________________
“Sarve bhavantu sukhinah Sarve santu nirāmayā Sarve bhadrāņi paśyantu Mā kaśchit dukkha bhāg bhavet.”
“May all living beings be happy. May all living beings be free from disharmony, disease, and ailment. May all perceive that which is good, beautiful, and truthful. Let no being be a victim of any pain, suffering, torture, or killing." Aum Shanti Shanti Shanti —- Aum Peace Peace Peace.”
The skeptical young people were deeply moved. They saw for the first time that Jainism was not a dry religion; it was meant for conquering one's lethargy and apathy; it was meant for living life. From that day, their quest was stirred and they began to move in the direction of finding meaning in their lives.
The group dispersed. The munis returned to the upasray to practice their evening praktikramana, to erase any unpleasant vibrations, and to invite the Divine Presence into the clean shrine of their inner being.
*
During the four months of chāturmās or the rainy season retreat, the monks studied closely with their guru, receiving guidance and practicing the right meditation which was conducive to each one's individual growth. When the skies were completely blue and clean, they would start out on their walking journeys once again. One chāturmās was spent in Ahmedabad, the city in which Gandhiji had established his Satyagraha ashram.
The Second World War was raging and India's independence movement was reaching its culmination. The youth in Ahmedabad were restless and angry. Munishree's guru asked him to meet with them.
He spoke from his own experience in both violent and non-violent phases of the freedom movement. His main message was this, 152
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
