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free soul is the true Jain living. By experiencing my own pure nature, I naturally free myself from all my vices.
In fact, Bahen Shree encourages us to play in the garden of the knower," "smell the flower of happiness.” Traditionally play and religion never go together—temples require that we wear new clothing, remain quiet, and not eat. As a Pathshala Teacher, I did somersaults with my pupils while reciting Namokar Mantra. It is in that child-like, free and playful state when we are able to release from the distractions of the physical world to discover an inner freedom. This is the only thing worth doing in this precious human life. I have already played in worldly gardens for a long time and always pined for inner peace.
Bahen Shree expresses her wish that we find the true nature within us. By knowing my true nature, free of desires and hatred, I will experience eternal peace and happiness. I examine my life and recognize that happiness and sorrow come and go and I am always left with a deep dissatisfaction. I am inspired to know my true nature and to transcend this turmoil of temporary emotions.
In this letter Bahen Shree equates the word "offering” to a ray of happiness from within. All these years when I went to a temple, I thought the symbolic offerings of rice, saffron, coconut, and fruits were a method of expressing the absence of greed, anger, and possessiveness. I never comprehended that the offering of a true devotee is not the absence of vices but sharing bliss from within. A Jain devotee strives to experience inner bliss in every action, thought and word.
