Jain Journal 2002 01

SR No.: 520145
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Jain Bhawan Publication
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication
Publication Year: 2002
Total Pages: 84
Language: English
Classification: Magazine, India_Jain Journal, & India
File Size: 5 MB

Page 56

REPORT ON THE INTERNATIONAL SEMINAR
155
Speech 1
Speech of His Excellency, Shri Viren J. Shah, The Governor of West Bengal, at the Inauguration of the
International Seminar on “Lord Mahavira and 21st Century"
Ladies and gentlemen !
It is my proud privilege to be present on the auspicious occasion of the inauguration of the international seminar on "Lord Mahavira and 21st Century."
It is well over two thousand live hundred years that the personality of Lord Mahāvira illumined the religious horizon of India. And yet with the passage of several centuries, the influence of his teachings, instead of waning, as happened in the case of several others, is on the increase. His name still remains a revered memory and an envigorating spiritual force to millions. The answer lies in the review of the work done by Bhagwan Mahāvīra during his lifetime. With his towering personality, his struggles against various hardships and hence his wisdom arisen out of his own experiences, he holds extremely relevant lessons for us today.
Teachings of Lord Mahāvīra are grouped into two parts. (1). Teachings to Sramanas (
mendicants) and teachings to householders (Sravakas). Sramanas have to follow very rigorous and extensive restraints, because they proceed to the path of sarva-virati or total renunciation. Once they take pravrajya (renunciation), they have to observe the pancha Mahauratas or the five great vows of total abstinence from violence, untruth, stealing, sexual indulgence and possessions. They proceed to the path of liberation which is the state of infinite consciousness, absolute freedom and eternal bliss. But so far as the householders are concerned, the teachings of Lord Mahävira are much simpler. These include duties like following a profession in a just and honest manner, ensuring harmonious relationships, living in proportion to one's income, eating and drinking in conformity with one's constitution. A householder should discard calumny, not betray trust and neither should he deceive, cheat or gamble. He should shun the șix internal foes viz., anger, pride, deceit, greed, attachment and aversion.