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True to the tenets of Jain religion, he has renounced all material pleasures. While the world zips past on wheels and jet engines, he hasn't boarded a vehicle for the last 22 years - not since he was initiated into priesthood at the age of 14. The muni, who holds a degree in science from Surat University, has been walking through cities and villages, on and off the beaten track, spreading the gospel of corn ion and non-violence. He says he must have by now covered over 55,000 km on foot, in his long odyssey of 22 years that has taken him across the length and breadth of the country several times. Prashantratna Vijay, along with brother muni Dharshan Vijay, reached Kozhikode yesterday from Gujarat to visit the Jain temple in the city.
Born into a wealthy family (his father is a multi-billionaire the muni says), he would have eventually taken over the reins of his thriving family business in diamonds, and several factories manufacturing packing material for giants such as Hindustan Lever Limited. But fate had different role cut out for him. He had no second thoughts about renouncing his family business to don the humble attire (a piece of unstitched white cloth) of a Shwethambara Jain muni when he was still a high school student.
He says he was moved by the inspiring speech of Jain seer Rajendra Suri at a local temple, into joining the austere Jain order. And there has been no looking back since his brother too joined him as a disciple, though familial bonds are proscribed in their way of life. From then he has eschewed travelling by vehicles to avoid killing small creatures on the road which may fall victim to speeding vehicles. He has also imposed on himself other rigours. Like even desisting from using scissors or razors. Strictly following the hoary Jain tradition, the muni, instead, plucks out his hair, beard and moustache by hand to develop mental resilience to endure tiring or painful situations that may come in life.
Prashantratna, who abhors being branded as one among the growing clan of godmen, says he is sad that there are many unprincipled men misappropriating respect and social acceptance they command as religious gurus.
No one, says the muni, can lead
others unless they demonstrate what they preach through their lives.
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