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732
The Unknown Pilgrims
that is their due, and peace. The article concludes with a strong appeal to readers to follow in this our day the tcaching of Mahāvira.23
In the same way, for the celebration of the Anniversary of Ācārya Virasāgara's birth, several āryikās put into writing, each in her own way, their daughterely homage: the Acārya ocean of peace and serenity, the supreme Guru of transparent purity, a Saint who was a jewel among the ascetics, lastly, a song of praise composed in verse brings to a conclusion what is called "the Great Golden Anniversary Celebration."24
In one of these magazines it is recounted how some Sadhvis got permission to enter a prison and how one of them was permitted to address the prisoners. It was the day of the great festival of the Binhday of Sri Krsna. The text of her talk is given. It evidences a deep understanding of human nature and a fraternal sympathy. The sādhvi speaks chicfly about the positive aspect of imprisonment which should be a period of purification, about anticipation of a return to normal life and the great importance of work. She speaks also of compassion and refers to the example shown by Christ. Her remarks about evil and sin are very apposite, particularly her observations about prevailing social conditions.25
The articles are very similar in content to the pravacanas, their aim being the same, it is a question here of using written language to help and encourage rellcction. A reading of these articles makes it quite clear that the sadhvis on the whole, or at least those belonging to certain groups, are making a contribution to the reviews published by the saghas which form a bond between all their members, both near and far. They express themselves in terms that are sufficiently concrete and understandable, so as to instruct, enlighten and guide.
23 Sadhvi Priyadarśanā; 1976, pp. 45-48.
24 Āryikās: Jñānamati, Supärívamati, Jinamati, Suprabhāmati,
Abhayamali; July 1976, pp. 15-17; 22-29; 65.
25 Sadhvi Mainasundari; Oct. 1974.
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