Proof of Faith (Interview with Sri Jayendra Saraswati)

Author:
Publication: The Times of India
Date: June 7, 2003
URL: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/cms.dll/articleshow?msid=9893

Introduction: What if the excavations in Ayodhya find nothing to show that there was once a Ram temple there? "No matter," says the 67-year-old Sri Jayendra Saraswati, 69th pontiff of the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham, because "faith does not look for proof." In the Capital to participate in functions organised by devotees to celebrate the 50th year of his tenure as the Kanchi Shankaracharya, the seer spoke to Narayani Ganesh:
 
Q.: Have you really distanced yourself from the Ayodhya issue, as media reports seem to suggest?
A.: Yes and no. I'd like to distance myself from the politicisation of the Ayodhya issue. By making my position on this clear, at least I've been saved from having to field questions on the politics of the mandir-masjid imbroglio. The press hounds me no longer. I can breathe free. But I have continued with my efforts at a different level; I keep in touch with Muslim and other local leaders... Genuine well-wishers do not like politicising of such issues.
 
Q.: What kind of work are you doing in Ayodhya?
A.: We run the Ayodhya Nagara Development Trust, which was started a year ago. We have taken on lease a place from the erstwhile royals of Ayodhya. Here, we are imparting vocational training to hundreds of students so that they can get gainful employment. Forty per cent of those undergoing training are Muslims, the rest are Hindus. Ensuring a job is one of the ways of ensuring peace and progress.
 
I am not affiliated to any political party. On Sunday (June 8) at the Siri Fort auditorium (in Delhi), both prime minister Atal Behari Vajpayee and Congress party leader Sonia Gandhi will take turns to speak at the Peetarohana Swarna Jayanti celebrations, marking the 50th year of my tenure as Kanchi Shankaracharya. While former president R Venkataraman will deliver the welcome address, Sheila Dikshit, chief minister of Delhi, will also speak on the occasion, besides Murli Manohar Joshi, P C Alexander and others.
 
So you see, people of different backgrounds, faiths and political leanings have been participating in the various events or functions organised either by the Kamakshi temple, Delhi, or my devotees elsewhere. Of course, for every celebrity, there are hundreds of other lesser-known well-wishers who meet me every day. So I like to stay away from politics. Why do you and your other journalist friends ask me only about Ayodhya?
 
Q.: What'll happen if excavations fail to find any proof that there was a Ram temple in Ayodhya earlier?
A.: These are diversionary tactics. I don't think faith should look for proof. Christians, for instance, believe in Christ. They believe that Jesus was born some 2,000-odd years ago. They believe he died, they believe he was resurrected, they celebrate Easter - all on the basis of faith. Can anyone prove all this? Similarly, faith of any other kind - whether in Ram or any other bhagwan or spiritual head - cannot be explained.
 
Similarly, many believe that Mahavtar Baba is alive and has been living in the Himalayas for the last 2,000 years. Hindu literature speaks of the seven 'immortals', including Ashwattama, Bali, Vyasa, Hanuman, Kripachariar and Parasuraman. It's all a matter of faith.
 
Q.: You stayed at Mahavtar Baba's ashram at Ranchi recently. Tamil superstar and spiritual seeker Rajnikanth travelled with you and met with you there. Why?
A.: This is not the first time I've stayed in the Yogoda ashram - I go wherever there are good people. As for Rajnikanth, he tells me that he likes to learn from different gurus - be it Ramakrishna, Yogananda, Mahavtar Baba, Sachidananda or the Shankaracharya. He likes to think of himself as the bee seeker) that gathers honey (wisdom) from various flowers. In fact, we will be travelling together to Badrinath and Kedarnath...
 
Q.: Here's a non-Ayodhya question: The Pope, while addressing bishops from India, recently said that regardless of anti-conversion Bills in some states, they should carry on with their work. What is your reaction?
A.: Forced conversions have to be banned. I would like to interpret the Pope's words this way: Regardless of what people say, carry on with your service to humanity through good work. See, we are only against forcible conversions or converting people by bribing them with money or other things. A convertee has to get registered. If there is evidence of coercion, then the law will take its course.
 
Q.: What do you have to say about the recent resurgence of the practice of dowry among Hindus?
A.: Nowhere in Hinduism is giving or taking of dowry encouraged or extolled. Maha- periyaval (the 68th pontiff, Sri Chandra-sekherendra Saraswati) always refused to bless anyone who took dowry. In fact, he had issued strict instructions that his name should not be printed alongside anyone else's who was known to have taken dowry - in invitation cards, etc We tell people: Please say 'no' to dowry. Kanniga Daanam means that you are giving away your precious daughter, to another family. That's it. No demands should be made for she then becomes part of the new family.
 
Q.: What is the difference between Hindutva and Hinduism?
A.: This is like making a distinction between insaan and insaniyat. All those for whom India is home, are part of Hindutva - whether Hindu, Christian or Muslim. It is our entire culture and way of life.
 

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