Acharya Chandanaji in India Today

SR No.: 269087
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: India Today
Publisher: India Today
Total Pages: 4
Language: English
Classification: Article & Ascetics
File Size: 6 MB

Page 4

And MPACTFeature Feature * Sharing and caring were your nature since childhood. Did something inspire you down this path, or was it within you? I have very faint memories of my childhood but I have a strong belief in previous births and believe that values are carried forward. This is the reason why I sympathize for anyone in need and have a strong urge to serve them. Just as we would desire someone to come to our service in a time of need, so we too should serve those who need us in this lifetime. The path you chose was not of traditions but the path of Lord Mahavir's teaching. The traditional Jain community perhaps thinks differently. What difficulties did you face? All religions have traditions and it is difficult to accept change in any tradition, because people consider tradition as the religion itself. The Jain tradition does not allow renunciates (Sadhus and Sadhvis) to personally do good deeds. But what I saw around me was living beings in pain. While studying Jain scriptures and the scriptures of other religions, I realized that Karuna (compassion) for every living thing is the supreme virtue in all religions. Tradition may not allow this, but the original thoughts of prophets like Tirthankar Mahavir is rooted in unconditional love. What kind of religion we follow that doesn't advocate for serving those in pain? I believe that a religion that doesn't address pain of others is not true religion. I could not agree with such traditions, and so chose a different path. I faced many obstacles; however, bearing those difficulties was possible. What was not possible was neglecting to follow a path of compassion, which is most needed for humanity. At the age of 75, having achieved incredible milestones, what is left? What more do you think Veerayatan should accomplish? In a short span of 40 years Veerayatan has touched millions of people and has changed countless lives but Veerayatan's work is like a small drop in the ocean. There are so many unresolved issues: Impoverished children, the suffering of women, illiteracy in villages, and cruelty to animals. Along with increased work in the areas of education and health care, I would also like to spread our work to serve animals. These voiceless creatures continue to suffer in record numbers, and it is our responsibility to serve all living creatures in need. Our religions aim to achieve Moksha and Swarg after death but I believe that if we focus more on solving the problems of the present life and improving the condition in which humans and animals live, the world will be a very different and better place. What do you hope to see in the next generation of Sadhvis that have dedicated themselves to Veerayatan? I wish that without any ego or any personal motives and expectations, the next generation of Sadhvis should selflessly do good work for more and more people. They themselves should do good work and should inspire other people to do good deeds. The Sadhvis of Veerayatan do not work to attain any particular post, position or financial gain, and I expect things to continue in this way. I expect the Sadhvis to become the divine messengers on the earth and as such, they should always be active for the betterment of this world. Share the most memorable incident of your life. There are many such powerful incidents that have occurred in my life, but there is one in particular that I recall with a lot of affection. It occurred a long time ago. A little girl around nine or 10 years of age was coming from the hills of Rajgir, Bihar, and I too was passing from the same road. I called her. Her name was Malu. I asked, "Where are you going Malu?" She replied, "I am going to work". I asked her, "Malu, don't you go to school?" Malu said that she didn't have a father. She added, "I have a mother and five siblings. Ma cannot earn enough to support the family so I go to work." I then asked her, how much she earned and she said, "I get around hundred rupees". I told her, "I am making a school here for poor children. Will you give me a rupee to run the school?" At this she promptly replied, "No Mataji, I will give all the money have". This little girl, who had not studied in any school, had not heard Shashtras from any Guru, was ready to give away everything she had simply because she knew that some good work was being done for kids by Mataji. This incident, full of kindness, is one I always remember in life. The little girl's words are carved in my heart even to this date, and I think of them always when there is something to be done for someone. I put them above all Shashtras and the speeches of any great figure. What has been your source of inspiration? I believe that there is a little lamp of love, compassion and kindness within everybody. One can call the divinity within, and all are capable of possessing it. With the blessings of my revered teachers I tried to enhance that divinity and very humbly I can say that my Seva work is inspired through the expression of that divinity and is not the effort of any individual. What is Moksha (liberation) according to you? In my view Moksha is absolute freedom, liberation from all pain. Some people believe that Moksha is when one gets liberated from body. However, I feel that getting rid of pain is true Moksha. If one learns to smile, Moksha is very much present. A smile, in fact, is a way to Moksha. Laugh with open mind and heart, thatjoy is true Moksha. What is your motive behind Seva? I can't see some diseased shedding tears in pain, children living an ignored life. I can't just stop myself helping them. To serve and to help has become a part of my being Today human relations are passing through a delicate phase. What one must do to make human relationships stronger? We must understand that while we give utmost importance to our individual lives, our existence itself is only possible due to the support of others. We must try to spread this message in our schools, colleges and the world around us. Our individual life is supported by trees, air, earth, sky, water, stars and infinite humans' attempts. We think that we own our life. But imagine if one day the air denies giving oxygen to us, trees and plants deny food to us, the land denies to support us, clouds hold back their water, parents withhold their love and care. What kind of life would we lead? The existence of our lives is due to this multitude of obligations. If we had a genuine sense of gratitude toward others, our relationships would be better. The tree that gave us fruit, the cow who gifted us milk, farmers who toil in the fields, women who clean, labourers who build: We must thank each and every one of them. We must show gratitude to our teachers who educate us, and parents who work tirelessly for us. If we understand this little thing of gratitude toward others, it will sweeten our relationships tremendously. We should have this gratitude for family, neighbours, society, and our ancient culture and civilisation. Gratitude is a must. We may have expectations from others, but people and nature have expectations from us also, and we must not forget this. Every morning when we get up, we should think about what others have done for us. We should then go further, and try to think about what we can do for others. This little change in attitude will change our lives and transform our relationships. For further information please contact - shilapiji@hotmail.com Students of Veerayatan Institute of Pharmacy at Jakhania, Kutch follow the path of Acharya Shri Chandanaji with a dedication to serve and create a better world