Unknown Pilgrims

SR No.: 007014
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: N Shanta
Publisher: Sri Satguru Publications Delhi
Publication Year: 1997
Total Pages: 820
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 19 MB

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The Unknown Pilgrims
these matters to the ācārya but it is she, finally, upon whom this preparation and its duration depends.21
Nothing very specific remains to be added, for we have here a personal, stable, deep relationship which, though it touches all aspects of life, belongs to a higher sphere. Furthermore, in everything that appertains to the anagāri state, all practical details must be in conformity with a higher goal. Their underlying purpose and the manner in which each action is performed is all with a view to ahiṁsā. From this period onwards the guruņi may initiate her new disciple into the study of Prakrit, of which a certain basis is necessary for an understanding of the rite of the avasyakas and of the Agamas, she may also start her on the study of Sanskrit. It is not necessary that she does so herself, she may delegate the task to one of th sādhvis of the group, but all is done under her direction. If the vairāgini perserveres and joins the other disiciples, the relationship will deepen after her dikşă and will continue for as long as the guruņi lives. 22
b) The study of the Daśavaikälika-sūtra23
This is the Sūtra that the vairāgiņi is required to study, at least in part, before her dikșă. It is a sure guide, which will initiate her into the life, demands and spirituality of the śramaņis. Here is a brief outline of this Sūtra that a sādhvi must learn by heart and constantly recall by repetition, for it teaches samyak-căritra.
21 Among the Terapanthi sādhvis, it is the acārya who decides the duration of the probationary period.
22 Cf. the account of such a relationship in the biography of Mahasati Śri Pannadevi written by Mahasati Saralā, her disciple, in which she expresses deep filial devotion towards her guruņi (P 620 ff.; Appendix I).
23 Strictly speaking, a vairāgiņi is required to study chs. I-IV and to continue after dikşā; however, nowadays many vairāgiņis study the whole Sūtra and others also during their probation.