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About Noble World Foundation

Founded in 2004 in Chicago, the Noble World Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, has been a beacon of hope and transformation. Our mission is simple yet profound: to build a noble world through the practice of meditation.

Our guiding principle, ‘Discover yourself by turning within,’ underscores the transformative power of meditation. This philosophy, eloquently captured in the book Building a Noble World by our founder, Shiv R. Jhawar, resonates with the age-old wisdom of spiritual masters.

Lord Jesus professed, ‘The Kingdom of God is within you.’ Swami Muktananda echoed, ‘God lives within you as you.’ The Yajur Veda declares, ‘Aham Brahmasmi’ or ‘I am the Absolute,’ and the Bible affirms, ‘I am That I am.’ These teachings converge in Socrates’ timeless call: ‘Know thyself.’ Our ethos of self-discovery is not just a path but a journey towards profound self-awareness and understanding the essence of the ‘world.’

We view the ‘world’ not as a vast, impersonal expanse but as a tapestry woven from individual lives. Families, societies, nations, and the world itself are but the sum of individual beings. True transformation begins within each of us. When an individual finds peace, the world reflects that peace.

At the Noble World Foundation, we don’t aim to change the world in one grand sweep. Instead, our focus is on transforming the heart of each individual. For it is in the changed heart that the seeds of a noble world are sown.

We serve individuals from all walks of life, transcending races, creeds, nations, genders, and religions. Our belief is firm: a noble world begins from within. Today, we extend an invitation to you. Join us in this noble quest to build a world of peace, unity, and harmony.

What Is 501(c)(3) Status?

501(c)(3) is a designation under the United States Internal Revenue Code (IRC) that grants a nonprofit organization (NPO) exemption from federal taxes. Organizations with this status can receive tax-deductible donations, which is advantageous for both the NPO and its donors. Donors prefer giving donations to 501(c)(3) organizations to reduce their income tax burdens.

Once an organization has its 501(c)(3) status, it can apply for various grants, engage in fundraising, and obtain donations. Lacking 501(c)(3) status can significantly hinder an organization’s fundraising capabilities, particularly its ability to secure government funding and grants. Additionally, having this status confirms an organization’s legitimacy, which is crucial for donors before making donations. To retain their 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, NPOs must adhere to regulations and file specific forms with the IRS regularly.

Shiv Jhawar with Former Mayor of Chicago, Richard M. Daley

Shiv R. Jhawar has called Chicago home since 1974, after earning a Master’s in Accounting from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. With qualifications as a Master of Accounting Science (MAS), an Enrolled Agent (EA), and a Chartered Accountant (CA), Shiv has built a distinguished career based on integrity and excellence. For more details, you can explore his Wikipedia page.

Shiv’s life took a transformative turn on September 16, 1974, when he experienced a profound Kundalini awakening during a meditation talk by the renowned spiritual master Swami Muktananda (1908-1982). Speaking to a packed hall in Chicago, Swami Muktananda made three observations about him: “He is a very good boy,” “He is highly educated,” and “He comes from a noble family.” This awakening shifted Shiv’s entire perspective, leading him to write about his experience and insights in his book, Building a Noble World.

Since that awakening, Shiv’s journey has been guided by a deep awareness beyond physical labels like gender, religion, and race. Much like the illusion of a setting sun in an endless sky, he came to see birth and death as illusions within the vast consciousness of pure ‘I’-awareness.

In 2004, he founded the Noble World Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to promoting global unity, compassion, and peace. Through the foundation, Shiv has sought to bring people together, nurturing harmony and understanding across cultures. He believes that the root of human suffering lies in identifying solely with the body and mind, rather than recognizing our true, spiritual nature.

Shiv has a gift for making complex spiritual concepts clear and accessible, and he has devoted himself to sharing these insights through talks, writing, and meditation programs.

Shiv R. Jhawar’s Credentials

  • B.Com (Honors), University of Calcutta, 1968 (Top ten merit list)
  • Master of Accounting Science (MAS), University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1974
  • Chartered Accountant (CA), Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, 1970
  • Lecturer, H.R. College of Commerce and Economics, Mumbai, India (1971-1973)
  • Special Project Chief, CBS Television, Chicago (1974-1975)
  • Lecturer, City Colleges of Chicago, 1978
  • Enrolled Agent (EA), United States Treasury, 1979
  • Author of Building a Noble World, 2004
  • Founder, Noble World Foundation, a tax-exempt, non-profit organization, 2004
  • Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award recipient for career achievements, 2018
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