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LOOKING UP TO THE TEACHER
Life is very full for me with the meditation centre, school courses, animal rights and vegetarianism projects. There is much non-violent influence that can be exerted as groups organize and make decisions to create a less violent world".
The foregoing comments by three highly advanced imbibers of the principles of Jain religion manifest deep conviction, strong natural desire and personal preparedness to proceed further at a higher, more sublime and more spiritual level with the religion of their choice. It is heartening to see the belief in the faith reinforced by comprehensive on-going study of Jain scriptures, and acquiring a clear understanding how in Jain religion the principles and the practice go together hand-in-hand and that the practice is not merely a ritual to be observed with blind belief.
Faith and scholarship of Balbhadra, Vikas Prakash and Ananta are highly inspiring and exhilarating. They have taken to Jainism almost on par with Gurus and Upadhyayas in India, and many ordinary followers of Jain religion in India could look upto them for spiritual guidance and religious discipline.
S. Michele writes, "I want to grow and I want to be intuitive enough to be my own counsel. Gurudev, your words are very powerful and help me a lot. I do sincerely appreciate all that you have done for me and given to me. I listened to one of your tapes and it helped me a lot. I am now going to listen to the other 'Miracles of Letting go'... Something I very much need to hear from time to time. I love my life now."
The catalystic role of the Teacher in introducing the basic tenets of Jainism and slowly and steadily, smoothly and
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