Jains Through Time

Author(s): Shilapi Sadhvi
Publisher: Veerayatan

Page 97

The dignity of one who searches for the truth lies not in clinging to outdated observances, but in creating a sense of openness within which people can develop their lives along the right path. Amar Muniji's revolutionary ideas moved every Jain heart and mind. Upadhyaya Shriji infused a new dynamism into the thought patterns and processes that had become stagnant. He was never afraid to voice his thoughts; he opposed dogmatism and was an advocate of adaptability. He always rose above personal interests and fought courageously for his religious order, the welfare of society and humanity as a whole.
He never gave up until the desired result was achieved. This was why the intellectuals
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and the common people, the young and the old, all looked up to him. Even his opponents could not question his truthfulness or find a blemish on his spotless character.
He spent many years organising the scattered sadhus and sadhvis of the Sthanakavasi order under the name 'Shraman-sangh'. He instilled in its members a renewed strength and vitality, revamped the codes of conduct and imbued their education and spiritual development with a new energy. Despite all his accomplishments he preferred to stay anonymous. He believed in performing his duties and then leaving the accolades for others.
Upadhyaya Shri Amar Muniji was wonderfully creative. He wrote more than a hundred inspirational works including articles, poems, essays and critical reviews. His topics were varied and his treatment of them interesting and uplifting, and enriched by his philosophy of life, they provide a highly practical guide to those aspiring to
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