Acharya Mahaprajna
To reduce astringents is not limited to the work of saints. There was a belief in the olden times that an ascetic should do meditation (yog sadhana) living in forests; he had nothing to do in the cities. We have expressed our clear view on this point. Meditation is to be performed not only in the forests, but it is essential in the habitations and cities. It is needed wherever there is a big congregation of people. It is equally essential in the battlefield. The scientists, seated in the experimental stations, who regulate the movements of the satellites in space, also need meditation. Meditation is essential for everybody, at all times. For national leaders, social leaders, institutional leaders, it is absolutely essential to reduce astringents. That is why it has been said that before accepting a leader, it is essential to carry out some intricate tests. When it is found through the tests that he fulfils the basic qualities to perfection, then alone he should be accepted as a leader. If he fails in any respect, he should not he accepted as a leader. From the economic perspective, the leader should be a person with the minimum of astringents.
