Sambodhi 2012 Vol 35

Author(s): J B Shah
Publisher: L D Indology Ahmedabad

Page 16

Dr. A.P.J. Kalam, Former President, India
SAMBODHI
the present and create the future in bilateral relations of two nations. Students of Indology mentioned that today's youth have been forsaking tradition in favour of modernity. I mentioned that there is essentially little contradiction between these two seemingly different terms. Indian society as well as Bulgarian society has both maintained a proper balance between the new and the traditional. That is why the Indology Department of Sofia University and the Slavonic Studies Department in Delhi have worked together for providing stability to our mutually beneficial relations. From this experience, I understood the power of Indology department in building bilateral and multilateral relations among nations and societies. Right Faith, Right Knowledge and Right conduct
Dear friends, when I see you all, I would like to recall Lord Mahavira's Philosophy whose central theme is Ahimsa Dharma. Lord Mahavira taught that human being is their own salvation and that is through three jewels: Right faith, Right knowledge and Right conduct. That individual attains the merit. Mahavira rejected that demarcation and disabilities of the caste system and raised his voice against all forms intolerance and discrimination. He also resisted and rejected efficiency of rituals devoid of purity of thoughts, words and deeds. Jain philosophy and ethics are virtually synonymous with the principles of ahimsa, non-violence which runs through the Jain tradition like a golden thread. Ahimsa enjoys a singular centrality in the Jain faith.
Let me now recall the great Jain tradition, which says "Atma, soul, it becomes paramatma, supreme soul, since the soul itslef endowed with full potential and the soul is master, doer and achiever." Purposeful living
In 2003, I visited Pavapuri in Bihar. There was a beautiful temple of white marble in the midst of a placid lake. Lord Mahavira walked on this sacred land. I was studying Mahavira's life and I found that Mahavira spent seven days preaching to all the rulers of the world when he felt that he was to leave this world soon. All the rulers learnt the beliefs of Jainism particularly protecting the lives of all living beings including animals and plants. Mahavira was a great teacher and he taught that before becoming free, a person has to pass through four stages namely Sadhu (Ascetics), Upadhyaya (Teachers), Acharya (Heads of Orders) and Arhat (Freed Soul, which are still attached to mortal condition). What a beautiful ascent of human soul !
I undertook the traditional parikrama of the temple while chants of