Editor Carla Geerdes
2012 Karuna's Mewar Tour
Before going to the area where the celebration was held, I went to Terapanth Bhawan to visit Muni Kishanlal ji. There was already a visitor, in worldly relations his nephew, son of elder brother. Mr. K.L. Jain from New Delhi, a business man and a gentleman in his best years, not very far in age from his in worldly terms uncle. There was an obvious difference between the business man and the monk. The latter reflecting a light-hearted and free man, uncharged with the burden to compete in material wealth, representing the full awareness of the precocity of life without missing a single detail, very open to perceive every present moment, and ready to gift a smile whenever needed. A happy person living a happy life. The businessman reflecting the pressure to make decisions and the burden of social competition without cruelty. A successful person living a successful life.
Muni Kishanlal ji talking to his in worldly terms nephew, son of elder brother
The 2nd day of celebration, I noticed the sequence of the saints’ appearance. First Mumukshu sisters rushed in, followed by Samanijis. Then Sadhvishrees entered the stage, at last Mukhya Niyojika Sadhvi Vishrut Vibha followed by Sadhvi Pramukha Kanak Prabha. After them, the monks arrived in small groups. HH Acharya Mahashraman was the last person who entered the stage. His entrance was the signal for the audience that his recitation of Namokar Mantra immediately will start after he had taken seat.
The 2nd day as a whole was dedicated to Amrit Mahotsav, the celebration of the 50th birthday of HH Acharya Mahashraman. The celebration of a special birthday like 50th of a Terapanth Acharya is always celebrated four times: Once on the day of his birth itself, once on the 2nd day of Maryada Mahotsav following his birthday, once after Maryada Mahotsav in spring before Mahavir Jayanti, and once before Chaturmas. That’s what I had understood from the explanations given to me. So I enjoyed a lot to participate in a celebration in honour of HH.
There were plenty of cheerful presentations, all done with full heart and dedication. Samanijis shanted a spiritual song, and so did Sadhvishrees. Sadhvi Niyojika Vishrud Vibha recited a poem she extra for this occasion had composed. Younger and elder monks also did so; some of them declaimed spiritual songs. Unfortunately I am not able to report with regard to contents due to lack of Hindi language skills. But I am able to report that the audience enjoyed a lot, me included.
Mumukshus bowing down to HH Acharya Mahashraman ji & Sadhvi Pramukha. Both are not in the picture, but sitting on stage.
Samanijis arriving. Like always walking very fast as in a hurry, although they were more than just in time.
Sadhvishrees arriving on stage, among them Sadhvi Niyojika Vishrud Vibha (r with woolen blanket on her arm)
Acharya Mahashraman arrives on stage
HH Acharya Mahashraman prepares for opening the gathering
Monks on stage
Acharya Mahashraman
HH Acharya Mahashraman reciting Namokar Mantra
Sadhvi Pramukha & Sadhvishrees listening to HH Acharya Mahashraman reciting Namokar Mantra
Former Samani Mudit Pragya ji (1st left with handkerchief)who some days later became Sadhvi Mudit Prabha and Samani Nirmal Pragya ji (2nd left with woolen blanket on shoulders) with other Samanijis listening to HH Acharya Mahashraman reciting Namokar Mantra
Samani Mudit Pragya
Samanijis (l) and Mumukshus (r)
Samani Akshay Pragya (l) and other Samanijis
Samanijis, Mumukshus & lay followers
Dr. Samani Shashi Pragya (m)
Lay follower coming from Mumbai, originating from Amet
Grandma & grandson
Colorful audience
Very famous singer of Terapanth Sangh serenading in honor of HH Acharya Mahashraman for 2nd celebration of Amrit Mahotsav
On my way back home I again came over Terapanth office and there I met some old friends.
Shri Dharamchand Jain (m), head of Maryada Mahotsav Samiti Amet and his son (l) volunteers at Terapanth office
Shri Sanjay Khater (r, now president of All India Terapanth Yuvak Parishad)and the friend who helped me to get off the train at Mavli Junction
Shri Sanjay Khater & friends