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DISCOURSE 50.
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very first stage of development. They should continue to develop through the succeeding stages of spiritual development.
THE ACHARYA BHAGWAN SHOULD BE GIVEN THE HIGHEST REVERENCE
Among the mendicants of the tradition of Bhagwan Mahavir Swami, there was one by name Vajraswami. He was a mendicant of great influence. Moreover, he was a great man who had attained extraordinary spiritual powers. He had acquired thc supernatural and divine power of traversing through the sky.
Famine broke out in a city. People had no food to eat; and were in great anguish. Vajraswami came to that city. The Jain society made an entreaty: "Gurudev! Kindly save us from this disaster”. Vajraswami said, “If you agree, I will take the entire society away to another city which is prosperous but you have to leave your houses and other belongings and come away with me. Those who are willing to leave all their belongings here and to come with me, may join me. I will take you through the sky."
The members of the society got ready to leave that city. He made all of them sit on a wide carpet and took them away to another city. That city was prosperous. All secured enough food and accommodation to live in. The lives of all were saved.
The responsibility of taking care of the four-fold Jain Sangh and securing their welfare lies completely on the shoulders of the Acharya Shri. Whenever the Jain society is in any adversity, the Acharya Shri puts forth all his efforts to free them from that adversity. He knows the normal principles and the exceptional ways or the principles of the life of a Shraman (a mendicant). He does whatever appears proper to him. Others cannot criticise or comment on his actions and decisions. The position of the Acharya Shri has to be given such high reverence. The Acharya Shri also endeavours, by means of his special knowledge, special powers and special benefactions to inspire faith, reverence and adoration in the hearts of his followers namely the members of the Jain Sangh. He will be always
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