________________
86
THE FAMILY AND THE NATION
deviations and even refusals, both in earlier times, and less forgivably, in recent times. But these are only aberrations. In the words of the sociologist Leela D'Souza, the real, enduring India is syncretic, pluralistic and tolerant.13
Against this backdrop the Acharya and I invited fifteen prominent religious leaders to the Acharya's abode in Surat. The result of this gathering was the birth of a historical declaration.
SURAT DECLARATION
When we worked on the concept of a conclave of multiple faiths, we studied the ten 'commandments' of Leonard Swidler, 14 a professor of Catholic thought and inter-religious dialogue at Temple University, to start a constructive interreligious dialogue. The ten points are: (1) The purpose of dialogue is to increase understanding; (2) Participants should engage in both inter-faith and inter-religious dialogue; (3) Participants should be honest and sincere; (4) Participants should assume that other participants are equally honest and sincere; (5) Each participant should be allowed selfdefinition; (6) There should be no preconceptions as to areas of disagreement; (7) Dialogue can only occur between equals; (8) Dialogue can only occur where there is mutual trust; (9) Participants must be self-critical of their religious traditions; and (10) Participants must attempt to experience how the traditions of others affect them holistically.
We met swamis, maulvis, reverend fathers, spiritual leaders and hundreds of their devotees. We discussed how religions can help the movement towards the vision of a developed India. How the rich culture and civilizational heritage of thousands of years can be synergized with development in the modern world.
God has given man the faculty to think. He has commanded His creation to use the faculty to reach His
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
