Pramoda Chitrabhanu

Pramodaji is the spiritual companion of Gurudev Shree Chitrabhanu. Born and brought up in a traditional Jain family, Pramoda was interested in the philosophy of Jainism from early childhood. She started studying at the age of eleven which gave a direction to her life and enriched her vision, knowledge and practice. Gifted in Sanskrit, Jain Mantras, music and vegetarian nutrition, she plays the sitar and has a refined and beautiful singing voice.

After receiving her BA from Bombay University, majoring in psychology, she dedicated her life to practicing meditation and studying Jain Dharma in depth. Pramodaji's main interest is to apply the Jain teachings into day-to-day life. She focuses on women's issues and helps them emerge from the small self and see their potential. Building self-confidence, love for family members (her sons Rajeev and Darshan, their wives and grand-children), love for people around us, and self-love - without ego - then you act with integrity, compassion, respect, kindness and appreciation toward all living beings.

She is President of the Jain International Meditation Center in Mumbai (Bombay), and since June 2000 on the Board of Directors for PETA in India (People For Ethical Treatments of Animals). She also sponsors projects in educating and rehabilitating the poor and underprivileged. She works for the Reverence for Life Society and for Beauty without Cruelty which promote animal welfare and the vegetarian way of life worldwide.

She has authored four books - Foods of Earth; Tastes of Heaven - Jain Symbols - To Light One Candle (co-authored with Clare Rosenfield) – The Book of Compassion (coauthored with Pravin K. Shah) During her stay in New York City, she gives classes in meditation and Jain Dharma, exposing Western students to the vision, ideals and concepts of Jain teachings.

In September 1989 she visited together with Gurudev Shree Chitrabhanu Berlin, Germany before the Fall of the Wall.