R.K. Bengani
Dear Readers, after the important speech by Sadhvipramukhashriji, Yuvaacharyashri started his address. He said, “Jain canons say that even if a disciple becomes omniscient, he should serve the acharya. An omniscient can not have any ego. This clearly shows the importance an Acharya is given in Jain canons – where even the omniscients are directed to serve and follow the acharya.”
Yuvaacharyashri said, “On day one of Maryada Mahotsav, we saw the importance of sewa. On that day, Acharyshri announced the names of monks and nuns who would provide sewa in various sewa kendras during forthcoming year. All monks and nuns appealed to be appointed as sewa providers. Sewa is accorded high priority in terapanth and this is evidenced by the fact that before making any other announcements for chaturmas or any other matters, a terapanthi acharya takes appointment for sewa kendra as first item of agenda on three day long Maryada Mahotsav festival. Which group of monks / nuns is most suitable for providing sewa at which particular sewa kendra requires thorough planning and at times the decision process takes several days.”
Yuvaacharyashri continued, “Our monks and nuns are over eager to provide sewa – because they know that providing sewa is a powerful tool for shedding karma. Acharyashri has decided that each monk / nun has to provide sewa at least for three years. This rule is equally applicable for all monks and nuns – whether they are staying with acharyapravar or they are traveling separately as per orders and directions of acharyapravar.” Yuvaacharyashri cited the example of Munishri Kishanlalji, who was one of the senior monks staying with Acharyashri. Munishri Kishanlalji was appointed to provide sewa at JVB Ladnun. Similarly, this year, Muni Shri Sukhlalji has been appointed to provide sewa. The point is, in appointment for sewa, it is not considered whether the person is close to Acharyashri. Anyone can be appointed to provide sewa. Yuvaacharyashri said, “All monks and nuns should aspire and harbor the desire to get a chance to provide sewa at least three times”.
Yuvaacharyashri further said, “We also have a well established tradition and feeling that the person who is not able to discharge his responsibility for sewa properly has a debt on his head. Therefore we all should hope that before we leave this world, we should fully discharge our debts. We should go debt-free. We should not go as indebted.”
At this, Acharyshri commented, “The scriptures talk about one’s indebtedness to mother, father etc. Similarly, here in terapanth, there is indebtedness to shashan (religious order). One can become free from this debt only after providing sewa for three years.”
Yuvaacharyashri requested, “Oh Acharyapravar! I request you with folded hands that like all other monks and nuns, I too should get an opportunity to provide sewa. By age, I am young. I am bodily capable of providing sewa. After passing of this age, I do not know what will be the position. But as of today, by grace of yourgoodself, I am fully fit and capable of providing sewa, therefore I too should get a chance of providing sewa.”
Acharyshri replied, “All others are required to provide sewa only for three years. But you will have to serve for whole life. You have lifelong responsibility for serving the fourfold order”.
Yuvaacharyashri said, “This is not a mere formality. Many a times I have requested Acharyshri that whenever I travel with you, I walk near your cart. I may also be allowed to push the cart. I do not feel much value in just walking close-by. If I am allowed to push the cart, it will help me in shedding my karmas.”
Acharyshri commented, “Many times, Mahashraman has tried to push the cart. But other monks do not co-operate (let him/ agree)”
Yuvaacharyashri said, “There is indeed resistance to this from monks. In spite of having a serious desire, I can not fulfill this.”
Acharyashri responded, “To push/operate the cart is an act of sewa. But to efficiently take care of overall operations of the four fold order is even higher category of sewa.”
Acharyashri blessed Yuvaacharyashri, “Let Yuvaacharya Mahashraman properly operate the (symbolic) chariot of four fold order”
Yuvaacharyashri continued his appeal, “Some times, I feel and think that at present, I am young and physically able person. Why should I move about empty handed?? I can carry some weight on my shoulders. I request for a nangla (a carrying bag made of simple white cloth, usually hanged on shoulders and used to carry books and such other objects) to be made for me so that I can also help carry some weight.”
Acharyashri replied, “You will have to carry the weight / burden of all our tradition. Therefore you need to preserve the strength of your shoulders. You should wish for strong shoulders.”
Yuvaacharyashri responded with folded hands, “This preaching of making and keeping my shoulders strong is like a nectar. I accept this auspicious blessing from Acharyashri”
After such humble offers of sewa and getting blessings form Acharyashri, Yuvaacharyashri then turned to second day of Maryada Mahotsav – Acharya Padarohan Samaroh. I will cover that part of his speech in next report. Please do visit us again.
In the meantime, Dear Editors and Readers, please accept my apologies for continuous delay in sending these reports.