________________
to deny herself certain foods for the time it took to complete the eye hospital building. The process of acquiring the land and the actual task of building the hospital was a lengthy and laborious one. Sadhvishri, however, has unlimited energy; for her, work is worship and to work for others is one of the highest forms of spiritual exercise. When Tirthankar Mahavir was asked what the results of performing seva (service) were, he replied that by doing seva one could attain the most exalted position, namely that of a Tirthankar. He considered seva as an internal tapa - a means of purifying one's soul. Selfless service is both life's inner essence as well as the outward sign of a person's progress on the path of spiritual development. Seva broadens one's thinking to encompass the idea of welfare for all.
Jain Education International
The Jains through Time
Py
Seva was the spur for the setting up of eye camps every year in public buildings such as schools, rest houses, and dharmashalas. At the same time construction of the eye hospital at Veerayatan was going on. Gurumata Shri Sumati Kunwarji Maharaj would arrive at the beginning of every eye camp and teach the patients and villagers how to live their lives in a better manner. She taught the precepts of ahimsa in a stimulating and interesting way. This work of hers continued every day the camp was held. The result was that many people stopped hunting, eating meat, sacrificing animals and drinking alcohol. Instead, they dedicated their lives to upholding the principle of non-violence. Though well past her 80th year, the Gurumata still continues this work steadfastly.
With Gurudev's blessing, the construction of the eye-hospital was completed in 1987 and named Netra Jyoti Seva Mandiram. It was inaugurated on January 26th 1987, Sadhvishri's 51" birthday, by Dr. L.N. Jones, the Chairman of the Royal Commonwealth Society for the Blind in London. One
For Private & Personal Use Only
184
www.jainelibrary.org
