Thursday, March 17, 2011

Dr. Dhariwal embraces Jain Diksha - Renouncing all worldly possessions and family ties

We reached Raipur on November 3rd night and for the next few days the preparations and execution by the Raipur Sangh were amazing. The large group from Chennai was lodged at various places. Thousands of other people travelled from all over India to attend this function. There were two Diksharthis: Dr. Saab (58 years old) and Himani Chopra (18 year old from Dhulia, Maharashtra). On November 5th, Varghoda (procession) took place where both the Diksharthis sat in separate open chariots accompanied by musical bhajan bands, and friends and relatives (over 5,000 people). The Varghoda travelled through the main streets of the town, people singing and dancing expressing their joy and happiness. All the functions were held at the Cricket stadium sports complex. The Raipur Jain Sangh served food at the complex every day and they did a wonderful and exemplary job. On the day of the diksha, they served lunch to over 15,000 people. It was made very clear at the outset that nobody should waste any food. Volunteers made sure that people cleaned up their plates and nothing was wasted. On November 5, in the evening, there was a musical program organized both by the Chennai and Raipur groups expressing their joy, happiness and support for Dr. Saab’s decision to take Diksha whole-heartedly and wishing him well in his new journey.

Varghoda (procession) in Raipur

On November 6th, the day of diksha function, Mumukshu Dr. Saab was carried (literally and physically) by his friends and well wishers on their Kandas (shoulders) throughout the 1.5 km route from his home to the Sports complex. Then after taking Guru Manglik, he undertook Keshlochan – physical removal of hair. He then changed his attire to Sadhu clothes which are un-stitched or minimally stitched white clothes. The diksha proceedings at the Sports complex, attended by about 15,000 people, started at 8:30 AM under the guidance of his holiness Acharya Shri Ramlalji Marasa (Sadhu). Shri Ram Guruji is 82nd Acharya in Lord Mahaveer’s Shasun. Shri Ram Guruji asked the Diksharthi one last time if he still would like to renunciate the world and join the Sadhus and follow the path of Jainism. When the Diksharthi gave the approval, then the Guruji turned towards the audience and asked the gathering if there was anybody who doesn’t want him to follow the spiritual path – the audience included his wife, son and daughter-in-law, grandson and hundreds of relatives.

Keshlochan

With no objection from family members and audience, the Guruji started Diksha proceedings. He explained when a person renounces the worldly life and all the attachments and is initiated into monkshood, they are completely detached from the social and worldly activities, and they spend their time in spiritual uplifting of their souls and guiding householders in their spiritual life. He recited to the Diksharti the five great vows of Jainism. In summary, while taking these vows, the Diksharti in essence said, "O Lord Arihant. I will not commit the sins of violence, falsehood, stealing sensual pleasures and being possessive, either by speech, thought or deed; nor will I assist or order anyone to commit these sins. I will not approve or endorse anyone committing such sins. Oh Lord! I hereby take a sacred and solemn vow that, throughout my life, I will follow as well as strictly follow the code of conduct laid out for a sadhu."

The experience of watching these proceedings was incredible. You feel goose bumps in your body, you feel elated, you feel joyous, happy, excited, - guess not sufficient adjectives to describe our feeling. After the proceedings, thousands of people stood in line to take blessings of His Holiness Shree Himanshu Muniji Marasa – the name the Acharya Guruji chose for Dr. Saab. Our hearts were filled with love and kindness and souls experienced a spiritual fulfillment – we hope, and we pray, and we desire, that we stay in that state forever.

Chandralekha (Dr. Saab’s wife) during all this proceedings was an inspiration. The contentment, the courage, and the love with which she led this diksha process was remarkable. She is somebody we all look up to as a person who only knows to give, give and give some more. She was quiet and extremely well composed as she has always been throughout her life. She played an important role in Dr. Saab’s life – helped him to turn into a highly respected professional, managed the hospital, took care of the family and, throughout life, helped him advance in the path of spiritual upliftment which was his passion. The day before the diksha function, the Raipur Jain Sangh bestowed “Amar Chundari” (meaning suhagan forever) on her, the Dharma Sahayika, for her great gesture of giving permission to Dr. Saab to follow the righteous path. There were tear-filled eyes in thousands of people present and all were proud of her noble actions.

Alas, the time has come – the journey for us ended here in Raipur and we had to take a flight in the night to Delhi and then to U.S. This experience and the special memories are very close to our heart. The new journey for Himanshu Marasa is physically demanding beyond imagination. But, His Holiness is on a path that is directed towards elevating his soul to the Paramatma-dasha, the state of the Supreme Soul. For us and others who attended the diksha function out of sheer love and respect for Dr. Saab, it was a special journey. A journey that led us to life’s new discoveries and perspectives will stay with us in our hearts and minds for a long, long time. We and other family members were fortunate to have been associated with him for decades, shaping our thought process and improving our lives. Now, with further enlightenment in days to come, he will be enriching lives of thousands who will be seeking his blessings.

Dr. Saab always wanted us to strive for and make progress in conquering our inner enemies – moh, maya, lobh, krodh and aaham – by following the five principles of Jainism - ahimsa, satya, asteya, aparigraha and bramacharya. Sounds easy! We will do our best in honor of His Holiness Shree Himanshu Muniji Marasa.