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The Jains through Time
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answering echoes in the minds of his devout Some people present scoffed at Sadhvishri, listeners. As the audience sat spellbound, claiming that promises were easier made Sadhvishri was inspired. She stood up full of than kept. Anyone can talk, they said, but courage and enthusiasm and in a soft voice few have the courage and resolution to steely with resolve, addressed her guru : carry out such a visionary scheme. "Pujya Gurudev, I present myself to you! Give me your blessing so that I may In the midst of all this scepticism Sadhvishri undertake this great task and accomplish it remained undaunted, and Gurudev watched successfully".
her resolve with delight and approval. In the
age-old gesture of the sages, Gurudev, seated The entire assemblage craned their necks to majestically on his simple wooden ceremonial look at her. Everyone present was as seat, raised his hand and joyfully bestowed his immobile as a figure in a painting. They blessing. Pujya Shri Prithvi Chandraji were incapable of speech, and gaping with Maharaj, Shri Akhilesh Muniji Maharaj, amazement, they stared at her as if she were a goddess. They began to ask themselves whether a sadhvi should really brave the wild jungle on her own. Was it proper for a Jain sadhvi to venture among rebellious tribes in an area which was not even inhabited by anyone from the Jain community? Who would be interested in religious sermons in an area where people Shri Rambha Kunwarji Maharaj and did not have a crumb to eat, or enough Gurumata Shri Sumati Kunwarji Maharaj clothing to wear or a roof to shelter under? immediately then showered Sadhvishri with After all, however holy a soul might be, the their blessings, marking the beginning of a body needs sustenance.
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