Apostle of Non-Violence and Peace

Early Life and Spiritual Initiation

Acharya Sushil Kumar, lovingly known as Guruji, was born on June 15, 1926, in Sikhopur, Haryana, later renamed Sushilgarh in his honor. At the age of seven, he left home to live with Shri Chotelalji Maharaj, and later received spiritual guidance from Shri Roop Chandji Maharaj. At 15, he embraced monkhood in the Swetambar Sthanakwasi Jain sect.

Gifted with a sharp intellect, he mastered classical Indian religious and yogic philosophies. His spiritual journey led him across India on barefoot pilgrimages, where he represented Jainism in important endeavors like the Saman Suttam, a unifying scripture for all Jain sects.

Master of Sound and Knowledge

Acharya Sushil Kumar discovered the spiritual secrets of sound embedded in the Namokar Mantra, central to Jainism, and authored Song of the Soul. Over his lifetime, he wrote more than 20 books, blending poetry, philosophy, and spiritual wisdom.

He developed Arhum Yoga, an ancient system of self-mastery through watchfulness, meditation, and the science of sound.

Global Mission for Non-Violence

Breaking centuries of tradition, on June 17, 1975, Acharya Sushil Kumar traveled abroad by aircraft to spread Bhagwan Mahavir’s message of Ahimsa (non-violence) and Anekantavada (plurality of viewpoints).

He founded and guided several organizations, including:

• World Fellowship of Religions (1957)
• Vishwa Ahimsa Sangh (1957)
• International Mahavir Mission (1977)
• Arhat Jain Sangh (1979)
• World Jain Congress (1981)
• World Center of Non-Violence

His vision extended beyond religion, promoting peace, animal protection, and environmental conservation.

Siddhachalam: A Spiritual Landmark

In 1983, he established Siddhachalam Ashram in Blairstown, New Jersey—the first Jain pilgrimage site (tirtha) outside India. Siddhachalam became the hub of American Jainism. In 1991, the U.S. Congress and several state legislatures recognized his contributions during the Pratishtha Ceremony of the main temple there.

Promoter of Peace and Harmony

Guruji was a tireless ambassador of peace:

• Convened the World Religions Conference (1957) with 1200 representatives from 27 countries.
• Initiated India’s cow protection movement (1966).
• Inspired a peace memorandum to the UN signed by leaders of eight nations (1982).
• Addressed global conferences in Britain, Australia, Moscow, and Chicago, often advocating animal rights, ecology, and human survival.
• In 1991, he even attempted peace mediation during the Gulf Crisis.

In 1982, the International Mahavir Jain Mission, founded by him, was affiliated with the United Nations, where Ahimsa was adopted as a guiding principle for protecting life.

Final Journey and Legacy

Acharya Sushil Kumar was revered for his wisdom, humility, and meditative mastery. On April 22, 1994, he attained Samadhi in New Delhi.

Tribute

The Department of Posts proudly issues a Commemorative Postage Stamp in honor of Acharya Sushil Kumar, saluting his life dedicated to peace, non-violence, and self-realization, and his tireless work for the spiritual uplift of humanity.