Jain Spirit 2000 03 No 03

Author(s): Jain Spirit UK
Publisher: UK Young Jains

Page 26

DINA SHAH
law of reverence for all life (Ahimsa), relativity in thinking (Syadavada), law of cause and effect (theory of Karmas), law of non-acquisition (Aparigraha), and law of compassion (Karuna) through non-violence in thoughts, words and action. It has also emphasized the idea of tolerance and non-interference as its teachings. These perennial principles of Lord Mahavir are the avenues to health, healing, harmony, peace and love. They were useful thousands of years ago and will be useful for many millennia to come. In this way, putting the teachings of Jainism into practice one can renew
Gurudev and Pramoda Chitrabhanu with President Moi of Kenya some twenty years ago. one's connectivity to that ancient source
of teaching and live in harmony with oneself and in harmony with the rest of the world.
Let us therefore work collectively for the betterment of the whole universe by changing our focus from 'I' to 'We'. The message of the new dawn is for all of us but for youth in particular, who are the hope of tomorrow. They will shape the way society thinks and feels. For, tomorrow belongs to the youth, youth that holds the promise of the future. They are the symbol of energy and zeal, openness and compassion, creativity and innovation. They have time and vigor to carry on and give life to the ancient heritage of reverence for life, understand and practice the wisdom of the seers and use the insights of the enlightened masters. They are the torch bearers and trend setters of peace, progress and prosperity for the present and future generation. So let us all think globally and act locally, making a difference in every moment of the millennium and be aware of our glorious spiritual wealth by arising, awaking and not stopping until the goal is reached.
our life on the basis of our needs and comfort and not on our greed and luxury? In this way we can eliminate the possibility of acquiring negative vibrations and unwanted karmas and channelize our thoughts, words and actions in the positive direction, starting the millennium with a new beginning. There are two classes of people who think in two different ways. There is one class that asks every morning "what should I do to become hungry? and there is another class that asks "what should I do when I become hungry? In
Jayu Shah gave up his lucrative professional job in London to work for children in India alongside his wife Dina Shah.
HAPPINESS IS WITHIN REACH
any given situation neither one seems to be happy. So where is the happiness? More than 80% of mankind toils for food, shelter and protection and yet many of them go to bed hungry. There is another small percent that is affluent and simply wallows in luxury. What a disparity in the lives of the two! One has plenty and the other is empty.
To get a fresh outlook to life, one must turn towards the philosophy of Jainism as practiced and propounded by Lord Mahavir. It has profound answers to our questions. It is founded on the
Gurudev Chitrabhanu is a renowned speaker, writer and promoter of Jainism worldwide. Pramoda Chitrabbanu is President of the Jain International Meditation Centre New York and India
March May 2000 Jain Spirit 25