Atmanandji Jainacharya Janmashatabdi Smarakgranth

Author(s): Mohanlal Dalichand Desai
Publisher: Atmanand Janma Shatabdi Smarak Trust

Page 207

Suman-Sanchaya
ing Libraries which if not saved now, would be lost to the world for ever. The temples can well be erected any time later on."
(J. D. V. Prashnottar Os. 148-150)
"O. When and where should the temples be erected and of what
nature should the Sahammi Vachhal' be ?
A. Temples should be put up at places where the people, devoted to
Lord Jindeva, can not afford to build a temple on account of their means being limited.
Provide some work for the indigent son of a brother-shravak so that he may be able to support his family. Lend your assistance to him when and where it is called for. This is the right
Sahammi Vachhal.' Do not think that we are against the erection of temples or against the Sahammi Vachhal in the form of common dining. But mind there is little outcome or 'Punya' for temples erected just for winning a name. For the people of one place to entertain those of another neighbouring place and then for the latter in their turn to feast the former, without any idea of helping up each other, would be but a futile barter and not the right type of 'Sahammi Vachhal.+”
(J. D. V. Prashnottar 0. 151)
† What an awakening for the indiscrimate followers of conventions and what a blow to the blind sense of treading in old ruts!
+ O, blind goers in ruts and senseless followers of the conventions! Do you forget these words of the noble Acharya today that you are wasting your money earned by all sorts of tricks in such things-wasting at the bidding of the dull and narrow-visioned 'gurus' fond of being called lovers of Shasan.'
It is surprising to find that our people, watchful in business of every little farthing and earning money by a hundred tricks not always honest, are squandering tbeir wealth in the name of the so called 'Dharma' heedlessly. It is good that the Jains are ready to spend thousands for the 'Dharma' at the bidding of some one but those that direct, by their bidaing this hard-earned inoney, into such fruitless channels, play false with their blind and devoted followers and tarnish their own souls also. From my travels in Marwar and other provinces, I have known that 20 to 40 thousands of rupees are not infrequently spent in a single
Sahammi Vachhal' when and where some Sadhus' fond of mere spectacular farces, happen to stay for the Chaturmas.'
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[ Shree Atmaramji