UK – Canada – USA Dharmayatra 2024

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As the first leg of the Dharmayatra, United Kingdom was graced by the esteemed presence of Pujya Gurudevshri as He arrived to enrich the spiritual journey of seekers and envelop them in divine affection.

The city of Leicester was graced by the sacred presence of Pujya Gurudevshri, whose arrival aimed to inspire and uplift spiritual seekers. Dipesh–Sejal Mehta were the gracious hosts.

The Master’s soul-nourishing discourse at Leicester drew numerous aspirants eager to advance on their spiritual journey. Among the distinguished attendees were newly elected Member of Parliament for Leicester East, Shivani Raja; Former Deputy Mayor of London, Rajesh Agrawal; Councillor Deepak Bajaj; High Bailiff and Assistant City Mayor, Manjula Sood MBE and Head of Outreach – BAPS, Sanjiv Patel. Members of Leicester Raj Parivar were also blessed with a bhakti session and Udghosh.

Pujya Gurudevshri’s padhramanis brought ceaseless joy to devotees. Bharat–Pratibha Mehta, Jayprakash–Damyanti Gadhvi, Nimesh–Arti Pathak and Harjit–Hema Nanuwa were filled with love during the unforgettable pratishthas.

Pujya Gurudevshri has been blessing aspirants of the United Kingdom with Dharmayatras since the past two decades. The devotees commemorated 20 Years of Divinity in UK as He arrived in London this year. His grateful hosts were Ashwin–Jignasha Mehta.

The city of London buzzed with spiritual fervour as thousands of seekers gathered over four days for profound discourses, uplifting bhakti and the celebrations of 20 Years of Divinity in UK. Through riveting pravachans, Pujya Gurudevshri emphasised tireless working towards the attainment of one’s true Self by engaging in the process of listening, contemplation and meditation in the right manner. The event was attended by several dignitaries including Mayor of Hertsmere, Richard Butler; Chairman of the Institute of Jainology, Nemu Chandaria OBE and CEO of Team Relocations, Yogesh Mehta. The audience enlivened their mind, body and spirits with the practice of meditation and yoga.

The 20th-anniversary celebrations featured soulful dances and cultural performances depicting journeys of inner transformation over the past two decades. The gathering saw the launch of the Shrimad Rajchandra Love and Care NutriBuddy Project, a new social initiative to help homeless people. This initiative was inaugurated by Pujya Gurudevshri and Former Deputy Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Oliver Dowden.

Jubilation filled the air as Pujya Gurudevshri arrived at the London Spiritual Centre. A heartfelt bhakti by members of the London Youth Group energised the aspirants.

The Master’s padhramanis rekindled seekers’ enthusiasm and determination for their spiritual journey. Hearts were imbued with devotion and surrender during vibrant pratishthas for the privileged devotees Jayesh–Jagruti Shah, Roushab–Hemal Mehta, Oorvi Desai, Shital–Jigna Gosalia, Divyam–Hiral Shah, Avni Doshi, Mehul–Ruchi Khandhar, Bipin–Jayshree Mehta, Malav–Misha Shah, Priyank–Nidhi Shah, Rohan–Neha Sheth, Dikshali Shah and Mansi Mehta.

Pujya Gurudevshri’s recent visit to the UK marked the first-ever Atmarpit Diksha on British soil. This momentous occasion highlighted Amee Virani’s unwavering dedication to a higher calling. Amee, born and brought up in the UK, holds a BA in Spanish and Portuguese. She has also translated Param Krupalu Dev’s magnum opus, Shri Atmasiddhi Shastra, into Spanish.

The festivities commenced with an uplifting Atmarpit Mehendi ceremony. Atmarpit Nemiji’s session on the insightful understanding of the Guru in His various roles for a disciple’s upliftment deeply moved the audience. Through a skit, ‘Investing in Eternal Capital,’ Amee illustrated her resolute decision to choose the path of renunciation over worldly pleasures. Adorned in devotion, she danced to the sacred melody of Apurva Avasar. Her parents shared heartfelt narratives of her spiritual journey with Pujya Gurudevshri. The Master applied mehendi on her palms, inscribing the sacred name ‘Raj.’ Atmarpits, family members, parents, relatives and seekers participated in the ceremonial pithi application.

On June 23 Amee embraced the Atmarpit Diksha; solidifying her bond with the Lord. Her parents wholeheartedly supported her decision, celebrating her commitment to the Atmarpit way of life. With a heart brimming with devotion and a face radiant with joy, Amee venerated Bhagwan Mahavir, Param Krupalu Dev and Pujya Gurudevshri. The Master blessed her with vasakshep, bestowing upon her the Atmarpit attire. Pujya Gurudevshri delivered an inspiring discourse that uplifted the spirits of the devotees. The eagerly anticipated moment arrived and Pujya Gurudevshri initiated Amee into Atmarpit Diksha, blessing her with mala and kada. During her experience-sharing, Atmarpit Ameeben expressed profound gratitude to her beloved Master. The parents of the new Atmarpit were honoured and they too took a step forward towards detachment by embracing Ajivan Brahmacharya Vrat.

Filling the devotees of UK with moments of grace and wonder, Pujya Gurudevshri embarked on His journey towards Canada.

With the advent of Pujya Gurudevshri, the bustling and diverse city of Toronto was blessed with a wave of serenity. Mukesh–Harsha Shanghavi, Pramod–Rajeshwari Shanghavi and Nailesh–Geeta Vora were the privileged ones to host the Master.

During two enlightening discourses at the Jain Society of Toronto, Pujya Gurudevshri imparted invaluable wisdom that deeply touched the hearts of all attendees, inspiring a firm resolve to pursue a higher purpose. Among the attendees were Vipul Shah, President of the Jain Society of Toronto, alongwith other distinguished members. While in Toronto, the Master sanctified the homes and hearts of several devotees with His padhramanis and blessed seekers with Udghosh and bhakti sessions.

Canadian devotees were further graced with a three-day residential retreat with the beloved Master. Pujya Gurudevshri’s three powerful pravachans stirred the hearts of the aspirants present. These pravachans became catalysts for awakening new spiritual dimensions in the lives of the devotees. Seekers rejuvenated their minds and bodies through meditation, pranayama and yoga. Engaging games conducted by Atmarpit Nemiji imparted important life lessons. The evenings were adorned with heart-warming celebrations, featuring dances, musical dedications and skits performed by devotees. The group also experienced an intense connectionas they played dandiya over the recital of Shri Atmasiddhi Shastra.

Leaving seekers of all ages perfumed with the fragrance of spirituality, Pujya Gurudevshri departed for the USA.

Nestled in the serene mountains of Pennsylvania lies the Shrimad Rajchandra Ashram USA, a sacred sanctuary designed to accelerate spiritual journeys. Aspirants from across North America gathered at the Ashram from July 4 to 7 to spend cherished time with Pujya Gurudevshri and take part in various Pujans, discourses and celebrations.

The day of July 4 began with a memorable Shobhayatra and Sthapana ceremony. The event commenced with an inspiring speech by Atmarpit Nemiji, followed by the farewell of Snehal Shah as the outgoing President of Shrimad Rajchandra Mission Dharampur (USA) and the welcoming of Mitesh Kamdar as the new President. Core committee members of the USA Ashram were blessed with tilak. Atmarpit Smrutiji then delivered a message in the form of a prayer to the Ashram by Pujyashri Veenaben.

The Master flagged off the grand shobhayatra. Amidst dance, music and jubilation, the procession reached the main building where ladies welcomed the Lord with traditional gahulis. The Master performed the sthapana of the idol of Tirthankar Bhagwan, the chitrapat of Param Krupalu Dev and Charankamal. This was followed by the kumbh sthapana, performed by Aanya Sheth. The ceremony concluded with the unveiling of the Ashram name board.

Devotees gathered with boundless energy for taking part in Pujans sanctifying the Ashram space. The Bhoomi Pujan was conducted by Pujya Gurudevshri along with the USA Ashram Core Committee members. The Master also performed bhoomi shuddhi with pakshal water. Seekers were also blessed to participate wholeheartedly in the pious Siddhachakra Pujan. These pujans were ably conducted by Shri Shrenik Gala. In deep reverence for Param Krupalu Dev and His immortal work, Shri Atmasiddhi Shastra, devotees performed pujan of the sacred scripture in an atmosphere of euphoria. As each verse was sung, seekers young and old danced in joy, expressing their love for Param Krupalu Dev and Pujya Gurudevshri.

Through three enlivening discourses, Pujya Gurudevshri brought to light the rarity of this priceless human birth, cautioning all to not waste it over petty desires. Expounding on the glory of the right path, the Omniscient Lords as the benefactors of that path and the beloved Master who introduced us to that path, Pujya Gurudevshri infused in all the spirit that may they all remain victorious forever. Explaining the uniqueness of the pious Shri Atmasiddhi Shastra, Pujya Gurudevshri in several ways explained the scripture as a doorway to Self-realisation and liberation.

Atmarpit Nemiji made a detailed presentation about the upcoming USA Ashram and vision behind its various verticals. It was during the Ashram presentation that Atmarpit Nemiji declared the names of the new Trustees of Shrimad Rajchandra Mission Dharampur (USA). President Mitesh Kamdar, Secretary Aarti Shah, Treasurer Ketan Mehta, alongwith Trustees Mehul Shah, Kirit Daftary, Mahesh Wadher, Dharmesh Doshi, Rahul Jhaveri and our very own Atmarpit Nemiji were blessed with tilak, khes and rakshapotli by Pujya Gurudevshri.

The new Trustees of Shrimad Rajchandra Love and Care (USA) were also announced. Pujya Gurudevshri blessed President Snehal Shah, Secretary Chintan Mehta, Treasurer Kirti Desai, alongwith Trustees Rajeev Gandhi, Biren Mehta, Mitesh Lakhani, Abhishek Shah, Payal Kamdar and Chirag Shah with tilak, khes and rakshapotli.

Abiding by the will of the Master, Atmarpit Nemiji made each Trustee wear the new badge.

The Gurupurnima celebrations came like the pinnacle of the dharmayatra, with devotees revelling in an ambience of surrendership in the presence of the Master. The day began with Pujya Gurudevshri offering a garland and turban unto Param Krupalu Dev. Atmarpit Nemiji led a session, urging seekers to detach from bodily concerns and dedicate themselves to spiritual growth. The highlight was the Ashtaprakari Pujan by Pujya Gurudevshri. Laabharthis too performed the pujan alongwith the Master. This was followed by a serene meditation session where devotees melted into the Divine. During the ceremonial worship, devotees reverently performed Charanpujan and sought blessings from the Master.

The Master touched numerous lives and uplifted them to the realm of spirituality during His Dharmayatra spanning the UK, Canada and the USA. We humbly bow in reverence at the Lotus Feet of Param Krupalu Dev and Pujya Gurudevshri for bestowing us with Their refuge and blessing us with the path of devotion.