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Shantilal, who was to accompany Gurudev throughout his stay in Europe in the hope of being helpful to him in all matters, disagreed, "To pass through this sea of people will be impossible.'
The police would not permit them to go out from the building until they had arranged for a van to escort Gurudev from the back door to a friend's house where he was to relax until departure time at 1 a.m. Eventually, the mob dispersed. In the meantime, ten busloads of people went to the airport to block off the entry! By the time Gurudev arrived by a different route, the building had been cordoned off and the crowd unable to gain access to it.
Undaunted by the mass demonstration, Gurudev left India in ecstasy and calmness. Neither praise nor blame disturbed him; he saw that they were temporary waves and would go back from where they came. His own commitment to life and readiness to meet the unknown were firm. New friendships awaited him. Bound to none, he was freeing himself for all. The past had no power over him. It was a step taken in joy and
awareness.
Some one asked him, "How do you feel about going to the West?"
"As if spiritual wings are lifting me to participate with the world!
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Jain Education International
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East Meets West
When Gurudev alighted from the Air India plane in Geneva on the morning of March 30, many people greeted him with joy, "You have brought us the sunshine, Gurudev! We've had rain all week!" The Birlas, Judith Hollister, and Peter Dunne who had gone to Bombay to invite Gurudev personally to the Conference were among the members of a reception committee to greet their distinguished guests. Shri N. M. Shah, who had been living in Geneva for years, and his daughter Daksha
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