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126
SHRAMAN MAHAVIR
'The ones who serve the neo-initiate may attaini Tirthankarhood as I have donel With these words the Lord stabilized the privileges of the neo-initiates, while seniorityoriented system prevailed as usual for the monks of a certain standing
Service :
Service is the archstone of a collective life Human nature varies from man to man Hence Lord Mahavira classified human beings in the following categories from this angle 2
Some people claim service from others but never render any service to others Some people render service to others but never seek
another's service 3 Some people seek service from others as well as reci
procate it 4 Some people neither seek service from others nor serve
anybody
in a communal living the commonest practice is to mutually serve and be served The Lord ordained the principle of service based on this mutuality
Suppose some monks are going enroute to their next destination They come to know of an ailing monk in that village They may visit the village and if any attendance is needed they might halt there If no such attendance is warranted they need not break the journey If they neglect to enquire of the sadhu's welfare they transgress the religious code and should expiate the sin so committed.
The Lord equates such nursing of the ailing sadhu with the spiritual practices As prescribed in the monastic code a monk would submit to the Acharya-'Sire, I have performed my prescribed duties How do you want me to serve now?
1 2
Ibid, 8/12 Thanam', 4/412
