Hellmuth Dietmar
Formerly Commercial Attache of West Germany in India
On this occasion I recall my first invitation by a Jain community, years ago, in Matunga to a religious service held by Sadhvishri Goranji, which impressed me deeply. I was sitting among the shravakas and shravikas and heard the Sadhvi elucidate explanations of the scriptures and her preaching against pride, greed, anger, himsa and deceit, and against falsehood, theft, egoism and materialism. It appealed very much to me that she called 'ahimsa' the 'parama dharma', the first of all commandments and the highest virtue. Never shall I forget the sublime, spiritual and peaceful appearance of the Sadhvi.
At this particular opportunity it originated in me an admiring, deep and lasting impression of Jainism, of its principles and ways of 'samyak-darshana', 'samyak-jnana' and 'samyak-charitra', as well as of the Anuvrat Movement. I wish Acharyashri Tulsi many auspicious years to come in his guidance as the 9th Acharya of the Jain Shwetambar Terapanth and sponsor of the Anuvrat Movement.
