Jain Journal 1981 07

Author(s): Jain Bhawan Publication
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication

Page 43

JULY, 1981
change. Man must change with the time or perish. Unfortunately, people do not have the courage to confront outdated theologies, customs and institutions. Out of a false sense of security, they reject change.” Apparently, Gurudeva's rebellion encounters in India approval among the young generation of Jainas.
In New York Gurudeva acts through the 'Jain Meditation International Center' which he founded in 1974. Its objective is "to teach how to get in touch with the deepest sources of creative energy and move to the discovery of life's purpose and the realization of true nature." The Center's programme, without including any religious propaganda, is based on reverence for life (ahimsā) and the conviction that every individual can learn to guide his destiny and understand and overcome selfimposed limitations (anxiety, resentment, clouded perception) which prevent him from experiencing lasting satisfaction in life. The programme is carried out by a relatively large team of non-Indian collaborators, trained by Gurudeva. Similar centers exist in other States of the U.S. as well as in Brazil, England, Kenya and India. Gurudeva maintains contacts with a number of religious and scientific personalities throughout the world, among them with the prime minister of India, Indira Gandhi, and the President of Kenya. He is the author of ideological and philosophical books as well as poetry many of which reached two editions in short time.
Let us go back to my encountering him. We were expecting him, waiting restfully in the garden. The sun was warm, the aroma of flowers dazzling. The Muni was late. The rhythm of the guitars and the crooning of the accompanying songs were inducing me into a quite pleasant doze, until some commotion among the group restored my attention : Gurudeva appeared at the door of the house and began to approach us.
He was different from how I had imagined him : nothing in him of an ascetic monk ; nothing of an organizer, propagandist. He was of medium size, clothed in a white attire with folds thrown over his shoulders; he wore sandals on bare feet. Good eyes, gentle smile, a beard framing his face. Simplicity, directness--and goodness. My first impression was identical which what I read later about how Indira Gandhi described him : "....he looks very much like what one would imagine Christ to be ; he gave me an impression of deep peace....”.
Gurudeva entered among the waiting. Their faces brightened. He was greeted by the word "Namaste !” (I greet the light in you!). It was obvious that he and the members of the group knew each other well.