Acharya Tulsi
Jainism is predominantly a religion of self—control and simplicity. Self-control and simplicity are eternal values. They are needed in every age. In special circumstances, they come to assume even greater importance. This year, the country is facing danger on two fronts— man—made terrorism and natural calamity. The common citizen is alarmed by both. The first horror is related to the psychological imbalance in man, produced by religious and caste prejudices. To remove it, it is necessary to take some effective steps which would change the people’s psychology.
The second big horror is that of famine, which is directly connected with natural phenomena. But if we go into the matter a little bit more deeply, we shall find that the disequilibrium in nature is also man-made, over-exploitation of nature being the chief factor behind it. According to Robert Chambers, a botanist of Scotland, the results of forest—denudations are: floods, drought, excessive heat, famine and disease. Besides exercising care in this regard, it is also necessary to bring about timely changes in the religious, sociological and family institutions. A few issues are touched upon here so as to make the lay public conscious of the problems facing them.
RELIGIOUS FUNCTIONS
The greatest religious festival of our community is ‘MaryadaMohotsava’, the Festival of Self—introspection. A review of the religious activities of the year and seeking guide-lines for the future is a unique feature of this festival. The people are filled with a new enthusiasm on this occasion. Indeed, this traditional fervour is the people's cherished heritage. The community-feeling generated by the presence of thousands of people is quite overwhelming. Sometimes forty to fifty thousand people attend this festival. They come with great enthusiasm and take away with them spiritual food for a whole year. It is not our intention to lessen their fervour or to deprive anyone of spiritual benefits. Yet, it seems desirable that the festival adapt itself to the exigencies of time.
- This year, many groups of ascetic have not been called to attend.
Disciples and followers come to solicit chaturmas and it is not possible to stop them. Still they should not come in large groups. It would be all right if only representatives from various chaturmasic districts are present.
- People from areas in the neighbourhood of Delhi would be able to participate in the programmes.
Like ‘MaryadaMahotsava’ (The Festival of Self—introspection), the AkshayTrityaParva, too, is taking on a pervasive form. Even those who have been practising a year—long penance may, therefore, exercise restraint. They can be present at the time of parna, the religious feast. There is no ban on their coming. But it is desirable that they do not bring with them alarge group of family members. Let them be an example of self-control and simplicity allied with discipline.
Similarly, functions in connection with the initiation ceremonies should be kept as simple as possible. Elaborate dinners, ostentation, self—exhibition, etc., should be avoided. Every individual should be encouraged to exercise restraint.
Here at the centre, three religious festivals should be observed with moderation. Moderation should be the key-note in the organisation of other functions as well. These directions also apply to the -organisation of functions at other places under the supervision of Jain ascetics.
All the people coming to attend such functions from various parts of the country are financially self—dependent. Thanks to the prudence of the leading members of our community, the arrangements are accordingly made. Visitors pay for the meals served to them. Similarly, whatever lodging accommodation is available is not entirely free of cost. This helps in the preservation of balance both ways.
SOCIAL FUNCTIONS
On the occasion of marriages, birthdays, and other festivals, there is an informal union of the family’s kith and kin, acquaintances, friends and colleagues. It is not possible to stop all group entertainment on these occasions. Still, huge dinners should be avoided; sweets of very high quality can be banned; variety in the number of dishes to be served and the size of the marriage party can be limited.
ln the context of marriage, people should rise above the demand, settlement and exhibition of dowry to establish a humane ideal. For me, l dream of thousands of couples who would not accept dowry in any form. This year, some couples have taken a pledge to that effect.
Nowadays, we hear of group marriages being performed here and there. It is said that these marriages are accomplished in the minimum of time and with utmost simplicity.
The methods adopted to encourage the practice of self-control and simplicity sometimes prove very useful in resolving a big problem.The year furnishes an occasion for the observation of simplicity at the naming or tikka ceremonies, Holi, Dipawali and other special functions, and also to end out-dated social customs, such as funeral repasts.
In this year of famine, the greatest problem is water. On the one hand, some people are obliged to stand for hours for collecting a little bit of drinking water; on the other hand we have unrestrained misuse of water in bathing and washing. This is quite country to the Jain tradition. It devolves upon very citizen of the country to exercise restraint in the use of water. Two benefits would accrue therefrom: the strengthening of the religious outlook, and control on the misuse of water.
AWARENESS IN THE FAMILY
The family is the symbol of group-consciousness. Here, the alert intelligence of a few can suffuse the whole with a new vigour. The family entertainments and get—together should not be very elaborate. The tradition of simplicity should be inculcated in each member of the family, and it must be brought home to them that the present-day problems can never be adequately met without self-control.
Many people are today grappling hard with the national crisis. The Terapanth community, too, is quite alive to its responsibility in this regard. The members of the community are making due contributions in the organisation of relief camps for the famine—stricken people, and for cow—protection. At this hour of crisis, no individual, class or group can afford to keep away. It is necessary to accomplish authentic work in the social sphere and to observe self—control in one’s personal life.
