R.K. Bengani
Amid loud chanting of spiritual slogans, the Ahimsa Yatra reached Acharya Tulsi Samadhi Sthal at a very auspicious time - 11:55 hrs on Tuesday the 23rd Jan 2007. “Sarwarthsidhiyog” indicating successful conclusion of the project just started.
Acharya Tulsi Samadhi Sthal
Name says it - Acharya Tulsi Samadhi Sthal. To read what the blooming flowers say - one must visit the place.
Pujyapravars went to Samadhi Sthal for prayers and meditation, the main courtyard already had hundreds of people - so called early birds.
Early Birds - anxiously waiting for programme to start - 23rd Jan 2007 The main courtyard had a quiet and soothing ambience. A place where one can sit and meditate; perform samayik; do some serious reading; reflect on teachings of pujyapravars; engage in any other pious activity of mind and generally get ready for the main function ahead. That is what the early birds do. Several banners bearing invaluable quotes were prominently displayed on all sides of the courtyard so that everyone could easily read them. Dear Readers, eating our meals take few minutes but digesting the same takes longer and the real energy which is retained by the body after digestion is useful for the body for far much longer periods. Similarly reading the quotes displayed in the main courtyard take few minutes, but to understand the deeper meaning one needs to reflect on them for a while. This is what the so called early birds do there. They reflect on the quotes. After deep reflection, when their meaning is really absorbed and translated in to conduct, the quotes become invaluable in true sense. Dear readers, I would like to share some samples here:
- I DO NOT MAKE MISTAKE. SUCH THINKING ITSELF IS MISTAKE. ONE NEEDS TO CORRECT THIS.
- SEEK HELP FROM OTHERS BUT DO NOT LET YOUR FEET BECOME WEAK.
- TO REACH YOUR GOAL, DO NOT TREAD A NARROW FOOTWALK; FIND A ROYAL BOULEVARD.
- GOOD LIFE IS ESSENCE OF THOUSAND BOOKS.
- IF YOU HAVE CAPACITY TO CONVINCE, CONVINCE YOURSELF FIRST.
I could really add some more but the attendance started building up.
Attendance started building up (23rd Jan 2007) Media persons with their note books and camera had taken their positions. The program was going to be telecast on live TV.
Muni Shri Mohjeet Kumarji - making necessary announcements before arrival of Pujya Pravars on stage on 23rd Jan 2007 Munishri Mohjeet Kumarji, able, polished and well-experienced MC started making necessary announcements and gave background information about history and importance of Maryada Mahotsav. He also gave a brief outline of the day’s programme - which was going to commence soon.
Pujya Pravars are now on stage (23rd Jan 2007) His Holiness Acharyashri Mahaprjnaji along with Yuvacharyashri reached the stage at 1230 noon. The whole congregation - men, women and children on one part; saints, nuns and samanji and samaniji on other part - all rose on their feet to pay their heartfelt respects and regards to Pujya Pravars. At 12:35 hrs, Yuvacharyashri recited Namaskaar Mahamantra in his loud, very clear, sweet and musical voice.
The audience listened to the recital with full concentration. Acharyashri then opened his treasure pack - a folder containing a small paper written by capable fingers of founding Acharya - Bhikshu Swami. It would be an understatement to say that that paper, which was the basis of Maryada Mahotsav festivities, was a historical document.
Dear readers, the fact is that the contents and teachings of that paper are of great essence to terapanth order and all of it’s followers. Acharyashri showed that all important document - commonly known as Maryada Patra - to the congregation and mentioned that whole of terapanth order was running on the basis of guidelines mentioned in that paper and therefore Maryada Patra was the lifeline of terapanth order. With utmost respect and in the witness of his four fold order, Acharyashri then placed the Maryada Patra at designated place.
Rushing to take seats before start of main function - 23rd Jan 2007 Now it was time for recital of Maryada Geet. As remainder of audience rushed to take their seats, Muni Shri Dineshkumarji and some saints started recital of Maryada Geet
“Bhikhanji Swami Bhari Maryada Bandhi Sangh Mein”
(Oh Respected Acharya Bhikshu, you have established very powerful self discipline in the religious order!!!).
Most people joined the chorus.
Colourful congregation awaiting address from Pujya Pravar (23rd Jan 2007) The colourful congregation eagerly waited for the forthcoming formal announcement by Acharyashri.
Big & small - place for all!!! (23rd Jan - 2007)
Big and small, there was place for all. After chorus of Maryada Geet, and some venerable slogans, a request was made and accordingly Acharyashri made announcement for formal commencement of 3 day long 143rd Maryada Mahotsav festivities.
Stage is all set for formal commencement of 243rd Maryada Mahotsav. Yuvacharyashri making final list of sadhu/sadhvis for serving in sewa kendras (23rd Jan 2007)