Samipya 1992 Vol 09 Ank 01 02

Author(s): Pravinchandra C Parikh, Bhartiben Shelat
Publisher: Bholabhai Jeshingbhai Adhyayan Sanshodhan Vidyabhavan

Page 91

called into question. In contradiction to tradition, modernity must valorize change because the authority of its code of abstract rules and principles no longer transcends reality. Modernity has not solved the inner conflict of tradition, nor can it ever do so. But it has fundamentally changed it by carrying it over into the sphere of a single explosive reality.18
Social change is a continuous process. It should not be leading towards illusion and ignorance it needs to be channelised and directed towards knowledge and reality. Vagharis want to adopt modernity without abandoning the rigid customs of superstitions and faith in evil spirit and animal sacrifice. This is an anti-historic process. This clumsy trend has created cultural deterioration and social crisis. They are dragged into the imperfect stage of 'Ardhadagdh' (2444984) which means half hearted or incompknowledge. It is a pitiable complex state of mind for both vaghari individuals and their society. Their future leads to nowhere. This is one of the reasons why in this era, they are still in the midst of 16th century, that is lagging behind by 300 years.
Further, po substancial change is observed on studying the superstitions, beliefs, animal sacrifice, rites, rituals and customs published a century age by A.M.T. Jackson and R. E. Enthoven in the book Folklore of Gujarat.
As the reformative measures introduced by Arya Samaj had enlightened and changed the outlook of the Indian people. They were relieved from the grip of superstitions, beliefs and illusion. The scientific outlook had developed and most of the educated people started abandoning old customs but the lower communities could not get rid of superstitions. Any effort made to abandon were opposed. Rigorously and as stated earlier, such persons were ex-communicated from the society. Even today the enlightened Vaghari persons cannot get rid of these situation.
It is worth noting that some of the Vaghari educated persons have started reformative measures amongst this community under the guidance of Pandurang · Shastriji. Few of them have given up the habit of drinking.
It is learnt that none of them have taken to Islam or Christianity. Of course some of them do go to Goddess known as 'Mughalain: Deri,' but they have not embrabed Islam.
Conclusion
It is much easier to attain the psychic power but the hands of unworthy people, the spiritual endeavour may degenerate and lead them to deep water. In this context various gestures of their Bhuvas exhibited during the worship of their Godesses need to be studied scientifically and ascertained as to what extent it is illusive or superstitious. Is there any substance of medtation or tapping hidden sources of psychic energy ? whether it controls the mental automisms and enables the higher-self
361
(Samipya : April, '92-September, 1992