R.K. Bengani
Dear Readers, afternoon session of Acharya Padarohan Samaroh was about to reach it’s zenith. After about three hours of lectures, songs, poetry, couplets and various other forms of presentations which the public digested with zest, the programme shifted to even higher zone of devotion and anticipation when the time came for Acharyashri to address the gathering. Inspite of fast approaching gochari time, most sadhvishris and samaniji still remained at the venue.The attendance among general public also did not decline till end. They all looked forward with keen interest to listen to Acharyashri’s message.
Afternoon session of Acharya Padarohan Samaroh lasted well over 4 hours - but the attendance did not decline till end (24th Jan 2007)
A scene from Acharya Padarohan Samaroh (24th Jan 2007)Acharyashri started his talk by posing a question: - I do not know – and I want to know - who checked the auspiciousness factor (of the date and time) when Acharya Bhikshu established terapanth sangh?? Was it done by Acharya Bhikshu himself or did he consult any astrologer?? He added that regardless of answer, a good number of present day astrologers who have examined horoscope of terapanth sangh have opined that the sangh will continue to progress and will continue to reach newer level of heights for next 2000 years.
Yes Sir. Next 2000 years!!! Opined by renowned astrologers and disclosed by none other than Acharyashri Mahaprajnaji himself. The opening line itself made everyone so happy and proud for the fact that everyone there was a member of such a progressive religious order, which has a very bright and long future. Dear Readers, I felt gratefulness for my forefathers who, in their wisdom and foresightedness had decided to become followers of terapanth sect. So in a way I can say that I am lucky because I got all this served on a platter.
Acharyashri said, “Someone should take up the task of analysing horoscopes of all acharya’s and of some important monks, nuns as well as some important shravaks and shravikas of terapanth.” He added that the sangh was established at a very auspicious time when the stars were in a very suitable position and the work has been going on uninterrupted since then.
Acharyshri said, “I consider myself as born lucky because I had opportunity of alliance with great acharyas like Acharyashri Kalugani and Acharyashri Tulsi. After my initiation in monkhood, for 6 years, I stayed in the comfortable shadows of Acharyshri Kalugani. Of course, rest of the life was spent with Acharyashri Tulsi. When I see terapanth, from a very neutral point, without any attachment or aversion and without any sectarian feeling I can say that I have very wonderful and intelligent disciples. If a father has few sons and out of them only if 2 or 4 sons are humble and obedient, the father is considered very lucky. It is a matter of great joy and satisfaction that over 800 monks, nuns, samanis etc of terapanth family are on progressing on the path of seeking right knowledge. Contemporarily, it is difficult to find a parallel / similar organization with such great numbers under leadership of one single Acharya. Therefore I consider myself lucky and I wish to praise my luck.”
Acharyashri continued, “By following THREE main factors – Purity of Thoughts, Strong Valour (purusaarth) and Purity of Conduct – anyone can help build up his own good luck. Positive thinking can always be an extra asset. I have ceaselessly made efforts towards these. And I got a plenty by way of inheritance also.”
While the congregation in Gangasahar absorbed the lecture with great attention and even greater interest, the public at large (who were not able to make to Gangasahar) were able to watch and listen this from their own homes thru live telecast of the programme.
Acharyashri took us all back to history when he recited a question which was once posed to Acharyashri Bhikshu, “How long would this terapanth sangh last”?? Acharya Bhikshu replied, “as long as the monks and nuns do net get involved in building their own places for abode, as long as they follow the right conduct, as long as they keep themselves free of possessions and as long as they follow the Maryada (religious discipline) the foundations of terapanth will remain strong and our luck will continue to multiply”. In this context, Acharyashri reminded all monks and nuns that they should:-
- be alert about celibacy and non-possessions
- be increasingly aware about rules of non-violence
- not get involved in matters such as building or non-building of sabha bhawans
- have harmonious and friendly relations amongst themselves
Acharyashri then talked about important factors which contributed towards development of terapanth sangh and he said that largest single factor was capability to think and imagine. He said Acharyashri Tulsi was a great visionary. Acharya Tulsi felt that inner vision of all members of terapanth sangh should be awakened and developed and to this effect, he gave special instructions (to then Muni Nathmalji) at time of adornment of the title Mahaprajna. Acharyashri said inner vision develops when passions like anger, ego, deceit and greed are pacified. Acharyashri revealed that he did not have to work towards pacifying these passions. He aimed to keep his mind stable and balanced. Continuing the revelations, his holiness said that for quite some time he has been thinking about his next births and he added that a person can be successful if he plans his life style by keeping in mind his past life, his present and his future life. He said, “the way Acharyashri Tulsi made me able and capable, I want to see a sangh which is a matter of pride not only for me but is a matter of pride and attraction for all”
Acharyashri Mahaprajnaji’s musings continued, “I get credit for all the work which is done and whatever is achieved. But there is contribution from all – specially from Yuvacharyashri and Sadhvi Pramukhashriji. Acharyashri mentioned the services and contribution of various munishris and sadhvishris in their own specific ways. He talked at length about the notable contribution made by Samani group. He said, “a chariot can not run on one wheel, a large chariot certainly needs many wheels”. So input and services of all add up and definitely count towards success of the organization.
Acharya pravar then shifted the topic towards lay persons and said, “I wish to appreciate the humbleness, politeness and devotion offered by all. It was a rare chance to be part of a religious order such as terapanth. The lay persons should not get carried away by small time obstacles / difficulties. They can build their own fortunes and strengthen their luck by observing the principles stated some minutes ago.”
Dear Readers, the words of wisdom spoken by Acharyashri had a dual effect. On one side, they enhanced the knowledge of the listeners and therefore resulted in great satisfaction. At the same time, these words of wisdom fuelled the thirst and quest for more drops. But the hands of clock had already crossed past 4 PM. Therefore Acharyashri turned to conclude his speech. He said, “All have responsibility to develop and adopt cleaner and better habits and lifestyles so that our future remains bright. All should remember the blessing spoken by Acharyashri Tulsi – subh bhavishya hai saamne (bright and better future lies ahead) and all should work towards it.
Dear Readers, it was certainly a good harvest all of us reaped that day. The assurance of subh bhavishya (bright and better future) means the seeds we planted that day will bring even better crops.
Annual General Meeting of Shri Jain Shwetambar Terapanthi Mahasabha was scheduled to start a short while later that evening. By the time you all catch up with your routine matters (after easter holidays) I will attempt to post my next report.
In the meantime, have a good week ahead.