________________
CHAPTER EIGHTH.
INITIATIONS.
In his long career as a Suri, Hirvijaysuri had initiated many new pupils. Initiation of new pupils is a great occasion. It adds to the prestige of the Order and promulgates its principles amongst ordinary people. Often it is believed,
" मूंड मुंडाये तीन गुन मिटे सीसकी खाज । खाने को मिलें लोक कहें महाराज ॥ लड्डु
59
i. e., there are three merits in becoming a Sadhu (literally, in getting shaved): itching on the head ceases, sweetmeats are obtained everyday for eating, and the society's respect is gained.
But really speaking, " साध्नोति स्वपरकार्याणीति साधुः ", i. e. one who accomplishes his own as well as others' good is a 'Sadhu.' Also, “að ¿fezenfifa ufa: ", i. e., a ufa is he who restrains his senses.
Hirvijaysuri had such high ideals before him, and his pupils also had a true desire for becoming genuine Sadhus.
We shall here mention some of the pupils whom the Suri had initiated.
At that time many people believed in a sect called 'Lonkamat', which preached non-worship of idols. Now one Meghji was one of the chief Sadhus of Lonkamat there. He found on a study of the scriptures that idol-worship was not wrong. He therefore wished to go over to Tapagachha, to which our Suriji belonged. He therefore wished to be initiated into
Shree Sudharmaswami Gyanbhandar-Umara, Surat
www.umaragyanbhandar.com
