HereNow4U - Living Jainism Tour 2006 - 03.11 Taranagar

21st November 2006, 08:30 - 11:00

Kanchan Pugalia, Vinod's sister, painting Karuna's hands with henna

In India it is a custom that women’s hands are painted with henna for special occasions. Without knowing what a special occasion was waiting for us this morning, Karuna got the opportunity for hand painting with henna. It could not have been more suitable.
After morning Darshan, Aparigraha suddenly had vanished. Karuna had met some Samanijis she knew from former visits, and accompanied them for a short talk. When she came back, she met Swami Dharmanandji who talked to some friends. They then went for breakfast to Suranas' home, as surely they would meet Aparigraha there also. To walk with Swami Dharmanandji through Taranagar is a special experience, as many people greeted him and stopped for a talk.

Yuvacharya Mahashramanji leaving Suranas' home

Mr. Surana, father of Vinod, at the entry door of his house

Mrs. Surana, sister of Swami Dharmanandji, her daughter Kanchan Pugalia and Karuna with painted hands

When Swami Dharmanandji and Karuna reached Suranas’ home, Yuvacharyashree was about to leave; he had taken some food the family offered to him. And who was already there? Aparigraha was following Yuvacharyashree when he went for alms. We all had breakfast, and Kanchan Pugalia afterwards proposed to paint Karuna’s hand with henna. When it was done, we went to Oswal Bhavan for morning function.

Karuna talking to Shri Bachha Raj Bothra in front of Oswal Bhawan, watched by children

Oswal Bhavan Taranagar, people waiting for the doors to be opende

Swami Dharmananda (2nd from left)

Many people were streaming to Oswal Bhawan to attend morning function, old friends met again, and an increasing number of people filled the tent. Swami Dharmanandji sat down with us on the stage. We did neither wonder nor have an idea why.

Two Samaniji on stage of assembly tent

First & second row: Sadhaks (householders) with white cloths & mouthpad, totally engaged in spirituality for one day by reading scriptures, meditating, reciting mantras without voice; behind them: other lay followers

Sadhvi Pramukha (head of nuns) and her deputy Sadhvi Vishrud Vibha with a group of nuns on stage

Two Samanijis recited prayers, then a group of Sadhvishrees did another recitation. The tent was nearly full, when Yuvacharyashree arrived. People were happy to see him, and we admired him for the huge task he is carrying out every day.

Yuvacharya Mahashramanji

Ladies in the audience

Gents in the audience

The Sangh gathered without the presence of Acharyashree. H.H. was not feeling well and we were told that he has gone into deep Kayotsarg.

Yuvacharya Mahashramanji, Muni Vimal Kumarji, audience

Dr.Baid, MD & MLA Rajasthan

Yuvacharyashree was listening to Dr. Baid who addressed the audience, but as he spoke in Rajasthani, we were not able to follow. Then the gentleman who compered the function was addressing to us, and Swami Dharmanandji was telling us that we would be awarded with shawls! We were speechless. All three of us got a beautiful shawl, and Yuvacharyashree said to us (simultaneously translated by Swami Dharmanandji), “Karuna is full of compassion, Aparigraha is fully detached.” We got in very high spirits hearing this.

Karuna stands up as she learns that she is going to be honoured with a shawl

One lady gives the shwal of honour to Karuna

One gentleman gives the shwal of honour to Aparigraha

Unfortunately we cannot report what he said to Swami Dharmanandji, as we did not understand the language, and Swami Dharmanandji had stopped to translate, as he was addressed by Yuvacharyashree.

Karuna & Aparigraha bowing down to and thanking Yuvacharyashree for being honoured as editors of HereNow4U onlinemagazine on Jinism (www.herenow4u.de/indexEng.htm)

We also were gifted with books.

Swami Dharmnandji bowing down to & thanking Yuvacharyashree to be honoured with a shawl

Swami Dharmanandji is bowing down in front of Yuvacharyashree.

Samani Pratibha Pragyaji, Swami Dharmanandji, Karuna

Samani Pratibha Pragyaji was coming along when the function was over, and we were happy to meet her again. She was in a hurry and talked to Swami Dharmanandji and then left.

For us, this was a morning full of surprises and happiness.

HereNow4U - Living Jainism Tour 2006 - 03.11 Taranagar - Honoured With A Shawl