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Jain Society of Greater Detroit
PRATISHTHA MAHOTSAV JUNE 27-JULY 6 1998 Loggassa: My Contemplations
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someone for something. Thinking absolutely, it is true that my soul has the same potential as that of the Bhagvan. But in reality I am at a much lower level due of karma that my soul carries, which is the result of attachments and aversions. Therefore, I ask and demand. And when I ask, I want to ask from someone who is capable of giving. But let us look at what I am asking for. I am asking for the best of health, acquisition of the Right Path and a state of bliss for my soul. My request is not for any sensory or sensual pleasures but an optimal physical state that will allow following the Right Path established by the tirthankar and endeavoring toward the state of complete happiness. I wish to achieve the same equanimity that the tirthankar have. I ask from the one who has what I want and the one who is able to give. The tirthankar do give - they give the Right Path that has been established by them, which I can receive through my prayers and devotion to them. I know that if I commit to the tirthankar and pray to them, I am going to see, realize and follow their path. I feel proud that I ask with great reverence and humility by which my faith in them and their illuminated path will be enriched. With this strength, I feel invigorated to visualize the Path and take appropriate steps. If I must ask for something from someone, I ask for non-material things and I ask from the most revered souls, in whom I have complete faith. They will "bestow" upon me for sure! Chandesu nimmalayara, aichchesu ahiyam
payasara, sagar var gambhira, sidhdha sidhdhim mum disantu. In this final stanza, the one who is meditating says, “Oh Arihant, you are purer than any moon in this universe, you are brighter than the brightest suns of the universe, you are more serene than the largest ocean of the universe (svyambhuraman samudra). Oh Sidhdha (liberated souls), grant me sidhdhi, liberation." If I am asking, why not ask for the best? I am asking from the one who is the best! I am asking from someone who can grant my wish! One could question, how is it that I expect my wishes to be granted by those who have no attachment or aversion for any individual soul? I ask however from them because they are the ones who have illuminated the universe and the path for any and all to recognize and follow, and my asking is a commitment to follow the same. My requests reflect a commitment to accept, abide by and undertake that which I wish to be bestowed upon me, requests that are composed of the deepest devotion, faith, and humility. I am asking for them to give that which they have already given, given to all, ready to be taken for those who have the faith. This repeated reminder takes me closer to the Path and someday I will see clear enough to gallop on that Illuminated Path! Oh Arihant or tirthankar, I ask for the vision of the Right Path, and I ask for the best of health to pursue this Path. I ask for Liberation, the Blissful State.
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