Acharya Tulsi
There are certain values which unite one man with another, one society or country or civilization with another society, country or civilization. One of these is spirituality. Spirituality has no particular name or form. Yet, though nameless and formless, its power is unlimited. Just a single ray of spirituality is enough to dispel the dense darkness of hatred and enmity. But one has to put in hard work for that.
India is honoured for its spiritual wealth. In a highly competitive and materialistic world that puts a premium on individuality, a country with a non-materialistic and non- individualistic outlook can command prestige only on account of its rich spiritual heritage. Even though obliged to import certain material goods, the glory of a country that can export spirituality could never be dimmed. Japan and Taiwan are among the prosperous nations of the world. Their prosperity springs from the industriousness and patriotism of their people. Who could imagine that a country like Japan which found itself in utter disintegration at the end of World War ll, would recover so soon and touch new heights of progress '? Even a small country like Taiwan, because of its tremendous economic advancement can serve as a model for big countries. With economic prosperity, however, goes luxuriousness, its necessary complement. The craze for luxurious living breeds sloth and ruthlessness which are positively harmful for the individual as well as the nation. There is little room for spirituality in a lascivious atmosphere; on the contrary, even a man's sense of duty to others gets blunted there.
In December 1988, a historical event of great significance took place on the campus of Jain Vishva Bharati. More than 100 representatives from 35 countries gathered there. Comprehensive discussions were held on non-violence and world peace. Decisions were taken to utilize the power of non-violence with a view to neutralizing the effect of increasing violence and armament and the war—psychosis. A delegation of 45 persons from Japan and Taiwan served to enhance the glory of the International Conference. A similar delegation had visited Ladnun the previous year. No unmediated dialogue could take place because of language constraints. Still the understanding and knowledge gained by these people during their short stay here was expressive of their deep receptivity.
Their greeting us with folded hands and a sweet smile was an embodiment of their artless courtesy. Their extraordinary agility made their bodies throb when they walked. And how they seemed to shrink as they passed by you so as not to cause you the least hindrance; inquisitiveness filled their being through and through. When they opened the wings of their curiosity, it showed how keen they were to comprehend the unknown. Spirituality was their absorbing interest. On being told that they must have experienced a great deal of inconvenience during their stay in a small town like Ladnun, they said, "When compared to what we gained here, the inconvenience was negligible. We have every convenience in our country but the kind of spiritual atmosphere and knowledge that we found here is not available anywhere else. What we have gained here will remain with us an invaluable trust."
Jainism had great attraction for them. Their recitation of the namaskar maha mantra was so faultless and so soulful as to fascinate the audience. The ascetic of a Jain monk’s life and conduct filled them with admiration. A number of these people were teachers of yoga, and had training in the treatment of bodily diseases through yoga. They were also greatly interested in meditation. They came here for training in Preksha Dhyan.
During their 5-day stay at Jain Vishva Bharati, they utilized each minute to the full. In order to reinforce their faith in meditation, they accepted initiation into Preksha Dhyan. With their initiation came into being a Preksha group of their own and they were now distinctly looked upon a Preksha dhyanis. For the purification, they accepted the following five articles of faith laid down for them—Non—violence; Anekant (the Jain doctrine of relativity, of multifaceted truth: "This is true; that is also true"; Delimitation of desire; Refinement in food; and Preksha Dhyan. With the acceptance of these principles, they took forward a step towards denunciating themselves from aggressive violence, freeing themselves from the rigidity of thought, transcending the tyranny of endless desire through wise restraint, abjuring meat and drinks once a week, and practising Preksha Dhyan for half an hour at least every day.
Japan. Taiwan and lndia—this meeting of three different cultures is in itself an achievement. The door is now open for the exchange of cultural values there has been an extension of human relationship, providing an opportunity for a mature understanding of each other through intimate contact, and the opening of new spiritual horizons. May this advance continue in an orderly way and may India furnish the right kind of environment for the propagation of spirituality!
