Training in Nonviolence

Author(s): Mahapragna Acharya
Publisher: Anuvrat Global Organization

Page 28

Training in Nonviolence
no hesitation in saying that nowhere did I come across a group which is so unique and disciplined as the Terapanth Jain Religious Order."
It is a matter of great satisfaction for me that our monks, nuns, shravaks (laymen) and shravikas (laywomen) are scrupulously following the rules of discipline prescribed by Acharya Bhikshu. Pointing to a specific feature Jainendraji remarked further, "I have taken note of a strange thing here. I visited several religious leaders and what I saw there was that they longed for the favour of wealthy persons and looked to them for support. You are the only religious leader I have come across for whose compassionate look and blessing even the wealthiest persons eagerly wait. I consider it a singular characteristic of Terapanth Dharm Sangh."
Acharya Shree replied, “We only bring the work to their attention. It is up to them if they want to do it or not do it. We never pursue them, nor remind them. We do not think even in a dream of seeking their favour. This tradition of adhering to righteous conduct is the basis of the progress of our Dharam Sangh. Secondly, we are not involved in financial matters. Not to speak of possessing an inch of land even a desire for owning a house does not arise in our hearts in the remotest sense. We are staying in Terapanth Bhawan at present but when we embark on the next phase of our journey, we are not bothered what will happen to it. This is the worry of the local workers. I derive great satisfaction from the fact that neither we own an inch of land nor possess a single penny. We are completely free from all these worldly temptations." (ii) The Reason for Dissatisfaction
I am also dissatisfied on one count. Gurudeva used to admire as well as show dissatisfaction at our performance and I have also formed the same habit. Whenever we went to him to apprise him of the progress of a particular task assigned to us, he used to say, "You have done good work. I am satisfied but I still do not have full satisfaction". Both Acharya Tulsi and his predecessor Acharya Kalugani strove hard to promote the study and learning of Sanskrit language among the monks and nuns of our Dharm Sangh. The progress made in this direction is astonishing. I can say that our Dharm Sangh is second to none in the country if our performance is evaluated. It is, in fact, not an egotistic assertion but a reality. If a comparative study is carried out, we are confident that our Dharm Sangh will get the first position. We are satisfied with this achievement but we have to go miles yet.
It is no mean achievement for the Dharma Sangha but we still remain worried as regards the young generation of our monks and nuns. We wish that they too develop this zeal and fascination for the learning of Sanskrit but sometimes we feel that we are not much successful. It is both a problem and a matter of concern for us and I do not hide my dissatisfaction.
We do not want to belittle the importance of the vidya (wisdom) that we have acquired by dint of hard work. I am of the view that those who do not know Sanskrit in its totality will not be able to know Indian culture too. In my discussion with many important people in Delhi I said, “You are not in touch with the soul of
22