Dada J. P. Vaswani
Revered Dada J. P. Vaswani, Sadhu Vaswani Mission, Pune, India: 1918-2018
Dada J. P. Vaswani…epitomizes the life of Dharma. He is a living example of how the spirit and the practice of our ancient traditions can be purely maintained, even amongst the changes and challenges of this modern age.
Avid readers who have read Dada’s best-selling books regard him as a great inspirational writer. Distinguished audiences who have heard him address eminent forums like the World Parliament of Religions, the Global Forum of Spiritual Leaders, the House of Commons, and the United Nations hail him as a brilliant and captivating orator. Animal lovers revere and admire him as an apostle of non-violence who strived tirelessly for the cause of reverence for all life. And, to the thousands spread all over the globe, Dada J.P. Vaswani has been an unquestioned spiritual leader.
Born on August 2, 1918, Dada J.P. Vaswani was a brilliant student who obtained his B.S. degree at the youthful age of seventeen. His M.Sc. Thesis on “The scattering of X-Rays by Solids” was examined by Nobel-Laureate, Dr. C.V Raman. Although Dada’s conclusions were in divergence with those of Dr. Raman, the originality of his views impressed the eminent scientist. Dada gave up a career in academics to follow in the footsteps of his illustrious uncle and Guru, Sadhu T.L Vaswani.
To propagate the master’s ideals, Dada edited three monthly journals – the Excelsior, the India Digest, and the East and West series. He served as the Principal of the Mission’s St. Mira’s College for Girls, in Pune, India. He set a living example before teachers and students and was dearly loved by them. Dada authored of over one hundred fifty books in English. His writings reveal practical tips on happy, successful, spiritual, and non-violent living. Many of his books have run into several editions and have been translated into seventeen world languages. Most recently, the Sadhu Vaswani Mission has published the “Anjali Sangraha,” a compilation of spontaneous outpourings of songs composed, written, recited, or sung, by Dada in his lyrical native Sindhi language. This 1,001-page volume comprises of heart felt renderings which are seeped with a deep sense of love and longing, gratitude, and glorification of the Lord. Dada uses the ‘nom de plume,’ ‘Anjali’ in his compositions, which means ‘offering.’
Messenger of Universal Love, Interfaith Harmony, and Ahimsa (Non-violence): The very essence of Dada’s being
Dada was born in Hyderabad, Sindh Province of Pakistan. He was born into a Hindu family that was very much influenced by the teachings of the Sikh saint, Guru Nanak. By 1948, as the region frayed into religious chaos caused by political upheaval and the partition of the sub-continent, Dada was compelled to move to India along with his Master. In February 1949, they settled in Pune, India. There Sadhu Vaswani propagated a life of spiritual orientation, promoting the practice of kirtans (group chanting), prayer, meditation, and above all, living for others.
In 1966, when Sadhu T.L. Vaswani shed his physical body, the baton was passed on to Dada J.P. Vaswani. Since then, Dada’s life journey was an embodiment of the ideals of the Guru’s teachings. He continued to travel across India, bringing his master’s message of universal love, compassion, and kindness, to people of all faiths and religions. In 1982, at age 64, Dada began his first overseas journey – spreading the Mission’s vision of Oneness to the four corners of the world. The pilgrimage we need to undertake, according to Dada, is within us. There we shall discover all the holy places, the holy rivers, the holy music. The great Ones, Sri Rama, Sri Krishna, Guru Nanak, Gautama Buddha, Jesus…. are all omni-present within us!
SOCIAL MEDIA
Furthering one of the Mission’s core tenets of ‘reverence for all,’ Dada popularized November 25th, Sadhu Vaswani’s birthday, as ‘International Meatless Day’ across the world. On Dada’s birthday, August 2nd, people observe the ‘Moment of Calm’ at 2 pm as part of a global peace initiative that aims at bringing calm to one’s heart through the power of forgiveness and love. Forgiveness, Dada believed, is the key to happiness.
Despite a quadruple heart by-pass surgery in 1998, and fractures of the collar bone, arm, and hip, from a fall in 2010, Dada continued to maintain a rigorous travel schedule until a day before his hospitalization in June this year. Every breath of his being, he maintained, is a gift of God that must be spent in service of the suffering children of humanity. In the newly released biography, “Guru of None, Disciple of All – The Life and Times of Dada J.P. Vaswani,” the author speaks of “his radiant glow, twinkling eyes, energy, and sharp wit.” Dada, she continues, “proves that youth is not a matter of age, but a matter of mind.”
Under his leadership, the Mission has established 70+ spiritual centers worldwide whose volunteers offer non-denominational service to all communities in need; 18 educational institutions, with approximately 20,000 students of all faiths; 7 hospitals that offer free medical services, heart transplants, cataract surgeries, etc., regardless of caste or creed.The Sadhu Vaswani Mission celebrates significant days in the lives of great ones from all faiths. Scriptures from world religions are often read at the Mission’s centers on such occasions. Dada’s homilies were peppered with stories of saints from all religions. He encouraged the faithful to enter into some form a loving relationship with God. “If Lord Krishna is my brother,” he often exclaimed, “then Jesus is my uncle!” Some of Dada’s books that further elucidate his vision for interfaith harmony include, “Many Paths: One Goal,” “Many Scriptures: One Wisdom,” and “Peace or Perish – There Is No Other Choice!” Notable among his books on love and non-violence are: “The Terror Within,” “Face It with Love,” “The Miracle of Forgiving,” and “Dewdrops of Love.” One of the very last books written by Dada in 2018 is a collection of anecdotes, life experiences, practical suggestions, and stories. The book is aptly titled, “Alphabets of Good Life.” The book will mark his enduring gift to the world.
Books Published By Dada
