Focus on good thought and action to eliminate strife from the world: Dadi Janki

Santhigiri, Sep 10: The only way to spread peace in a strife-torn world is for everyone to focus on good thoughts and actions as peace can never come to people whose minds and actions are guided by anger, jealousy and competition, Rajayogini Dadi Janki, the Administrative Head of the Prajapita Brahmakumari Ishwariya Vidyalaya, Mt. Abu, said here today.
Inaugurating a two-day National Spiritual Congress, organized by Santhigiri Ashram to mark the opening of the Lotus-shaped Parnasala (final resting place of the sacred body of the Ashram’s founder Navajyothisree Karunakara Guru), Dadi Janki said that Mahatma Gandhi had exhorted humanity to “see no evil, hear no evil and talk no evil”. To this, she wanted to add another maxim, “Think no evil.”

The only way to eliminate untruth, violence, corruption etc. from the world and to spread peace and love was to take a resolve for one’s thoughts and actions to be guided by patience, humility, tolerance and contentment. “If we change, the world will change,” she added.

While staying in the world and doing one’s karma (duties), we should always keep in mind our Divine origin. “I am an atman (an individual soul), but I belong to the Paramatman (Supreme Soul).” If we are conscious of God that Almighty Power would give us the energy and power to do truthful and right action, the 94-year-old Dadi Janki said.

Referring to the sterling contribution of Santhigiri Ashram in contributing to peace, Dadi Janki said that the Guru had planted the seeds of love and the people were now enjoying the fruits of that labour.

Delivering the Presidential Address, Swami Prakashananda, President, Sivagiri Mutt, recalled his long association with Navajyothisree Karunakara Guru when the latter served at Sivagiri Mutt and its branches for 17 years.

Describing ‘Sanatana Dharma’ (Eternal Dharma) as the culture of India, the Swami said that India was the land of ‘rishis’, realized souls, who had contributed the Vedas, Upanishads and other spiritual jewels to humanity as also universal principles such as “One Caste, One Religion and One God.”

Earlier, in his Welcome Address, Swami Gururethnam Jnana Thapaswi, Organising Secretary, Santhigiri Ashram, recalled the great life of sacrifice and suffering of Navajyothisree Karunakara Guru in pursuit of the eternal spiritual truths and to help all living beings to find peace and fulfilment.

Describing the practitioners of various religious faiths and spiritual doctrines as “co-travelers to the same goal”, Swami Gururethnam said that there was a need to come together and unite in Oneness.

Dr. Philipose Mar Chrysostom, Marthoma Metropolitan, Pathanamthita, delivered the Keynote Address in the ‘Distinguished Presence’ of the Major Archbishop of the Sryo-Malankara Church Cleemis Catholicos. Dr. Gabriel Mar Gregorios, Metropolitan, Malankara (Indian) Orthodox Church, Swami Gurdeep Giri Maharaj, Chairman, Dera Swami Jagath Giri Trust, Punjab, and Swami Chinmayanand gave the ‘Blessing Address’.

The Imam of the Palayam Mosque, Jamaluddin Mankkada, and Panakkadu Syed Rasheed Ali Shihab Thangal gave Special Addresses. Mathru Swami, the Kerala Head of the Art of Living Foundation, read out a Message from Sri Sri Ravishankar, Head of the AOL Foundation.

Janani Rishirathna Jnana Thapaswini, Director, Santhigiri Ashram, offered the Vote of Thanks.

All the dignitaries on the dais were honoured with “ponnada” (shawl) and a special memento by Santhigiri Ashram General Secretary, Swami Chaithanya Jnana Thapaswi, and Director, Swami Dharmananda Jnana Thapaswi.

Representatives from more than 200 religious and spiritual organizations from different parts of India are participating in the National Spiritual Congress that seeks to bring the different religious faiths and doctrines on a common platform, underlying the basic oneness and unity of mankind.