________________
you to the mount of ascension. Life demands action, deeds that will raise society from lethargy and suffering and which will immortalize your soul. Who is more worthy or more favored than you, O youthful souls, to engineer such feats?
“Who can show more zest for life than you? The old can give wise counsel born of their experience, but it is given long after the youthful force of life is already spent. They may have high spirits but they can no longer undertake such daring deeds as you can. They may feel for the spirit of adventure, but they can no longer afford to be bold and venturesome.
“Enthusiasm, manliness, high-mindedness, daring, these are qualities of youth. Man ceases to be young when he ceases to seek security in risk. Man ceases to be alive and vibrant when he settles himself into a safe routine for the sake of pleasure or profit or custom.
"You can borrow wisdom from the past, but at the same time, be active and zealous to initiate good and fruitful work. Benefit from positive advice, but know that it is you alone who can harness the force to actualize your own dreams.
“This is your time! Tomorrow is deception! Who can tell what the morrow has in store for you? Can you be sure that you will open your eyes to meet the dawn of your imagination? Make the best of today! Are you fascinated with pastimes? Are you merely watching the dance of life and being dazzled by the glittering parade of fashion? Don't be deceived by appearances. The secret of life is not hidden in the paling splendor of this passing show.
"You are bom to be great. Do not squander your greatness in idle talk, in gossip, in empty laughter, in a hollow life.
“O charioteers of youth! Let the brilliance of your achievements so enlighten the world that the poets shall extol your name in their songs! If a sculptor can carve a beautiful form out of stone, why do you not create a masterpiece out of your own life?”
At the close of the evening meditation, a universal mantra was chanted for the healing and welfare of all living beings:
सर्वे भवन्तु सुखिन : सर्वे सन्तु निरामया । सर्वे भद्राणि पश्यन्तु मा कश्चिद् दुःखभाग् भवेत् ।।
151
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
