By Arvinder Jain & Rajesh Jain
Samani Prasanna Pragya ji and Samani Vikas Pragya ji visited us at the Jain Ashram in Birmingham on 19th and 20th September 2011. The topic of the lecture on the first day was, “Preparation for Paryushana Parva or any saadhna.”
Samani Prasanna Pragyaji explained in simple and clear way the meaning of preparation, setting of goals and ways to achieve it. After receiving this guidance, the congregation felt that they would be better prepared for next year‘s Paryushana Parva.
On the second evening Samani Prasanna Pragyaji lectured on - “The Jain way to celebrate Navaratri”. Hinduism gives importance to certain days of the year because of their greater cosmic energy. This includes the time of Navaratri festival. The time of Navaratri is an opportunity to awaken inner power. There is importance of power in this world. A powerless person feels emptiness within himself. Sometimes he also experiences the feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. The greatest power is that of spirituality, although other powers have also got their own importance.
Acharya Tulsi and Acharya Mahapragya have started a navanvhik spiritual anushthan during the festival of Navaratri. Its objective is to develop purification and perfection of the soul and enhancement of energy. In this anushthan which lasts for nine days,along with recitation of special mantras, we also practice penances like upavas, ekashana, etc.
During the two days programme, members of the audience asked questions on a wide range of religious issues. Samani Vikas Pragyaji recited hymns in her melodious voice. Preksha meditation sessions were also conducted.
Jain Community in Birmingham were disappointed that Samani Punya Pragya ji’s granting of UK visa was delayed and hence she and other samaniji could not come on time for the Paryushana Parva. Birmingham Jain shravaks and shravikas therefore requested Samani Prasanna Pragyaji and Samani Vikas Pragyaji to come to Birmingham before returning to India, especially as Samani Vikas Pragyaji has not been to Birmingham before. Samani Prassana Pragyaji agreed to visit for two days, taking time out of their very busy schedule. Despite giving sermons on two evenings at the Jain Ashram at such a short notice they also visited three families.
Jain community of Birmingham are very grateful to Samanijis and Acharya Mahashramanji for making this possible and keeping this tradition continuing which was set up by Late Acharya Tulsiji and Late Acharya Mahapragyaji. It is our earnest prayer that we can rely on the generosity and blessing of Acharya Mahashramanji in future as well.
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