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The Jains through Time
invitation from the Jain community of Jharia in Bihar, Sadhvishri and her disciples walked all the way (nearly 350 miles) to conduct the chaturmas there. This chaturmas was extremely important for the residents of Jharia, as it gave them the opportunity to listen to thought-provoking talks that raised new issues and opened the doors to further understanding. 'Sumati Mahila Mandal', a women's organisation, and a youth league were set up. Throughout the chaturmas, her words had a tremendous impact on huge crowds of people, both Jain and non-Jain, and they developed a deep love and respect for her.
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In 1984, as the Jain community in Punjab became increasingly uneasy because of an outbreak of terrorist attacks due to sectarian hatred, Sadhvishri sought Gurudev's permission to travel to the region. She was the first sadhvi to support them and calm their fears. Meanwhile, the Jain community in the rest of the country was making arrangements for the evacuation of the sadhus and sadhvis from Punjab. Many families were simply fleeing the area, leaving
all their possessions behind. Amidst all this chaos, Sadhvishri arrived there and said, "Ahimsa does not mean fleeing in fear, it means standing firm. Ahimsa does not teach cowardice; it teaches courage. Ahimsa is the way of the great hero Mahavir." She went to the Golden Temple and courageously preached the gospel of friendship and nonviolence. This act of hers gave people strength and fortitude to confront the situation with their heads held high.
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