________________
Let all Enjoy Welfare: (273)
day that Kurmapriyā had also become perfect knower in home itself. Thus, the supreme knowledge could be acquired any where subject to the internal purity and energy.
The knowledge is called blind if the knower does not observe his duties and practices. I wish that you promote the concept of confluence of knowledge and conduct everywhere. I emphasize that religious precepts must be intellectually examined and, then, followed. The state of affairs at this juncture is very odd. The knower does not practice and the practitioner is not the knower. The monks have the responsibility to improve this state of affairs. All should have the right knowledge and become dutiful."
"You know many people associate me with many titles. They say, "I am a dictator. I am very strict. But an excellent organiser." I think all these titles are good qualities of a good teacher. All spiritual great heroes of the world should have these qualities and regard your teachers as your benefactors."
Many people state that religion is normally immune to the adoption of innovation, modernism and intellectual freedom. This is not correct. I have myself modified and added many new points to my predecessors like Bhagavāna Parsvanatha. I have added the fifth Vow of celibacy to his four-fold vow. I have developed the theory of polyviewistic consideration. I have added the practice of daily Pratikramaņa (Penitential retreat) and a - clothedness or nudity for self-realisation. I have established the coordinated four-fold order of monks, nuns, votaries and votaresses to run the religious and social life. Many more modifications have also been done. The religion cannot remain an ever leaving and ever growing one if it does not adopt the needs of the age.
'I have indicated some basic points to adopt the path of nonviolence. I wish to repeat them, once again. The human beings form a single unit. There is no difference between them. Every human being has the capacity to exert. Every body can completely develop himself. All are equal in potency. It is violence if we differentiate between them on the basis of birth or livelihood. It is, therefore, the duty of all of you, monks, to awaken the concept of self-sufficiency and equality among the living beings and give it a practical shape. I have initiated
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
