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Monks' Dilemma
Monks' Dilemma
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pillar of about two metre height, symbolically representing the tallest mountain Meru' of one lakh yojan height as described in Jain cosmology. Then the anointment ceremony began. The family which bought the highest priced diamond pot for Rs five lakhs was given the first preference to anoint or pour water on the idol and in sequence others having pots of lesser and lesser price were allowed. Deepti was constantly enquiring about various processes and was told that earlier the pots were being auctioned and the highest bidder got the desired one. This consumed a lot of time. This has been reformed. The prices for various categories are fixed and devotees are selected on the basis of their financial standing and are approached and coaxed to buy the pots of a particular price.
After the anointment ceremony there was brief discourse or preaching or sermonising by the Acharya. He said, "This consecration ceremony is very important to transform the stone or metal idols in godhood, giving the same status as real and living Tirthankara to be revered and venerated as such. It is to recapitulate the real life of the Tirthankara starting from conception to birth, childhood to youth to renunciation, life as a monk, attainment of enlightenment to salvation. He emphasised that it is only a perfect monk who can consecrate by whispering a special hymn 'Suryamantra' in the ears of the idol. Those who donated money by participating as drivers of the chariot representing 'Indra' the lord of lesser gods or
ment and in other activities will earn good Karma' and its fruits in the next life and will go to heaven as 'Indra'." The programme was adjoumed for lunch break. Everyone present was requested to take lunch and reassemble at 2.30.p.m. to participate in the seminar to be addressed by eminent scholars.
The Acharya left for his room to do his daily routine of meditation five times a day at fixed hours. Deepti enquired about her audience with the Acharya and was told that he would be available after 2.p.m. She requested the President of the committee to arrange their meeting and it was done. When Deepak and Deepti reached there some devotees were already waiting for audience. The door opened exactly at 2.p.m. Devotees bowed, prostrated, touched feet and begged for boons. The Acharya had been informed about Deepak and Deepti in advance.
Acharya called and said, "You want clarification about rituals being followed here. I know that Deepak has a religious background as his parents are in monks, may be in the Swetamber sect. There is no significant difference in Digamber and Swetamber concepts. There is difference in ritualistic aspects and not in fundamentals. Earlier there were no meetings between monks of the two sects. Now we are meeting whenever there is some programme for important discussions to find answers to new questions challenging the scriptures."
Deepak, “I fail to understand the growing tendency in jains to indulge in superfluous rituals of worship and vidhans (ceremonies) and ignoring the main teachings of Arhats to follow good conduct for which Jains have been famous and even corrupt and indulgent Nawabs and other rulers appointed them as ministers and treasurers. Evidence of Jains was considered authentic by courts till recently. Now during last few decades Jains are found indulging in corrupt practices more and more. I have observed that even monks and scholars lay more stress on rituals than on good conduct. Jain Tirthankara and Arhat are completely detached and are neither pleased by
