Saman suttam

Author(s): Jinendra Varni
Publisher: Sarva Seva Sangh Prakashan

Page 14

(x
published on Chaitra Sukla 13, the date of the birti: anniversary of Bhagavan Mahavira which fell on 24th April this year, it was to be published in the most auspicious manner. The essence of Jainism was to be available throughout India on that day under the title of "Samaņasuttam". It will be continued to be read in future by Jainas and non-Jainas so long as Jainism continues to be in existence as also the Vedic religion and Buddhism continue to be alive. A very great thing which could not be achieved during the last thousand or fifteen hundred years has been achieved. Baba became merely an instrument but Baba fully believes that it is ali the grace of Bhagavan Mahavira.
I confess that the Gita has had a tremendous influence on me. Barring the Gita there has been no other influence on my mind greater than that of Mahavira. The reason for it is that Baba whole heartedly accepts the command of Mahavira. His command is "become a votary of truth". Today whoever rises high, he becomes a votary of truth. The heritage of a Votary of Truth was conferred personally on Baba by Gandhiji; Baba knew who he was, not a votary of truth but one who accepted the truth. There is in every individual an element of truth; that is why human birth becomes meaningful. One ought to accept that element of truth that is found in every religion, every sect and in all human beings. We must all become the votaries of truth; this has been the teaching of Mahavira; that is the influence on Baba apart from the influence of the Gita. When I look beyond what has been said in the Gita, I see no difference between the two.
214
ER
Brahma-Vidya Mandir. Pawnar (Wardha). 25-12-1974.
(In the handwriting
of Vinobaji).