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Monks' Dilemma
ELEVEN
Shree explained to Acharya Vinay the information collected through the questionnaire and its statistical compilation and analysis, "Over eighty percent of respondent monks have admitted that their initiation was not because of their own independent decision or any inclination but was because of economic compulsion of their families. A majority of them wished they should have enjoyed the life of a householder like their other relatives and friends."
Acharya, “You have proved your point."
Shree "I have not done anything except compilation of the information given by the practicing monks themselves."
Acharya. "There is nothing left to discuss in the conference. Why not cancel it?"
Shree, "We cannot cancel it now. We have committed in the questionnaire that it is for the proposed conference. You made a solemn commitment to Deepak, Deepti and me also. It will not be proper to even postpone it much less cancel it. I request you to kindly approve the dates in last the week of September as suggested by Deepak and Deepti."
Acharya, “You are insistant and there is no option left to me. I have to toe your line of action. You have my approval
Monks' Dilemma
| 165 to communicate the dates suggested by you to all the participants and start preparations. I shall talk to the members of the managing committee for our stay to extend all possible help. You have my blessings for the success of the conference"
Shree was surprised by such a prompt acceptance by the Acharya. She could surmise that the continuous churning going on in his mind for all these months must have culminated in coming to a rational, judicious and reasonable conclusion. He himself might have been the victim of similar financial and family compulsions for his initiation as a monk. She was happy on her success. She took leave from the Acharya, expressing her gratitude with humility and customary bowing, prostrating and circumambulation.
She informed Deepak and Deepti about the most favourable outcome and told them that she would stay for three days with her parents here. She repeatedly requested her parents to agree to her request and give up monkhood. But they were adamant and were not willing to do so unless the Acharya ordered. They told her plainly that there had been cases of revolt in the past but they would not do so as it was sinful.
Deepak, Deepti, Vibhu and Shree reached Jhadol on twelfth August, three days before the date of inauguration of the school and tree planting (vanmahotsava) on sixteenth August by the Chief Minister. Vibha had made elaborate and adequate preparations for the event. All of them went round the area every day and worked out the details of the programme meticulously.
The C.M. arrived at 9.a.m. sharp, the appointed scheduled time. He was received by Vibha who introduced Deepak,
