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occasion.
As Rup stood before his teacher, Pannyas Shree Chandra Sāgarji spoke to him: “Now you are entering upon a different path. You are accepting a new life. It is a rebirth for the soul. Far behind you is the world of need and greed. The vast world of spirit lies open before you.
“Explore deeply within your being. Open your consciousness to the treasures which await your inward eye. You are becoming a nirgrantha, one who unties himself from the outer world.
"You are entering upon a lonely life. And yet though you are physically alone, you are one with all. You are leaving your personal family. Now the souls of the entire universe are your family. You are alone in body, but you are interconnected with all in spirit.
“Be diligent in removing the karmas along your path and you shall reach your quest, the full unfolding and liberation of your real Self.”
Rup proceeded to accept fully each great vow or Mahāvrata put before him.
“I accept Ahimsamahāvrata, to refrain completely from himsā or violence and to cultivate Ahimsā or Non-Violence in my every thought, word, and deed. Let me not be a cause of pain or harm to any living being. Seeing the life in all, I vow myself to protect that life in all.”
There was silence as each of the souls gathered there meditated on the vow of Ahimsā.
“I accept Satyamahāvrata, to refrain from telling that which is untruthful or that which would cause pain to anyone. Those words which I do speak let them be truthful.'
Again silence followed to permit all to ponder the meaning of Truthfulness.
"I accept Asteyamahāurata, to refrain from taking that which has not been offered to me. I will accept with joy that which is offered. Let me accept only that which I need, no more, no less."
Monks and villagers meditated on the vow of NonStealing.
"I accept Brahmacharyamahävrata, to practice celibacy in
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