Guru's and God's Grace
By Neville Maneck Gyara
Summary
The author recounts a pivotal moment in their life nearly 50 years ago when, as a child returning home from school, they witnessed a large herd of goats and sheep being led to slaughter, marked with colorful symbols. The sight deeply disturbed them, prompting an immediate decision to adopt a vegetarian lifestyle starting from their upcoming birthday, with their parents—despite being non-vegetarian—fully supporting this choice. This transformative decision was influenced by the spiritual teachings of Gurudev Chitrabhanuji, whose discourses and books had shaped their worldview since childhood. The author reflects on the profound impact of this experience, questioning whether the herd’s immense size was real or a symbolic moment that sparked their spiritual awakening. Another significant turning point occurred on February 22, 2010, when the author, their mother, and sister met their spiritual guru and his partner, Pramodaji, marking the beginning of a series of enlightening encounters over the next 110 months. The author, a Chartered Accountant from Mumbai, India, shares these reflections as part of their spiritual journey, highlighting the enduring influence of their guru’s teachings and the life-changing decisions that followed.
Conclusion
This document reflects a profound personal transformation driven by early exposure to Jain principles and a pivotal spiritual encounter. The narrator’s childhood experience witnessing animals being led to slaughter sparked an immediate commitment to non-violence, influenced by their mother’s supportive response and the teachings of Gurudev Chitrabhanuji. This moment marked the beginning of a lifelong spiritual journey, further deepened by a transformative meeting with their guru in 2010, which initiated a series of enlightening interactions over a decade. The narrative underscores the power of spiritual guidance and compassionate values in shaping one’s worldview, highlighting how early experiences and mentorship can catalyze lasting ethical and philosophical change. The reflection on the herd’s significance lingers as a metaphor for the fragility of life and the enduring impact of empathy.