Namokar Mahamantra Ek Anushilan

Author(s): Hukamchand Bharilla
Publisher: Todarmal Granthamala Jaipur

Page 48

GREAT HYMN OF OBEISANCE: A CONTEMPLATION
APPEAL FOR UNITY
this preaching of the passionless omniscient Lord would show the path to happiness and peace. Now the time has arrived that we do not remain confined to the prisons of sects, castes, States, languages.
In case we desire to spread the knowledge of fundamentals (tattava jnana), characterised by non-injury and passionlessness, to the entire world then we should overcome narrow mentality and engage ourselves earnestly in the great task of propagating to the masses the essence of the preaching of Mahaveer. This is right path and the well being of all of us lies in this.
Therefore, on this occasion, I would like to make an earnest appeal to the Organisers of this Conference and you all that we must give attention to this while there is still time; we must forget all mutual differences and make a firm resolution to inculcate cultural traditions in the next generation; we must become active in that direction, otherwise, the consequences of our this neglect will have to be borne not only by the next generation but several generations to come.
My this timely warning and the appeal for unity were not only heard peacefully but the depth of its seriousness was also experienced.
The close contact established on this occasion with the President of Bhartvarshiya Digamber Jain Mahasabha, Shri Nirmal Kumarji Sethi was utilised to discuss various difficulties of the Digamber Jain community. Although, due to paucity of time, in view of various programmes, detailed discussion was not possible, but the brief essence of whatever could be discussed is given hereunder.
After formal general exchange of pleasantries, I told him, "The energy of Digamber Jain community is being wasted in useless conflicts; when we can organise such functions in co-operation with Swetamber brothers, then why don't we get together notwithstanding certain differences? The extent to which we waste labour, energy, intellect and money in mutual conflicts, if that can be diverted in the good of the community and the propagation of the religion, the entire Digamber Jain community can be transformed, new consciousness can be awakened and it can accept the challenges of today and can establish an ideal before the world.
Where the universe of today is going and where we have got struck. If we desire that the Digamber religion is propagated all over the country and the world, then we will have to contemplate seriously on this subject.
My this feeling was appreciated by Sethiji and he said that he had read my essay Acharya Kundkund aur Digamber Samaj ki Ekta in which also this appeal has been made.!
Clarifying my point, I gave an example. Serious differences were taking place between a couple (husband-wife), it had reached the stage of seeking divorce, both were staying separately. In between a letter from the wife's father was received. In that he had written to her only daughter that he had now become entirely lonely. Therefore, he desired to spend the final years of his life in the spiritual city Kashi. Prior to that he desired to spend one week with her. He wrote, "While staying with you I desire to ascertain whether you are happy and husband-wife are living in loving atmosphere; on seeing your happy family only I will be able to retire to Kashi peacefully, otherwise, the question of your happiness and comfort would haunt me and I would not be able to die peacefully.
I desire to spend the last days of my life after becoming completely free from all anxieties so that my death may be peaceful and I die in the state of equanimity - for this it is absolutely necessary that I become completely assured about you, because for me there is none in this world, except you."
She got worried on receiving such a letter from her father, she gathered courage and reached her husband. Immediately on seeing her, the husband made the satirical comment, "So Maharaniji is back, intellect has come back to normal."
Feeling deeply hurt she said, "Don't worry, I have not come to live here; I have come to show this letter which has been received."
While taking the letter, husband said, "Who has sent it? What is written therein?" 1. Sampadkiya : Veetrag-Vigyan, June 1998