Jain Journal 2000 07

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

Page 37

NEWS ON JAINISM AROUND THE WORLD
took to monastic order and preached the divine message, drew people towards him by his asceticism and rare feats and came to be known as Mahavira, an apostle of non-violence and compassion. Among his teachings are: attachment is the root cause of all sins: every soul is potentially divine; salvation is open to all; every aspect of religion and philosophy should be scrutinised by intellectual approach and not by blind faith or dogmas.
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Extracts from The Hindu, Channai, Jan. 10, 1997.
Guidance essential in spiritual life
In the name of rationalism, some people oppose the scriptural injunctions, performance of rituals, customs and traditions. Some even attempt to uproot them on the plea that they are not relevant to present day trends. It should however be agreed that all that is old is not gold because a few of the ancient principles may not be useful or applicable now. Like the swan that can separate water from milk, we should try to take the virtues from every source.
What are contained in the time-tested directions are logical based on the personal experiences of illustrious personalities. If such noble beliefs still prevail, in spite of criticisms, it reflects that they are of eternal value. To change the old without foresight will be demolishing the faith of many. It will not be possible to establish new usages without prescribing better substitutes.
What is good for us particularly when we desire to gain proper knowledge in the spiritual field will be determined by the preceptors and those who have mastered the holy texts. Their guidance will be essential in choosing the correct path. The selection of such guides is important and this again depends on the manner they had inherited rare qualities from their masters and the way in which they conduct themselves.
Their thoughts, words and actions will not vary and they will be steeped in study, meditation and worship. Such a spiritual teacher is like a light house for these who are being tossed in the worldly ocean. Those aspirants who have tried to experience God without the aid of such spiritual leaders have met with failures. Even when Drona had refused to accept him as his disciple, Ekalavya considered him as his teacher and gained mastery in archery.
In a lecture, Acharya Rajyesh Surishwarji emphasised the necessity to seek the help of such spiritual guides, more so for those who have