Acharya Tulsi
There are three kinds of values-spiritual, social and political. Each of these has a virtue and character of its own. Spiritual values by themselves are not adequate to run society or conduct politics. Similarly, the sociological and political viewpoints are of little use in the conduct of spiritual activities. It is not that the two are not related to each other at all. In the purification of politics and the social environment, spirituality plays an important role. Likewise in the practice of spiritualism, the cooperation of society and the government is implicit. Thus, the two activities are complementary to each other. But each must be confined to its own sphere, without interfering with the other.
Initiation is a spiritual rite. The responsibility for determining when, how and why this rite should be performed, mostly falls upon people who themselves lead a spiritual life and are well-versed in spiritual texts. If political people deliberate upon these questions, their conclusion would be quite different from that of the spiritual men.
Initiation is a rite which awakens in the individual a new interest, inspired by discourse, environment and the collected impressions of the past. After the desire for initiation is awakened in an individual, it is very difficult for him to continue as a householder. That is why it is said in the Vedas, "The moment the seed of disillusionment sprouts in the mind, one should get oneself initiated." In this respect, Lord Mahavir did not admit of any delay whatsoever. Whoever came to him for practising sadhana, he would always say,"O beloved of the gods: If you wish to tread the path of sadhana, delay it not|"
A question was raised before Lord Mahavir as to what should be the ideal age for initiation. He did not mention any definite age, and yet, giving a clear direction in this regard, said, "A boy of more than 8 years may embrace monkhood." With his omniscience Lord Mahavir laid down the minimum age for initiation for the present and the future but he did not say that initiation should take place at this very age. Depending upon a person's feelings of disillusionment, his will—power, his determination, his particular circumstances, his initiation could be held at any time after he has attained the age of 8 years. That only an adult or an old man has the right to initiation, and that a boy should not be initiated at all, is a one—sided prejudice which is not proper from any point-of-view.
About 30 years ago, a newspaperman asked me, “Are you in favour of giving initiation to minors? " l said, "No, I'm in favour of giving initiation to him who is worthy of it. " The journalist then asked, “Can a boy be worthy of it? “ I said, "Age is no criterion of worthiness." So, a boy, a youth, or an old man can be worthy of initiation. Even after 30 years, I hold the same opinion. l believe that in the matter of imitation, a person’s age has no relevance whatsoever.
It has already been mentioned that the act of initiation is connected with inner disillusionment. To compel children to opt for initiation through fear or any kind of temptation, is to do them grave injustice; it is a sin, a fraud. Such initiation, irrespective of where it is held, must be opposed. Improper initiation, an initiation of the unworthy, enwraps in gloom the future of monk-institutions. The unworthy individual embracing monkhood can neither accomplish his own good, nor do any good to society or the country. In this context, Acharya Bhikshu, advocating the greatest care, said, "The purpose is not to merely increase the number of monks, by giving initiation to every Tom, Dick and Harry. An individual may be initiated only after he has been carefully examined and has passed the test."
Initiation is an auspicious rite, good for the individual and the society at large, provided it is dictated by pure spiritual insight. The persons seeking initiation must find a proper guide; there should be proper arrangements for their training; for they must be taught the science of living. This undertaking may be likened to the profession of the diamond-merchant. If one has the ability to distinguish the genuine from the artificial, if one is endowed with intelligence to find the right way and the proper guide, it can prove to be a turning point in one's life. Otherwise, one is led astray. Discretion is the essence of initiation.
We do not insist upon the initiation of minors. But it must be made clear that the determination of the age of initiation is not the province of social or political organisations. Initiation belongs to the truth of the soul, and law is not competent to interfere with it. If in the context of modern developments, some problem arises, people of spiritual outlook should get together to resolve it. Without ignoring any aspect of the matter, they should analyse the situation objectively and impartially and accept only what is proper.
In this connection, we had a talk with Jai Parkash Babu many years ago. He said, "As regards initiation, l does not want any interference of the state or the law. It is up to the religious gurus to take a proper decision after due deliberation." His thinking appealed to me. And what to speak of the religious gurus alone, a thoughtful suggestion from any quarter may be acceptable in this regard, provided it is properly put forth. The law has its own language and ways. One can get involved in them and also get cut of them. What is important is that the value and the glory of the spiritual and sacred rite of initiation be preserved for ever. The responsibility for it devolves upon those who have faith in spiritual values and wish to raise the life-standard of the country through spirituality.
