Prabuddha Jivan 2009 Year 19 Ank 01 to 12 - Ank 03 is not available

SR No.: 525994
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Dhanvant Shah
Publisher: Mumbai Jain Yuvak Sangh
Publication Year: 2009
Total Pages: 320
Language: Gujarati
Classification: Magazine, India_Prabuddha Jivan, & India
File Size: 5 MB

Page 210

€
પ્રબુદ્ધ જીવન
A Speach by His Excellency Shri S. C. JAMIR
Address by Shri S. C. Jamir, Governor of Maharashtra at the Paryushan Jain Lecture Series and release the Hindi Translation of two books on Jainism at Patkar Hall, New Marine Lines, Mumbai at 10.25 a.m. on Friday, 21 August 2009.
President of the Lecture Series Dr. Shah, distinguished members of the Mumbai Jain Yuvak Sangh, dignitaries, sisters and brothers.
I am indeed delighted to have been associated with the 75th year of the Lecture Series organised by the Mumbai Jain Yuvak Sangh as part of the Paryushan Parva. I find from the list of past speakers that persons of eminence like Dr Radhakrishnan, Mother Teresa, Dr. K. M. Munshi, Dr. Vijaya Laxmi Pandit, Justice M. C. Chagla and Jayaprakash Narayan have spoken from this platform.
I congratulate the Jain Yuvak Sangh, its past and present functionaries for organizing the lecture series successfully for 75 years, a remarkable achievement indeed. I also compliment the Sangh for its various social and welfare activities.
Unlike other festivals, the weeklong Paryushan period observed by the Jain Community all over the world is an eternal festival, - a festival meant for spiritual upliftment and moral rejuvenaion. Many Members of the Jain community practice penances, vows, fasts and reading and listening to holy scriptures during the period in their quest for self actualization. The hallmark of this holy festival is the seeking of forgiveness by members of the community from each other, from friends, coworkers and enemies.
સપ્ટેમ્બર, ૨૦૦૯
Speaking of forgiveness, Mahatma Gandhi had said, and I quote: "The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.' (unquote). I am sure, if all of us, - individuals, societies and nations decide to forgive others and seek forgiveness from one another for the mistakes we committed in the past, the world will become the most beautiful and peaceful place to live. Sisters and brothers,
The noble principles of life and spiritualism expounded in the philosophy and practice of Jainism have influenced successive genarations of people worldwide. Its enduring legacy of non-violence has shaped our approach to life and nature. Its principled stand, against a hierarchical caste system inspires us to fight for equality for all even today. The rational basis of Jainism has contributed to the growth of scientific temper and the fight against superstition and blind faith. Rejecting the rigidities of doctrine, Jainism presented an open and fresh approach to matters considered spiritual. This approach of reason and scientific enquiry has helped in grappling with social, religious and economic problems, facing mankind. Jainism is part and parcel of the rich tradition of rational intellectual discourse that has flourished in this ancient land of India.
Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, with whom I had the privillege of working, in his much celebrated book `The Discovery of India' observed that it was Jainism that helped us better appreciate the rights of all living beings; and not just human beings. He saw in Jainism `the endeavour to lead the good life, the higher life.'
It is this approach to life that in recent years has influenced humankind's thinking about environment, ecology and planet earth. This reverence for life has to be constantly reiterated and inculcated in our minds. That is the only way humankind can make progress. In fact, in our quest for material prosperity we sometimes forget the spiritual heritage of our civilization. A fine balance between materialism and spirituality can help restore sanity when we are caught in the rough and tumble of life. An appreciation of the beauty of life and nature is needed to ensure sustainable development. It is my firm conviction that members of the Jain community can play a crucial role as peacemakers in society, nation and also in global affairs for conflict resolution, and for restoration of peace.
I am a Christian and my religion teaches me to see the face of God in every human being. As a matter of fact, I believe that every religion stands for peace, harmony and compassion. No religion preaches hatred or violece against fellow sisters and brothers. Today however peace is eluding mankind. It is the greatest challenge for religions of the world to restore peace at the individual level, within society and among nations.
The first thing required for enduring peace is the spirit of brotherhood. The second important thing we need for enduring peace is the spirit of service. True peace is possible only through this spirit of service. The world cannot live in peace and hapiness if one fraction of its people live in luxury and opulence while the majority live in poverty and deprivation.
There is a simple question that all Saints ask of us: How can we claim our love to God if we do not love fellow human beings. How can we call ourselves human beings if we watch our brothers and sisters suffering and struggling? I believe that true service is a spiritual activity, which is born out of the Love of God. A famous Saint has said, and I quote: `Prayer without work is as bad as work without prayer!' (unquote).
As practitioners of true religion, it should be our endeavour to share what we have with others. Let us keep aside a portion, say one-tenth of our earnings, to be utilised in the service of God and his suffering million. We can achieve universal peace through love, compassion, the spirit of caring and sharing and service. It is also the quickest route of