________________
present joined in the chorus lustily. It became an unforgettable moment for all of us.
Sister Sheiva was very inquisitive about Jain religion and conversed a lot with Guruji and me in this regard. She and her husband agreed with great pleasure to start the Brazilian chapter of the International Mahavir Jain Mission at Rio. She also took Guruji and me to meet the mother of the President of Brazil. The mother of the then President (since deposed) is widely respected for her association with social causes and humanitarian projects. She had until then never heard about Jain religion and was glad to be exposed to its compassionate philosophy. She appeared sad, as her son- the President had became the subject of public indignation because of his rampant corruption. As events unfolded later, he was impeached by the Brazilian Parliament and removed from his post.
Acharya Sushil Kumarji Maharaj also met his old friend H.H. Dalai Lama at Rio. H.H. Dalai Lama had also come to attend the meeting of the Global Forum of Parliamentarians and Spiritual leaders. Wherever he went, he was surrounded by tight security arrangements and cordoned off the people milling around to get a glimpse of him, to say hello to him or to greet him. Brazilian Government had mad extensive security arrangements for him because of China's protest at the Brazilian invitation to H.H. Dalai Lama to visit Rio during the Earth Summit.
Suddenly through the crowed, his eyes fell on Guruji who was conversing with a group of people at the other end of the hall. His eyes shone up in recognition and with folded hands, he greeted Guruji who equally spontaneously reciprocated. It was a fascinating and heartwarming reunion of two well-known spiritual leaders.
The meeting with Indian Prime Minister Shri P V Narasimha Rao also turned out to be an agreeably pleasant occasion. The meeting was to be at the office of the India delegation, but by
Ahimsa: The Ultimate Winner
*
(164)
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
