A Time for Restraints and Healing
Coronavirus Precautions at Ashram
Jai Jinendra!
These are testing times. Our understanding of ourselves is being tested. Since time immemorial, we’ve known the principle of live and let live – parasparopagraho jivanam – that souls render service to one another. Our well-being and the well-being of all others is one and the same thing. Coronavirus is a rude reminder of this foundational principle. As Guruji said:
“Mankind is like a big lake. If someone puts poison in any part of the lake, all the water will become poisonous and people will die. It is not possible to poison only a portion of the lake and expect the people on that portion to die and those on other portions to survive. Total survival and total destruction are related.…If you want to live, then you must be ready to live and let live.”
Remembering Guruji, Siddhachalam, page 49-50
For your well-being and the well-being of all, we are compelled to institute additional temporary changes at the ashram effective immediately. These will continue until further notice.
- Ashram entry and exit only from 111 Hope Road
- Yatri visiting hours: 11:00 AM to 5:30 PM
- Temples open only for darshan
- No seva-puja-pakshal by yatris in any temple
- Entrance to and exit from Main Temple from back door near vedi; entrance to Parsvnath Temple through main door
- Movement within temples in marked areas only
- Only the Main Temple bathrooms/toilets to be used by the yatris/visitors; no access to Ahimsa Bhawan
- Ahimsa Bhawan Building completely closed to yatris at all time. Conversation with staff through widow in the kitchen area
- Tea and snack available on request; no meals being served
- No outside food or drink at any time anywhere in ashram
- No events – public or private
Temple Puja-Pakshal to Continue
Note that even as restrictions have been imposed on access to and use of temples, customary puja-pakshal will continue to be performed daily in all temples at the appointed hours. Further, darshan remains open, subject to foregoing temporary restrictions.
Prayer for All
As noted in our emails, this is a time for prayer for the well-being of those directly affected and for all, including our worst detractors. As Jains, we know that our real enemies are within us, not without. Prayer heals. We all need to raise the climate of healing. And prayer is an important component of that.
As so well demonstrated by Guruji, we have since time immemorial sought succor from reciting Namokar Mantra when in a crisis. That hour is here. If you can find a moment to pause, use it to recite Namokar Mantra, and go within. For your protection, and the protection of all around you. It will help.
But it is not a substitute for taking practical measures to protect oneself. Hence the changes at the ashram. Please make appropriate changes in your daily life as well.
Please take care, stay safe! Jai Jinendra!!
