Ten Days Journey Into The Self

Author(s): Chitrabhanu
Publisher: Jain Meditation International Centre

Page 40

violence. As I just said, we need freedom from the pressure to acquire possessions and status, since these will not make us happy but only distract us from finding inner peace. Most of all, we need freedom from our inner enemies; from fear, pride, greed, vindictive rage, indifference. We need freedom to become what we were meant to be, to be aware of the glory within, to realize our divinity. We need freedom to turn away from the nonessentials as did all Arihantas, and to become fully ourselves by being concerned for the welfare of all. With the coming of political freedom, whether in the U.S.A. two centuries ago or in India recently, has our attitude toward suffering changed ? Violence, overt and covert, continues unabated. Famines cannot be wiped out by rituals and ceremonies. Nor can the problem of famines all around the world be solved by giving free food and clothing, although not to supply these would be inhuman. People will be able to rid themselves of the spectre of famine only if they struggle to their feet in sincere endeavor to end this bizarre inequality. But also, those who have the capacity to help others must find a way to do so. There have been so many prophets, so many saints, and yet the conflict between man and man continues unchecked--conflict for territory, for material resources, for power. Words cannot express the poignancy of my grief at the sight of this conflict raging all around us. Is there no remedy for this malaise? Reverence for life calls for building institutions such as the United Nations, dedicated to a global community without injustice or war. The law of Karma implies that action brings reaction. We cannot be violent without perpetuating violence. Reverence for life calls for social change but admits of no enemies. It demands the humanity of the opponent be recognized, and speaks with amity. Moral fury is as bad as any other fury. Those whose survival is safe, who are free from fear of starvation or helplessness must share their privilege to free those who are in hunger and pain. This way the freedom will dawn from within and without. Today being the birth anniversary of Mahavir, our hearts lift with joy. We have all come together on this auspicious occasion, but how can we derive the greatest benefit from it. Only if from our contemplations we attain a determination which would enrich life. Then, and then alone will we add to the radiance of this day, and the brilliance of this night! The life of Bhagwan Mahavir and his meditations are as vast as the ocean. How can I do justice to such greatness within this brief hour? I can only awaken your imagination. I would pray humbly yet fervently that just as light, air and water benefit all, so also contemplation, silence and penance, Ahimsa and Aparigraha, should be practiced for the benefit of all living beings.