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THE WAY OF LIFE
tion, we have to examine in some detail what the Acharya thought about Aryarakshit before giving him the Deeksha. The request made by Aryarakshit also is very important and significant. Let us discuss these points a little. * BIRTH IN A NOBLE FAMILY
The Acharyadev found that Aryarakshit was born in a high family. The Deeksha of the Jain tradition can be given only to those who are born in high families. A man born in a high family fears committing sins. He would not like to commit a sin. Even if he happens to fall into grief he does not discard the vows undertaken. A man born in a high family loves and adores his parents; and in the same manner, when such a man becomes a Sadhu he loves and worships the Gurumaharaj and the Paramatma. So, a sadhu must be a man born in a high family. * FAITH
The Acharyadev saw in Aryarakshit the lofty virtue of Faith. Faith here means faith in the Dharma, in the Paramatma, in the Gurumaharaj; in Moksha and in the path of salvation. The belief in the existence of the soul is the fundamental faith. What is the use of having faith in the Dharma, in the Gurumaharaj and in the Paramatma if one does not have faith in the existence of the soul ? A man who wants to become a sadhu must have faith in all these entities. On account of the strength of Faith, he can naturally carry out all the arduous austerities of the life of a Shraman. TENDERNESS
The Acharya found that Aryarakshit possessed a tender heart. The tenderness of the heart is the foundation for all great virtues. The softness of nature is a fundamental necessity. Bhagwan Umaswathi says in Prashamrati :
"विनयायत्ताश्च गुणाः सर्वे, विनयश्च मार्दवायत्त:" Politeness includes all virtues; and tenderness includes politeness.
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