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GLOBAL NEWS
CELEBRATING THE LIGHT OF FORGIVENESS
Aidan Rankin reports on the Kshmapana Day celebration
held at London's Victoria and Albert Museum
Speakers Mr Sanghrajka, Dr. Parikh Dr. Wiley and Dr. Balbir
N SUNDAY 14 SEPTEMBER 2003, to mark Kshmapana
Day, an all-day event was organised by the Trustees of London's Victoria and Albert Museum, in partnership with the Institute of Jainology and with the support of Young Jains UK. Kshamapana Day marks the end of Paryushan, a period in which Jains observe fasts and reflect more generally on their spiritual practice. Kshmapana Day is therefore in part a celebration of the ending of a period of austerity (tapas) but it also invites reflection on how best to apply Jain principles in practical ways, to project the inner spiritual life outwards so that it positively affects others.
The principal theme of Kshamapana Day is forgiveness, and this was explored by all the scholars, community and spiritual leaders who spoke throughout the day. Jain teachings remind us of the importance of forgiveness at many different levels, from the right conduct of society to the individual's psychological and spiritual health. Forgiveness is an important act of letting go, or non-attachment, which clears the mind of emotional toxins. It is also a supreme act of compassion and strength. This aspect of forgiveness was emphasised by Dr. Kristi Wiley of the University of California, Berkeley. Dr. Wiley, the keynote speaker, gave a beautiful talk in which she compared the approaches to forgiveness adopted by Christianity and Jainism. She emphasised the courage involved in the act of forgiving, whether between individuals or between hostile nations and warring factions. Forgiveness opens up innumerable new possibilities, but it is in many ways more difficult than holding on to old animosities. Dr. Wiley cited the example of the Serbian
and Croatian heads of state, who had recently apologised to each other on behalf of their peoples and agreed to work together for reconciliation. This accords with the Jain principle of ahimsa and should serve as a model for international relations. Coming so soon after the second anniversary of 9/11, Dr. Wiley's words resonated with the audience and gave us hope.
Dr. Wiley's address was followed by a highly erudite and well-illustrated talk by Dr. Nalini Balbir of the University of Paris (Sorbonne Nouvelle). Her theme, appropriately for a scholar of Prakrit as well as Sanskrit, was the significance of Kshamapana in Jain scriptures. Dr. Balbir is one of the most distinguished scholars of Jainism and it was an honour to have her in London for this event. Her talk gave way to a welcome musical interlude provided by Sheila Shah and her party, the youngest of
whom is fourteen years old, consisting of songs on the theme of forgiveness. This was followed by a lively talk on fasting by Shaileen Shah of Young Jains UK, in which he raised many interesting questions about spiritual practice.
In the afternoon, we were updated on the most recent developments at the Institute of Jainology UK by Mahesh Shah, and treated to an inspiring lecture by Shri H.C. Parikh, until recently India's Chief Commissioner for Tax. Dr. Parikh spoke about compassion towards all living things as the guiding principle for human existence. In this age of environmental vulnerability, this means applying the principle of aparigraha to conserving the Earth's resources. Forgiveness is part of this process. As Lord Mahavir reminds us, one who forgives "acquires a kind disposition towards all living beings." The next speaker was Samanaji Pratibha Pragna of the Jain Vishva Bharti in London. A nun from the Terapanthi order, she gave a powerful speech about meditation as the essence of religious practice, a form of spiritual medicine that promotes calm, is good for mind and body and encourages forgiveness and compassion.
The day concluded with the presentation of awards to students who had completed the Institute of Jainology's introductory course, organised with Birkbeck College, University of London. Special thanks should go to Nick Barnard, who led a guided tour of the highlights of Jain art at the V&A before the event started, and in particular to Dr. Deborah Swallow, the Museum's Director of Collections and Keeper of the Asian Department. Her skilful, judicious leadership ensured the day's success.
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Jain Spirit . December 2003 - February 2004
Jain Education International 2010 03
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