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Now, two years after sending his disciple to the First Spiritual Summit Conference, Gurudev decided to send himself to the Second. The thought of going forward to the West and contributing to a beautiful exchange elated him. A feeling to be open to the Western thinkers as well as to share Mahāvir's philosophy of non-violence with people who had never heard of it brought out his natural buoyancy and optimism. He realized that he would be offering people who, out of fear, clung to weapons as a deterrent to war, the chance to discover a real alternative, the way of reverence for life. . .
Gurudev was young and handsome, full of inspiration and charisma. The public announcement of his decision aroused a lot of controversy. Many who loved him were afraid to let him go. They did not want to lose him, even for a short time. For others, Gurudev was too revolutionary a thinker. They were concerned that the teachings and the rules might become diluted in the West.
There were also a great many Jains and non-Jains who understood Gurudev's clear intention and higher purpose. At a time when the world was in a desperate need for direction and guidance in the way of peace, here was a man who could communicate that leadership, and that vision. They were as eager as he was to see him move toward building a bridge of understanding among people from all parts of the world.
One night, a few days before Gurudev was to leave, one elderly gentleman who used to attend Gurudev's talks regularly came to see him late at night. He was in his seventies, and when he knocked on his door, Gurudev was surprised to see him at such a late hour.
“What brings you here, my friend?” he asked. "Gurudev, I have one request,” he said. "Come and tell me,” Gurudev said as he invited him in. “But first you know I love you, yes?" "Yes,” Gurudev smiled, “I know." “I have not come to argue with you.” "Yes, I know."
“I have come to tell you that you are taking a step without thinking." 262
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