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Ch. 10: Keshiswami - Anekant Dialogue
I have heard Bhagwan Mahavir say that time is the agent of change.
(Kale kaalam samayare.)
He warns us that change is inevitable with time hence, we must be flexible. Individuals, institutions, or traditions that refuse to change with time will perish. Only the dead do not
Individuals, institutions, embrace change; they decay. How long or traditions that refuse would a foolish coal miner survive if,
to change with time will
perish. Only the dead do when confronted with gold in his mine,
| not embrace change; he refuses to mine it merely because he | they decay. has traditionally dealt only with coal? Likewise, a religious tradition must embrace change and not be afraid of it. Or else, it shall perish.
Keshiswami is a unique individual who welcomes change and respects new ideas. He is a senior in an ancient tradition and has 500 disciples. Yet he welcomed us, listened to me with respect, and honored us by telling his disciples to join our sangh. He said, "Our ideals are common, and we share same goal. What is the point in following different paths? Mahavir has advanced Parshvanath's concepts by developing a more effective path to liberation. I have therefore decided to merge my sangh with Mahavir's. We will grow together. Come, let's go to Bhagwan Mahavir's camp and ask him to accept us in his sangh."
This was an important historical event. No adamant discussions or ego, and no seniority claims. Keshiswami could have easily insisted that his Parshva tradition was older and that therefore, Mahavir should
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