R.K. Bengani
Dear Readers, it is said that true measure of a man's wealth is what he has invested in eternity. I am glad that with every passing hour in Gangasahar, I was becoming somewhat wealthier in that sense because I was investing that time in eternity. Being in proximity of wealthiest – pujya pravars, monks and nuns – who had invested their entire lives in eternity - was an extra bonus for me. After accepting blessings from Acharyashri, Yuvaacharyashri turned to Day 2 of Maryada Mahotsav and said that yesterday we had celebrated Acharya Padarohan Samaroh. Yuvaacharyashri revealed that in recent past, Acharyapravar had told him that celebrating Padarohan (accession) was ok but celebrating birthdays etc should be discouraged.
At this stage, Acharyashri confirmed, YES, I am not in favour of celebrating birthdays. His Holiness said, “In our sect, monks, nuns and samanis should not celebrate birthdays. Birthday celebrations should be by way of meditation, fasting, studies, penance etc. There should not be any outward looking program for birthdays. If any monk/nun celebrates his/her birthday or diksha day (initiation day) by any other means except spiritual practices, in my opinion, he is committing a mistake and he deserves punishment”.
Yuvaacharyashri responded, “This is greatness of Pujyapravar. His thinking is always meaningful and purposeful. In our terapanth order, Acharya is like an emperor. Whole power of the sangh lies at the feet of Acharyashri. He (Acharya) is most powerful person. Today, our sect is quite widespread. It is not easy task to properly conduct affairs of such large sect having multifold activities. But with remarkable valor and energy, Acharyapravar is efficiently conducting the affairs of the sect.”
Yuvaacharyashri continued, “I have seen three aspects of Acharya. One aspect is of GURU - that shows guidance to the disciples and intermittently showers affection. Second aspect is that of ruler/chief. Gurudev Tulsi often used to say that he had to discharge dual responsibility. After he (Gurudev Tulsi) renounced his post of Acharya, then he used to say that then onwards he was just Guru. He used to say that the role of chief/ruler was responsibility of Mahaprajnaji. One day, while preaching us disciples, Gurudev Tulsi said – all of you should offer much more respect and devotion to Acharyashri Mahaprjanji in comparison to the respect and devotion you all bear towards me. Gurudev Tulsi specifically clarified that let there be no need for me to say anything else on this issue.”
Yuvaacharyashri revealed, “In the presence of Acharyashri, Gurudev Tulsi once told me, Mudit, make note of one thing. I have given up the post of Acharya. But in future, this should not become a tradition. That way, he left very clear guidelines for next generations. And he did something specific – a unique step purely based on his own thinking.”
Yuvaacharyshri added, “To become an Acharya of terapanth is a great thing. It is a matter of extreme luck. This good opportunity comes after accumulating good and auspicious karmas over many life times. Pujya Acharyapravar also got this great opportunity (of becoming a terapanthi acharya) as fruitation of his good karmas, which were accumulated over several previous life times. With extreme compassion and affection, he (Acharyashri) is taking good care of big and small. He is taking care of his disciples – monks and nuns – and taking care of such huge number of laypersons in the society at large. In parallel, he is doing the all important work writing and literature compilation. This is being done with his incomparable wisdom and division/delegation of work. If someone wants to get tips about good conduct/ life style, he need not join any classes or need not study any books or scriptures. All one needs to do learn these is – observe the life of Acharyapravar. One can practically get these lessons just by observing acharyashri’s life.”
Yuvaacharyashri revealed yet more. He said, “Gurudev Tulsi once told me – see, the life style of Mahaprajna is so much balanced and organized. You should learn the art of time management from him.” Yuvaacharyshri added, “I have seen, learned and observed that even when Acharyashri does not speak, even when he is observing silence, the recipient disciple can learn many a things by paying attention to the lifestyle of acharyapravar.”
Yuvaacharyashri summed up this part of his speech by saying, “On the occasion of Padarohan Samaroh yesterday morning I have made a wish which I would like to repeat and re–repeat. Oh Pujyapavar!! Please lead/rule us for krod diwali (ten million diwalis/years). Let your disciples get direction and preaching from you for long long time. Under your auspicious shadows, let us prosper, develop and serve the humanity at large. From our side, it will be our best endeavor to see that you get maximum amount of physical rest. We want to contribute towards your equanimity. This is our desire and wish on your Padarohan.”
Dear Readers, it is clear that on that afternoon we came to know many of the intimate and internal details of strong and pure bonds of love and mutual respect between a guru and his disciples. So, apart from my little bit investment in eternity, which was making me rich, I was also becoming rich by learning many things which would have eluded me without this Gangasahar visit. I am glad to share these with you all thru the pages of this wonderful news magazine popularly known to us all as www.herenow4u.de
It is a pure co-incidence that this magazine has reached a page view of 100,000 today [*]. Our editors, Aparigrahaji and Karunaji deserve full credit for this achievement.
Dear Editors, please keep up this good work. This is your investment in your eternity. Your readers and contributors look forward to the next milestone – MILLION PAGE VIEWS. I am sure that day is not too far.
Dear Readers, please keep visiting these pages for yet more reports – not only on Maryada Mahotsav – but on many aspects of Jainism. Your visits to these pages is your investment in eternity.
[*] since 7th Aug.2005 public counted by Motigo webstats.