जर्द होती जीवन-पोथी
Summary
The text discusses the concept of "Marryada Mahotsav," a festival observed by the Terapanth religious organization for the past 136 years on the day of Magh Shukla Saptami. This festival is dedicated to upholding "Marryada" (discipline or boundary), which the author describes as a vital principle for maintaining balance in life and society. The author reflects on how nature maintains its own balance but warns that when boundaries are broken, chaos ensues. The Terapanth's annual effort to "brighten the yellowing pages of the book of life" is presented as a remedy for societal disorder. However, the author laments that this message remains confined to one religious group due to societal narrow-mindedness, which rejects valuable teachings simply because they originate from a specific faith. The text criticizes the current state of society, where both political authority and religious institutions have become power centers, losing their moral authority. It contrasts this with the teachings of Acharya Tulsi, who emphasized self-discipline and mutual respect between leaders and followers. The author argues that these principles are universally applicable, not limited to any one religion. References are made to Mahavira's teachings on equanimity and patience, suggesting that such wisdom remains relevant today. The author concludes that overcoming societal crises requires embracing "Marryada" as a universal value, free from sectarianism, and rooted in self-confidence, truth, non-violence, and compassion.
Conclusion
The document underscores that the Terapanth’s "Maryada Mahotsav" offers a vital model of self-discipline and balance, rooted in the teachings of Acharya Tulsi and Lord Mahavira, which is urgently needed to counter the widespread anarchy and moral decay in contemporary society. The text argues that this tradition of restraint and inner confidence should not be confined to a single religious sect but embraced universally, as its principles of equanimity and steadfastness transcend narrow sectarianism. The key implication is that society’s failure to adopt such a framework stems from its own narrow-mindedness, not from any flaw in the message itself. Ultimately, the outcome calls for a shift away from religious parochialism toward a broader acceptance of these timeless values, which alone can restore balance and integrity to a fractured social order.