Udaipur: Addressing a religious gathering organised by the Shri Vardhman Sthanakvasi Jain Shravak Sangh at Devendra Dham, Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria said that the blessings of a spiritual teacher always provide guidance and inspiration in life. Kataria said that the blessings he received from Guru Pushkar have remained a constant source of strength throughout his life. He emphasised that even while pursuing a career in politics, one should never compromise on integrity, human values and ethical principles. Reflecting on his nearly 50 years in public life, Kataria said that whenever he faced challenges and ups and downs, he turned to the path shown by his Guru and remembered his blessings. He said this spiritual guidance became an important foundation of his life. He said religious practices and spiritual contemplation give people the strength to face difficult circumstances. Through spirituality, a person can rise above attachment to worldly possessions and relationships and move towards inner peace. Kataria further said that spiritual practice encourages continuous self-reflection. Dharma teaches patience and positive thinking even in adverse circumstances, while spiritual contemplation awakens inner strength and self-confidence, enabling individuals to face life’s challenges with determination. The religious gathering began with a devotional rendition in praise of the Guru. Guru’s guidance develops wisdom and self-discipline On the occasion, Dr Surendra Muni spoke about the duties of a Shravak and the importance of wisdom and discernment in life. He said religious values and the company of spiritual teachers inspire individuals to follow the right path. He added that the guidance of Gurus helps develop wisdom, self-restraint and a positive outlook in life. ‘Self-knowledge is the foundation of life’ Pravartak Dr Rajendra Muni, during his spiritual discourse, highlighted the importance of self-knowledge. He said that a person who understands the self becomes capable of understanding the various conscious and non-conscious elements of the world. He said that without self-knowledge, external knowledge remains limited to the surface. Drawing an analogy, he said that just as a zero has no value without one, the body without the soul is like a zero. Self-knowledge is the foundation that gives stability to the structure of life. He emphasised that while external achievements are important, individuals must also give equal importance to introspection and self-awareness to understand the true purpose of life. Devotees participate in the religious gathering A large number of office-bearers, dignitaries and devotees attended the programme and benefited from the spiritual discourses. Those present included Shri Sangh President Roshanlal Jain, General Secretary Himmat Badala, Ashok Mehta, former Mayor Rajni Dangi, along with several members of the Jain community and devotees. Commissioner Narendra Gokhru, who had arrived from Gujarat, along with other guests, was also welcomed on the occasion. The programme concluded with the Jain community expressing gratitude to the revered saints and extending best wishes for the upcoming Guru Pushkar Jayanti celebrations on October 25. Punjab Governor says spiritual reflection strengthens courage, confidence and the ability to face life’s challenges Udaipur: Addressing a religious gathering organised by the Shri Vardhman Sthanakvasi Jain Shravak Sangh at Devendra Dham, Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria said that the blessings of a spiritual teacher always provide guidance and inspiration in life. Kataria said that the blessings he received from Guru Pushkar have remained a constant source of strength throughout his life. He emphasised that even while pursuing a career in politics, one should never compromise on integrity, human values and ethical principles. Reflecting on his nearly 50 years in public life, Kataria said that whenever he faced challenges and ups and downs, he turned to the path shown by his Guru and remembered his blessings. He said this spiritual guidance became an important foundation of his life. He said religious practices and spiritual contemplation give people the strength to face difficult circumstances. Through spirituality, a person can rise above attachment to worldly possessions and relationships and move towards inner peace. Kataria further said that spiritual practice encourages continuous self-reflection. Dharma teaches patience and positive thinking even in adverse circumstances, while spiritual contemplation awakens inner strength and self-confidence, enabling individuals to face life’s challenges with determination. The religious gathering began with a devotional rendition in praise of the Guru. Guru’s guidance develops wisdom and self-discipline On the occasion, Dr Surendra Muni spoke about the duties of a Shravak and the importance of wisdom and discernment in life. He said religious values and the company of spiritual teachers inspire individuals to follow the right path. He added that the guidance of Gurus helps develop wisdom, self-restraint and a positive outlook in life. ‘Self-knowledge is the foundation of life’ Pravartak Dr Rajendra Muni, during his spiritual discourse, highlighted the importance of self-knowledge. He said that a person who understands the self becomes capable of understanding the various conscious and non-conscious elements of the world. He said that without self-knowledge, external knowledge remains limited to the surface. Drawing an analogy, he said that just as a zero has no value without one, the body without the soul is like a zero. Self-knowledge is the foundation that gives stability to the structure of life. He emphasised that while external achievements are important, individuals must also give equal importance to introspection and self-awareness to understand the true purpose of life. Devotees participate in the religious gathering A large number of office-bearers, dignitaries and devotees attended the programme and benefited from the spiritual discourses. Those present included Shri Sangh President Roshanlal Jain, General Secretary Himmat Badala, Ashok Mehta, former Mayor Rajni Dangi, along with several members of the Jain community and devotees. Commissioner Narendra Gokhru, who had arrived from Gujarat, along with other guests, was also welcomed on the occasion. The programme concluded with the Jain community expressing gratitude to the revered saints and extending best wishes for the upcoming Guru Pushkar Jayanti celebrations on October 25.