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Monks' Dilemma
Monks' Dilemma
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to abide by the guide lines. Accordingly only one representative from each sect of monks and similarly from other groups will present the views of the group. I have received names from some groups. The remaining groups are also requested to give the names of their representatives so that the sequence of speakers can be worked out. I have received the name of Deepti to put counter views and questions on behalf of the rationalists and scientists. I request Acharya Vinay to inaugurate the Conference."
Acharya Vinay, "I thank you all for accepting our request to participate in this Conference and taking the trouble of coming here, some of you from long distances. With changing times, opening of wider and wider horizons of knowledge by phenomenal advances in science and technology, shrinking of space and time, opening and liberalisation of societies, increasing contacts and interactions between people of different regions and their interdependence, have given rise to new challenges, dissentions leading to revolts against old values, concepts, systems and institutions even those considered sacrosanct and inviolable, are now coming under the scanner of criticism more and more regarding their relevance and utility. The institutions of monkhood, priests, mahants, pundits, astrologers and others which were considered useful and beneficial to people and the society for giving guidance in almost all activities, are now being questioned as redundant, useless and they are denigrated as parasites, cheats and exploiters. I request you all to put your points of view, justifying the role and utility of the organisations you represent."
Manu Vedanti sprang up from his seat and shouted aloud in rage, "It is blasphemy. How can a handful of persons decry
us? Our teeming followers repose their trust in us, seek our guidance in all their difficulties and problems and get solace."
Acharya Vinay, "There is no need to be excited. By exhibiting anger, impatience and adrenal upsurge you are strengthening the case of opponents. Please keep sitting and speak calmly.
Pointing towards Manu Vedanti Deepti said, "You have mentioned in the questionnaire that you do not know anything about your parents. You only know what your Guru told you that he picked you from a fare where he found you lost by your parents. It may be that you might have been kidnapped as happens in many cases. Gurus need disciples to serve them particularly in old age and also to carry on their legacy. Obviously you do not have any experience about the life of householders, their problems, difficulties, challenges, responsibilities, ups and downs. You have lived on donations and do not know how one earns his living and maintains the family. You do not do any labour and shed sweat to meet your own expenses. Like your guru you must also be planning to marry and enjoy the life of a pseudo monk and a pseudo householder at the cost of others, on the shoulders of the householders who toil hard to meet their expenses and of parasites like you also."
Manu got furious and said, "You westernised atheists are bent upon denigrating the Indian traditions, ethos and time tested values and institutions. I am leaving and shall not be a party to discussions here."
Deepti, "Please stay a minute. You should not runaway like this. You have talked about your values and institutions as time tested. The fact is that these are manipulated to meet
