Book Title: Jains Through Time
Author(s): Shilapi Sadhvi
Publisher: Veerayatan

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Page 177
________________ all, 1,200 operations were carried out. In those days both eyes had to remain bandaged for three days following the operation and patients were housed in tents. The work was carried out not just as a philanthropic gesture but was performed with faith and devotion. Volunteers put their heart and soul, not to mention their monetary resources, into the work. Sadhvishri became engrossed in the activities of the camp. She spent time with both doctors and patients, and helped instruct the volunteers. During the evening, prayers and discourses were arranged for patients and their carers. Jain Education International The Jains through Time On the third night at the camp the volunteers were busy at their work and patients were resting comfortably on beds under canvas. It was a wonderfully peaceful evening. There was no apparent cause for alarm but Sadhvishri's face was showing signs of anxiety. She went to Gurudev and said, "Pujya Gurudev, today my mind is strangely troubled. Everything looks peaceful enough on the surface, but I have a feeling that unless we keep alert and on our guard something unexpected might happen." Gurudev said, "I think you are right. Follow your intuition, and do whatever needs to be done as quickly as possible." Sadhvishri took only a second to decide, and then sent a message to all the pilgrims to vacate their rooms so that the patients could be moved indoors. She got them to put all their belongings in an empty room and asked them to stay put on the veranda; only patients were allowed in the rooms. People were not very happy with this announcement. It seemed tyrannical, almost 'Hitler-like' to them, but faith does not For Private & Personal Use Only 178 www.jainelibrary.org

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