Lessons of Ahimsa and Anekanta for Contemporary Life

Author(s): Tara Sethia
Publisher: California State Polytechnic University Pomona

Page 83

Lessons of Ahimsā and Anekānta for Contemporary Life
considered an ascetic in that he had few possessions and was celibate. I felt a sense of accomplishment. My “students' were learning stories of another tradition that were meaningful to them.
My success, however, was short-lived. The nuns had heard bits and pieces of other stories and wanted to know their religious significance. In particular, two stories puzzled them: Of what religious significance were the stories of turning water into wine, and of raising a man from the dead? I considered these to be good questions. But other than the most obvious point of telling them that Jesus was special, that he was able to perform miracles, did the stories have spiritual significance?
“Well, let's start with the story of Lazarus,” I said, “Lazarus was a beloved friend of Jesus who fell ill once when Jesus was away from his village. A message was sent for Jesus to return, but he received it too late. By the time he returned to the village, Lazarus had been dead for four days. Everyone in the village was distraught. Jesus went to the cave where Lazarus was buried, and called upon him to come out. To everyone's astonishment, he emerged! Jesus had raised him from the dead.”
“But why? Why did Jesus bring him back to life?” a samaņi asked. “Jesus wanted to help the family that was suffering.” I answered. “But everyone loses someone to death; why help this family," the samani duly persisted. I had no profound answer for the nuns; but maintained my teacherly stance: "I believe he tried to help whoever was in need. This was a very tragic situation, and because he was able to help, he did.” “But we all must die. This man, Lazarus, too must die, yes? So why help in a physical way? Why not help his soul? Or help his
family to understand death?” I had no answer. This had always struck me as an odd miracle, and I could not expound on its theological import.
“And the wine story?” another samaņi asked, hoping I might better explain this one.
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