________________
96
GREAT HYMN OF OBEISANCE: A CONTEMPLATION
APPEAL FOR UNITY
97
He displayed immense happiness on my this plea and said further, "We met at the one hundredth Centenary function of Shravanbelgola. we also had lengthy discussion, but we did not meet thereafter. You also did not discuss in Delhi prior to the recent Mawana Camp."
I said, "Rupchandji Kataria did speak but the atmosphere then was highly vitiated. Could the discussion be successful in such vitiated atmosphere? For discussion cordial atmosphere is necessary, normal atmosphere is required."
Discussion is not to be undertaken merely for the sake of discussion. Only if some solution is found, then the talks are successful. For this prior preparations are absolutely must.
You as also ourselves can accept something only when we are confident of getting that approved by our respective followers. In case we cannot have our view accepted by our followers, what purpose would be served in our mutually accepting it?
For the unity of the community, it will be necessary to act with broader outlook and such a solution will have to be found that would be acceptable to all the concerned individuals; otherwise, unity would not be possible.
Although the path of compromise is absolutely necessary and useful, it is not easy and simple; in this our intellect, capability, social hold, patience - all get fully tested. Even then if both the parties appreciate the difficulties of each other and search for right path with pure heart, the path can be found.
In case we start interacting with each other then several difficulties would get solved by themselves.
There is one more thing - you and I are not all-in-all, you have your colleagues and associates and we too have colleagues and associates. Till such time as something is not proposed after exchange of views with them, nothing is possible.
For all this some softening of the atmosphere must take place. When it is not possible even to sit together without softening of the atmosphere, how the path to unity can be found? Please try to soften the atmosphere on your side, so that it would be possible to talk.
We are ourselves active in this respect for the past several years, we have taken several important decisions in this regard, and have implemented them despite various difficulties. The entire community is fully aware of our those efforts, it is neither necessary nor appropriate to narrate those.
Although pleasant results of our efforts are appearing, even then it is not easy to change the feelings of masses; it is necessary to be active in this direction for years with utmost dedication and real keenness. I am confident that one day our objective will be fulfilled.
For creating pious background for the successful negotiations, you must also undertake some such steps as would create cordial atmosphere for the necessary discussions."
On knowing my this feeling, the happiness with which Sethji welcomed these sentiments, a hope was generated that the atmosphere would now certainly soften.
For sometime, I felt that the atmosphere was improving, but later on the train started moving on the same old track. Subsequent to this there was no occasion to interact, let us see when it occurs?
The way the atmosphere of unity, peace and co-operation that is emerging these days in the universe and the way great opponents are solving their problems sitting across the table, it seems that the time is so ripening in which all equations are changing: enemies are coming together and friends are departing.
Effects of this are also visible on the horizon of Digamber community. It is difficult to say as to when and what equations would emerge in the future? Therefore, it is necessary to work extremely cautiously in the interests of the community and the religion. It would be wise to utilise the favourable circumstances for the benefit of the community: because the time once gone can never be retrieved.
I have always been an optimist. Therefore, I am fully confident that one day the clouds of suspicion would disappear and along with the unity, fresh liveliness would also emerge.