Light of Nonviolence

Author(s): Sushilmuni
Publisher: Vishwa Ahimsa Sangh Delhi

Page 27

REASON AND FAITH
An intellectual distinction is commonly made between those who live their lives through faith as opposed to those who merely think or reason about faith. In this story, Guruji relates how he survived poisoning by a fanatic from a rival religious group. The story takes place during a solar eclipse in India and it was only due to the faith, knowledge and practice. f Guruji that he was able to overcome the full effect of the poison.
W hen the solar eclipse occurs in India, it is a very
special event for which everyone prepares. Just before a recent solar eclipse, I was paid a surprise visit by two people from another religious group. Although I was aware that there were some conflicts between my group and the other factions in the Jain religion, I never thought that they were very serious. Also, it is not my habit to think ill of anyone since we are all part of the same divine Self.
On the day of the solar eclipse, everyone was very excited. It is not an uncommon practice among psychics, in India, to take vach, a ginger root medicine that has psychedelic effects, to induce clairvoyant experiences. Although I had never taken the drug since I believe that mind-altering drugs are harmful to final liberation, I
20