Frank Pallone: “I would like to thank Gurudev Shree Chitrabhanuji for providing such words of wisdom this morning here on the floor of…”

“I would like to thank Gurudev Shree Chitrabhanuji for providing such words of wisdom this morning here on the floor of the House of Representatives. Gurudev Shree Chitrabhanuji spent 28 years as a Jain monk. During his years in India, he founded the Divine Knowledge Society and other social welfare and emergency relief organizations. He is also a prolific writer, having written more than 25 books that reflect his message of world peace and nonviolence. The Jain religion, which places heavy emphasis on personal and societal nonviolence in thoughts, speeches and actions, has flourished in India for 3,500 years. This year Jains all around the world celebrate the 2,600th birth anniversary of Lord Mahavere, the last of the revered 24 genas, who spread the Jain message. I guess we could say in a way that Lord Mahavere was ahead of his time, once proclaiming all human beings are equal, whether male or female, rich or poor. I would like to thank Gurudev Shree Chitrabhanuji again for providing this morning's opening prayer and also Mr. Sushel Jain and all the Jains who have made the trip to Washington this morning to hear this prayer.”