Comtemporary Jain Legends

Author(s): Atmanandji Maharaj
Publisher: Shrimad Rajchandra Ashram

Page 88

Development in life is the essence and aim of life. Good thinking is the first step towards development and good learning will drive you to good thinking. See that you do not misuse your understanding, telent, power, means and money. Your soul experiences fear because it remains in the company of evil-minded persons. Your soul is really eternal and all pervading. You must know it well and lead it on to the path of Absolute Bliss-salvation. Such a person only wins over his death. Always be watchful against vices. Keep yourself engaged in prayers, meditation, good deeds and good thinking. Do Pratikraman (devotional rite) everyday and go to sleep while muttering the phrases in adoration of God. There is great power in repeating and muttering the names of God and eternal phrases of religion but the only condition is that you should do this with total faith and sincerity. Behave well with everyone. Your behavior must be open, clean and free from pretence. It must be aimed to do well of all. Always take advantage of your experiences. Never be disheartened, pessimistic or helpless. Keep yourself in pleasure. Keep your mind cheerful at all times.
We hardly try for self-experience. We simply like to hear and read. We are afraid of acting because we have no faith in ourselves. You need to search in yourself and then only you will get something and be able to give something. You must be free from pride. Some are proud of their wealth, some of their learning, some of their family, some of their prestige and so on. This will lead you downwards. You must destroy pride if you want to march to be perfect.
The following institutions were established with the inspiration of Maharaj Shri Nanchandraji:
Sthanakvasi Jain Vidyarthi Bhavan, Limbdi in 1914: A Boarding house for students.
Shri Devchandraji Sarvajanik Pustakalaya, Limbdi: A library:
Maharaj Shri had more than 7,000 books and he gave over all these books to this library. Sheth Shri Amulakhbhai contributed very much gracefully for this library and the library could be expanded to be a great library for everybody. It was opened for public in 1947. The Library has been awarded many prizes as the best library of Gujarat.
• Shri Nanchandraji Sarvajanik Mahila Mandal, Limbdi, established in 1947. The institution works for all round development of women, particularly for their education and opportunities of employment. The activities have been widely appreciated.
Institutions at Borivli: Upashraya of Sthanakvasi Jain Sangh, a Hospital, an Industrial Centre and a Store for selling religious material.
Respected Nanchandraji Primary School, Sayla established in 1953.
In addition to this, many institutions were started with his inspiration and encouragement at Ahmedabad, Surendranagar, Sayla, Jamnagar, Ghatkopar, Mandvi-Kutchchha and many other places for social and educational activities. The society is ever grateful to him for his works.
Thus, Maharaj Shri Nanchandraji had spent whole of his life for the welfare of the society. He could know his times very well. He had unusual power of understanding things. He was a great saint mendicant, well-known singer of religion songs and prayers. He was a spiritual poet. The society is indebted to him for all times, now and hence.
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