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among his audience during his vyakhayan, increasing the possibility of positive influence. His modest and affectionate speech would win over many hearts. Through his vyakhayans during the chaturmas of Mundra, he inspired Tulsidas (traditionally non-Jain), the collector of Mundra to start following the Jain Way of Life.
Once one rich householder asked Pujya-saheb if he could spend a large sum of money in the activities deemed fit by Sahebji. Pujya-saheb replied that they did not accept money and that money was of no use if there was no need for it. In his simplistic style, Sahebji had imparted the message of futility in materialism. The shravak was very much impressed, changed his outlook towards life and became a staunch follower of Pujya-saheb. This modest outlook is noticed in all sthanaks of the Aath Koti Nani Paksha, which are all very simple structures, with no fanfare.
On June 6, 1993 Raghavji Swami became Acharya (head of the sect). He was the seventh Acharya of Aath Koti Nani Paksha in the lineage of Pujya Hansrajji Swami. His first male and female disciples were Jayeshji Swami (Bagda) and Manjaribai Swami (Karagoga). Under his leadership, 8 men and 12 women took Diksha. He possessed all the 36 qualities of Acharya. He started the concept of Gharsabha and Dharmasabha. Through Gharsabha he was able to resolve many of the household disputes. Dnansatra, Balsatra and Samuhik Dharma Aradhana were also initiated by him.
During the chaturmas of Kandagara, an individual threatened to kill Pujya-saheb if he would continue to travel on his regular route. His followers advised him to avoid the route. Not only did Pujya-saheb stick to his schedule and route, but also requested that his schedule be made
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known to the potential killer. Pujya-saheb was more concerned about this aggressor's karmas than his own life, he wanted the aggressor to realize his mistake. Within no time, the individual realized his mistake and apologized to Pujya saheb. While doing so, Pujya-saheb explained the real meaning of Ahimsa to him. In another instance when a medical practicing doctor was arguing that the real religion was serving other people, Pujya-saheb agreed with the ideal of service, but at the same time pointed out that service should be for all living beings in the universe. According to him, serving one set of beings and hurting other set of beings could not possibly be religion. Giving such simple but pointed arguments, he had convinced the doctor about the value of vegetarianism. Similar interactions had impressed Maneka Gandhi about the purpose of following an eco-friendly life-style. During his life-time he did 61 chaturmas. In spite of being Acharya, he would take his turn to bring gochari for the younger ascetics. He would visit the households of Jain as well as non-Jains to inspire them on the noble path. He always remained active throughout his life. If any of the ascetics were not in good health, he would immediately visit them, even if it meant walking many miles. His memory was so sharp that he would remember the name and family details of any shravak even after a gap of few years.
- Acharya Virendra Muni These simple yet profound words speak about the simplicity of Acharya Shri Virendramuniji. A sadhu with few words, but an intent listener,
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Acharyaji knew it was time to move on. He took the vow of fasting unto death. He died on February 27, 2011. His palkhi was carried on February 28, 2011. As the Maha-atma continuing the journey towards Moksha, it inspires many thousands of other wandering souls in the same direction of Moksha.
Acharyashri Virendra Muniji (M. A.)
Shashtry Achar (Action,
વિનય એટલે ભક્તિયોગ, વિદ્યા એટલે જ્ઞાનયોગ, અને વિવેક એટલે ચારિત્રયોગ, આ ત્રણમા થી એકની પણ ઊપેક્ષા એટલે મોક્ષમાર્ગની ઉપેક્ષા
Behavior) is Religion
reminds one of psychiatrist like qualities in him. His guidance and counseling to his sangh makes him a true guru.
Virendra Muni is the 28 Acharya of the Dariyapuri Sthanakvasi Sampraday. He has about 120 followers (sadhus and sadhvis). Acharyashri Virendra Muniji was born on April 26 1944 as Vinodbhai. His parents were Ramanlal and
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