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596
The Unknown Pilgrims
everything was one long demonstration of fidelity to the dharma. In her speech of thanks, she said: "I am only a humble servant of this saṁgha. I am not worthy of so many honours. All that I am today I owe to my guruņi Suvarana.'45 Then, addressing herself to this community composed for the most part of well-to-do businessmen, she told them that so much devotion and so many honours directed towards her person and so much expenditure would only truly and properly be addressed to her and accepted by her when, in full awareness of the suffering of those who surrounded them and of the prevailing injustices of society, they would all unite to alleviate the ills of this society and particularly those of children. She spoke with such sincerity, there was such a depth of compassion within her, she was so eloquent that on the spot, stirred simply by her presence among them, the assembly decided to open a fund called 'The Suvarma Mutual Aid Fund' and generous gifts began to flow in. In a quarter of an hour they had already collected seven thousand rupees!
We have here, in an era when there is much talk of ecumenism, encounter, dialogue, peace, understanding between peoples, nations and religions, the testimony of a courageous, fervent, open-hearted, clear-thinking, compassionate and humble sădhvi. She does not devoie much time to expounding theories or discussing doctrines - although she is very well-informed - she has an open attitude towards those men and women whom she is addressing. She is what in simple language she sets sorth and it is this authenticity that touches hearts and opens up minds. Her presence creates communion, incites fresh enthusiasm and pre-disposes towards viśvamaitrA6
45 Ibid., p. 385.
46 This section was written a little while before the Great Departure of Sādhvi Vicakşaņa on April 18th 1980 at Jayapura. Suffering though she was, for more than one year, from a serious illness, she never failed to impress all who met her by her thoughfulness for others and her complete disregard of her own suffering. The cuckoo's outward call may now be silent, but her inner call continues to inspire.
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