Prabuddha Jivan 2009 09

Author(s): Dhanvant Shah
Publisher: Mumbai Jain Yuvak Sangh

Page 6

પ્રબુદ્ધ જીવન
સપ્ટેમ્બર, ૨૦૦૯
A Speach by His Excellency Shri S. C. JAMIR
Address by Shri S. C. Jamir, Governor of Maharashtra at the Paryushan Jain Lecture Series and release the Hindi Translation of two books on Jainism at Patkar Hall, New Marine Lines, Mumbai at 10.25 a.m. on Friday, 21 August 2009. President of the Lecture Series Dr. Shah,
Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, with whom I had the privillege of distinguished members of the Mumbai Jain Yuvak Sangh, working, in his much celebrated book The Discovery of Indignitaries, sisters and brothers.
dia' observed that it was Jainism that helped us better appreI am indeed delighted to have been associated with the ciate the rights of all living beings, and not just human be75th year of the Lecture Series organised by the Mumbai ings. He saw in Jainism 'the endeavour to lead the good Jain Yuvak Sangh as part of the Paryushan Parva. I find life, the higher life.' from the list of past speakers that persons of eminence like It is this approach to life that in recent years has influDr Radhakrishnan, Mother Teresa, Dr. K. M. Munshi, Dr. enced humankind's thinking about environment, ecology and Vijaya Laxmi Pandit, Justice M. C. Chagla and Jayaprakash planet earth. This reverence for life has to be constantly reitNarayan have spoken from this platform.
erated and inculcated in our minds. That is the only way huI congratulate the Jain Yuvak Sangh, its past and present mankind can make progress. In fact, in our quest for material functionaries for organizing the lecture series successfully prosperity we sometimes forget the spiritual heritage of our for 75 years, a remarkable achievement indeed. I also com- civilization. A fine balance between materialism and spiritupliment the Sangh for its various social and welfare activi- ality can help restore sanity when we are caught in the rough ties.
and tumble of life. An appreciation of the beauty of life and Unlike other festivals, the weeklong Paryushan period ob- nature is needed to ensure sustainable development. It is my served by the Jain Community all over the world is an eternal firm conviction that members of the Jain community can play festival, -- a festival meant for spiritual upliftment and moral a crucial role as peacemakers in society, nation and also in rejuvenaion. Many Members of the Jain community practice global affairs for conflict resolution, and for restoration of penances, vows, fasts and reading and listening to holy scrip- peace. tures during the period in their quest for self actualization. I am a Christian and my religion teaches me to see the The hallmark of this holy festival is the seeking of forgive- face of God in every human being. As a matter of fact, I ness by members of the community from each other, from believe that every religion stands for peace, harmony and friends, coworkers and enemies.
compassion. No religion preaches hatred or violece against Speaking of forgiveness, Mahatma Gandhi had said, and fellow sisters and brothers. Today however peace is eluding I quote: "The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the mankind. It is the greatest challenge for religions of the world attribute of the strong.' (unquote). I am sure, if all of us, - to restore peace at the individual level, within society and individuals, societies and nations decide to forgive others among nations. and seek forgiveness from one another for the mistakes we The first thing required for enduring peace is the spirit of committed in the past, the world will become the most beau- brotherhood. The second important thing we need for endurtiful and peaceful place to live.
ing peace is the spirit of service. True peace is possible only Sisters and brothers,
through this spirit of service. The world cannot live in peace The noble principles of life and spiritualism expounded in and hapiness if one fraction of its people live in luxury and the philosophy and practice of Jainism have influenced suc- opulence while the majority live in poverty and deprivation. cessive genarations of people worldwide. Its enduring legacy There is a simple question that all Saints ask of us: How of non-violence has shaped our approach to life and nature. can we claim our love to God if we do not love fellow human Its principled stand, against a hierarchical caste system in- beings. How can we call ourselves human beings if we watch spires us to fight for equality for all even today. The rational our brothers and sisters suffering and struggling? I believe basis of Jainism has contributed to the growth of scientific that true service is a spiritual activity, which is born out of the temper and the fight against superstition and blind faith. Re- Love of God. A famous Saint has said, and I quote: 'Prayer jecting the rigidities of doctrine, Jainism presented an open without work is as bad as work without prayer !' (unquote). and fresh approach to matters considered spiritual. This ap- As practitioners of true religion, it should be our endeavproach of reason and scientific enquiry has helped in grap- our to share what we have with others. Let us keep aside a pling with social, religious and economic problems, facing portion, say one-tenth of our earnings, to be utilised in the mankind. Jainism is part and parcel of the rich tradition of service of God and his suffering million. We can achieve unirational intellectual discourse that has flourished in this an- versal peace through love, compassion, the spirit of caring cient land of India.
and sharing and service. It is also the quickest route of