________________
Walk With Me
Is this the same concept that the Vratya people practiced for centuries? Are the Upanishads finally accepting the Arhat idea of purification of atma and rebirth? If so, why do we still perform yagnya? Such questions always fill me with both curiosity and sadness. Despite being the greatest Pundit, even I cannot ask my fellow Brahmins to abandon their old ways and practice purifying their atma as described in the Upanishads! Such is the pitiful burden of being the greatest Pundit! Where can I seek help? Who or what will give me courage?
Many questions about our own rituals, our treatment of others around us, and the life after death, plagued me as I came here this morning for yagnya. Often, I attempt to console myself by the notion: 'I am famous. I am the best scholar. Kings and Emperors seek my advice. I am their pillar of strength. How can I betray their trust by showing my weakness? I must remain solid as a rock.' As I was absorbed in such thoughts, a festival organizer came running to me. I greeted him, "Bless you my son! What is the matter? You look disturbed."
"Yes Gurudev, I am rather disturbed because I have some serious news." He was panting. "I came running to give you the news that an 'Arhat' Guru has come to Pava. People call him 'Mahavir' (The Great Victor), but he does not look like a warrior to me.
Instead of joining our ceremony, he is about to give a sermon in the Mahasen garden on the outskirts of the city. He is calling this sermon, samosaran. I have heard people say that he is a very learned and powerful guru. People are leaving our ceremony and are rushing towards the garden. This is a very serious matter Gurudev!"
Jain Education International
18
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
