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JAIN DIGEST.. May 2011
Kantaben Mehta. He lost his father at a very early age and thus became very close to his grandfather who taught him Samayik and also inculcated the sound values of humanity and humility at a very early age. Due to his liking for religion from a very tender age, his grandfather would lovingly call him "Bhagat". At the age of 12 he could recite Pratikraman in the Upashray during Paryushan. Right after high school, he was inclined to take Diksha. However, his family wanted him to be more matured and asked him to wait until he finished college. As his quest for spiritual knowledge increased, he began to spend more and more time at the Upashray. After acquiring his bachelor's degree in Philosophy with a subject like Ardh Magdhi, he once again sought permission from his family for taking Diksha. The family kept delaying his decision by convincing him this time to finish his Master's Degree. Nothing could stop this determined young man from taking diksha and he finally gave up all worldly possessions and became a Sadhu named Virendra Muni on May 4, 1968. In his 38 years of monk-hood, he has grown immensely in terms of knowledge, faith, and conduct. His guru Acharya Shri Sahantilalji would fondly say "My Viru is unbreakable like a copper pot and he shines even more with every new challenge.". On February 19, 2000, he received the Acharya Pad in Mumbai and was inducted as an Acharya in the Dariyapuri Sthanakvasi Sangh.
His knowledge of Sadhak Sahachari (Spiritual Guide) is very deep. Sadhak Sahachari are important verses compiled as a poem in Gujarati by Munishree Santabalaji from Uttardhyan Sutra and Dasa Vaikalika Sutra. His humility, respect for all life forms and simplicity is quite extraordinary. He explains the rules of Jinshashan to all like a parent would teach to a loving child. His peaceful personality and detachment from the worldly
Pujya Shri Namra Muni Maharaj Saheb, a Jain Muni of Gondal Sampraday was born on September 26, 1969 in Nagpur. After he lost his father at the age of three, he moved to his native place Lathi, in Saurashtra and from there to his maternal uncle's place in Delhi. At the tender age of six years, he had farsighted vision. One night in his dreams, he heard a divine voice saying, "Your life is very short do whatever you want to do."
expectations attracts shravaks who want to meet him over and over again. Monk and Acharyas of other sects have also appreciated his deep sense of spirituality. He is extremely vigilant towards his duties. His quest for knowledge (Gyanpipasa) makes him a true learner. He is a source of motivation and inspiration to his Sangh. His contribution to the society by way of arranging Dhyan Shibirs (meditation camps), working towards preparing directory of the Sangh or counseling people makes him a true Karm Yogi and Dharma Yogi. He truly fulfills the Acharyapad 'Acharam Acharati Param, Param Acharvanti eti Acharya."
in Education International
Question Answer session with Guruji:
Did you have any difficulty in the beginning when you started giving lectures?
Yes, In the beginning, a lecture that would take an hour to prepare and would conclude in 15 minutes. However, working with Gurudev and learning from him it became easier.
How do you like to teach?
"Padhamam Nanam tao daya, Avam Chitthai savva sanjayeAnnani kim kahi, kim va nahi say pavagga"-Das Vaikalika Sutra. Most important thing is Knowledge followed by action (Daya), which leads to Nirvana.
What is more important - Humanity or Jain Religion?
Humanity is a part of Jainism. But we cannot neglect introspection for humanity.
Yuva Hridaya Samrat Gurudev Pujya Namra Muni
He narrated this dream to his mother who instead of ignoring his dream encouraged him to take Diksha and make his life worthy. He then left for Jodhpur to study religion and learnt the 32 Agams and their meaning. He took Diksha at the age of 21 and came to be known as the Jain Saint Namramuni Maharaj. When he was 22 years of age, he fell critically sick. He started chanting "Shri Uvvasagarah Stotra" which he had never heard nor learnt before. As the doctors continued
Can you tell us what is good or bad about life? Don't live with memories of yesterday or think about what the future will bring. Khashanam Jana hi Pandit- The one who knows this moment and lives in the present is a real knowledgeable person.
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