Our Cultural Heritage

Author(s): Atmanandji Maharaj
Publisher: Shrimad Rajchandra Sadhna Kendra Koba
Catalog link: https://jainqq.org/explore/001301/1

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OUR CULTURAL HERITAGE
Shrimad Rajchandra Adhyatmik
Sadhna Kendra (Shree Sat-Shrut Seva Sadhna Kendra) Koba - 382 009 Dist.: Gandhinagar (Gujarat-INDIA)
Jain Educa

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OUR CULTURAL HERITAGE
Pujya Shree Atmanandji
Shreemad Rajchandra Adhyatmik Sadhana Kendra
Koba, District: Gandhinagar, Gujarat (India) 382 007. Tel: (079) 23276219, 483 - 484 - 486 Fax: (079) 23276142

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PUBLISHER
PUBLICATION COMMITTEE
Shreemad Rajchandra Adhyatmik Sadhana Kendra
Koba, (District Gandhinagar), Gujarat (India) 382007
First Edition (English) Second Edition (English) Third Edition (English)
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1000 Copies (2000) 1000 Copies (2001) 3000 Copies (2007)
Price Rs. 30/
R. R. Sheth & Co.
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Ashok Samrat, Dagtari Road, Phone : 2013441/2058293 Malda (East) Mumbai--00007
Phone : 8829249
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ENAXXAR
FROM THE AUTHOR
It was my strong desire since childhood to achieve the best in life; something unprecedental and eternal, no matter how difficult it maybe. After achieving that, there will not be any desire to get anything else, because that achievement will be the greatest and the best in the world. This attitude and effort continued throughout the life.
This desire started taking a hazy shape at the age of 7 to 8 years but became clear at the age of 14 to 15. Good efforts started in that direction with the prayer to Goddess Saraswati and faith in God and Guru (spiritual preceptor). The journey to achieve that childhood dream of high spiritual achievement continued. There were many obstacles in the path, large and small, with several ups and downs, including my own weaknesses. In spite of all this, I have the satisfaction of having lived a life of 68 years which is clean, innocent , helpful to others , soul satisfying and full of joy, peace and bliss. I consider this achievement as a result of teachings of and blessings from the saints and spiritual guides (Sadguru).
Generally, in the last 45 years, whatever reading, writing, meditation , religious
ERAWAONA WAONDON

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discourses, prayers, lectures, pilgrimages, spiritual practices became second nature in my life, proved to bring me closer to my soul, its purification and Realization.
Still, if I look back on the last ten years of my experience, I feel that at this time neither the general public nor the inquisitive religious person is ready to digest the spirituality. As a result, instead of giving only spiritual medicine, I have provided the material that is practical and useful in the daily routine life while still leading towards spiritual progress. These practical points are partially listed below :
General purity of life.
* Good conduct and virtues.
*
* Art of effectively dealing (physicallymentally-verbally) with everybody (young or old) in the family, society and organizations. * True understanding of divine awareness while doing business, farming, trading or job (service).
* How to deal with the children, youth and new generation.
* What kind of basic attitude and behaviour to have so as to develop true qualifications for growth of life.

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By following these and other practical pointers based on experience and truth, which I have written in simple language in this booklet, will make the reader a better human being, a gentleman and a beginner on the path of soul purification.
One will see an imprint of Indian culture in this book because of deep-rooted effects of such culture through many lives and my acceptance of Indian upbringing and atmosphere since childhood. But looking closely, one will understand that in this book, fundamental human and spiritually inspiring opinions as well as thoughts and conduct are presented in such a way that it can give insight to higher values of life, naturally developing the background for ultimate goal of God Realization. There is no discrimination in this matter with respect to dress, language, religion, time, caste, creed, big or small. It is my hope that it will provide spiritual inspiration to all progressive people of the world from Los Angeles to Tokyo in the present times.
The material given here is simple and has been presented considering day-to-day events and circumstances. There is no effort of direct religious or spiritual preaching here. However,

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it will inspire people at every level to extract something good. I have inspired to integrate good cultural values in life, considering that awareness of virtues like peace, compromise, unselfish love, broad vision, mutual influence of thoughts-conduct, friendship to all people, usefulness of devotion to God and purity of thoughts in life will gradually lead to true spiritual inclination in future. I express my heartfelt wishes that it will be useful in slowing down and catching a breath to all, including children, youth, elders, women and those involved in the hustle-bustle of life with rat race.
Our close friend Dr. Kumarpal Desai has presented the heart of this book in his introduction, for which he deserves our sincere thanks.
Om, peace, peace, peace
Atmanand
Koba 9 April, 1998

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FIRST EDITION :
We feel very happy to present this book in the tradition of literature that is spiritual and useful in life and we hope that it will reverberate in the society.
This book, having a title very appropriate to its contents, will serve as a milestone to the reader. The reader feels like his own matter in every chapter. The guidance to our day-to-day life can be seen and to us that is the speciality of this book. Reader can not be interested in abstract talk, his reading needs to be relevant to beneficial changes in his present life.
The speciality of this book is that there is neither any pompous literary presentation nor any direct scriptural precepts, still it serves as a friend, philosopher and guide for us, o individually as well as collectively. Therefore, it has become truly “our cultural heritage”.
The author of this book, Pujya Shri Atmanandji, being a true aspirant of totality of 1 life and having consistency in his thoughtswriting-life conduct, his presentation touches our hearts. If we digest his matter, then our life will certainly change and we will

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experience the all-pervasive progressive light in our life.
We particularly request the reader to go through the introduction by Dr. Kumarpal Desai, which tells us many things related to this book and its author.
This is the English Version of the Book written originally in Gujarati for the benefit of the English Speaking public. Our senior, devout and well-versed aspirant Mahendra Khandhar (L.A., U.S.A.) has prepared the first script of this version quite satisfactorily. Our institution expresses its sincere gratitude and compliments him for this scholalry and philanthropic work.
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THIRD EDITION
I
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The Fisrt English Version of the original Gujarati book was published in 2000 A.D. & second edition was published in 2001 A.D. The purpose was to acquaint that section of our new gen- eration which does not know Gujarati.
For last about two months, the stock of the book is exhausted and the demand continues, specially from larger cities of India and overseas-visitors and Sadhakas, who continue to visit the institute.
Except for the chapter on Gurukul Education and some incidental minor alterations, this is a reprint of the second Edition. It is hoped that all the sections of our society will continue to imbibe the inspiration for our cultural values and be enlightened, happy, healthy and affectionate.
Due to increasing demand particularly in younger generation of foreign cuntries, we are pleased to publish this third edition.
Om Shanti Shanti Shanti
Atmanand

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INTRODUCTION SAINT SHOWS THE PATH
Famous Russian novelist Maxim Gorky was making rounds in Russian villages, talking enthusiastically about the scientific research and discoveries. He was saying that because of science, man is able to fly at high altitudes, travel in space, know about moonscape and reach the bottom of ocean.
Once Gorky was giving a lecture in a village. At the end of his lecture, an old villager asked Gorky a question that he understood well about man flying in
the sky or reaching the depth of ocean, but is there any any research being done about how man should live on this land ?
Listening to this question from the old man, made Gorky think deeply about it and he started observing the lifestlyes of surrounding humans.

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EXAXONAS
The extraordinary aspect of this book is that it has the objective of making human being a true man. The plant of true religiosity and higher spirituality can only grow on the land of noble character of a man. The first step of spirituality is clear clean life, nobility of thoughts, awareness of duty and worship of virtues. Therefore, in this book, the feeling of good-for-all 6 Indian culture is expressed. The need for integrating viewpoint in life is emphasized. There are thoughts about time utilizatiom, retirement planning, benefits of hard work, health care, character nobility, humility in speech and allied fundamental but important matters 6 of life. Revered Atmanandji has given the cream of his total life - experience instead of typical ordinary conclusions. Instead of showing path of artificial compromise, he has emphasized the eternal reflections. The saint presents his thoughts for the overall progress of the entire surrounding society.
The saint who overlooks the reality of society is a said to promote “spiritual laziness” according to Swami Vivekanand. One who introduces soul, should know the surrounding world. One who talks about religious feelings should know about the practical conflicts of life.
One who uplifts the society is a saint. Soul purification of a true saint is not limited to the small circle of self. Saint gives fragrance to the society, spreads it all around and if necessary, will make new
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fragrances. This book has been from a saint's feelings for the society and higher cultural values of life.
It is better to have a trickle of good conduct than a mountain of hollow preaching. One can get the necessary inspiration for development and growth from the life of Pujya His Holiness Shri Atmanandji, who turned towards nationalism at the young age of 11, and towards spirituality at the youthful age of 16. At the root of our culture, which has made our nation great for thousands of years, there are values instilled by saints at various times. Be that saint Narsimh Mehta or Tukaram, Swami Vivekanand or Vinobaji - they all saw their surrounding contemporary society, got well acquainted with it and guided it in the right direction, knew it well and showed the path of true life to the society.
This booklet is the culmination of four decades of life experiences of a saint. In it, there is sincere effort to uplift the society with realism and positive attitude. Educator has his own world of education, economist has economic world and statesman has the thoughts of politics, but the saint has an all-encompassing perspective. As a result, this small but valuable book will become the pathfinder for the society.
-Kumarpal Desai 5 April 1998 Ahmedabad
AUX VOX

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Our Cultural Heritage
Chapter-1
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TRUTH, AUSPICIOUSNESS, BEAUTY
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The basic foundation of the culture of our country is the eternal truth. Because of this reason, in the above proverbial saying also truth is placed first, followed by auspiciousness and beauty is accepted last.
Great people and saints have mentioned four efforts (objects) of life, namely, religion, materials, desires and salvation. In this also, religion is placed first and only after accepting it, the other three are achieved. Ever since we forgot such real view of life, we have started going downhill. Because of narrow-mindedness, triviality, selfishness and indifference to social-welfare, we have been swept o away in the present state of distress and disarray.
In last 50 years, we have followed the western materialistic culture blindly. Resultantly, our familial, social, cultural, educational, judicial and spiritual life has been degraded rapidly. This is directly reflected in our day-to-day life experiences like family separations, increasing suicides among women, innumerable accidents on highways and railways, poor discipline of students and government

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Our Cultural Heritage
servants, increased activities of violence and fearful mafia, wide spread corruption in the lives of government officers, businessmen and politicians as well as anti-social, anti-national activities.
Instead of learning punctuality, honesty, hard work, social unity, group discipline, etc. from the western culture, we have adopted the unnecessary worldly pleasures along with alcohol, meat eating, violence - prone mentality and wantonness uncontrolled undisciplined self-will) which are inconsistent with our culture and climate. As a result, we have become materialistic , individualistic, atheist and highly selfish.
Before, it is too late, it is in our best interest, to turn back from the above mentioned defilements (drinking, non-vegetarianism, selfishness, atheism, etc.). By doing this, our capacity to live a natural life will be enhanced, we will be in a better position to preserve our cultural heritage which promotes the well being of all our fellowmen. Let us all make sincere effort to follow the enlightened and divine personality and preaching of our great ancestors who were visionary, wise and dedicated, to personify the maxim of truth , auspiciousness and beauty.
Let all be happy every way, Let all be friendly to everyone, Let Divinity spread everywhere, Let Peace prevail here and there.

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Chapter-2
Our Cultural Heritage
CHILDREN, WEALTH AND CULTURE
People call the present time as the age of science but, that scientific knowledge is book oriented, sense oriented and mind-oriented, so that it has several limitations. That kind of knowledge cannot be directly helpful in achieving what our Indian sages call the selfknowledge (self-realization) or divine knowledge. Another characteristic of this age is that there are only two kind of efforts possible for such modernists, reformists and materialists; viz. accumulating lot of wealth by any methods and manners, and then spend that money for personal, selfish, unnecessary worldly pleasures, off color activities and sensual enjoyment. Any society in which such objectives/activities become the main stay of life, then that society becomes merrymaking, spiritless, weak, selfish and corrupt with other vices that will soon lead it to its own extinction. In such society, there is no awareness, eagerness or desire towards achievement of

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higher human values, enhanced virtuosity or spiritual progress in life.
Ordinary people should work to earn money to support their family and dependants, while saving for marriage and other events, unexpected expenses (sickness etc.) and old age requirements. It is okay and necessary to 16 earn money by fair means and fair dealings, such as doing job (service), commerce, trade, farming or other business. But in so doing , unfairness, treachery, adulteration and cruel and violent acts and intense sinful activities should be avoided; and one should earn only by fair dealings. While working to earn, one should see that it does not neglect the family and normal social relations. Thoughtful people should devote the necessary time for good offspring, family and friends, duties towards society and especially for children to instill good values, share leisure activities, and not to dry up the flow of love, culture and friendship.
People who run blindly after money and do not keep balance between wealth, children and social life, mostly regret and suffer from one or more of the following problems:
Tension, confusion and mutual distrust in their routine life.
EKONOMWMWANA

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Our Cultural Heritage
* Ill effects on health and body due to high
blood pressure, heart disease, ulcer, o indigestion, insomnia and use of alcohol and
addictive drugs. * Unpopularity among friends, relatives and
children due to irritable nature. Their nature mostly becomes distrustful and greedy.
For such people, it is difficult to have happiness, peace, love, contentment, o compromise and good name in life and they
lose out on both fronts - this life and the life hearafter.
Big heaps of money without good cultured children, is worthless like a trash. Accept the basic truth quickly that one will not get happiness from such wealth and exert the efforts to mould your life in accordance with the religion for earning money, family relations, married life, good name, health rules, duties, social status and purity of body-speech-mind.
A true and happy life can only be built upon good (spiritual) reading, good thoughts and good conduct. One who has these foundations strong, will always have the fundamental base of his life strong.
o

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Our Cultural Heritage
Chapter-3
PROBLEMS OF NEW GENERATION
Daily there are advertisements in the newspapers that a boy (or girl) is lost, or his whereabouts are not known or he has left home in anger. At the bottom, there are signatures of parents saying that please come home soon and nobody will say or ask anything.
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Also, high school and college students argue against parents, do not respect them, do not have obedience, are irregular or late in coming home, overspend money and use intoxicating substances (alcoholic drinks and tobacco products)
In the name of fashion, girls wear improper dress, overuse make-up and other externally beautifying means, and do not pay good attention to their study and house work.
We see such problems in our society everywhere. Many times people, with such problems of children and family, come to us at
Jain. Education International

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Our Cultural Heritage
our spiritual center, or other saints and administrators of such cultural and social institutions, to resolve such issues. The problems will be there as long as there is life, while living in the family and society. However, they can be resolved by proper understanding, compromising attitude, good family ties and overall friendly atmosphere. A good religious and cultural background is specially conducive in rectifying all the above ailments.
In this new age, in the name of modernism, people dislike religion, saints and scriptures. This type of athestic attitude is the root cause of many difficulties. Although our cultural traditions, religion and scriptures are the outcome of highly enlightened and practical view of life, we have proved weak in understanding and in properly representing the same to the modern society. Therefore, instead of sectarian, stubborn and traditional saints, we need awakened and detached great people like Shrimad Rajchandra, Swami Vivekanand, Saint Vinobaji, Swami Shivananda, Rang Avdhut, Ravindranath Tagore and such others who carry on and show us the fundamental values and dignity of human life in present day. These great people have contributed immensely in an impartial way to unfold the inherent greatness

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of human life for the benefit of the entire society.
I consider it necessary to inform clearly the new generation and the so called modernists that the real meaning of the basic Indian traditions and the secret of saints experential sayings are eternal truths. Understanding those meanings and secrets through a true spiritual guide (guru) and implementing them will make this life happy and future journey blissful. That learning (advice) will be obliging and greatly beneficial in every respect to the individual, family, town, city, state, country and the world at large. This is the personal experience of my life. I wish to tell you this in the form of a challenge and precaution, as an essence of individual and collective experience of life, that either stop the blind and showy following or else be prepared to face the resulting lowlyslave-weak situation that would destroy the glory and identity of our sublime heritage,

AddAtt
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Chapter-4
IMPORTANCE OF DUTY
Our Cultural Heritage
In general, man can be considered as a social animal. He is born in the society, grows up in the society, works with and within the society and at the end of his life, he takes off from that society for the long journey ahead.
Wherever he may be circumstantially, he has to do his duties. In this respect, both Eastern as well as Western thinkers agree that to do one's duty conscientiously is divine (duty is deity), and performing one's duty accordingly is like worshipping God.
Let us go over some duties for various spheres of daily life :
(1) Parents should rear the children and give them education, culture and religion. Children should give love, respect and service to the parents.
(2) Husband-wife should become adaptable to each other in every respect and brighten their marriage as well as their entire household life.

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(3) Servant (employee) should do all the work o of the master (employer) properly, dutifully,
lovingly, loyally and like his own. The master should give the servant proper salary, bonus, promotion, treat him like a family-member instead of a servant and stand by him in good as well as bad times (events).
(4) Disciple (student) should serve the spiritual guide/guru (teacher) with utmost devotion and by all means physically, mentally and financially. He should scrupulously follow all his instructions. The guru should teach him everything , make him expert in the subject or scripture, explain the secrets of spiritual knowledge, make him qualified and favorite and help him reach the highest peak.
(5) Similarly, mutual cooperation, helpful attitude and effort for others in all relations such as doctor-patient, lawyer-client , merchantcustomer etc. will go a long way in making the world happy and prosperous. For such attainment let us reflect :
Let all be happy every way, Let all be friendly to everyone, Let Divinity Spread everywhere, Let peace prevail here and there.

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Our Cultural Heritage
Chapter-5
THINK AND MOVE FORWARD
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Life is an ever-flowing river. An abrupt built-up of dam cannot check its flow. Life is a battle which has already been trumpeted, therefore face it bravely. Life is a challenge, it must be accepted appropriately. Life is a 10 long and thorny journey, keep continuously walking on it even with shoes on, as true repose can only be had at the end of journey. Human life can be looked upon as a continuous A process, hence attend it watchfully, keeping in mind the short and long term profit while avoiding the bankruptcy.
We all have to prioritize effort as a primary tool for success in our life. Although luck is there, it is not in our control. The tape of our life in the form of luck, will run for sure, but it can be stopped, erased or re-recorded if one knows how. However, the art of how to play, change or re-record the tape of luck will have a to be learned from an experienced true saint or such an expert. If you learn correctly the

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Our Cultural Heritage
art of thought-conduct and luck-effort integration and implement it in the daily life with firm resolve, then we certainly give you the guarantee that you will accomplish success, gentleness, peace, friendliness and all round contentedness in your life.
O student of life-battle! Be doubtless, brave and march forward. Your discretionary faith and adventure have the support of saints and blessing of God. So, march on and be a victor.
ZALED
ENOKONOAK

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Our Cultural Heritage SS Chapter-6 BREADTH OF VISION This is a very important virtue for all round growth of life. Although this virtue can be developed gradually, it is very essential for taking the life to high peak. The full and hearty growth of life can only be achieved on the basis of true understanding, e broadmindedness and tolerance. By acquiring true understanding, small matters do not make one feel bad, sorry or agitated. This understanding is, accepting whatever happens as okay and knowing that the drama of life is a result of one's own good or bad deeds; so that the attitudes of finding faults with others and the attitude of arrogant doership declines. As a result, various problems of life are resolved easily and even effortlessly. Broadmindedness indicates an appropriate acceptance of the existence as well as due y respect of others' views. Instead of mine is

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Our Cultural Heritage PXOXOXOXOXO
only right, other's point is also accepted as correct from another perspective. This way, all that is right is acceptable to me. By cultivating such understanding of relative viewpoints, one feels everywhere love, friendship, affection and good-heartedness and having become enemy to none, receives wide-spread fame. All worldly working in life also depends heavily and properly on similar generous and multiple viewpoints; because the same person is a son as well as father, a husband, an uncle and a nephew, poor and rich, white and black , small and big. Thus, looking from different view points, each is true from its own perspective.
Tolerance can only be shown by that person who has developed the habit of let - go policy
Only by cultivating such habit one becomes great. The gold ore from the mine becomes gold bullion only after it goes through several furnaces. Similarly, true shine comes from the raw diamond only after it goes though many
cuttings and polishings. Just as the sweetness é of sugarcane and coolness of sandlewood
remain same under all circumstances, so also great people tolerate many difficulties voluntarily with equanimity and by taking firm shelter of truth, become victor in the end.

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Our Cultural Heritage
Chapter-7
WHAT IS IMPORTANT ?
H.
After having attained to this most valuable human life, one should do and gain something, which is invaluable and unprecedented, so that the feeling of eternity and delight is experienced.
When we live with this kind of thoughts, then only we can become a real human being. If all the time of our life is used in sheer selfishness, only to earn, eat and protect our family as animals do, then no fragrance can come from such a life to and no one gets a ray of joy through us.
Both, the Eastern and Western thinkers have considered the human life as best, because the human being can live not only by the whims of his mind, but he can independently think and O differentiate between good and bad, and by doing good things can avoid harmful things. Only this thoughtfulness-discretion-knowledge differentiates the human being from all other animals and establishes him as the supreme. Human being is the most highly evolved among

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the entire animal kingdom. Besides, our speechability is of the highest order. If we really utilize it wisely, then half the battle of life is won. Patient, sweet, affectionate and properly respectful speech is the main barometer of true character. Only he is really great who has true character.
Make your heart big, broad and pure, so that God and His entire family (including saints and followers) will lovingly come and reside permanently in that heart. This connotes the acceptance of what is immortal and rejection of mortal. Whoever does not get entangled in what is transitory, will be able to turn fast towards the o eternal and within a short time will achieve the highest immortality.
Look at the glory of good thoughts, love and generosity ! There is neither any difficulty nor any problem in accepting them. All that is needed is true dedication and an enlightened guide. Let us all move definitively in the direction of immortality with the good religious company right from today. Let us turn our sights away from mortality and blow the bulge of victory - march for true greatness. Be Victor.

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Our Cultural Heritage
Y Chapter-8
NATIONALISM THROUGH INTER-REGION TRAVEL
Our motherland India, really represents unity among diversities from various viewpoints whether it be history, geography, languages, social customs, dresses, religious rituals, religious places, festivals and so forth. Because of this, it is more like a small continent than a single country. For this reason Western thinkers have called it Indian Subcontinent and from a practical viewpoint, it is true.
Now that we have separated from Pakistan, Burma (Myanmar), Ceylon (Srilanka) and Bangladesh and still we have to live like one Indian nation, then it is essential that we meet 0 more often our countrymen who live in different states, wear different dress, have different social customs. Let us learn their languages and deal with them with full respect, love and like our own brethren. We should be clear in our mind that we are all first Indians

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and then only Marathi, Gujarati or Punjabi, and we should deal accordingly. Let us all be Indians without any basic difference, while keeping the regional identities, exchanging cultural traditions, vacation tours, pilgrimages, student and youth travels, living united in multistory buildings in big cities and exchange of food and living customs. For this, not only we should meet each other during national festivals and social events, but also take active part in religious celebrations, meetings of saints, large inter-religious gatherings, public prayers, religious narrative story-tellinggatherings, meetings of poets, literary conferences, trade association meetings/ exhibits, gazal gatherings, assembly of old experienced men (Diaro) and country side gatherings.
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In this regard, greater mainstream of Hindu society has proved broad-minded, while our Christian and Muslim brethren have proved more conservative and less mixing. This is undesirable for appropriate national integrity. When some liberal, well educated, good oratorliterary person-saint-great man visits our village-town-city, then everybody should take the advantage of that visit, and thus add their

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Our Cultural Heritage
voice by participation, in the real integrity of Indian nation while still maintaining some o variety within that unity.
This integrating process has been proven to some extent in big cities, but still there is a long way to go. For this, the energy of youth organizations should be mixed with the golden experience of the elders and if women join in significant number, then the task of national unity and integration can be accomplished easily and swiftly.
In this respect, foot-travelling Jain monksnuns-mendicants, Hindu Ascetics and Muslim holy men (fakirs) can contribute greatly. We saw a glimpse of this in Saint Vinobaji's footpilgrimage and “ Unite-India” movement of Baba Amte.
In addition to being a non-secular country, India is a country with religion as its soul. We have to stay away from sectarian fanaticism, dislike for the followers of other religions and slander or criticism of the others' religious beliefs and activities. It is also necessary to develop public opinion and pass strict laws to stop completely the deplorable activities of religious conversions.

ternational

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I do proclaim openly to all the Indians that if truth, non-violence, universal brotherhood, tolerance and equality for all religions, broadmindedness, penance-sacrifice
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equanimity, honesty, humanity-civility and the good for all people of the world, as practised and professed by Rushabhdev, Rama, Krishna, Mahavir, Buddha, Haribhadra, Hemchandra, Nanak, Kabir, Narsimh Mehta, Jesus Christ, Badshahkhan, Vivekanand, Sufi saint Moyudin Chisti (of Ajmer), Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, Gandhiji and Vinobaji are forgotten, then the Indian nation will lose all its glory, cultural heritage and will end up as a mundane nation with no originality or dignity.
Therefore, let us resolve to know, welcome and accept India as a whole, the conscious of its ordinary citizens, its glorious past, its philosophy, its sky-water-air-farms-industriesforests-rivers-mountains, its army, its memorials, its various artistic architectures and its highest spiritual traditions. Only after having accomplished these all-round efforts, we will be able to cherish the objective of Indian national unity and integration.

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Chapter 9
HELP !
VOTE 6
no
DUTY AND RIGHT
After independence, and more so in last two decades, we have developed the bad habit of easy money making. On the whole, our mean and low attitude of getting more while giving less has entered our day-to-day life and has 16 taken a firm grip on all of us. For this reason, it is not an overstatement to say that in almost all areas, the situation has become like an emergency and the country has fallen flat in dark and despair.
Let us self-examine by some examples :
(1) How much are we prepared to serve and take care of our parents who gave us birth, growth, education , religion and culture ?
(2) How many daily hours of daily duty do we perform in banks, Life Insurance Corporation (LIC), Post Office or Police Department ? Going on frequent strikes and by falling prey to the abuses of unionism, we demand more pay and less work !
ONG

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NE
(3) Although full salaries are paid to us in schools and colleges, we teach only superficially there. All our energy is spent in private tuitions.
(4) As a student we do not exert effort to acquire knowledge, do not attend classes regularly and corrupt paper-setters on the strength of money before the due date. Is student life supposed to be like this?
(5) We separate from the spiritual guide (guru) shortly after we receive knowledge from him, then proclaim that our knowledge is self-inspired, ignore the obligation of the guru, and some time do the highly deplorable act of unhealthy competition with him !
(6) As parents we are negligent towards the education and rearing our children. We claim that we do not have time to sit with the children. Remember that at the age of 14 to 15 , when the child becomes irritable, outgoing or disobedient, then we blame him, but we do not confess that we have failed in our duty to give him due care and affection !
(7) We collect lot of black money. We do not discharge our duty by paying fair and just taxes and then we blame the government in

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various ways. At times we become the victims of heart problem when Income Tax Department raids our premises.
Hence, the intent here is to accept the proper place and growth of both , the right and the duty in our life; because true progress can only be made by their (right and duty) mutual
interdependence. Do your duty by heart and V e then demand proper rights. Some time one may
have to join non-violent civil disobedience for the truthful and just demand of the union. Thus, if we can strike the balance between the duty and the right, then individual and collective progress can be made and we will be able to experience the happiness, peace, comfort and friendliness.
vo
ON

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Chapter-10
INDIAN WOMEN, SOCIETY AND CULTURE
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The main base for progress of any society or country depends very much on the approach and the attitude of their women towards life. When we think about the reason for this fundamental truth, then it seems that women affect very heavily all the facets of human life and therefore their contribution to human progress is very significant.
Before we take birth on this earth, we have to stay for about nine months in the womb of our mother. The great Indian visionaries have proved that even in the womb, the culturalization of our life continues and therefore the thoughts and conduct of mothers during pregnancy affect significantly the future of the children. We can visualize the truth of this matter clearly by studying the Indian culture and history, auspicious events of conceivement of the Tirthankars, and the lives of great people such as, mother Madalsa,
-. *

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virtuous Sita, Abhimanyu, Shukdevji, Kundkundacharya, Vanraj Chavda, Chhatrapati Shivaji, Mahatma Gandhi, Vinoba Bhave and others.
For the first four years after the birth , children come in most intimate contact with their mothers only rather than anybody else and hence the personality of mother in totality leaves an indelible impression on the children. I want to tell especially to the rich and working-women in cities that , do not entrust your young children to servant, maid or babysitters in nursery. It is essential and compulsory for best upbringing of children to expect the mothers of young children that they Y do not take up outdoor jobs during this period. There is absolute truth in the saying that one excellent mother is equivalent to 1000 teachers. I Thus, the most important facet of the life of an Indian women is motherhood.
A woman is also a wife. For man, she is his better-half, his lover, his inspiration, his respite, his companion, his follower, his dependent, his very best friend and his partner in all pleasures and pains. It is the duty of man to do everything for her respect, her education, her protection, her comfort and all her conveniences so as to

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make her worriless, healthy and fearless. If man does not do this and considers her only as o a means for sexual enjoyment, then he is in delusion, he is on the wrong path and he will be unhappy. In this matter, man should develop special awareness and appreciate and establish her as his genuine life partner by giving her 16 respectful and proper place in every sphere of
life.
At individual level ,I consider Indian cultural and moral values as highest; because only in such excellent cultural background, the ultimate and supreme goal of human life , God-hood or salvation can be achieved. Therefore, I proclaim to the society that if you really have the desire for happiness-peace-prosperityhealth-beneficience, then do not neglect or.give up the fundamental Indian traditional values like non-violence, truth etc. Certainly do give appropriate place to charity, chastitys penance, sacrifice etc. in your life, increase true knowledge, heavenly happiness and virtues and live by keeping spirituality in forefront, which always protects all humans and living beings.
Let me proclaim nonhesitatingly that the way the above matter has been accepted naturally, nicely and heartily by the mothers of my
CONCOV

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country has not been reciprocated so well by the men-folk. And therefore, the cultural 10 excellence of Indian women is observed, indicated and accepted as next to none. Further, I remind the men-folk that it is all our mothers who have gifted to the world the best A people, such as , Tirthankars, Acharyas, Rishis, o Monks, Great divine people and all illustrious and genius people with great achievements in various walks of life. I do not feel indignant to say that if I subtract all the contributions of my mother, wife, sister and other women from o the growth/development/progress of my life, then there will be a big vacuum.
It is a fact that our society has lagged behind in doing all-round good and growth for women who glorify the best motherhood. It is really high time for all of us to correct this situation quickly and exert a collective effort to provide proper place; individually in family, socially, educationally, financially, morally and in life overall for girls, mothers and women in general. It is especially necessary to give priority to the educational and cultural e activities of girls in all programs because they bear the responsibility of shaping the lives of future citizens of India.

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Chapter-11
B
SITE
EDUCATION CANNOT BE ONLY MONEY-ORIENTED
We all know that in this new modern age, all parents and students desire to study science and commerce subjects in the 12th grade in high schools and make their son or daughter a doctor, engineer or chartered accountant, b because there is more earning power in those branches. It is welcome to have good doctors or professionals in any society and it is proper that they earn good. But, it is not good to have this wind blowing in only one direction of earning most money at any cost. This approach, being lop-sided raises social-economical-moral issues. All householders need to earn money and it is okay, but when that need turns into obsession then it becomes miserable and leads to worry, tension, anger and vices, resulting in total failure.
If the man does not become properly molded through education then, that education will not 9 let him become a good or noble man. In our
country, 20 to 30 years before Independence

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and 20 years afterwards, many great people did not study science or commerce and still they were quite intelligent, full of wisdom, virtuous, lived magnanimous inspiring life and helped build our nation. Among them were Mahatma Gandhiji, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Jawaharlal Nehru, Rajendraparasadji, S. Radhakrishnan, Rajaji, Govind Vallabh Pant, Sampuranandji, Veer Sawarkar, Vinoba Bhave, Lal Bahadur Shastri, Subhashchandra Bose, Abdul Kalam Azad, Morarjibhai Desai, Kanaiyalal Munshi, a Baba Saheb Ambedkar and many others.
Hence, a special note for my dear student friends that whatever branch of education you choose; along with earning, be constantly aware about how much you are useful to your larger family-community-town, and how virtuous is your life. Be hard-working in life. Today, our society needs more good-noblegentlemen and for that ; specialists and experts are urgently needed in the areas of Indian culture, Indian history, Indian arts and Sanskrit- the mother of many Indian languages. If possible, you may take these or similar subjects and march forward in your educational acumen.

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Chapter-12
MAGIC OF SPEECH
No other animals, birds, bugs or living beings in the world have got the kind of speech, that God has given to us - the humans. The wonderful ability to speak so many vowels and consonants is an indisputable proof of man's highest verbal growth.
Remember that speech is double-edged sword. If the good use of it can take the man to high peaks in life, the abuse of it can invite the formidable war like Mahabharat. Like an arrow from bow , once spoken, the words can not be retrieved. For this reason, people desirous of increasing unity, peace, friendliness and affection in life should speak after much thinking. Whole world can be made friend by good proper words and it does not cost any money or labor. I have accepted an aphorism from my spiritual guide as a motto in my life and have benefited greatly from it.
This is that motto:
Speak Slowly, Speak affectionately, Speak respectfully and Speak moderately.

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Chapter-13
HEISE
EDUCATIONAL PROBLEMS
In the last 50 years, education has spread significantly in our country, because the number of o universities increased from 25 in 1951 to 235 in 1998, the number of colleges increased from 700 to 8545, and the number of schools increased from 2,30,683 to
2.4 crores (24 millions). Although we get degrees o through this education, we become disappointed if we
think about in what way and how much this education is helpful in our day-to-day life. Plenty of green grass grows everywhere from the first rain, but it is neither edible nor useful to us. Similarly, thousands of students graduate from the universities every year, but they can not become financially self-reliant through that Y education; and hence the number of educated unemployed increases day by day. This way, our education has lost the relevance with the reality. V
If we look at the history of our education from ancient time to 1940, we clearly get the glimpse of the gentle relation between the teacher and the taught. Slowly, this sacred and admirable relationship has been

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declining and in last 20 years it has reached to the state where the purity and dignity of it have been deplorably lost.
Because of too many tuitions, teachers and J professors go to school and college for rest or break! On the other side, most students have no interest in learning and attending the classes! The vicious circle resulting from these two forces cannot be broken. A Private tuitions and educational institutions in the name of donations exploit the students and the parents so much so that the poor or the middle class students are deprived of useful and praiseworthy education. Due to lack of discipline on both sides, the goodwill and sanctity of teacher-student relationship towards each other is almost extinct.
There is complete negligence towards the G complementary integration of health and education and “ a healthy mind in a healthy body” saying is almost forgotten. The health of our nation's youth /students has reached the pitiable state because bodily work, exercises, yoga-sanes , non-addiction and regularity in food and travel have exiled from the life of new generation. There is total indifference towards sports, and particularly so in Gujarat where it is most evident. In this matter, not only the government needs to awaken, but also if the voluntary organizations make G significant positive contribution towards it then the

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improvement will come quickly. These activities should be encouraged in many ways, including numerous significant and honorable award-giving activities.
Thinking of our country from history, geography, language, culture and other viewpoints, it is more like a small continent than a single country. People with many religious beliefs live here. To maintain unity in such diversity, we will have to try hard in the fields of education and travelling, so that people from various districts and regions can mix intimately with each other, can go to each other's festivals and social events, and become familiar with each other's customs. Of course it will take long time to procure such unity in thoughts and feelings. In this matter railway journey, military recruitments and transfers, inter-regional-activities and appointments of Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers are all useful. The planning of inter-regional travels, cultural exchange of young students and school-college youth groups both at public and private level should also be freely and fully encouraged. In this respect, Hindu and Jain monks, who travel on foot, can contribute significantly. In addition, large scale planning of fairs and pilgrimages, (e.g. pilgrimage travels to Bombay-Kashi, Madras-Sametshikhar, Kanyakumari-Vaishnodevi etc.) is also praiseworthy. By travelling to important ancient historical places, students acquire fun-filled information and gain knowledge of mountain climbing, big rivers and forests,

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memorials of great people, become adventurous, and thus achieve all round growth rapidly in their life.
It is very essential to impart the practical education of yoga-asanas, general humane conduct and high o values, which are progressive and useful to everybody in life. Two to three classes per week of such practical education and the life stories of ancient and modern great people via audio visual media can be very inspiring, delightful and extremely useful in character building. It will spread such virtues as patriotism, bravery, adventurism, faith in truth, good character, generosity, fairness, honesty, simplicity, devotion to goals, humbleness and universal brotherhood which will be, variously useful and obliging in the development and growth of patriotic and nationalistic feelings. Students, youths and boys and girls will get inspiration to be great in life, if various programs are planned wherein virtuous people are recognized in public. Because of such activities, their enthusiasm for growth and progress in higher values of life will increase tremendously. If we can do this, then there will be a wave of healthy competition for the importance and achievement of true character in the entire society and the whole nation, just as in Gandhian age, whence there was a widespread wave for the independence movement.

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Chapter-14
Our Cultural Heritage
李花椒果
*
TRUE CHARACTER
The usual meaning of character in the society is well known. Mainly it includes faithfulness in married life, purity of personal life and truthfulness. Scriptural experts see it in strict adherence of the traditional vows. These common meanings are okay, but people who really want to be great in practical life should primarily adopt the following life style, so that they will naturally have the best character because of all round growth in their life.
Punctuality: Whatever work has been decided to be done at a certain time must be accomplished at that time scrupulously. If that is not possible due to unavoidable circumstances, inform the relevant persons timely.

Management: There is usually a best overall manner for accomplishing any work. For example, use proper and harmless means,

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do it on time instead of early or late, not to do it in haste, or with unusual delay, do it at right 0 place and in presence of proper people, instead of doing it as drudgery or drag, do it in a way that delights self and others, do it so as not to hurt anybody by body-speech-mind, and finally do it selflessly for the benefit of many.
Keeping Promise : If we have given promise to anybody for any work, then it must be fulfilled. Keeping the promise in the face of pain, opposition or inconvenience is an indication of great character. By following this
method, one develops great virtues like o discipline, straight-forwardness, adventurism,
firmness, brotherhood and many other similar character-building virtues.
Innocent and Affectionate Dealings: Deal with good internal feelings with whomsoever you work, from family to friends, small or big people and all animals coming in your contact. While dealing affectionately do not have any
selfish thoughts and do not hold back in helping A others. It is the experience of all the
enlightened ones that such transparent behavior will take the man to the highest peak of achievement in life.

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g
Duty, Patience and Perseverance: To make true determination to do any work, many qualifications are needed. Among these the main ones are proper knowledge of time and place, self-capacity, understanding of work on hand, past experience, co-operation of coworkers, friends, etc. Here, we have to march one step ahead. To accomplish the thoughtfully started good work; firm determination in life despite difficulties and failures, even with some rest in between keep trying again and again in with all energy until the last breath to achieve 16 the goal successfully. Such are the characteristics of great people. Mahatma Gandhi, Maharana Pratap, Vanraj Chavda, Narsimh Mehta and many such other great people, without accepting failure(s) as defeat, again and again continued their good work and achieved their goals in life.
By adopting the life style of good use of time, always remembering one's obligations, an humble behavior with everybody, distributing the personal gains among friends and coworkers generously, not to indulge in trivial di matters, let go small personal demands for the sake of larger common good, etc. develops great and impressive personality.

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Chapter-15
INDIAN FARMING
Our nation is mainly an agricultural country. About 75 percent population lives in villages where the s primary means of earning is farming. But it is also a sad fact that the owners of good farming lands are either big landlords or the rich people living in nearby cities, government officers, and corrupt, shameless politicians who get elected in the name of serving public but then deceive them, rejoice in their exploitation and are clever in high treason.
The reason for writing this in strong words is that agricultural workers and laborers, who sweat and work very hard in farms, do not get any opportunity for making progress in the areas of education, money and culture. Rich becomes richer and poor becomes poorer. There is no significant union of such farm laborers, whose voice the state or government council would listen.
There is no immediate solution for this great and difficult problem, since even after 53 years of Independence the situation is very unsatisfactory today. It is not possible to discuss all the aspects of 6 the issue here. Still if we all make collective efforts to
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implement the following few suggestions, then the benefit of Independence of India can be spread to one 6 of the lowest tier of the society and we might consider it as having achieved true independence.
(1) Environment Friendly Modern Farming Methods: In this approach, provide good seeds, fertilizers, irrigation facilities, insecticides, and simple mechanizations to marginal and small farmers so that everybody is supported without exploitation of anybody.
(2) Financial Help to Small Farmers: Provide financial help to owners of 1.5 acres or less. Forming small co-operative banks can do this properly and honestly.
(3) Co-operative Farming: In this, four to five peasants do farming together. It is viable and can be more profitable.
(4) Marketing Co-operatives: If these are properly organized, then the exploitation incidental from I individual selling can be avoided.
(5) Education: Farmer should get the basic education, so that his exploitation can be prevented.
The basic culture of our country is spirituality and agriculture (Rishi and Krishi - Hit and ft). It is okay to accept industrialization, but it should be properly limited. It is only when we will be able to accomplish this that truly peaceful, rich and tension-free life can be lived and Godly kingdom, as envisioned by GandhijiVinobaji will really prevail.
VXODXANOVANA

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༡
Chapter-16
TRUE DIGNITY
To be glad by seeing others happy is gentlemanliness; but seeing other's physical, mental, monetary or any kind of pain or suffering; and trying to alleviate it by all our energy is real sensitivity and benevolence.
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The essential part of mercy and true compassion is that we should be helpful to other humans, animals, birds, insects and all living beings by sacrificing bodily-mentallymonetarily and self-enduring. By doing this, our heart becomes soft, melts with pity and makes us worthy to understand and adopt the higher values of life. Because of such good worthiness, all round benefit is gained and our life becomes successful.

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Chapter-17
BENEFICIAL USE OF TIME
Our Cultural Heritage
11
This is the best universally available and acceptable means to make our life sublime and successful. Success always follows and even comes to the front door of a person who always keeps busy and utilizes every minute of his life beneficially.
reasons.
Whether student or house-wife, teacher or principal, doctor or lawyer, farmer or merchant, householder or ascetic, worker or leader, whosoever carefully utilizes his time wisely, makes rapid progress in all facets of life.

2
The moment gone can not be regained by any means; so use every moment for good work to achieve the top goals of life quickly. If we contemplate about the secret of success in the life of all great men; good use of time, proper understanding, faith in good conduct and spirit of adventure seem to be the outstanding

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Chapter-18
SAN98
RETIREMENT
Generally nowadays, Government and other similar organizations release us from the job at the age of 58 or 60 and suggest that we live a retired life.
Anybody who thinks ahead about this retirement, is really prudent. Preparations for retirement should be done ahead of its schedule, just as one prepares in advance for the marriage of son/daughter, career planning of the children, or studying to get good marks in the examination. If one is not prepared mentally for it and does not plan to utilize time wisely in the retirement, then there will be a feeling vacuum in life, a feeling of confusion, a feeling of resulting mental dissatisfaction and ultimately one may become a victim of depression and his family members may suffer from distress and sorrow.
If there is sufficient income during the period of retirement, then one should control the desire for more earning and do spiritual study, devotional prayers, join pilgrimage for soul cleansing and be helpful to the family and the society as needed. Around the age of
AN XCXOXO -

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35 years, thoughtful and discretionary person starts developing his religious interest by good-reading, frequent visits to spiritual study-groups, occasional service to temple-place of pilgrimage-religious place; and after retirement, accelerates his spiritual activities more systematically and carefully.
The ultimate goal of Indian life-style is to achieve true happiness, divine knowledge and finally Realization of God. That is why great rishies have recommended the organization of life into four divisions, so that gradually divine life can be achieved. The death can not destroy our existence, because we (our soul) are non-aging, immortal, full of bliss and like divine light. We should conquer death by direct Self-Realization, wherein our true and unimaginably great nature is revealed irrevocably.
While concluding this chapter, we can say that at this age, we should keep our worldly duties secondary and fulfill our obligations to institutions, society and the nation selflessly. For fulfilling the ultimate goal of Self-Realization, we should give top priority in life to spiritual company, achievement of virtues, and noble thoughts. Only by following such routine that this human birth will be successful and retirement will become permanent in its true spiritual sense; just as said in Shrimad Bhagvat Gita "that highest divine place is mine from where nobody returns once gone there."

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Chapter-19
PONOWN
TAKE CARE OF YOUR HEALTH
In any area of life, to achieve healthy body is useful. That is why great-men have said:
“Body is the primary means to do religious activities"
“Happiness is healthy body” “Health is wealth”
Today the life has become very noisy with hustle-bustle. The idea of happy life has G changed and therefore to earn more money one does not see anything other than running around here and there during life. There are such deep-rooted irregularities, distortions, hypocrisy and imitation in eating, working, family life, cultural habits and proper behavior that many adversities such as depression, nervousness, high blood pressure, stomach ulcer, heart disease, obesity and sexual diseases have become rampant in modern life. If there is any solution for this, it is one's own

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proper understanding and to implement it firmly in daily routine conduct. Some of the remedies from personal experience are provided below:
Food:
(1) Be regular in eating.
(2) Eat only in proportion to hunger. Eat in accordance with stomach capacity and not according to the demand of the tongue taste buds.
(4) For the health of body and mind, do not eat very hot (chilly), fried, spicy, and heavy food. Try to avoid nocturnal eating. Do not sleep soon after full heavy dinner.
(5) Vegetarian food is a complete meal and easily digestible, so that constipation and obesity can be avoided. Slim body is especially useful for long life. Fresh, non-sour buttermilk without fat is one of the best healthy drink.
Rest and Laziness: With proper sleep, bodily tiredness is got rid off and once again we can work with alertness. Take sleep in accordance with age, occupation, circumstances, food, etc.; and stay away from over sleep by realizing that life is for doing good work while staying awake. To rid mental and

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physical tiredness, daily lie-down in still posture (Shavasan) for 5 to 10 minutes. This is very useful.
Physical Work: (1) The machine that does not keep running becomes rusty, similarly the body that does not get proper exercise or work becomes heavy, lazy and a museum of the diseases. For people over 45, light body postures, 2 to 3 kilometer walking or gardening and similar kind of light regular exercises are very useful and cheerful. Such activities are energizing and obliging. Young men and women can feel energy and cheerfulness by doing heavy exercises they like, such as, stretch-ups, swimming, weight lifting, tennis, boxing, running and various body postures.
(2) Keep at least one-hour gap between exercises and eating.
(3) Stop exercising immediately if you feel out of breath or pain in chest.
Work for livelihood: Generally 8 to 10 hours of work is considered proper for livelihood. As an exception, certain agricultural work during season, new job or business and city life-start-up, one may have to work for about three more hours or so.
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All work and no play make Jack a dull boy. Spare some time for family life, education and growth of children, contacts with friends, etc. Too many late night stay-ups, late night TV watching, returning late from the club; All these can be harmful to health and cultural habits.
Use of Intoxicants and Bad Habits: In this age, to escape from over work and mental tension, and for imaginary enjoyment, man is leaning more and more towards heavy smoking, drinking, gambling, tobacco chewing, tobacco leaf, meat eating, club life, blue films and be
uncontrolled behavior. None of these is really s needed, and all these are harmful to health. O
This can be seen from the lives of many modern people such as; Bernard Shaw, Shri Morarjibhai Desai, Shri Guzarilal Nanda, Shri Atalbihari Bajpai, Shri Ravishankar Dada, Mrs. Maneka Gandhi, and other innumerable freedom fighters. Even modern science agrees that such things adversely affect the health of body and mind in varying degree. It has been proven by several researches that use of tobacco (eating, drinking, chewing, and rubbing), liquor and other such intoxicants certainly harm the health, invite early aging and even premature death.

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S
Chapter-20
WHAT SHOULD BE OUR DRESS?
For human life, there are five basic necessities: food, clothing, shelter, medicine and education When members of a society have these necessities properly balanced and satisfied, then that society is generally considered happy.
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Since very ancient times, man has used the clothes. The main purposes are: to protect body from heat and cold, maintain the modesty in public and manifest duty-position-importance in society. Here, I want to say a few words related to only civility and cultural habits.
Men and women have different fields of working. Running the home, maintain family and comfortable upbringing are the main duties of women, while earnings and protection are those of men. However, both should work together in maintaining proper household to make the life prosperous and ascend new heights.

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Today, in the name of fashion, vulgarity, noncivility and childishness have spread to the extent of shamelessness and lowly attitude of bodily parts exhibitions in public. The unrestrained activities of fashion shows, which are inconsistent with and detrimental to Indian cultural values, should be kept in check by civil u groups and women's organizations in the society. Indian culture clearly believes that modesty is the best ornament for women. When the limit of that modesty is crossed over, which is partially happening now, then the death knell of majestic Indian Traditions will be heard. Therefore with awakening, let us resolve to protect our gentle, brilliant and proud traditions.
In every country, its own traditions are accepted. Indian culture accepts novelty, beauty, elegance and variety, however it o discourages the sensual dress and its wearing manner, movies, advertisements, and crime promoting literature, all of which inappropriately excite the senses and lead to character-degradation in the name of modernity. To stop such adversities, we should concentrate on culturization from child-hood, parental comfort, and fine arts. Channeling
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youth energy to the society and nation building through positive activities will be fruitful. For this work, only government media and means are not enough, but other voluntary and cultural organizations should also cooperate.
If cultural organizations, residential teaching abodes, conscious women's circles, visionaries, teachers, true saints, religious preceptors and educational institutions all work together, then these and such other big defilements can be controlled gradually and the atmosphere of peace, friendship, fearlessness and mutual love will prevail in the society.
The basic values of Indian culture have been better maintained and nurtured by the countryfolk; so that if rapid urbanization can be slowed down then this task can be accomplished with less efforts.
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Chapter-21
NOVA
SIMPLE LIVING AND HIGH THINKING
s
In this age, the above titled life style is unpopular and for many it is impractical, laughable o and almost impossible. Any important and ideal work is felt that way in the beginning, but it can be achieved if we make firm resolve and work with patience and discretion.
At the base of spirituality there are selflessness and benevolence; and the effort to implement these two virtues in life is simple living. The dream of such life can come true in the background of appropriate thinking and high discretion. The various means to achieve such life are mentioned below: -
1. Simple, nutritious, moderate eating. 2. Gentle, less expensive and necessary dress.
3. Always working so as to make effective and efficient use of time.
4. As much as possible, do your work yourself; do not impose it on others.

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5. Usually do not go to hotels, clubs or movies; or keep it bare minimum necessary. For relaxation, visit noble friends and make and eat good item at home.
6. When you want to go out, then select beautiful natural places, pious sites of pilgrimage, A cultural complexes, gardens, lakes-rivers- O mountains and such culture-enhancing places; so that children will get knowledge with fun and innocent enjoyment with variety. This way, leisure will be put to good use of children's education and cultural habits and their minds will not have time for cheap entertainment activities.
7. Keep personal necessities in check; otherwise clothes, shoes, cassettes, newspapers, magazines, medicines, cosmetics, etc. will increase too much and you will have to sacrifice o money, time and energy in up-keeping them. A state of tension will arise in mind when those are not properly managed.
8. Put yourself in some kind of service, cultural, social welfare or spiritual aspiration activities. By doing this, goal of life is developed, regularity is achieved and mind stays busy in good work so that it does not get bored or look for wrong pleasure activities. All these will result in a state in which peace is experienced in personal and o family life.
EXOXOXON

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Chapter-22
TEN KEYS FOR FULFILLMENT OF LIFE
I note here a few wonderful tricks born from experience to make life successful, peaceful and really enjoyable.
1. Humility : Always give high respect and be humble to parents, elders, scholars, and saints; and 16 maintain self-respect for everybody.
2. Noble Company : Be especially careful about friendship. Keep company of only noble people with excellent thought and conduct.
3. Justness and Proper Planning : Live with a friendly attitude with everybody in home, organization and society. Do planning and arrange for proper facilities, respect, comforts, duty assignment and giving rights to everybody without any discrimination of young A or old.
4. Be happy in sacrificing : Because it is the basic formula for growth of life. Although it is a difficult task to be a foundation stone and habitually endure and stick to it, the high peaks of success can not be achieved without it. What the world considers as sorrow is not really sorrow, only like the pain of

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pregnancy just before delivery or penance before achievement of final goal.
5. Every moment of life is invaluable: Be especially careful that not a single minute is wasted and some progress is being continuously made in the direction of the goal of your life. For this, the author has experienced many advantages of writing daily dairy. Since last 23 years my life has become like an open book and therefore, even though the diary is not being written, I remain continuously aware about good use of time.
6. Hobby of good books: Procure and keep best books in your home. Among other books, read carefully and thoughtfully the life stories of great people, then you will certainly get much inspiration to live a great life. When you expeditiously decide for progress in life, then do systematic reading under the guidance of a true saint or an experienced person and make your knowledge - treasure prosperous.
7. Be regular by mind-speech-body: Keep in your mind the thoughts of well being for yourself and everybody. By doing this, your speech will become friendly, truthful, auspicious and comfort - giving to the listeners. Regular activities will make you great in every field of life, be able to complete all your work timely, increase efficiency greatly, spread your fragrance everywhere and the train of your life will run quickly in the direction of success.

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8. Optimistic Attitude: Begin all work keeping in mind your capacity, means and purpose. Once you start your work, then in the beginning there may be many difficulties, but continue to do it patiently with perseverance and do not hesitate to get help from others. Inspite of tiredness, boredom, opposition, insufficient means and lack of timely success, the work will be finished appropriately by honest and organized efforts.
9. Addictionlessness: Anybody who has big addiction in life becomes dependent, agitated, mentally unstable, sick, extravagant and irritable in nature. Therefore, make conscious effort to keep the terrible vices such as drinking, gambling, meat eating, hunting, stealing or lustfulness, away from your life and be constantly on guard.
10. Cool and calm mind: By getting angry, one o kind of madness takes over us. Then, we are not aware of our speech or behavior and we are likely to harm others or ourselves because of the consequent indiscriminate behavior. Nobody befriends such person, and he becomes lonely, loses cheerfulness and cannot become successful in his work. For the health of mind and body, relaxation (lying down still like a dead body, or Shavasan) is the best, simple, easy for all and a proven method. There are many advantages of doing it daily for about five minutes in the morning and evening.

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Chapter-23
GUJARAT
O'GUJARATIS !!
On the West Coast of India, with a long coastline of about 1663 kms (1000 miles), this region of Gujarat is ancient, holy, green, y religiously cultured, rich in arts and architecture, and a land of saints, braves and virtuous women. What is the present (last 40 years) and future of such glorious prehistoric Gujarat with ancient and modern traditions ? Let us think about this with discretion and G without any prejudice.
Hereditically, we Gujaratis have business acumen and it is our speciality. However, we should not limit ourselves to that one branch of activity. How many people of Gujarat, born after 1940, have achieved significant greatness in life? Where do we stand now in defence, government administration, economy, nationalism, health, education, development and growth of life, sports and spirituality?

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O
* We represent only about one percent (1%) in Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and all three wings of military (Army, Navy and Air Force). Similarly, with the exception of present Coalition Government at Center, our political representation, power and influence in the Capital New Delhi is almost insignificant.
* No Gujarati is seen in the field of editorial journalism of national news.
* Not much is known about any big presence of Gujaratis in the areas of fine arts, commercial arts, music, architecture or painting.
* Some satisfaction can be taken in the field R of business and industry, and Gujaratis e represent good proportion as doctors and
engineers who are settled abroad (Non Resident Indians or the NRI s ). It is also somewhat gratifying in the areas of vegetarianism, honest dealings and humanitarian services.
What I have to say here, is addressed mainly to the new young generation of middle and upper classes.

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O' youthful friends! Since you are free from the dire poverty of Bihar-Orissa regions and ordinary grinding of day-to-day working to earn living, plan and do the great deeds so that you may get wide acclaim and our Gujarat can proudly keep its head high at national level; such as:
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1. Fix a high goal in life and then resolve to get the required means to support the same.
2. Adopt the truth in the principle of " The days of our youth are the days of our glory", and work even 16 hours a day to achieve your life goal rapidly and firmly.
3. Stay away from the trivial so-called entertainment activities. Get inspiration and benefit from the contact of goal-oriented and dedicated people. Adopt the proper ways for innocent joy and cheerfulness but do not forget your goal in life. Remember "Duty is deity".
4. Frequent use of intoxicants and addiction to them will entrap you in dependency and distress. Stay away from imitation/competition and do not spare time for the club life and related vices of so-called reformed modern societies. Get your entertainment and relaxation through light body postures,

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exercises, games with the children, contact with the artisans and such innocent ways.
5. You will get lots of inspiration, cheerfulness, relaxation and strong will power by reading good books regularly.
By taking inspiration from the lives of the supreme head of Dwarka Shri Krishna, Mauryas and Guptas, Shrimalis and Gurjars, Chavda and Solankis, Hemachandracharya and Kumarpal, Ahmedshah and other Sultans, Narsimh and Meera, Sahajanand Swami, b Dayanand and Jalaram , Rajachandra and Gandhi, Narmad and Nandlal, Kelkar and Anandshankar Dhruv, Meghani and Ravishankar Raval, Sardar Patel and Kanaiyalal Maneklal Munshi, Morarjibhai and o Dr. Jivraj Mehta, Shri Mota and Rang Avdhut, and other great people, the young generation of today can blaze the high and ideal path of life and by keeping that as a firm vow, make their life great. That is my prayer, that is my blessings, that is my humble request. Best of luck to you all. May God bless everybody.

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IMPORTANCE OF GURUKUL - EDUCAITON
Indian Culture is one of the most ancient living culture of our planet. Among major contributory factors towards our rich and glorious cultural heritage are the educational system and the moral teachings of our great preceptors and pious visionary sages; most of whom have lived upto the highest spiritual and moral values of human life.
ON the front of our moral and cultural values, we have considerably lost in last about five decades. Only job-oriented and earningcapacity-oriented educational system has failed to make us good civilians with due sense of responsibility for performing our duties towards the family, friend-circle, the society, the nation and the world at large. The direct result of this degradation is reflected in all sections of our public life; from peon to police-commissioner, clerk to collector and M.P. to ministers.
The solution to this all-pervading crisis of character is to gradually train the new generation
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by people of high talents, with special reference to the integrity of character. It is here that the Gurukul Education can help us a great deal.
Residential schools in the lap of natural, peraceful and ecologically-friendly surroundings; as well as devout and disciplined teachers and hostel-superintendents help in the noble upbringing of the students. The teachers give full affection and personal attention to the students. They themselves live a simple and virtuous life devoid of any addictions. By their own day-to day behaviour, they provide an example of ideal living to the students.
In last about ten years, such examplifying and goal-oriented residential schools have come up, but we need a great deal more to do in this direction.
May we all make joint and sincere efforts in this direction for better India of to-morrow.

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71 OXOXONDROXY
INSTITUTIONAL INFORMATION A
Q
1. Vidya - Bhakti - Anand Dham, Library and Meditation - Kutirs
This is a large prayer hall, representing a piece of modern architecture with all basic amenities. It is used for Satasanga, Bhakti, Prayer, Spiritual Discourses and MassMeditation. The photographs of Enlightened Gurus are appropriately installed, which help the devotees to acquire peace and concentration of mind. The library contains about 15000 books mainly in Gujarati, Hindi, English and Sanskrit Languages. 12 Meditation Kutirs are available for individual Sadhana.
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2. Residential Accommodation, Dining-hall and other amenities
a. Separate blocks are available for ladies
and gents who want to stay seprately for their sadhana.
b. 36 Kutirs are also available for family

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accommodation having all modern amenities like park, walking-tract and play-ground for children as well as for teenagers, so that people can stay with their families during vacations and festival days.
YOU
C. A permanent full-fledged dining hall with
capacity of 125 people and adjoining shade with buffet facilities for 250 people is available so that inmates, visitors and pilgrims-all can have clean, nutritious and
wholesome food. 3. Temple
An independent Mandir is erected for Pooja and Bhakti, with three peaceful, beautiful and classically installed marble idols with Bhagwan Parswanath as the main idol, radating bliss and divine knowledge. 4. Sant-Kutir
This is situated just in the vicinity of the temple, where Shri Atmanandji resides, Here, he is always seen engaged in his spiritual,

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literary and benevolent activities, radiating his peace and knowledge among the devotees who flock from various parts of India and abroad. On its first floor, reside full-time inmates of the ashrama. 5. Reception and office :
These departments serve the purpose of welcoming the visitors as well as smoothly administering the daily routine, policymaking and planning for the future. All the honorary office-bearers, staff members and inmates put up full coordinated efforts with the spirit of team work with mutual cooperation. All these undertakings have the constant blessings and guidance of H.H. Shri Atmanandji who has totally devoted his life for this institution with his visionary, missionary, philanthropic, incessant, Zealous and enthusiastic outlook backed by his four decades of Sadhana. This present setup is proposed to be expanded and upgraded to make it more efficient and service-oriented and equipped with all modern and technical amenities and its ready disposal.
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PROMOV
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Our Cultural Heritage EXXXXXXX 6. Literary Activities
Since its incption, it has been one of the main activities to provide all classes of the society including the aspirants with noble, pious, inspiring, life-elevating and spiritual literature to suit their respective requirements. More than 45 publications have been made available in Gujarati, English, Hindi and sanskrit. A full list of these publications is available seprately. The inspiration for this literature is derived from the great saints, poetphilosopher, Shrimad Rajchandra as well as other great past and present Acharyas, Saint and pious scholars. Their ineffable, incessant and intense influence is self-evident on all the aspects of the life as well as the work of the founder of the Institution. 7. Diwali - New Year Greetings
A novel way of sending greetings has been initiated by the institute since many years at the time of Diwali of New Year. It is in the from of a small inexpensive book spreading good, inspiring and life-elevating thoughts
KOMNMN

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published every year in large number so as to reach far and wide. It is so edited as to be useful to all the sections of the society. This year onwards, We are also going to have its English Version.
8. Divyadhwani Montly Magazine of the Institution.
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This is one of the highly acclaimed literary monthly, published by the institution for the past 26 years, benefiting about 5200 members in India and abroad. With its quite appealing outlook, it has contents of high caliber including techings of Shrimad Rajchandra, other saints and Acharyas, a regular article from Pujya Shri Atmanandji, articles from scholars encompassing various aspects of our spiritual and cultural heritage. It also has a regular feature towards the end highlighting immediate past and future activities of the institution as well as other important cultural - Spiritual news from Gujarat, India and abroad.

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9. Audio-Video Department
The Institute has a modern autio-video cassette recording deparment with more than 3800 audio cassettes and 650 video cassettes in Gujarati, Hindi and English Language covering lectures of Pujya Shri Atmanandjia boon to the aspirants who wish to be in constant touch with his divine, spiritual as well as life-elevating guidance. These recordings are so contrived as to encompass the entire range of improving and elevating physical, Psychological, familial, social moral, educational and spiritual aspects of human life.
These cassettes can be procured from the headquarters directly or through courier of VPP. The list of the cassettes covering the common subjects is also available.

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AIMS & OBJECTIVES
To promote, establish and protect the sublime, cultural and spiritual values of life. To initiate & enhance the study and research of Spiritual Scriptures and Anekanta-Vidya.
Promoting education in Divine Music.
To train advanced aspirants, so that they become good disciplinarians.
To propagate noble ideas in the society through various means like inspiring spiritual literature, yoga-shibirs, studies of spiritual scriptures, sessions of satsanga and audiovisual media, so that aspirants are inclined to live an ashramite way of life.
To promote and Support Public health activities by arranging occasional diagnostic, blood donation and allied camps.

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IMPORTANT ENGLISH PUBLICATIONS
Aspirant's Guide.
Fragrance of Character.
Means and Modes to Self-Realization.
Our Cultural Heritage.
Yoga, Health and Human Values.
The Path of Devotion.
A Primer to Spiritual Knowledge. Daily Prayer and Devotion.
Prayer and its Power
Guidelines to Mahavir Dershan
Adhyatma-Jnan Praveshika
The Jain Approach to Self Realization
A treatise of Jainism
Jivan Laksha

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GYATMIK SAD DHNA KENDE CHANDRA AD MEDITATION SATSANG KAD RAJCE GOOD READING DEVITIONAL MUSIC ORA-KOBA-38 SHRIMA BA-382009 SERVICE I am the soul, Your Obedient soul, True friend of you all. Silver Jubilee Year-2000 Le Persones