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stood its message--how it opens its heart and brings out all its beauty in color, softness, tenderness, and perfume. They placed the fourth symbol, the tilak, a spot of color, on each other's forehead. With this gesture, they symbolically opened the eye of wisdom for one another and became aware of each other's divinity. Fifth, they garlanded one another, seeing their lives as an example of unity in diversity, and of diversity in unity. Flowers, like individuals, are each unique and stand separately; at the same time, in a garland, as in a marriage, the different elements come together as one, united in a higher purpose.
Bridge-Building
The Visa-Oshwal Community is a group of Jains who, along with many other Indian people, came to Kenya at the dawn of the twentieth century. After having waited many years for Gurudev to visit them, at last they saw their dream come true. Gurudev arrived on July 4, 1971 and stayed with them for fifty-two days, reigniting their quest and feeling for life. He spent most of the time in Kenya where the largest number of Jains were and still are living. He made tours to towns in Uganda and Tanzania as well. In all three countries, his visit received great publicity. The Jains were overjoyed to welcome Gurudev and to share him with their friends. Everywhere his talks attracted many thousands of people. A number of diplomats and politicians were eager to be photographed with him.
His main theme was maitri, "the religion of friendship." He said, “What the world needs more than ever is the feeling of maitfi, for without this kind of unconditional love and generous approach toward oneself and others, there is no peace or contentment. And without peace, there is nothing but competition. One who is driven by inner greed enslaves himself.
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