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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464
the new sadhvi turns towards the assembly and recites the three mangala-sūtras; this is her first blessing, as it were, of the śrävakas and śrāvikās;
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next, the ācārya presents her with the rajoharaṇa, reminding her of its meaning and use, and the other objects:
The Unknown Pilgrims
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the pătras, a copy of the Avasyaka-sutra,59 the woolen shawl;
at this point in the ceremony the ācārya may also give a new name to the sadhvi. Among the Sthanakavāsis this is not a regular practice, but the Murtipūjaka sādhvis all take new names.
The rite concludes about midday and the happy crowd disperses. At the entrance to the mandapa small delicacies are distributed to all. The new sadhvi follows her group to the upăśraya.60. After several days they will take the road, for the dikṣā is followed by vihara, which is the normal condition of life of the anagāris. Up to the time of her mahādikṣā no difference is made between her and the other sadhvis, except in regard to meals, which she does not take in their company. She eats in the same room, but a little to one side.61
For a Terapanthi vairāgiņi the rite is the same, but the ceremony is simpler and reduced to essentials.62
59
It is not necessarily a copy of the AvaS; another Agama may be presented.
60
It is possible that, while remaining under obedience to the guruņi, she may become henceforward the disciple of another sadhvi of the group and if, later on, the group is divided into 2 or 3 smaller units, she will follow the one who is her guruņi.
61 She eats whatever she has acquired during the gocari, the quest for food. She is not permitted to offer any of this food or any water to the other sädhvis until her Great dikṣā has taken place.
62 According to a short essay written by Sadhvi Śri Candanābālā in 1975, the written permission of the parents, countersigned by leading members of the samgha, is read out during the dikṣā and the parents repeat their consent