Book Title: Training in Nonviolence Author(s): Mahapragna Acharya Publisher: Anuvrat Global OrganizationPage 32
________________ Training in Nonviolence shut eyes to what is going on and let it continue. If speaking causes violence, it is good to keep quiet. If we are able to strike a balance between speaking and observing silence and do something new, we can achieve success in our work. Today I wanted to talk about darshan and direct experience of truth. I have not understood darshan merely in the context of philosophy. I have understood it along with its application or practice. Nowadays we come across two words i.e. 'applied philosophy.' Philosophy alone is not important, applied philosophy has become more important. I have understood darshan in the context of its practice. Today what we need is putting precepts (philosophy) into practice. (ix) Fruit of Selfless Dedication Once again I may summarize what I have said. I introspected today and reviewed my work. Every year and every month I remember that whatever I have got is the result of my obedience or my dedication to my Guru. When I became a muni, I was a small child. I was a lad of a small village. I came from a very small village. I had no schooling. In reality I didn't even see the gate of a school. After my deeksha (initiation) I developed a sense of dedication towards Acharya Kalugani and Muni Tulsi. I went on carrying out whatever instructions they gave me. I didn't give any thought to it. Even such alternative thoughts whether I should do or not do didn't arise in my mind. I continued to faithfully carry out whatever orders or directives they gave. I believe that whatever I have achieved today is the result of my sense of humility and dedication towards my master. (x) May we Awaken our Willpower I wish that if anyone wants to take cue from my introspection and willpower, he should dedicate himself to a person from whom he can get something and carry out his instructions. Dedicating oneself wholly to one's guru is a mantra of success. Today is the day of sankalp (firm resolve or resolute determination). Let us pledge ourselves to live a life of firm determination. Let us strengthen our resolve. It has enormous power in it. There was a voice from heaven - "For twelve years not a single drop of rain will fall on the earth." The farmers were worried. However when the rainy season arrived, the farmers reached their fields with their ploughs and implements. There was again a voice from the heaven - "Did you not hear the declaration that not a drop of rain water would fall on the earth? Why are you wasting your time and energy by ploughing the dry land?" The farmers said - "Oh Indra! You may allow the rain to fall or not, it is your wish. But if we do not plough the land, our future generation will become idle. If we remain sitting idle for twelve years, our children will forget how to use ploughs." It is said that this resolutness in their will softened Lord Indra's heart. He sent so much rains that the earth was drenched. Whatever great might be the difficulties or problems, what is necessary is that deep in our heart of hearts we awaken this resolve. 26 Jain Education International For Private & Personal Use Only www.jainelibrary.orgPage Navigation
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