EPS echoes BJP’s line, calls TN ‘Gnana boomi’

Her political and spiritual paths converged at the place called ‘ethics to protect people’s welfare,’ he said speaking at the Chathurmass Pravesh function of Jain Acharya Sri Mahashraman in the city. He also hailed Lord Krishna who taught Bhagavat Gita to Arjun as the best guru in the world. The Chief Minister also lauded the Jain community and said they had helped the people of Chennai during times of natural disasters.

Seconding the views of BJP leaders who used to harp on Tamil Nadu being the ‘Gnana boomi’ of spiritualism, Palaniswami said, “If India is a temple, Tamil Nadu is the sanctum sanctorum. Tamil Nadu is a ‘Gnana boomi’ (Land of wisdom) which generates great saints. The virtues of devotion and ethics flourish in Tamil Nadu and several saints and gurus from various places had visited the state in search of peace.

All religions aim at the betterment of mankind and they sow the seeds of not harming anyone, not killing any life, truthfulness, cleanliness, mercy, world peace and ethical life. The ideals spread by all the religions give happiness to mankind in both the worlds, he said.

He recalled that Jain priest Tulsi was treated as the guest of Tamil Nadu government in 1968 when DMK founder CN Annadurai was the chief minister. The government which followed the path shown by Anna, MGR and Jayalalithaa is happy to welcome Acharya Sri Mahashraman as the state’s guest, the Chief Minister said.

Sage Tiruvalluvar had described intellect as a virtue which helps mankind to control their senses and use them for people’s welfare. Such persons are called as saints, he said and added that Lord Mahavir taught firm belief, high intellect and good deeds. The ideals and philosophy of Lord Mahavir had been accepted by people throughout the world, the Chief Minister added.

He said a guru is as important as mother and father since they show the world to each person. He also termed Jayalalithaa as the guru to his government and party.

In the western countries, the lives of people are mechanical and luxurious, while their personal lives lack peace and full of struggles. Those countries lack gurus and saints and the people visit India seeking gurus, he concluded.