The new year heralds a new beginning for a historic site in Hertfordshire, as the former Falconer Hall in Bushey reopens as the Shrimad Rajchandra Mission Dharampur (SRMD) London Spiritual Centre. The refurbished centre opens its doors to an array of spiritual and community service activities, establishing ancient Indian traditions in this quiet Hertfordshire town.
From spiritual discourses, yoga, meditation, and inter-faith sessions, the centre will also serve as a place of worship, spiritual practice, and charitable activities for its members, breathing new life into the historic site. To mark the opening of the centre, the first day of 2019 was greeted with a spectacular celebration in the form of a traditional Indian procession. Pujya Gurudevshri Rakeshbhai; spiritual visionary and guiding light of SRMD, arrived on a majestic 16ft tall mechanical elephant, heralding the start of the celebrations.
In her opening speech The Worshipful Mayor of Herstmere, Cllr Brenda Batten welcomed SRMD UK to Bushey, remarking on the contribution of the Jain community to the British way of life. This sentiment was echoed by Lord Dolar Popat who was delighted to join the celebrations despite having just arrived from India. Lord Jitesh Gadhia, and Sri Ramana Devi of Shiva Trust also graced the occasion.
Lord Popat also referred to the universal values of non-violence, peace and tolerance that underpin the Jain religion emphasising their importance in today’s world. These values also greatly influenced India’s iconic leader, Mahatma Gandhi through his spiritual mentor Shrimad Rajchandra. This great Jain saint and philosopher is the inspiration and guiding light of SRMD and his life and luminary works continue to provide spiritual growth to thousands of seekers around the world.
The Procession commenced with a ceremonial flag-off, as classic British carriages and cars carrying deities, devotees and Pujya Gurudevshri Rakeshbhai flowed out of Bushey Academy School, followed by over 1,800 participants.
Celebrants danced in joyous rapture to the sound of traditional drums and devotional chants. Local residents and spectators could not help but be intoxicated by the joyous energy that engulfed the once-quiet streets of Bushey, even offering rose petals to deities in the passing carriages. They were all joining in the celebrations, dancing and chanting with attendees from as far afield as Australia, Kenya, Dubai, India and Ireland.
Live TV coverage of the event allowed viewers from remote villages in India to those in Hawaii to be a part of the joyous event.
The procession culminated in a powerful religious ceremony that stirred the heart and soul of each person present as the SRMD London Spiritual Centre was sanctified as a Jain place of worship.
This grand procession was the pinnacle of a four-day event in London which included a special residential retreat where participants from all over the world enjoyed five illuminating discourses by Pujya Gurudevshri, bringing in the new year with the sounds of ancient Japanese drumming, mystical Sufi poetry readings and cultural performances by participants.
Over the last decade, SRMD UK has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to serve and bring joy to all living beings through the global ten-fold programme, Shrimad Rajchandra Love and Care (SRLC).
SRLC has led and executed diverse local community projects including tree plantation drives, organ and blood donation drives, blanket distribution to the homeless, food and clothing donations, elderly care and prisoner welfare, and emergency relief aid.
Fund raising activities have raised thousands of pounds for many worthy causes, including Sense International and St Francis Peace Hospice in Hemel Hempstead.
This year to highlight SRMD UK’s commitment to the pledge of reducing plastic use as an environmental initiative of the SRMD Love and Care programme, all cups, plates, tissues and cutlery used in the serving of meals at the London Spiritual Centre from 1st January 2019 will be made from environmentally friendly materials.
The London Spiritual Centre will facilitate daily practice of prayer and devotional hymns, spiritual discourses, group meetings for members of varied age groups, value-based education for children and young adults, meditation retreats and self-development workshops, community service projects under SRLC, celebrating Jain festivals and other auspicious occasions, hosting multi-faith events, open days to introduce the principles of Jainism, and classes on yoga, wellness, and healthy cooking amongst others.
The London Spiritual Centre will stand testament to India’s spiritual wealth and share its benefit with all members of the community in London, providing a beacon of love and peace for all who enter this reinvigorated community space.
