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## Description of the Daily Routine of a Mahashravak
The daily routine of a Mahashravak is described in the third light of Yogashastra, verses 120-121. At the time of initiation, the Tirthankaras, without any discrimination, gave annual donations out of compassion, regardless of whether the recipient was worthy or not. Therefore, one who, with devotion, invests their wealth in the seven fields, and with great compassion for the poor and suffering, should be called a Mahashravak.
Here, a doubt arises: why is such a person called a "Mahashravak" instead of just a "Shravak"? What is the purpose of adding the prefix "Maha"? The solution is that one who has unwavering right faith, or who observes even a single Anuvrat, or who listens to the words of the Jinas, is called a Shravak based on the etymological meaning. Therefore, it is said: "One who has attained right faith, who always listens to the teachings of the virtuous about the best Shravak dharma, is truly a Shravak." (Shra. Pra. Ga. 2) And one who, by contemplating the teachings of the Tirthankaras, strengthens their own faith, who daily sows the seeds of wealth in the field of worthy recipients, who destroys their sinful karma by serving the virtuous, can certainly be called a Shravak even today.
From this etymological explanation, the general meaning of Shravak is clear. However, the Shravak who diligently observes all the vows, who invests their wealth in the seven fields mentioned above, who promotes Jainism, who has immense compassion for the suffering beings, can be called a "Mahashravak" without any fault.
The need to invest wealth in the seven fields is supported by the following verse:
**Verse 120:**
"He who, even though possessing wealth, does not sow it in the external and impermanent fields, how can he practice the difficult and virtuous conduct?"
**Explanation:**
Why is the word "Sat" used as an adjective for wealth here? The answer is that "Sat" means "existing". It is possible to donate existing wealth; therefore, the word "Sat" is used. The body is an internal thing; compared to it, wealth is considered an external thing. It is impossible to abandon an internal thing; therefore, the adjective "external" is used. An external thing is not always permanent. Therefore, the adjective "impermanent" is used. Wealth can be stolen by thieves, destroyed by water, fire, family members, or kings. Therefore, the adjective "impermanent" is used. Even if it is kept with great effort, it will inevitably be destroyed when the merit associated with it is exhausted. Our Gurudev also says: "Thieves steal wealth, family members fight over it, kings take it by force or through taxes, fire burns it, water washes it away, or due to addiction, a person's wealth goes out the back door. Even if it is buried in the ground and kept safe, the Vyantar Devas can steal it, or at the time of death, a person leaves everything behind and goes to the next world." Therefore, even a small portion of impermanent wealth should be invested in some worthy field.
Just as oil, even if abundant, is not applied to a mountain, similarly, wealth, even if abundant, should not be wasted by giving it to just anyone. Therefore, it should be sown (invested) in the seven fields. It is said: "By sowing the seeds of wealth in the seven fields, it multiplies a hundred, a thousand, a lakh, or even a crore times. One who, even though possessing resources, does not invest their wealth or resources in the fields, is a poor soul. How can a great soul who has practiced evil conduct donate wealth in the seven fields? How can a person who has only gained wealth and is devoid of virtue, practice the conduct of renunciation of all attachments? The Shravak dharma is a magnificent palace, the fruit of which is the attainment of the Kalashaaropana."
**Now, we describe the daily routine of a Mahashravak:**
**Verse 121:**
"The Mahashravak should rise at Brahma Muhurta, reciting the praise of the Supreme Lord. Then, he should remember: 'What is my dharma? In what family was I born? And what are my vows?'"