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JAIN DIGEST .. May 2011
infinite knowledge, always providing blessing and in the form of Preksha Dhyan (Perceptive guidance for their upliftment and empowerment. Meditation), a new meditation technique relevant Besides being a philosopher-thinker lost in
for the modern times. The simple steps of Preksha philosophy, he was also an extempore and
Dhyan calm the most fickle and wandering mind, inspirational poet. His verses in both Hindi and rejuvenate the physical body, and ultimately sow Sanskrit reveal his subtle delicate feelings and the the seed of spirituality. depth of his philosophical understanding.
Modern educational systems have been Sambodhi, Ashruvina, Mukulam in Sanskrit) and standardized towards intellectual development and Rishabhayana, Shraman Mahavir (in Hindi) are
imparting knowledge. Acharyashri realized that some of the jewels contributed by him to the world the ills of the society cannot be resolved unless of literature. Acharyashri's early scholarly works
the basic moral value system is instilled in the were read and personally recognized by Dr.
youth right from the formative years of their Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, the second President of education. Acharyashri introduced Jeevan Vigyan India, and India's most influential scholars of
(Science of Living) system with the intent of comparative religion and philosophy. Rashtrakavi holistic development of students that includes their (National poet) Ram Dhari Singh Dinkar said,
emotional, intellectual and physical development. "Mahapragya is a Modern Vivekananda". In 2004
Combining Pranayam, Yoga postures, Meditation, Indian President A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, mentioned and contemplation techniques with other Acharyashri's name in his Republic Day Speech to scientifically validated affirmation techniques, the nation. This is the first time in Indian
Science of Living Education inculcates positive Parliamentary history that the name of a religious
attitude and helps in the development of a leader was mentioned in a national speech. The
balanced personality. recognition that the basic Jain principles can
Transformations in social outlook can occur become the cornerstone of peace and harmony in
through movements that touch the goodness the country is a matter of pride for the entire Jain
inherent in human psyche that invariably remains community.
dormant. Under the guidance of Acharya Tulsi, When one of the authors of the Jain Digest met
Mahapragyaji played an instrumental role in the him in Ladnun, Rajasthan, it was that time of the
Anuvrat movement. The ultimate aim of the year when over 5000 devotees had gathered to
movement is to create a nonviolent socio-political celebrate the annual Maryada Mahotsava.
world order with the help of a worldwide network of Acharyashri still managed to find time for people
self-transformed people. This grassroots who wanted to meet him. When asked about
movement is making slow but effective progress religious sects he said, "If you are not a religious
across the globe. fanatic, everybody is yours and if you are a
The economic growth, steered by phenomenal religious fanatic, whatever is yours also doesn't
globalization and advances in technology, has remain with you any more". He further went on to
also become the amplifier of human greed and the emphasize the importance of spirituality over
thirst for power. Such strong unrestrained theology and tradition, but at the same time, he did
emotions result in terrorist attacks, communal and not discount the need for tradition. In that short
ethnic clashes, and increased disparity between time span, he showed certain meditation
the rich and the poor. Acharya Mahapragya techniques, and emphasized its importance. In the
started a mass movement - a long journey end we ran out of questions, Acharyashri did not
christened Ahimsa Yatra, to act as an antidote to run out of time. In the end, he gave an advice to
the spread of human negativism. Ahimsa Yatra start taking simple steps to remain inside while
would influence people from all walks of life with living in the outside world.
the power of Ahimsa. Covering nine states and Acharyashri spent years studying and
thousands of villages, towns and cities by foot, experimenting on various meditation techniques
Acharyashri would first bring the problems of all described in various ancient Jain scriptures.
forms of violence into sharp focus, then find Correlating the results of his experimentation with common around in differing ideas and views, and Yoga science (as described by various eastern
finally, by persuasion, convert negative thoughts scholars), Biology, Physics, Naturopathy and
and emotions into positive and constructive views. Ayurveda, Acharyashri realized the wonderful
Ahimsa Yatra inspired over 40,000 volunteers, benefits of meditation. He formalized his discovery who would work at local levels, resolving conflicts
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