Jain Journal 1995 10

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

Page 24

GOVARDHANADASA : MAHĀTMĀ GANDHI AND KAVI RĀJACANDRA
51
20. THE CONDITIONS OF THE UNIVERSE DISCUSSED Q.-What do you think about the final fate of the universe? A.-It is all unbelievable to me that one day the universe will be empty
of souls and the drama of life will come to an end due to their liberation. To me the universe is a running concern. It is a system of double traffic of birth and death, of integration and disintegration. It will go on to be what it is today. Change, of course, is its law. The old order is being replaced by the new. If it grows in one part, it decays in the other. If we make a close study of this problem we would come to the conclusion that total destruction or pralaya of this universe is but impossible. Universe does not mean this earth alone.
21. EQUITY AND INEQUITY Q. - Will there ever develop an equitable order out of the inequities of
today? A.-From the answer of this question if anydody tries to indulge in
inequities, he should be discouraged from doing so at all events. Both equity and inequity are incessant tendencies but it is most desirable that we should ever try to adopt equity and give up immoral and unjust ways of life, rather it is our duty to do so for the spiritual progress. It is inconceivable that all living beings will give up their inequities one day and equity will prevail everywhere. It is a mere utopia to think that such a state of affairs will ever come.
22. EXTINCTION OF THE UNIVERSE g. - Is there such a thing as a total extinction of the universe? A. -- If by pralaya you mean total extinction then such a thing is quite
impossible, because there is nothing which is absolutely destructible. But if by pralaya you mean an absorption of the universe into God etc., then it may be acceptable to some extent, but to my mind, even this doesn't appear to be possible. It is inconceivable that in some remote future all the souls and other objects of the universe will reach such a stage of similarity of change and uniformity of nature that they would all mingle together as one without any distinction bringing the whole show to an absolute rest. If once such a stage is reached, it is equally inconceivable, "how this uniformity will be disturbed to restart activity?" If by pralaya you mean an invisible diversity and a visible uniformity of souls, it would be equally untenable, for in the absence of bodies, there will be no medium of diversity in