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A Tribute to Acharya Mahapragyaji
(Memorial Services)
In the presence of Samani Akshay Pragya ji & Vinay pragya ji
Where: JVB Preksha Meditation Center
When: Sunday, June 13, 4:00 pm
Acharya Shri Mahapragya (14 June 1920 - 9 May 2010) was the tenth Acharya, supreme head of Jain Swetambar Terapanth sect. Under the guidance of Acharya Tulsi, he exercised deep practice of meditation, and experimented with various techniques. He undertook deep research of Jain Aagam - ancient scriptures, Yoga science, Biology, Modern Physics, Naturopathy, and Ayurveda. With the blessings of Acharya Tulsi, on 5th February 1995, Mahapragyaji was formally consecrated as the 10th Acharya of Terapanth religious order.
He developed the Preksha Dhyan technique in the 1970's, promoted nonviolence, and led Ahimsa Yatra movement from 2000 to 2007. Along with Acharya Tulsi, he brought the concept of sending learned Samanas and Samanis, (laypersons with advanced vows) abroad to promote the principles of Jainism, and Preksha Dhyan.
He had travelled more than 100,000 km on foot in his 80 years of pure monkhood covering more than 10,000 villages, reaching out to masses, and spreading the message of harmony and peace. He walked across the length and breadth of India from Kutch in Gujarat to Kolkata and from Punjab to Kanyakumari and addressed thousands of public meetings.
Anuvrat Anushasta Yugpradhan Acharya Shri Mahapragya is the only name in this era whose multidimensional personality and enormous contribution for the educational, social and religious cause can never be overlooked. He has enlightened the whole world by his profound knowledge intuitive insight and wisdom. His mere presence brought an aura of unparalleled spirituality and tranquility. His extraordinary sermons reflected his immense wealth of knowledge, yet were simple enough for the ordinary people to grasp the "essence". He was a genius Scholar, outstanding Acharya & Guru, proficient Educator, innovative Reformer, untiring propagator of Jainism especially Ahimsa & Anekant, rational thinker, prolific writer, great orator and a celebrated crusader for Peace and Harmony.
His name is the Symbol of Spirituality of the Twentieth Century. His extraordinary talent has presented Science and Spiritualism as synonymous to each other. This completely New Theory in the religious field has provided many new dimensions to the field of Religion. Humility, kindness, wisdom, courtesy, patience and universal friendship are only some of his noble virtues.
"I believe in that religion which has moral values at its foundation and spirituality at its peak"
Acharya Mahapragya