FLUSHING, NY (TIP): The morning of May 22 brought to the auditorium of Hindu Temple Society in Flushing a large number of people, particularly from Jain community, for a rare spiritual experience. There was music. There was simple philosophy of life which often goes by the name of religion. And it all came from two great souls-Sangeet Martand Padma Vibhushan Pandit Jasraj Ji and Pujya Gurudev Shri Manak Muni Ji
Dr. Ajay Lodha, who recently received the prestigious Ellis Island Medal of Honor which ranks with him the presidents of USA and other top dignitaries of USA and his friends who included Anil Jain, Anu Jain, K.K. Mehta, Kanak Golia, Rajendra Bafna and Dr. Raj Bhayani, organized a morning of devotional music and a religious discourse by Pujya Gurudev Shri Manak Muni Ji who is on a visit to the US these days.
The presence of Sangeet Martand Padma Vibhushan Pandit Jasraj Ji as chief guest lent special grace to the spiritual event of which Muni ji was the star attraction.
The highlights of the spiritual morning was a musical narrative presented by Pandit Jasraj Institute of Music. The medley of bhajans filled the audience with rare inner peace. The musical segment also included a Ganesha Vandana in dance form.
Gurudev Shri Manak Muni Ji in his more than an hour long discourse dwelt on what makes human beings unhappy and how they can insulate themselves against the feeling of unhappiness. He said “dukh” and “sukh” are parts of life. It is the “mann” which needs to be kept under check to keep the feeling of “dukh” away.
Muni ji’s recipe to prevent the feeling of unhappiness overtaking human beings is to be always cheerful, always wearing a smile, and if possible, laugh. When people do that, they will experience peace and the feeling of “dukh” will not haunt them.
Muni Ji also spoke of the basic tenets of religion. He said love, brotherhood, compassion and peace are essentials of Dharma. These qualities keep conflicts away and bring happiness to the entire mankind.
Both Pandit Jasraj Ji and Gurudev Manak Muni Ji were profusely praised by Dr. Ajay Lodha who welcomed them. Both were presented bouquets by one of the organizers Anu Jain and some others and honored with traditional scarfs.
Dr. Shashi Shah emceed the program.