Rediscovering Gandhian Wisdom: Building a Peaceful Future
The third international conference of the Ahimsa Center at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (in Los Angeles area) will focus on rediscovering the Gandhian wisdom grounded in Ahimsa and Truth to help us chart a more peaceful and more harmonious human future. This conference will bring together from all around the world leading Gandhian scholars and exemplars of Gandhian values. Collectively we will celebrate Gandhi’s gifts to humanity, and explore how we can apply his wisdom to find enduring solutions for the vexing political, social and personal problems we face...
You will be pleased to know that ANUVIBHA which has been waging a campaign against violence and hatred in consonance with the goals of UNO for the last 25 years is going to organize the 7th International Conference on Peace and Nonviolent Action in two parts at Jaipur (India) from 10th November to 14th November, 2008. It will be held under the auspices of His Holiness Acharya Mahapragya, one of the most revered national saints and a celebrated Jain Acharya known for his historic Ahimsa Yatra (a journey on foot to enhance people’s awareness of nonviolence) and Yuvacharya Mahashraman, successor to Acharya Mahapragya.
This article is written by Hon'ble Justice N.K. Jain on Samadhimarana (Santhara/ Sallekhana) after studying and analyzing the views made by the great Jain Saints & Acharyas, expressed in Jain philosophy, literature and scriptures, for the purpose of creating awareness.
This is an eternal fact that a person 'who is born, has to die'. A Man should execute his duty, by keeping himself away from any prejudices. It has also been mentioned in the scriptures, that a person will bear the fruits of his present doings and accordingly he gets his next birth...
Jainism has gone into detailed discussions on Ahiṁsā. Since the eternal time period of Lord Ṛṣabh Deva, all rituals of Jain religion are based on the principle of Ahiṁsā. Not only in religious rituals but in each and every activity of life Ahiṁsāshould be practiced. The foundation of Jainism is in fact Ahiṁsā. After Lord Ṛṣabh Deva, Lord Māhavīra said ‘Like earth is the basis of existence of all living beings, similarly the philosophy of all great people of the past, present and future is Ahiṁsā’. The Ahiṁsak culture has in fact made India a great nation...
The rights of all human and living beings get born with the birth on this earth. That is why every activity of a human being is associated with human rights. Basis of the human civilization and culture is the human values and human rights. In the absence of human rights, an individual cannot live with honour.
Indian philosophies are based on contemplation of liberation of the soul and non violence. All religions, philosophies or communities of the world, whether Vedic / Jewish / Christianity / Islām / Pārsi / Sikhism / Buddhism or Jainism, have some form or the other discussions on non violence and accepted its importance. No religion talks of exploitation of human beings, rather they always talk of human rights along with betterment of human life itself...
We are pleased to invite you to attend the 7th International Conference on Peace and Nonviolent Action to be held in two parts at Anuvibha Jaipur Kendra, Malviya Nagar, Jaipur from 10th November to 14th November, 2008.
Non-violence is accepted as the central tenet of Jainism - our ultimate aim is to be kind in thought, speech and action to every living being. This can be seen from the strictness of a pure Jain diet to the way monks and nuns sweep the floor before walking to protect any insects. Whist in our daily lives, intentional physical violence is limited, real effort is required in not saying negative things about others. Even more difficult than suppressing destructive speech is the challenge of not allowing violent thoughts to arise in our minds....
Once upon a time, Health went to man and said, "I went to many people and requested them to make me a friend but nobody did. The man said, "How foolish the people are! Come to me, I will make you my best friend." Health said, "I can be your friend only if you fulfil my three conditions. First, you will practise yoga every day. Second, you practise relaxation. Third, you practise Preksha meditation."...
Bringing up a child is like constructing a multi-storey building. Carelessness while laying the foundation may not show effect immediately. No structure will sustain in the forthcoming years with a weak foundation. Similarly, childhood years are the most formative years. Education plays a great role in shaping the personality of a child. However, cultivating righteousness in children is a burning problem for parents, especially those outside India.....
Most of us know the theory of karma; Action and Reaction. From the perspective of karma philosophy violence plays a significant part. Violence is not only physical but mental and emotional as well. The way we think, speak and respond to any situation creates harmony or discord at personal level and in the community at large. It is also the beginning of the cycle of action and reaction....
On seeing Ravan's dead body in the battlefield, the monkey brigade asked Laxman, "How was Ravan's body pierced in more than a thousand places?" Laxman answered, "Ram's arrows made it possible."
Then, they asked Ram the same question. Ram just smiled and said, "No weapon, however powerful, nor any soldiers, however skilled in the art of warfare, can kill a person. Only when a person's sinful deeds surface, can this happen as in the case of Ravan."...
....If you are conscious in your thoughts, words and deeds in your interaction in the mundane world and still a life is lost due to your action, you do not own that act because, you have been detaching your Self from the fruits of your interaction. That is the art of living. Gita’s karma yoga is based on this principle: indulge in work but renounce the fruit. Always pray that you do not have to go through this dichotomous state. Pray and contemplate to become and be a pure soul devoid of all defects. It is our ignorance to think that we are saving life of others by our practice of non-violence. It is wise to know that non-violence saves you and you only ...
In business, we see the big picture - we see the entire world as our marketplace. Can we do the same in terms of morality and values? Are we ready to look at Jainism as a 'product' to be promoted and marketed not for the purpose of profit, but for social upliftment? If we create the will, then we can amass the resources and skill to achieve this goal. And who will benefit - our own children; certainly. Society; definitely. The eco-system and the planet; without a doubt....
As you think, so you feel. And as you feel, so will you be. When you want to be something, think and work on an idea for a long time and you will accomplish it.
In Preksha meditation, Acharya Mahaprajna has given us a program — the practice of Mangal Bhavana. It is an auspicious, positive prayer not only for us but the universe as well. Training oneself to do this in a proper manner, we can generate positive feelings and therefore become more helpful towards ourselves...
Peace is a word with so much depth and endless meaning. To attain peace in this world full of so many joys and sorrows - one might wonder if it is possible for non-violence not to exist.
Picture this scene: one Sunday morning, army troops have been given orders to raid a small village suspected of terrorist activity. Among grenades and shooting bullets, a child is crying uncontrollably having no idea why his surroundings are being destroyed and lives are being taken. If the soldier was to face the weeping child, there is a greater chance of him realising that something terrible has disturbed the child and thereby make him more aware of the consequences of his actions.
I had received some copies of Sambodbi from Ahmedabad in the year 2000. The books were sent to me by Mr. Bhandari and were meant to be given to a few individuals. Any book written by the highly respected Acharya Mahaprajna attracted me and was a great source of inspiration to me. When I saw the book and flicked through a few pages, I wondered 'How come I have not seen this book before?'. As it was composed in Sanskrit verses, my inquiring mind tried to pursue the source and the name of the original writer of these verses. But to my surprise and delight, I found that all the verses were composed with an extremely scholarly approach by Acharyaji himself....
Non-Violence has many connotations. When we say non-violence, we generally think of not killing or hurting others through word or action. This perhaps is only ten percent of non-violence. Just like a glacier most of its meaning is hidden. Let us ponder on the wider perspective of non-violence - positive and negative. In Prashnavyaakrana sutra, there are many synonyms of non-violence.
Samadhi (a complete state of peace) is another form of non-violence. In five yama or vratas, significant emphasis has been given to non-violence. A non-violent person can never become negative. It is only an unhappy and a depressed person who has not tasted the sweetness of non-violence.
Never before was violent behaviour in all its facets so widely spread as in 21st century. More frequently than not, the top news is on violence. Although the majority of people are frightened to watch or witness it, they nevertheless feel attracted to it. Though we cannot change the world, we can change our own attitude towards it. We can create a balance to the violence surrounding us by living in a way, where violence takes a backseat. How can we translate our decision into action?
The doctrine of non-violence was founded by oriental teachers several millennia ago. Almost all thinkers and the founders of religious orders universally accept it as a core principle of human conduct. Though truth seekers like Mahavir and Buddha, philosophers like Laotse and Confucius, stalwarts like Pythagoras were separated by geographical boundaries; their work however is eloquent of the fact that truth is eternal. In Jainism in particular, non-violence is considered as a supreme moral virtue (Ahimsa parmo dharmah)....
In Jain philosophy, nothing matters until one understands the exact meaning of the word 'ahimsa'. Once this is understood, it would be very easy to relate it to the 21st century. There are two most prominent concerns of the 21st century - the environment and terrorism.
The English translation of ahimsa, non-violence, does not do it any justice. It is generally accepted as the negation of physical violence. To understand the subtler meaning of ahimsa as defined in the Jain scriptures, it would be easier if the meaning of the word 'himsa' or violence is understood in context. Any act, which hurts even the feelings of the smallest living creature, is termed himsa in Jainism....
Right from the dawn of history, human society has been in search of economics of nonviolence. From Manu to Karl Marx, philosophers have deliberated upon some form of economic system, particularly the non-violent kind. In Arthashastra, Kautilya stresses on non-violent economics through development of cottage industries and being self-sufficient. Gandhiji also emphasized on development of cottage industries in villages so that whole India would be self-sufficient.
Consumerism has touched almost every facet of society. Urbanization, modes of transportation, communication, field of medicine, fashion products and cosmetics are all responsible for increasing the sphere of consumerism........
When the Green Party first broke the political mould in Germany two decades ago, its slogan was 'neither left nor right, but in front'. In other words, the protection of the environment involves radical activism and a change of values. But equally, it requires the revival of an instinct to conserve - be it familiar and cherished landscapes, intricate ecosystems, minority languages or traditional cultures such as those of the Native Americans. The rising ecological consciousness of the modern, so-called developed world is leading more and more of us to question our society's received ideas about 'progress' as the accumulation of material possessions and the 'conquest' of nature. It is therefore at once radical and conservative........
Man is the only creature blessed with a developed consciousness. He is aware of and understands human nature itself. In this age where immorality is predominant, it may be difficult to respect human value, however it is not impossible. One can live amidst immorality and yet not get influenced by it. This reflects the strength of one's beliefs and actions. During those moments of weakness, when a person's consciousness is liable to be destroyed, the one who remains unaffected improves his inner self........
Man is the only creature blessed with a developed consciousness. He is aware of and understands human nature itself. In this age where immorality is predominant, it may be difficult to respect human value, however it is not impossible. One can live amidst immorality and yet not get influenced by it. This reflects the strength of one's beliefs and actions. During those moments of weakness, when a person's consciousness is liable to be destroyed, the one who remains unaffected improves his inner self........
The substances, soul and matter are two components of the world. Matter is as important as the soul in maintaining the world. The Jain scriptures not only insist on non-killing of sentient beings but also prescribe restraints on using matter. In Agams, this is called Ajivikaya-Samjame. Limitless exploitation of natural resources is regarded as a great source of ecological imbalance.
The basis of ecological balance is non-violence and self-restraint. If people mould their lifestyles around non-violence and austerity, pollution can be eradicated to a great extent. Through non-violence, we establish an indirect and intrinsic relation with the world of living beings. Such a relation is beyond explanation. It affects the relations between living beings in a positive way. .......
The Voice of Ahimsa from Children’s Peace Palace – Rajsamand (INDIA)
The two major events of the 6th ICPNA organized by ANUVIBHA on the eve of its Silver Jubilee i.e. International Dialogue on the Challenge of Violence, Hunger and Poverty and the First International Nonviolence Leadership Training Camp were a great success in that the purposes with which they were planned were accomplished. They were a part of a series of such endeavours we undertake from time to time to build a culture of peace and nonviolence in consonance with the spirit of the UN Decade of a Culture of Peace and Nonviolence for the Children of the World (2001-2010) ...
Indian culture is dominated by spirituality and the soul of spirituality is ahimsa (non-violence). It is the quintessence of all religions. The religion that is not connected to ahimsa cannot protect anyone. Bereft of ahimsa, religion is like a body without a soul. Despite its praise and adoration by all, we come across conflicting views as regards the form and nature of ahimsa. The circumference of its definitions is so vast and expansive that sometimes its centre disappears. From one point of view it is an extensive royal road but from another it is compared to a steep and narrow path hemmed in on either side by deep valleys. The path of ahimsa is narrower than the edge of sword. In a situation like this how can anyone dare to tread it?........
Non-violence is the need of the hour, the demand of the present era. It is even better to state that non-violence is human nature. Therefore, whenever man drifts away from his nature, problems emerge. To resolve these problems he needs to go back to his true nature i.e. non-violence. This means that from one's original nature to a distortion and from the distortion back to what is natural to him, man moves in cycles. If man could relate to and take a lesson from nature, he would be able to live within the parameters of non-violence - which is what comes naturally to him and a new culture could evolve......
The United Nations Organization has declared the birthday (2nd October) of Mahatma Gandhi to be celebrated as "International Ahimsa Day" every year. This is indeed a very important event. Through this declaration, the UNO has not only attracted the attention of the whole world to Ahimsa (non-violence) but also has presented a new alternative before the people of the world, who are reeling under the panic of violence and terrorism. This effort of furnishing a new orientation to thinking and vision is really commendable....
The urgency of 'Ahimsa' today is the requirement of the present era. The recent declaration made by U.N.O. to celebrate the birth-day (2nd October) of Mahatma Gandhi as "International Ahimsa Day" is indeed an indication towards this requirement of the present era. It is again an axiomatic truth that Ahimsa was born and got developed in India.
Man’s life is in itself a yatra (a journey). Everyone who comes into this world has to go on a voyage in Samsara (the world). It is often strewn with formidable encounters. Most of the travelers are unaware of the purpose of their life. They neither know the direction nor the destination. They succumb to the difficulties and die ‘unwept, unsung and unknown’ on the way. Some trudge along wearily and life becomes a burden for them. There are some others who face the challenges on the way boldly, unravel the mystery of life and attain a state of higher consciousness. They make their life a source of perennial joy, teach others the art of living the good life and radiate positive energy.
Yatra or a journey on foot with a purpose is not new in the nonviolent Jain tradition. Lord Mahavira – the 24th Tirthankar who asserted that all jivas were equal walked all his life to alleviate human misery. The Jain ascetics are supposed to be on the move till they breathe their last. The main aim of their lifelong vow to keep walking till the end of their life is to carry the message of peace and nonviolence far and wide and inspire the masses to live a good life.
Humanity today is confronted with a serious crisis of its survival into the third millennium. It is a multi-dimensional crisis that grips every aspect of our lives including our health and livelihood, ecological and environmental systems, patterns of human relationships, economy, technology and politics.
As a matter of fact the crisis began with the nuclear holocaust, which destroyed the two cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki on Aug 6 & 9 in 1945.
Dr. Sonal Lal Gandhi, President of ANUVRAT Global Organization - UN NGO works under the leadership of Acharya Mahapragya, the head of ANUVRAT's transnational center for peace and nonviolent action, as an important NGO associated with the Department of Public Information of the United Nations.
ANUVRAT's work focuses on strategies to inculcate a culture of peace and nonviolence among children and youths, where thousand of children have benefited from periodical camps.
You will be pleased to know that ANUVIBHA that has been waging a campaign against violence and hatred in consonance with the goals of UNO for the last many years is soon going to celebrate the Silver Jubilee of its inception. Many events have been planned in conjunction with the main celebration on 30th Dec. 2007. It has decided to organize the VI ICPNA on this occasion in two parts.
We cordially invite you to participate in both the events if possible or make it possible to attend at least one event. The first part is a vitally significant three-day international dialogue (23rd Dec. to 25th Dec, 2007) on the Challenge of Violence, Hunger and Poverty : Evolving Sustainable Countermeasures followed by its second part in the form of the First International Nonviolence Training Camp from 26th Dec. to 28th Dec. 2007.
All human beings want peace. No one is happy in anarchy, which generates disturbance and restlessness. How can, then peace be obtained? It can only be obtained through applied ahinsa. Ahinsa doesn't mean merely abstinence from killing a creature. In it's broader sense, it means refraining from infliction of pain on others as also from usurping the rights of others. This kind of ahinsa - wherein the good of others comes well before one's own - has always been needed. Scriptures say so and dharma enjoins upon all of us to do so.
Non-violence is not only the biggest virtue but the base of all other virtues. In the company of non-violence, other traits become as precious. Without it, other traits become worthless. This is exactly what is happening in the world today. Overlooking of non-violence is costing us other virtues too. Human rights talks are not proving extremely beneficial. The greatest crisis of the times is the loss of values of humanity, being humane and qualities associated with it.
The UN General Assembly has unanimously adopted a resolution on June 15, 2007 to declare October 2, the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, as the International Day of Non-Violence in recognition of his role in promoting the message of ‘peace through non-violence’ around the world. Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Indian Nation, was a great political and spiritual leader, the pioneer of satyagraha, and the practitioner of non-violence.
tarunawakening.org"Let's Carry Jainism to Generation Next".....
For the very first time in the last 1-year of this business of reaching Jainism, I am presenting a complete article which is of Non Digambar origin. In spite of being too close to the Digambara School throughout my life, I have kept my ears open to this great seer.
It gives me an immense pleasure to present this article as I carry a great sense of attachment to the teachings of Acharya Mahaprajna. His Knowledge and approach to Ahimsa is undoubtedly beyond any comparison.
I consider him as one among the top most leaders this Jain community has ever witnessed after Achraya Shanthisagara in 21st Century.
I am really desperate to see this great leader at least once in my lifetime.
There is a spurt of violence in the modern times. An atmosphere of fear prevails because of the existence of unlimited nuclear weapons. The global psyche is undergoing inner turbulence under the shadow of terrorism and extremism both resulting from training on Non-violence, fearlessness and peace in order to find a way out.
Why is violence increasing?
Why is there an increasing atmosphere of fear?
Why is terrorism growing?
We should find out the root cause in order to get right answers to the above questions.
I wish to present an idea before the world's government in power – In order to get solution to the problems deliberations are made from political, economic andmaterialistic point of view. Similarly, deliberations are required tobe made from the points of view of non-violence and non-absolutisticapproach (that is taking into consideration all points of view).
If “Ahimsa Ayoga” (Non-violence Commission) is set up for such purposes, we can hope for sentimental behavior in human relations.
During the long and illustrious period of his spiritual leadership, Acharya Mahaprajna has travelled all across the country emphasising the need of emotional equanimity and integration between the people. Over the past five years, he has been on Ahmisa Yatra, spreading the message of peace through strife-affected regions of the country, including Gujarat. Author of more than 100 books, Acharya Mahaprajna was conferred the Kabir Puraskar by the Hon'ble President of India, Mr APJ Abdul Kalam, at Vigyan Bhawan on Tuesday, August 2 2005. Incidentally, the Acharya is co-authoring a book with Mr Kalam called The Beautiful Home: Noble Nation. He speaks to Gautam Siddharth in an exclusive interview.
Never before in history did the suicidal evil of violence manifest itself so abundantly as now. Never before did it assume such ugly and varied forms. Morality and spirituality have taken a back seat; brute force and vulgar materialism hold sway over a large number of people who practice unashamed violence in its multifarious forms to seize power and wealth. Violence against living beings and against nature has put a curse on entire universe. It is in the above context that saints like Acharya Mahapragya assume the status of a likely saviour of mankind.
The programme started with prayers recited by Samani Prasanna Pragya and Samani Sambodh Pragya. Samani Prasanna Pragyaji then addressed the congregation .She stressed the importance of non-violence not just between human beings but also with all life forms. For the Jain, all animal life is inviolate. Every organism possesses a soul from a minute amoeba virus to the enormous redwood tree with its 36,000 cubic feet of life. Thus in Jain tradition ecology and environment are an indispensable part of spirituality as well as life. In his quest for materialism men has trampled on nature. The Samaniji mentioned a wonderful quote from Friedrich Engels, “ let us not however flatter ourselves over much on account of our human victories over nature, for each such victory, nature takes its revenge on us’. She also mentioned about His Holiness Acharya Mahapragya’s “Ahimsa Yatra” as well as his programme of combating violence.
The importance of Non-Violence has existed in the past, present and will continue in the future. Ahimsa is a focal point in the development of human beings. The thought-provoking message of Bhagwan Mahavir: “Savve Jiva vi icchanti jivium na marijjhium” means every creature wants to live, nobody wants to die; awakens the consciousness of environmental protection. Careful and intentional protection of water beings, air beings, fire beings, earth beings and plant beings actually is an act of protecting one’s own self. The above goal can be achieved by training our brain to observe the following guidelines...
Non-violence and kindness to living beings is kindness to oneself. For thereby one's own self is saved from various kinds of sins and resultant sufferings and is able to secure his own welfare.
It is difficult to believe but it is true; another Gandhi, like a colossus, has appeared on the scene and he is speaking the language of the ‘Mahatma’. Gandhi could inspire a whole generation by his mantra of Ahimsa; Jain seer Acharya Sri Mahapragya’s unstinted efforts for peace, respect for all religions and promotion of non-violence through Ahmisa has inspired the present generation. His message is loud and clear: “ The religion which does not bring about a change in man’s life, which does not impart peace to him, deserves to be thrown into the river Ganges rather than carried on as a burden on one’s shoulders. Rituals or idol worship alone are not enough unless one’s conduct also gets transformed. Unless one is righteous and honest, both to himself and others, and leads a value oriented life, he is not religious despite his proclamation”. Honouring Acharya Sri with National Communal Harmony Award by President APJ Abdul Kalam was indeed a tribute to his contribution to the promotion of communal harmony and national integration. ...
The past affects the present. The present is very short while the past is infinite or endless. One of its outcomes is history while the other is reminiscences. The third outcome is a lesson in enlightenment. History has created literature and reminiscences have created an environment of harmony and utility. Little or no attempt has been made to learn a lesson from the past. Mahavira's birth anniversary is an annual feature. It is celebrated with great joy. His followers remember him, listen to discourses and read the Jain sacred texts to rediscover his message and thus everything comes to an end.
The search for spiritual non-violence is not possible through scientific instruments or history or even genetics. One has to investigate one's soul in order to know one's identity, one's true self. It will reveal to the investigator all those dispositions within him that encourage violence, he will then try to find out whether those dispositions can be neutralized. Such an analysis of the inner self is a prerequisite for the search of true non-violence, because the question of violence and non-violence, even while being related to external factors, is in essence an internal matter.
A Gita and Tulsi Savani Public Lecture
by Professor Johan Galtung,
an expert on Gandhi and conflict resolution with mediation experience around the world, will apply Gandhi's focus on empathy with the parties in conflict and creativity in solutions to explore nonviolent ways of addressing major contemporary conflicts.
California State Polytechnic University
Pamona Music Recital Hall (Building 24 Room 191)
Bhagwan Mahavir's Message Of Ahimsa Reinforced At The House Of Commons
The program at Portcullis House, The House of Commons, has now become an annual event so that the message of Ahimsa can be delivered in its finest definition to those who represent the people of this country with the expectation that eventually the message will be fully understood and accepted universally to inspire not only in this country but in the world kindness, compassion and forgiveness.
Commitment to Ahimsa is a process to attain the state of fearlessness, even in regard to the own life, and to remain calm and unruffled even in the midst of provocative situations. Ahimsa always triumphs in such situations as is evidenced by Lord Mahavira's life, whether it was the bite of a venomous cobra or a devastating assault by an arrogant god or goddess. Lord Mahavira stood undaunted and faced the situation boldly with the result that the forces of violence were defeated.
At the end of his admirable study 'Recovery of Faith', the late Dr. S. Radhakrishnan wrote:
"In every religion today we have small minorities who see beyond the horizons of their particular faith, who believe that religious fellowship is possible, not through the imposition of anyone way on the whole world but through an all inclusive recognition that we are all searchers for the truth, pilgrims on the road, that we all aim at the same ethical and spiritual standards. Those who thirst for a first-hand experience are prophets of the religion of spirit, which is independent of all ecclesiastical organisations and the subtleties engendered by human learning, which looks for the formation of an earthly community governed by love. The widespread existence of this state of mind is the hope of the future."
Tara Sethia, Ph.D., a professor and pacifist, sees a dream fulfilled as Cal Poly Pomona [California State Polytechnic University]
approves her proposed Ahimsa Center , devoted to advancing peace.
The five fundamental teachings of Jainism and the five fold Jain code of conduct outlined in this Declaration are deeply rooted in its living ethos in unbroken continuity across the centuries.
They offer the world today a time tested anchor of moral imperatives and a viable route plan for humanity's common pilgrimage for holistic environmental protection, peace and harmony in the universe.
The UN General Assembly has unanimously adopted a resolution on June 15, 2007 to declare October 2, the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, as the International Day of Non-Violence in recognition of his role in promoting the message of ‘peace through non-violence’ around the world. Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Indian Nation, was a great political and spiritual leader, the pioneer of satyagraha, and the practitioner of non-violence.
During the long and illustrious period of his spiritual leadership, Acharya Mahaprajna has travelled all across the country emphasising the need of emotional equanimity and integration between the people. Over the past five years, he has been on Ahmisa Yatra, spreading the message of peace through strife-affected regions of the country, including Gujarat. Author of more than 100 books, Acharya Mahaprajna was conferred the Kabir Puraskar by the Hon'ble President of India, Mr APJ Abdul Kalam, at Vigyan Bhawan on Tuesday, August 2 2005. Incidentally, the Acharya is co-authoring a book with Mr Kalam called The Beautiful Home: Noble Nation. He speaks to Gautam Siddharth in an exclusive interview. 
The programme started with prayers recited by Samani Prasanna Pragya and Samani Sambodh Pragya. Samani Prasanna Pragyaji then addressed the congregation .She stressed the importance of non-violence not just between human beings but also with all life forms. For the Jain, all animal life is inviolate. Every organism possesses a soul from a minute amoeba virus to the enormous redwood tree with its 36,000 cubic feet of life. Thus in Jain tradition ecology and environment are an indispensable part of spirituality as well as life. In his quest for materialism men has trampled on nature. The Samaniji mentioned a wonderful quote from Friedrich Engels, “ let us not however flatter ourselves over much on account of our human victories over nature, for each such victory, nature takes its revenge on us’. She also mentioned about His Holiness Acharya Mahapragya’s “Ahimsa Yatra” as well as his programme of combating violence.
Non-violence and kindness to living beings is kindness to oneself. For thereby one's own self is saved from various kinds of sins and resultant sufferings and is able to secure his own welfare.
