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Monks 'Dilemma
Monks' Dilemma
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important as eminent scholars from all over the country will also be participating and deliberating on important religious and social issues on that very day. We have one more request and apologise if it is inconvenient. Our Acharya has desired that eminent persons invited to chair any of the functions may be requested to abstain from taking meals after sun set at least for a month."
Deepak, "It is very scientific and medically advised. I belong to the same tradition though in Swetamber sect. I could not keep it while in service but now we both are following it ever since we started our own firm."
Deepti entertained them lavishly by serving tea, coffee, fruits, snacks, cold drinks and dry fruits. They departed satisfied, obliged and happy.
who was in a meeting. He instructed that it should be answered by Deepti. It was from members of the managing committee of the consecration ceremony of idols under the guidance of Digamber Jain Acharya Vineetsagar. They requested for appointment with Deepak. Deepti told them that they are most welcome at 4.p.m. She told Deepak about it after they had finished their lunch. Deepak was not comfortable in such ceremonies and told Deepti, "You should have declined the request as we are already very busy"
Deepti, "I have given them time only for a meeting. It would not be proper to deny appointment to respectable persons of a prominent religious community even if they belonged to a different sect other than yours. You may also recollect that we have taken a decision to study the life style of monks of different sects. This may provide us an opportunity for our purpose."
The members of the committee came exactly at 4.p.m. They were five and four were their clients. Deepak realised that it would have been very improper had Deepti denied the appointment. The president of the committee requested, "It will be very kind of both of you to attend at least some functions of five day ceremonies. We are aware that you are very busy. However, we shall feel obliged if you (pointing towards Deepak) chair any one of the functions on any day convenient to you."
Deepak saw the list and gave his consent for an important function on Sunday.
They were grateful. The President thanked and said, "It appears that you were able to read our minds. We also wanted you to attend this very function which is most colourful and
Deepak and Deepti decided to attend all the festivities, rituals and functions on Sunday and avail the opportunity to study them and also to discuss important religious matters with the Acharya and the scholars. They left for the site soon after taking breakfast. They could not reach at 7.a.m. to watch the flagging off of the procession. They saw it mid way. It was a long retinue of decorated elephants, horses, bullock carts, trucks carrying tableaus depicting various events in the life of the enlightened, the Tirthankara, from his conception to birth, childhood, youth, and renunciation, life as a monk, enlightenment and ultimate salvation. Then there were rows of women in golden yellow attire carrying water pots of copper, silver and gold plated and one studded with imitation diamonds. Lastly were rows of men in snow white dress, singing and dancing with gaiety and fervour. There were
