Lighthouse

Author(s): Udayvallabhvijay
Publisher: Pragna Prabodh Parivar

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creating a good atmosphere. However, the main reason is the punya of teerthankar Dev. Other factors are just supportive, The ease with which huge funds get raised on the occasions of pratishtha etc. is not seen when funds are to be raised for panjrapoles or for the sadharan khatha of a sangh. This also should make us realize that we should accept the influence of punya of teerthankaras rather than challenge it. No doubt, objects of compassion are also important and they are carried out also. There are many who involve themselves in compassion for the poor. A few years ago a family in Mumbai had given food (a full-fledged lunch) to all the Jains in the entire city of Mumbai on the occasion of 200th anniversary of Shree Godiji Parshwanath Bhagwan Derasar which is a pride for Mumbai. There were many who criticize this also. Such people were unaware that the same family was also providing medicines worth thousands of rupees everyday for years together to the poor cancer patients in Tata Hospital. One should not be so obsessed to favour compassion activities alone and consider all other activities unimportant. Let us have a look at some of the examples of compassionate activities by Jains:
During the last two years (S.Y. 2070 and 2071) several deekshas were taken in the areas of Malad, Kandivli and Goregaon (Suburbs of Mumbai). On these occasions all the deeksharthis himself donated one month's grocery and other necessary articles to 300 to
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