From the prudent of voice, quarrel, tensions and problems fade away.
-Sadhvi Kanak shri
North Howrah (Kolkata), 8th September, 2010
The fourth day of Paryushan 2010 was celebrated at SAM Garden, North Howrah organized by North Howrah Shree Jain Swetamber Terapanthi Sabha as VAANI SANYAM DIWAS (Speech Restraint Day).
Addressing the gathering of shrawaks and shravikas Sadhvi Kanak shri ji said - “For purification of speech for its righteous use purity of feeling (Bhav Parishkar) is a must, because ill and impure feelings increases desperation and thereby reduces the effectiveness of speech. Control over speech results into greater concentration and purity of thoughts, practice of Celibacy is encouraged. The wealth of a spiritual leader (guru) increases tremendously when his followers increase their control over speech and deliver only the calculated words and that too when needed. Man has always cherished the dream of attaining the state of sound health (arogya) enlightment (bodhi) and bliss (Samadhi). Speech, the blissful gifted mode for expressions, is internally connected with these.”
Illustrating restraint of speech as gateway to the spirituality, Sadhvi shri further said- Words are barrier to one’s contact with the supreme power (spirit). Without getting silent, contact with consciousness beyond words is not possible. Silence helps in attaining knowledge, which leads to purity of mind and concentration. Moral values are enhanced and, virtues develop and a person acquires true wealth.
Further citing examples of great personalities Sadhvi shri said- “Lord Mahavira, Gautam Buddha & many great persona first practiced silence and then gave instructions in spiritual matters.So in devotion period Lord Mahavira maintained silence for long time. Great persona’s voice is effective because their voice is true, soft, defined and excellent.”
Speaking on the usefulness of silence and communication, Sadhvi shri said –“before communicating to anybody one must think what one has to speak, why, how much and how one should speak, so as to convey the message effectively and peacefully. Speaking is an art, which if practiced honestly, adds value to ones personality. Vibrations of sound affect our health. Regular practice of Mahapran Sound (humming Sound) helps a lot in correcting emotions. Language/Speaking has both its merits and demerits. A great problem can be solved by using balanced and calculated language with controlled emotions, where as a problem is generated otherwise. She further said, barring exceptions try not to speak unless one asks and when asked never tell a lie. Be honest to yourself. Keep silent at the time of excitement and anger, speak little to be effective. Don’t take any decision in anger. Practice long and deep breathing to control anger and passions. Tolerate the sweet and sour (bad) statement of others. Acharya Mahashraman ji often says that restraint from useless speaking is the greatest Mauna Brata (austerity to keep mum). So Mauna Brata should be practiced mentally as well as physically. This is a great mantra of peace.
The regular evening Pratikraman was attended by hundreds of lay followers. In the evening after Arhat Vandana Sadhvi Kanak shri ji enlightened hundreds of devotees on the subject- ‘The fire of anger - a curse of Soul’. she explained how the passion of anger makes the soul heavy enough to take innumerous births and covers the natural qualities of the soul.
The South Kolkata Sabha members including Sri Narendra Kumar Manot (General Secretary - Kolkata Sabha and convener-South Kolkata Sabha), Sri Kirti Kumar Nowlakha and other members participated in the uninterrupted Namokar Mantra chanting in the night along with the members of North Kolkata Sabha.
The North Howrah Sabha team, guided by Sri Amarchand Dugar (president), Sri Vimal Baid (Secretary), was looking after the Paryushan Mahaparv arrangements to enable the lay followers to celebrate the Samvatsari in an effective manner at SAM GARDEN. The office bearers of Kolkata Sabha and all sabhas of Greater Kolkata were ever encouraging the local Sabha team in facilitating the arrangements.
The Photos:
Sadhvi Kanak Shri speaking on 'VANI SANYAM' - RESTRAINT OF SPEECH'
Shrawikas (women) listening the discourse
Shrawaks and shrawikas listening
Devotees after pratikraman
Sadhvi Kanak Shrijji explaining old bhaws of life of Lord Mahavira
Sadhvi Kanak Shrijji addressing the devotees