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soul is not fooled by this illusion; soul does not recognize the dual nature of anything. A Hindu carries his water home as does a Muslim. What happens when the mind interferes? It is labelled Hindu water and Muslim water. When a cool breeze blows into your face and caresses your heated brow, who can say 'This is my breeze, no other man has any claim on it? True understanding resides in the unified vision of the soul.”
Shri Rashid told Gurudev, “My heart is dancing with joy! You are an angel sent by God! You are a messenger of God!”
Gurudev took his hands in his and said, “There is no difference between man and man. Like souls are found in you and me and everyone. It is only a question of progressive realization. When we remove the soot, the same flame lights up in all. Yes, I lay stress on this - let all live for this wonderful moment of illumination, to strike the divine spark inside one's self and celebrate life.”
In 1969, Shrimati Sarla Birla invited Gurudev to become a member of the Temple's International Committee. Plans were made for the Second Spiritual Summit Conference to be held in April of 1970 in Geneva, Switzerland. This time, Mrs. Hollister and Mr. Peter Dunne, Executive Director of the Temple, requested Gurudev's participation in person. The Birlas urged him to accept, “It is an international conference. It is imperative that you attend! The time has come for East to meet West!"
In the thousands of years that the Jain philosophy and practice have been known to exist in this time cycle, no muni has ever crossed the borders of India. Initially, the reason for not traveling was a natural one. To journey long distances would have required the use of a vehicle. In those days, that would have meant exploitation of an animal. Thus, monks always traveled by foot. The rule perpetuated, even into the days of modern means of transportation, when no animal would have suffered harm. Also, since conversion has no part in Jain teachings, there was never any thought or desire among the Jain monks to go beyond their borders to missionize, as the Buddhists and Christians have done.
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