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Walk With Me
Now that I know Ajja Chandana's background and leadership ability, I admire her more. I am amazed by Mahavir's ability to judge her so accurately. While I was thinking about this I looked up and noticed Ganadhar Sudharma standing by my side.
Sudharma is a quiet, meditative person. He hardly talks to anyone, yet is so charming that everyone loves and respects whatever he does say. Though quiet, he knows everyone and everything that happens in the sangh. He is always aware of everyone's spiritual progress, achievements, and difficulties. Nothing escapes his sharp, penetrating gaze. He obviously knew what I was thinking about when he spoke.
"Ganadhar Gautam, perhaps you are aware that Sadhvi Mrigavati has successfully reached the pinnacle of her sadhana. Her pure soul has just reached the 'Arhat' stage.'*
"Yes, I know about Sadhvi Mrigavati," I replied.
Sudharma continued, "Bhagwan Mahavir honored womanhood by ordaining women in our sangh. He gave them the hope to soar skyhigh with their sadhana and the freedom to aspire for moksha (liberation). Mahavir has understood women's miseries, heard their cries for help, and felt their call for freedom. Ordaining them was a bold step, for in doing so, he announced to the entire world that women are our equals. Sadhvi Mrigavati's success in sadhana has shown that our mothers, sisters and
The Jain path of purification requires 14 stages of spiritual progress. The Arhat stage is the 13th stage, at which the soul becomes free of all karma and the sadhak achieves absolute consciousness and knowledge, kevalgyan.
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