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The Unknown Pilgrims
c) Mahilasamghas: Women's associations
Enlightened guruņis of all sampradāyas have always been concerned for the development and emancipation of women.81 In spite of their itinerant life, several of them have taken part in the establishment of permanent organisations which have contributed, and still do, to the religious and general education of women and girls:
Mahilā Satsangas: Women's spiritual associations
These are groups for śrāvikās whose aim, a purely spiritual one, is directed towards knowledge of the dharma, meditation upon it, the performance of the rites, the singing of bhajanas (hymns of praise), the organisation of conferences, the publication of books and other activities of the local samgha. This type of association which takes place in small groups encourages friendly relations, maintains fervour and stimulates a desire for knowledge. The sādhvis' part is to awaken interest in these societies, to help in establishing them during the căturmāsya and to provide fresh momentum during their halts. We read, for example, in the life of Sādhvi Vicakṣaṇa how, while sojourning in Madrās during the cāturmāsya of 1967, she helped with the formation of such groups in the different quarters of the town.82
Kanya Vidyālayas : Schools for girls
The pioneers have always been conscious of the fact that sound and enlightened teaching is necessary for young and adolescent girls. In our own day, many prejudices have melted away and, at least in the towns, more and more girls are attending schools and colleges. In
81 This is very striking in the biographies.
82 Cf. Ramapuriya, 1966, pp. 414-422. Her influence was so powerful that, when I was meeting with some śrāvakas in Madrās in 1972, they were often speaking with enthusiasm of the solid foundations laid by Sadhvi Vicaksana. Mahāsati Mohanadevi did likewise in Panjāba and in Dilli; cf. Hukamadevi, pp. 187; 256-258; cf. also Umarăvakuravara, 1962, pp. 52-53, where it is said that during her sojourn at Mukeriyān in Panjāba, a Mahilā Mandala for women and a Svādhyāya Mandala for men were organised.
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