Muni Udit Kumar
A Highway to Social Reforms and Awakening of the Human Values
Acharya Mahapragya has been associated with his mentor, Acharya Shri Tulsi as an inseparable colleague in all his social reformative programmes under the Anuvrat Movement, which was launched on 2nd March 1949. He not only conceived the philosophical background of the Anuvrat movement but also assisted his Guru in planning all its subsequent activities.
Acharya Tulsi and Acharya Mahapragya had initiated several of steps towards the removal of old evil traditions like Dowry System, Mrityubhoj (organising luncheons on death), Purdah System, Child Marriage, blind faith on orthodox beliefs, keeping widows in seclusion for twelve months etc. The 'Nayamod' movement was one of those movements, which was started to eradicate the social evils, which were prevalent in many regions of Rajasthan. He has changed the viewpoints and superstitions about Dharma. Religion is that zenith of the Supreme that cannot be kept inside four walls.
Acharya Mahapragya connects religion closely to life and proves that it brings a wealth of satisfaction. He has been successful in educating many people and spreading the relevance of Anuvrat and its importance in the Modern World. He has also been conferred the title of Anuvrat Anushasta (Spiritual and Moral Disciplinarian) as it was also conferred on Acharya Shri Tulsi.
These activities and programmes of awakening the self-consciousness in women and developing of the right instincts in children and youngsters for a healthy society are being closely supervised by Sadhvi Pramukha Mahashramani Kanakprabha ji, the Head of Female Saints. In the words of Acharya Shri, she is an epitome of humility, compassion and kindness. She is indeed quite diligent, sincere and wise, who is totally dedicated to the objective and social cause set forth by Acharya Shri.
The biggest wealth of any country is the moral values of the citizens of that country. Stronger the character and value systems of the people, the more powerful will be the country. Once the value systems of the people starts declining, the state starts weakening automatically.
Once character is associated with an individual, it takes the form of Religion. The moment it gets extended to Family, Society and Nation, It becomes the Value System. This value system connects Society and individuals.
All the religions of the world have their foundation laid on the pillars of morality. Keeping this basic fact in mind that value system of the people form the background of the Nation, Acharya Mahapragya has given the Anuvrat Movement a Philosophical content for developing the value systems of the people, which will in turn make the Nation Stronger, healthy and well structured. He has emphasised Anuvrat's usefulness and relevance to the people in the present context.
Anuvrat is dedicated to inspire and to develop Self Discipline among people. It actually comprises of little vows or tyag, which leads man to Perfection through Discipline. It harbours a universal attitude. Anuvrat has put forward an important principle of management. It is that life which is truly self-restraint. Acharya Mahapragya always emphasises that only that organization will last which has individuals completely dedicated to self-restraint. The greatest need for today's man is practicing a Balance of Emotions. Anuvrat is a Code of Conduct not only for training in Non-Violence but is relevant and must for each and every person in all walks of life, irrespective of field or position.
The Value System enunciated in Anuvrat by its Anushasta Acharya Shri Tulsi, provides a solution to the problems pervading the whole Society, a solution that does not create new problems and therefore proves violence unnecessary. The increasing bitterness in human relations is also a product of violence.
It is very difficult to know how to improve relations and how to make them cordial. The difficulty is caused by the persistent presence of the Ego or the T. Anuvrat has given Philosophy for this purpose. The first step is to resolve or to take a vow, which symbolizes great strength.
