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THE WAY OF LIFE
revealed this knowledge for the benefit of all Jivas (living beings). Those great men wrote granthas to communicate to people, this lofty message. "Attain knowledge and keep progressing on the path of salvation”. The great Acharya who wrote the commentary said: 69 Falafaat He wrote the commentary for the benefit of noble people. The commentary is an invaluable work in Sanskrit; and its composition is aesthetically appealing
THE SERIES OF DAILY DISCOURSES
To-day is supremely auspicious; it is a graceful day; and it is a day in Shukla (the bright fortnight). The series of discourses that we commence to-day will continue throughout the CHATURMAS (the four months of the rainy season). This tradition of the Munis delivering discourses to disseminate the Dharma to a congregation of the Jain Sangh, for spending the four months of the rainy season, has been in vogue from ancient times. The discourses are delivered on some GRANTHA written by a great and enlightened author who adored and lived by the canons of Dharma. By this means, we can create among the members of the Jain Sangh an excellent spiritual awakening. The listeners, by listening to the discourses regularly for four months will be able to attain spiritual awareness. Fear arises regarding sins, and the propensity of right conduct increases. Various kinds of religious observances will be carried out; and people will not only become magnanimous; but also will adore and pursue Dharma. All this is the fruit of regular and systematic discourses.
WHY SHOULD WE PERFORM A WORSHIP AND OFFER AN INVOCATION IN THE BEGINNING ?
The subject-matter of our series of discourses is DHARMABINDU. The discourses must continue for four months without any impediment; and hence we have performed the MANGALA or we have begun this discourse with a prayer. You have just now read, "The Shrutagnan Puja” (the worship of the knowledge obtained from listening to the scriptures). We have also
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