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there was no dowry whatsoever, and hence my vow and willpower remained untested. o I go to India quite often. Most of my friends and relatives
frequently talk about the practice of dowry in a boasting and praising fashion. They don't think there is anything wrong about it. I find myself lonely and out of reality in
such discussions. o I have many nieces, nephews, and other relatives in India
to whom I am supposed to visit either to give milni (an offering of cash or gold coin) or receive one (depending up on the nature of relationship) to or from my niece's or nephew's in-laws. Because I will not give or take any milni, I generally remain an outcast as they will not invite or meet with me. I am quite happy with this treatment.
AN EXAMPLE OF COMPASSION o A few years ago, I came to know about a very prominent,
philanthropic, and wealthy Jain in India who wanted to get his daughter married. He owned a large factory in which several thousand people worked. He made an announcement that he personally would arrange (at his own expense) to help the daughters of his fellow workers be married along with his own daughter. He told everyone that every father/mother of a bride would be allowed to invite the same limited number of guests (around five to eight) and he would do the same. This is in contrast to extravagant weddings with hundreds of guests. To the best of my knowledge, about 400 such marriages of his employees' daughters, along with his own daughter were solemnized in a group marriage and all were treated equally in terms of reception, number of sarees to the bride and other small gifts; there was no difference in treatement between his daughter and other fellow workers' daughters. I bow my head to such considerate and compassionate people.
An Ahimsa Crisis: You Decide
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