________________
74
Letter 12
Dear Reena & Mona,
Dravyatva Attribute
Letter 12
November 29, 1994.
Blessings & Best Wishes.
The study of the principles of Jainism, shows each one of us the path of ultimate benefit i.e. salvation. Once we start learning them, we get so much involved, whole heartedly, that the curiosity and the enthusiasm to know more and more is on the rise.
This we witnessed in Pune during the Paryushan Festival; your daddy delivered three lectures daily for ten days, Dr. Kiran and Mrs. Mugdha Shah had arranged this programme. Daddy as usual began with the teaching of Laghu Jain Siddhant Praveshika. People were so over whelmed and interestingly excited to such an extent, that they demanded to have the seminar once again !.
Therefore we had to chalk out our programme once again for 8 days during the Ashtanhika festival (10th Nov. to 17th Nov.). This time it was arranged by Mr.Vijay and Mrs. Mamta Doshi. The daily schedule consisted of 5 hours lectures delivered by both of us. Daddy lectured for 3 hours, and myself for two hours.
This seminar had such an impact on them that they formed their own self study group and till today they continue to study together. This tremendous response paved the way to yet another seminar of 10 days, starting from 20th April 95. Mr. Prashant and Mrs. Pradnya Doshi, are arranging this time. This time we will be lecturing for 8 hours daily.
People from all walks of life participate in these seminars. School and college students, professionals, young and old, irrespective of the age factor, all attended the lectures in large numbers with keen interest. There were approx. 100 to 125 people in all.
The profound influence of Jain philosophy is really unique, beyond words. Intellectuals can grasp it faster.
In the two letters previous to this one, we had learnt the nature of the Astitva and Vastutva attributes. At present we are discussing the common attributes found in all the substances. Out of the six common attributes, we will be discussing the attribute of Dravyatva or changeability, today.
The attribute of Astitva shows that the existence of the substance is eternal, it has no beginning and no end, it exists for ever and ever.
The attribute of Vastutva indicates that the activity of each substance i.e. the modification in each substance, occurs within itself and by itself, without the help of any other substance.
