Editor Carla Geerdes
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Column For The Glory Of Human Consciousness
On early Saturday morning, Jain Vidhikar & sons rushed from the temple, where they had done some morning prayers, to the gathering point of the processions,
whereas Chandani & Chandrakant Shah were already waiting for Samanijis Punya Pragya and Pratibha Pragya. Something special was about to go on. Chandani had also participated in 3rd IPMC.
All of us went to the Samavasaran stone; Chandini & Chandrakant had a photo of their late son Chiragi with them. About one and a half year ago, at the age of 26, he had found sudden death while he was swimming. His parents have donated the stone for his memory.
The Samavasaran stone is situated in northern direction of a Jain temple. It shows the last sermon of Lord Mahavira before he went in to final before Samadhi. On the top of the stone, Lord Mahavira gives his sermon in meditation posture under the Ashok Tree. He preaches to all 4 directions, symbolising that truth and light of knowledge are accessible for every seeker of truth, no matter from which direction he approaches and who he might be. The beings that have come to listen to his teachings are seen on the stone, plants, animals, humans, and celestials. Gates and steps upwards to Lord Mahavira are symbolising that the path to truth can be entered from every level of being. Truth can be experienced according to the facilities a being has got. Humans have the highest facilities and are the only beings able to reach liberation, due to Jainism.
After Samani Pratibha Pragya had given her blessings, and Samani Punya Pragya had recited a peace song, Chandrakant said, “I hope he is in peace, wherever he may be now.“ Chandrakant had placed the photo of his late son on the level where the humans are listening to Lord Mahavira's sermon. On the level beneath the animals can be seen.
Then Chandrakant decorated the stone with a garland of flowers. For the parents, this ceremony helped a lot. Chandani said that she feels relieved now, for there is a sacred place where she can do her memory prayers and share her feelings with others.
In front of the Samavasaran stone, the column for the glory of human consciousness has been erected. The Samanijis from Jain Vishva Bharati London feel obliged to create awareness for the same.
It stands for the privilege of having taken human birth and the responsibility resulting thereof. The column for the glory of human consciousness is a reminder to our duty, to develop the highest qualities of consciousness.