Friends I am covering a heart touching incident from lecture attended by me today i.e. full moon day. Few devotees were gathered to offer respect to Gurudeo before lecture starts. The Queue was moving on. The organizer committee member was introducing new devotees and
members to Gurudeo. He introduced an old man to Gurudeo who has
came to meet Gurudeo from old age homes. Gurudeo just kept his
silence and offered him blessings with his advice---- "Daya Palo".
I within myself admired Gurudeo when he touched the subject
during his lecture. "Friends. today I will just recall some incidents
from Grantha based on life of Mahaveer Bhagwan. We all know he has two sets of parents. His first parents are Bramins being mother as
Devananda and Rishabhdatta. As a rule Thirthankar Bhagwan take
birth in Khatriyakula only. But as Bhagwan has to repay his old bad
karma of pride built in life of Marichi, he could not take birth in the
top background. In Marichi's life knowing his bright future from
Rishabhdeo Bhagwan, Mahaveer swami has expressed proud and his self praise .Then "Indra" arranged soul transfer to uterus of queen
Thishalamata wife of King Siddartha Raja from Devanandamata.
First pair of Bhagwan Devananda and Rishabhdautta taken Diksha
and obtained salvation while second pair are in Deologa currently.
Trisalamata saw 14 dreams as Bhagwan's soul came in her womb. Thirthankar always take birth with four knowledge. In womb,
Bhagwan came to know that his mother is suffering due to his
movements. To stop it, Bhagwan stopped own movements. But it
created confusion in mind of Trishalamata. She thought that the new
baby met with death so she seems to be silent. She became sad and gave up eating. The changes in mind and behavior of mother can not go unnoticed from Bhagwan. He restarted his movements. Further Bhagwan Mahaveer thought in his mind that mother is loving him so much before birth. Definitely the love and affection will be more
higher scale, once he enters the outer world. Then if he goes for
Diksha to become monk. the parents would not bear the shock of his
parting. So in womb itself Bhagwan taken a vow not to become Jain
monk during life time of parents. When he was in mid youth after completing around 26th age the parents went for heavenly abode.Then Bhagwan announced plans to leave domestic life for Diksha.
The elder brother Nandivardhan told Bhagwan that still the family
could not come out of shock of parents demise. So his mind is not yet ready to face another blow. On his plea Bhagawan delayed his
decision by another two years. Then he left domestic life in search
of eternal peace. Rest part of his life, his sufferings and difficult tap and obtaining last destination of Moksha ,we all aware. Here I wish
to share his message to devotees Gurudeo continued in choked voice.
Through Aagams he explained ever lasting and non payable debts of mother, father and Gurudeo. Everybody carries burden of their this unique obligations. Just note, not to run away from own moral duty
by keeping parent in old age home. One may have own problem, but
do the best to have their blessing while living with own family. In
society the changes in attitude of children became apparent once
they get married and start earning. But today make a promise to own self that will never cause any agony to my parents. That can be the minimum token repayment" Gurudeo concluded emotional appeal.
JAI JINENDRA---------!!!------------ JAI MAHAVEER-------!!!.
" King I belonged to rich noble family having lovely father named Prabhutdhansanchay. Under his guardianship, I was enjoying life to fullest. Suddenly one day, I suffered from eye pain and overall burning sensation in body. My dad, mom, wife,sibling.relatives have
arranged best medical treatment for me. Whole family and circle were ready to do any thing for me spending most time near my bed.
Days passed one by another, but no improvement in health was seenin sight. One day. when I was alone ,I started to fix possible reason
causes for such happening with me. I wondered, why I was targeted
by destiny ,while all youth are enjoying living. At the end, I came to
conclude that root cause of all sufferings and happiness is Karma.The layers of good deeds and bad deeds offer the out coming
results on maturity. Unless one cut off such Karma by Nirjara and
be absent from new sins by following of Sanwar,the going on
sufferings cannot end. To end such suffering only way available
is taking Diksha and becoming monk. The aim cannot be attained
while remaining at home. So I made promise to myself, that I will
go for Diksha if I get relieved from the unbearable pain. With this
thought. I fell asleep . I was unaware of new dawn coming to me.
As night passed and sun raised ,my sufferings ended. I could notbelieve power of promise. So to keep the promise, with permission of my parent and relative I became Jain monk to get soul liberated.
I became guardian of all living souls guiding them to end their all
sufferings forever. As a conclusion dear King. I can share with you
the ultimate truth. Money, relatives no one is capable to offer needed
protection to any body. Only individual soul has immense and carry
magical power to protect oneself. How one shape the soul is the
real test. Such craftsmanship decides your happiness and pain.
Now, King just have a introspection and tell me if I was wrong
to call you orphan in-spite of all your the tools and wealth.
King thanked the monk for explaining real meaning of guardian.
He also congratulated the monk for knowing the truth in such short span of time and following the ways of Mahaveer Bhagwan. Soon King left back to his kingdom. Shrenik approved all sayings of Muni by heart. So he achieved unique touch of Samkit. As a result of thishe will be first Thirthnkar in next cycle named as " Mahapadam."
JAI JINENDRA--------!!!-------------- JAI MAHAVEER------!!!.
In yesterday's lecture Gurudeo covered story from 20th chapter of "Uttaradhaynsutra" titled "Mahanigranthiya".It was a touching one. It appealed to me very much as it points out harsh truth of human limitations. Incident narrated in the story is common in modern time. Out of blue suddenly, we can witness a young guy enjoying life and fame hit by destiny Here is the coverage. A-nath means orphan.
Shrenk was king of "Maghad-desh "and among prominent devotees
of Mahaveerswami. One day on his visit to forest, he saw one Jain
monk in meditation .King was very surprised to see such a young man with beautiful personality leaving domestic life. With curiosity
,he stopped at tree and offered the monk due respect and asked the
monk reasons for his taking Diksha to become a Jain monk.
The monk referred himself as "Anath" and said "King-! I am an orphan. I could not find anyone who can offer me- real shelter and become my guardian in my difficult time, Hence I left the domestic world and became monk by taking Diksha the monk replied.
On hearing it. King immediately shown his willingness to take monk's care ,if he returns back with him to his palace in kingdom.The monk smiled and said-"King you are yourself an orphan, how an orphan can take care of another orphan-----?. The surprised king
briefed the monk his wealth and empire. The he pleaded with monk
to review his false remark for him.As monk do not tell lies.
Then the monk explained the king his background & circumstances
which compelled the monk to leave home. The monk said "King
I belonged to a very affluent family from Koshambinagari." The monk shared his life's story and detailed reasons for his action and views. I will cover the rest happening in second part to adjust space.
JAI JINENDRA---------!!!---------JAI MAHAVEER--------!!!.
Friends Chaturmas series lectures were in full swing. I attended one lecture last week. Gurudeo was explaining monk and their life style
to kids. Here is the coverage of summary points for all blog readers,
"Dear Kids by this time you came to know that without being monk-
salvation is not possible. you will be surprised to know the present number of monks in India. In world Jain population is approximately 90lac,while number of monk from all branches is on too lower side
hardly18000.So to teach 500 Jain only one Sadhu is available. The
number is less as to become monk ,the courage required is too high and special. Only souls having better accumulated good deeds can dare for it.Souls who have cleared most of Charitra Mohniya Karma can do it. Now, kids can ask any question doubts if you want.---- ?".
With due permission, one kid stood up and asked "Gurudeo Sir, why
monks are always wearing only white and non stitched clothes ?
"Let us see the background for it, Gurudeo started answer. You know Digamber branch of Jainism treat cloth as "Possession"( Parigraha) ,
hence they don't use any cloth. Amber means sky. Sky is cloth for all of them. Shwetamber branch treat as permitted it in Pancham-Kaal
by Bhagwan -used without loving it to avoid unnecessary attention if any of watching masses, specially for lady monks in our country.Now let us see significance of white color. White represent the truth, simplicity, purity, positive vibe and cleanness among all seven color. White also represent surrender to almighty. In the ancient time white
flags were used for surrender or negotiation at war front by soldiers.
Now let us study the reasons of non stitching. Sleeve, collar, color
and pocket represent anger. pride. cheating and greed. For example
at time of quarrel one is habitual to fold sleeves. For impression we
use tie so that collar can be tight shaped adding to our personality. To mix in mob people with wrong intentions avoid plain color and they
use mixed colors. Pockets are used to store money. Monks don't have any money. Most important point is that one has to be very and great careful to avoid any spot on white clothes. Likewise Jain monks are always careful to keep their character spotless as guided Mahavrata. Character is a most precious thing for a soul to safeguard at any cost.
These may be probable reasons to prescribe those white clothes.Nevertheless when you grow up you can study Aagams to know
the exact reasons and prescription of Bhagwan." Pujya Gurudeo has
concluded. The satisfaction on kids faces was a too pleasant to watch I saluted Gurudeo and surprised with so many hidden secrets behind a apparently small case of selection of clothes by Bhagwan.
JAI JINENDRA-----------!!!------------ JAI MAHAVEER------!!!.
Friends from today's full moon day ,the most awaited auspicious period of 4 months of Jain Chaturmas starts. First I will share the time table and then today's first lecture of Gurudeo for my readers.
1-27/07/2018---Chaturmas Starts.
2-06/09/2018---Paryushan of 8 days starts.Reading Anatgarhasutra.
3-13/09/2019---Panchami--Sawastari and Kshamapana Day.
4-07/11/2018---Veer-Nirvan day--Dipawali.
5-08/11/2018 ---Pratipada--Reading Uttaradhyanasutra.
6-22/11/2018--Full moon day--Chaturmas ends.
Readers can check with senior members of family for deviation if any. One is free to follow specific Jain branch dates.
Gurudeo started the lecture" My brothers and sisters ,so far we have
witnessed so many Chaturmas. Now really the time has come to ask oneself if he is using the period for cleaning the soul or just
removing the dust on it. Human race is loving money so much which is beyond the words. He starts looking for money to meet personal
necessary expenses. Then gradually it reaches to stages for comfort,
security and accumulation for next seven generations. Even after all
that he needs money to put his name in list of first hundred wealthy
personalities of world. If the person happens to be a Jain he may
has desire to do some kind of religious activities. He does little
and left balance for tomorrow. No one knows if he will see the sun rays of tomorrow or not ? Disturbing but it is a fact of current life.
In this connection I can share story from Ramayana with you. It is
related to Ravan. Expect Sitaji's kidnap episode, Ravan was very
intellectual person. On war land ,while he was breathing his last
moments, Shriram sent Laxman to have his advice to live life.
Ravan told never to postpone good things in life. He is about to
leave the world with 3 unfinished task with him. They are to build
staircase from earth to sky, to close doors of hell and to replace sea
water with milk. No doubt Ravan was very much able to achieve all
of those desires with his ability, power and wisdom.
So friends use maximum of this period for purification of soul in
period of four months. Whatever will you do will accompany you.
Bhagwan has prescribed so many tools to cut Karmas-fast, Samaik,
Pratikamn,Gurudarshan, Sanwar.Poshadh and attending Jinawani.
If one is unable to do it due to time constraint. One can go for Pachkkhan known as "Khandh". This can be the minimum Vrata.They are four-not eating vegetables and Sachit, not drinking plain water and Bramaacharya. Khandh means shoulder. On death, body needs 4 shoulders. Similarly soul needs those 4 shoulders-Khandh.Hope you all will do best and maximum utilization of this Parva".
Gurudeo concluded. I Wish all readers best opportunity in this Parv
period to cut Karmas and advance on salvation path.
JAI JINENDRA----------!!!------------- JAI MAHAVEER-----!!!.
Gurudeo arrived in city for upcoming Chaturmas 2018 scheduled on full moon day of 27th July 2018. I attended his session for kids
based on Navkar Mantra.The lecture is being summarized herewith.
"Dear kids,by this time you have learnt Navkar Mantra by heart. Even you are fluent in it's pronunciation and meaning. Today I will
brief you the feelings and emotions witch is must for it's proper effect. Only it's recital cannot give the desired results. Each line of it shall remind the soul of the reader, it's all objectives listed below.
1-Namo Arihantanam-First line must remind you that- Oh! I have
yet to complete most important task of my life that to conquer my
enemies of soul. Without it my salvation is impossible. Anger, pride,
cheating and greed are my negative points and I have to win over
them at any cost. Outside enemies also I have to turn into friends.I am within eyesight of Arihant Bhagwan from Mahavidehakhetra
I must be very careful for all my actions of mind, body and speech.
2-Namo Siddanam-This is too precious and important line.
The line should remind you that----- Oh! my permanent place and residence is at top of universe known as "Siddhasheela" Then Why I am interested in building perishable bungalows on this earth ? My real destination is most pleasant and cool and beautiful place. I will be fortunate to enjoy neighborhood of countless pure soul called
" Siddahbhagwan". I must work hard to reach the place as soon as possible. I must avoid all 18 sins which can delay my destination.
Soon I shall be in original crystal clear form of my soul like them.3-Namo Loye Savva Sahunam------I know that without giving up
domestic life and without taking Diksha, I cannot get salvation. Incurrent life, I must aim to be monk soon and join such pure souls.
With rigorous hard work during my tenure of monk, I have to study
"Aagamas ". By acquiring correct knowledge I shall aim to become
Upadhya. With this promotion I can impart exact "Jinwani" to all.
4-Namo Uvajayanam-- To study 32 Aagams ,to know it's correct
meaning requires high knowledge level. It is really a tough task
but I hope with blessings of Pujya Gurudeo I can do it definitely.
5-Namo Aayriyanam--I have to develop leadership qualities so as
to guide other fellow monks to follow correct Jain religion. If I can
achieve it.soon Gurudeo can select me to do the job. If I perform my
job as Aacharya as exactly prescribed by Bhagwan, I can assist masses, colleagues, disciples and self to achieve salvation in short
time. I am aware Bhagwan has informed in Bhagwatisutra-05/06
maximum 3 lives term to get salvation for Upadhya and Aacharya.
(*** Number deviation is done to show gradual increase in status).
I am eagerly waiting for the day when I will be part of Navkar
Mantra and Panch Parmeshthi. It will be achievement of my dream.
JAI JINENDRA----------!!!---------JAI MAHAVEER--------!!!'
Friends. I happened to meet Gurudeo and attend his lecture while on a personal tour. As per information shared by local city organization
the lecture was specially arranged for "Jain Bahu Mandal (It means
daughter in laws club).One of my earlier blogs in two parts titled tobe "Pregnancy and Jainism" is popular with readers and this subject
is based on similar lines, hence sharing with my blog readers.
"Sisters you all gathered here for a noble objective. Mother is every thing to kid. she is local God for kid in real sense. Herewith- I wish
to share with you kid's upbringing care notes. Hopefully it can help.
If the lecture is being absorbed with proper spirit and sincerity, we
can gift a good devotee to Jainism and better citizen to country ,The current wind generated in west and blowing and spreading in east
has hit our legacy, heritage and culture. Hope soon you will realize.
Lecture lasted for one and half hour, So I am cutting it points wise.
1.-For all round development of any kid one to five year span is very
very crucial. This period is being blessed with his sharp memory
and keen observations. So be careful for what you select him to teachFor it you have to make sacrifices, cut on your parties and social
gathering and make self updated for Jainism and Aagam study.
2.-Once kid starts to speak, within six month try to teach him noble
Navkar Mantra. This is our most auspicious best foundation for him.
3.When kid completes his third year of age. he is in the position to
remember. Try him to learn names of great 24 Thirthankars, Loggas.
Namothunam. 18 sins, nine Punya and Manglik. You must aim to impart him training of Samaik and Pratikaman by end of fifth year.
4.- Kids are too curious in this particular age to know what is in sky, what is in temple. how he came to your particular house, where God lives and what work he does and so many questions on similar lines.
To pacify his queries ,do not give him false answers. Your answers
must be based on Jainism study. It can give him correct knowledge.
To stop him from crying do not generate fear of police, thief, devil
and bad persons. It can make him weak. Teach him power of truth.
5.-To save own time ,many mothers allow kids to watch mobiles
and television. This is the most dangerous option. Once the kid
falls in this trap, it will be difficult to bring him back from these bad,
false and dream world. It take him to fictitious world. It can make his
personality as a self centered one without caring and listening others.
6.-With reduction in joint families and due to moving up to distant
places from home for job or study purpose, the old days of grandma and grandpa are vanishing fast. Now there are no genuine story
tellers. Hence mother shall visit Jain library and be acquainted with
our glorious past. She must replace all fairy and other stories with
Jainism based story. One can use following subjects as stories.
7.A.-life of Mahaveer Bhagwan, his youth, his leaving empire
to become monk, his rigorous Tap, his sufferings, his obtaining
Kewaldyan, his teachings and finally obtaining Nirvana or Moksha.
B-Mahasatiji Chandanbalaji-She was first lady disciple of Bhagwan.
C.-Bhagwan's teaching to Chandakaushik serpent .
D.-Arjunmali and his transformation from serial killer---"Antagarh".
E.-Rishabhdeo Bhagwan and Moradevi Mata. Their love, affection.
F.-Bahubali. king Bharat and sisters Bramiji and sundariji.
G-.Gajsukumalji and his unique achievements in a single day.
H. Aristanemiji not marrying Rajimatiji to avoid killings of animal.I. -Dharmaruchi Angar and ants .One can have treasure of stories from Aagam-"Dyanta Dharma Katha." Aagams are treasure for us.
Sisters let me conclude. Do not allow your kids to be weak and
easily take over target of bad habits. If mother gifts him strong
foundation of spirituality based on Jainism.no force on the earth can
shatter him. Brief him Karma theory slowly and make him careful
for all of his actions. Every mother is serious about his study and
personality development. Very few mothers realize the importance of religious study. It is our real roots. Only it has power to offer your kid inner peace and stability of mind in adverse conditions. Father of kid can also contribute to the process in a great extent. Just realize the changing period and entry of extreme and supremacy feeling overtaking in society. We need to preserve our Jainatava otherwise after 25 years todays kids will be soft targets of conversion to other easy religions.Kids not doing any Jain activity can be soft target.We should not loose our legacy of Bhagwan Mahverswami,
With the end of lecture unknowingly my eyes were filled with tears
unknowingly with memories of my departed mother. She was not too literate in traditional sense of education. But what she taught me for Jainism was unique. It provided me shelter in each crisis. It acts as a protective shield even after mother gone for ever for next life.
JAI JINENDRA------------!!!------ JAI MAHAVEER------------!!!.
First pair of Bhagwan Devananda and Rishabhdautta taken Diksha
gave up eating. The changes in mind and behavior of mother can not go unnoticed from Bhagwan. He restarted his movements. Further Bhagwan Mahaveer thought in his mind that mother is loving him so much before birth. Definitely the love and affection will be more
parting. So in womb itself Bhagwan taken a vow not to become Jain
unique obligations. Just note, not to run away from own moral duty
