds and thousands of devotees to build Hindu-Jain temples in North America and internationally.
Most recently, he founded the International Mahavira Jain Mission, eventually becoming part of the United Nations. This engraved a permanent mark of Guruji's universal, lifetime achievements and efforts in Jain religion and beyond.
Roop Chandra ji Maharaj
Acharya Shri Roop Chandra ji Maharaj is profoundly known as being an academic scholar, philosopher, poet, and writer. His Holiness's vast academic studies not only focused on extensive research on Jainism, but also on Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, and Sikhism. His teachings advocate health care, humanity, non-violence, peace, and spiritual values.
At the age of thirteen, he joined Jain Order through diksha (Jain Muni Diksha) under the guidance of Acharya Shree Tulsi. It was during these formidable years he discovered a passion for writing. Acharya Shri Roop Chandra ji went on to write several books, including his personal biographyHans Akela, Mai Kehta Ankhon Dekhi, and Wo Kya Jane Peer Parai.
Before promoting Jainism and comparative religions overseas, he already brought awareness and education publicly throughout India by foot. In fact, he traveled 31,000 miles (approximately 50,000 kilometers) by foot in India alone. Beyond India, his religion and life lessons extended to Canada, United Kingdom, United States, and many other countries.
Acharya Shri Roop Chandra ji Maharaj received several prestigious accolades, including the following:
- Man of the Year – 2004 by American Biographical Institute U.S.A.
- Amity Humanity Foundation
- National AIDS Control Organization
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