Laghurajswami Biography

Author(s): Manu Doshi
Publisher: Manu Doshi

Page 19

recently passed away, was born to overcome such problems. It seemed that the advent of that sacred soul was symbolic of sunrise for Jainism. By studying the religious philosophies at depth he had brought out their essence. Neither Jainism nor Vedänt was his path. He stipulated the path that could make one aware of the detached state and could led to the well being of soul. Though he had initially to face several accusations, the people were coming to know him as impartial advocate of pure Self, above all sorts of differences and different opinions. The people had started getting the conviction that he was the man to indicate the path of self-realization based on pure detachment. But alas! The rising sun is set; his present age span is over; the work of illuminating the path of detachment is held up!
We were also deeply involved in difference of opinions like others. Despite taking vows for renouncing the belongings physically, verbally and mentally, the undue insistence on sectarian beliefs was deeper amongst us than that which even a layman, unaware of the essence of religion, could have for his belongings. How could one hope for people's well being, when this could be the state of monks? In such a state of ignorance the above-said pure soul showed to us that the path of spiritual well being lies in absence of desire. That great man explained to us that we had been working against our own interest on account of the difference of opinions. We now feel that we were hurting ourselves by unduly holding sense of belonging for sect.
From the unique benefit that we gained from that great soul's contact, we felt sure that he was the man to illumine the path laid by Lord Mahaveer. Had his age span been longer, the minor differences would have been certainly put an end to. Not only that, the subtle differences between Shwetambar and Digambar could have been removed and the true path propounded by Lord Mahaveer could have been reinstated. All those expectations are now gone; it is hard to conceive how much the ignorance is to grow. At least the followers of the great man should set up a Jnän Mandir (Temple of Knowledge), where people can learn his teaching. It should be so planned that the behavior of its followers would be exemplary to the people at large."
The following extract from the letter number 708 of Shrimad's Vachanamrut would be helpful in understanding the thinking behind the above-mentioned press note.
"If the original path is to be reinstated, one needs to resort to all out renouncement; only in that case his teaching can be really helpful. ... If it is possible to come across such a person, many people could come to the right path.... While looking around, no one of that stature comes to the notice; as such, the attention turns towards this writer.... It is possible that thousands of people can come to the right path through us and can attain a higher state of existence by resorting to that path, if we can totally renounce.... Such tendency may perhaps arise by virtue of the desire for reputable position that one gains by setting up religion. From the repeated introspection, however, it appears that there is hardly any scope for rising of such a tendency in the present state. Moreover, if there be any potentiality for the same, it is bound to disappear. The Self at the inner level is resolutely firm about not setting up the path without being worthy of it even if the life seems to be coming to the end.... I feel that my present state is appropriate to set up or refine the path based on Vedänt, but I am still not competent to set up one based on Jainism. Yet it is felt that there is fairly high level of competency."
In number 709 he writes as under.
"Let me recall the following means of spiritual uplift:
Pure nature of Self be explained everywhere according to the original path;
Everywhere it may come to the notice that it is not at all helpful to hold difference of opinions;
It should come to the notice that the religion lies in carrying out the commands of true Guide.
People may resort to the study of Dravyänuyog, the study of Self.
Monks may resort to higher level of renouncement and detachment.
Many people may ponder over Navtattva (Nine fundamentals), monastic code and laymen's code."