Walk With Me

Author(s): Chandanaji Acharya, Vastupal Parikh
Publisher: Veerayatan

Page 35

3. Ajja Chandana - Women's Liberation
lone under a tree on the banks of the Yamuna river, I was
admiring the beauty of the rapidly flowing current. Like this river, years have swiftly gone by since I first saw Bhagwan Mahavir in Pava. I was counting my blessings in being able to join the sangh as Ganadhar Gautam. I have progressed well in my sadhana under Mahavir's guidance. My daily meditation enables me to concentrate and focus my thoughts, appreciate the beauty of nature, and quietly contemplate any topic. I am lucky to be close enough to Mahavir to be able to ask questions on any topic and receive thoughtful responses.
Soon after joining the sangh I asked him about Ajja Chandana, who was ordained shortly after I was. Her ordainment bothered me because it was not in keeping with my Brahmin Gender or caste does
not determine a culture. Women were never permitted to
person's greatness. assume such a role in Brahmin culture. I asked A soul becomes Bhagwan Mahavir about his reasons for
great by its actions.
gre ordaining a woman. He said patiently, “You will soon find out why, but remember that gender or caste does not determine a person's greatness. A soul becomes great by its actions."
Jain Education Intemational