Shantidoot Amrender Muniji

Author(s): Padmini Atal
Publisher: Universal Ahimsa Foundation

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Amar humbly replied: This is the fruit of your blessings. Now I entreat you to keep your promise to initiate me.
Gurudev said: Yes, you will be given initiation during the Mahavir Jayanti celebrations.
An elder tries to dissuade Amar
This was a blissful period in Amar's life... living at the feet of his Guru and looking forward to his initiation into monkhood. However his parents, family members and others were thinking of ways to draw him back into the world.
The head of the Arya Samaj in Banga went to the extent of approaching Amar and telling him: Amar , you are so eager to become a Jain monk but have you thought about the hardships that you will have to endure as a monk? You are still a child and have no idea what you are getting into. Come, change your mind.... no one will think badly of you if you back out now. The life of a Jain monk is like walking on the blade of a sword. You will have to embody with your mind heart and soul the values of ahinsa (non violence) satya (truth) and astega (non-stealing), brahmacharya (celibacy) and aparigraha (non ownership of material goods.)
Then again Jain monks do not eat after sunset and lead a very austere life. You will have to literally kill all your desires while still living in this body.
Amar replied: There is no shortage of money or comforts in my father's house...but what is the use of these? They cannot give me peace of mind.
The gentleman replied: You are still a child and very emotional. Do not be led astray by your emotions or you will live to regret it. Mark my words very carefully. I am speaking from experience and you are inexperienced
shantidoot messenger of peace
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