Mumbai, 07 January (HS): Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Wednesday said in Mumbai that the 500th book authored by Acharya Ratnasundersurishwarji Maharaj will give a new direction to human life. He said that at a time when the world needs peace the most, the Jain philosophy based on non-violence, peace and human values becomes extremely relevant. Non-violence is not merely a religious principle, but a path to the welfare of all humanity and global peace.

The Lok Sabha Speaker was addressing the book release ceremony of the 500th publication of Param Pujya Acharya Shri Ratnasundersurishwarji Maharaj during the Energy Festival held in Mumbai. Birla said that in today’s times, when individuals remain occupied with daily duties and responsibilities, completing the writing of 500 books stands as strong evidence of Acharya Shri’s extraordinary spiritual discipline, dedication and unparalleled commitment to literature. This body of literature inspires society towards self-reflection, restraint, harmony and ethical living.

He said that renouncing worldly life at the young age of 19 and choosing the spiritual path, and continuing to guide humanity through penance, sacrifice and spiritual practice, reflects the towering personality of Acharya Shri. Every word of his writings is filled with austerity, realization and spiritual energy, guiding individuals from the purpose of life to the path of liberation.

Birla said that the ideals of non-violence and world peace propounded by Lord Mahavir remain as relevant and necessary today as they were during his time. In the present global scenario, all nations and societies need to walk the path shown by Lord Mahavir. He said that regardless of religion, if individuals adopt morality, restraint and compassion in their conduct, inspired by Jain philosophy, positive transformation in society is possible.

The Lok Sabha Speaker urged the organising committee to ensure that Acharya Shri’s 500th book and his entire literary works reach the maximum number of people so that society may draw guidance and inspiration from his thoughts. He said that the five-day festival will not remain confined to Mumbai alone, but its spiritual energy and message will spread across the country and the world.

Birla also said that idols of the Tirthankaras, a gallery depicting ‘Sammed Shikhar’, and a portrait of Lord Mahavir have been installed in the new Parliament building on the inspiration of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, so that every public representative visiting the temple of democracy continues to draw inspiration from compassion, non-violence and ethical values.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Indrani Sarkar