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FOREWORD
eelings of wonder and hope surge within me, as I perceive the many auspicious signs that have appeared at the start of the new millennium. I recall, for instance, the United Nations Peace Summit held at the UN headquarters in New York last September when participants professing diverse faiths met to reaffirm the values they cher
ish in common - peace and justice and happiness for all - thereby proving that humankind is determined to reclaim its spiritual heritage from the debris of violence and intolerance.
What inspired me hugely at this Millennium Summit was the presence of a large contingent of Jain participants, belonging to all sects. The calmness of their speech and conduct, simple lifestyles, and steadfast dedication to Jain teachings, influenced me to put together in book form the powerful insights that Bhagwan Mahavir and the 24 Tirthankaras have left behind for the lasting benefit of humankind.
Such an undertaking could not have come my way at a more propitious moment for me. The birthday of my late husband, Ashok Jain, just precedes the 2600 birth anniversary of Lord Mahavir. Such a fine coincidence gives me all the more reason to present this book on behalf of the Times Group, which I now have the honour to head.
The attributes of Jain philosophy can be compared to a lotus in bloom. The fragrance of the lotus is evenly spread. It does not waft in any one direction. The teachings of Jainism also reach out to one and all. They do not acknowledge barriers of race or creed, of nation or dogma. This is why their compassion is not confined to the adherents of the faith.
Jain philosophy seeks to be relevant to humankind as a whole and indeed to all living creatures. It takes in its stride the past, the present and the future. It endeavours to establish its pertinence in every circumstance where a human being is required to strike a spiritual balance with another human being, or with the environment, or, above all, within the soul.
It is a matter of incalculable satisfaction to me that this pertinence of Jain teachings is exemplified in the example set by non-Jain Living Masters, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Pujya Asaram Bapu, Swami Sukhbodanand and many other spiritual leaders, as they strive, serenely and steadfastly, for the welfare of humankind. They rise above the barriers of creed, caste and race to inculcate a transparent, compassionate and creative art of living.
I would also like to express my deep affections to my grandson Vardhman. True to his name, he enriched my vision while he was here with us and continues to do so from the great beyond.
Finally, I offer my salutations to the Supreme Teacher, to the Living Masters, who hover above every seeker like a luminous cloud which emanates calm radiance and showers its blessings with abundance. May they continue to guide humankind's actions and crown its endeavours with success.
Jan Education Intemational
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