Jain community in twin cities experiences monkhood for a day

Hyderabad: Renouncing all material comforts for a day, 1008 members of the Hyderabad-Secunderabad Jain community lived the life of a monk on Sunday. Participating in the event, a total of 508 male and 500 female professionals, homemakers and entrepreneurs experienced a monk’s life at Jaya Gardens at Somajiguda. Joseph, a Christian teacher who preaches non-violence […]

Hyderabad: Renouncing all material comforts for a day, 1008 members of the Hyderabad-Secunderabad Jain community lived the life of a monk on Sunday.

Participating in the event, a total of 508 male and 500 female professionals, homemakers and entrepreneurs experienced a monk’s life at Jaya Gardens at Somajiguda. Joseph, a Christian teacher who preaches non-violence through his paintings also participated.

---

Away from the comforts of their modern lives, the participants dressed in the robes of a monk, wore a cloth over their mouth, and held a punji. They spent the day praying and even went door-to-door to collect bhiksha. They drank boiled water and didn’t wear footwear.

The programme was organised under the aegis of Shri Vardhman Sthanakvasi Jain Shravak Sangh Ameerpet. It was the first time both men and women became monks, and was open for people of all religions.

Speaking on the occasion, Ashok Kothar, Chairman, Mahavir Cooperative Urban Bank Ltd and Mahavir Infoways, said that leaving the material comforts for a day makes one realise the importance of life and peaceful living. Resonating with it, a cloth merchant, Nemichand Kawad said it was like a spiritual retreat for him. He realised the difficulties monks face in their daily life. All the pandemic guidelines were followed by the organisers, to ensure everyone’s safety.

---

Now you can get handpicked stories from Telangana Today on Telegram everyday. Click the link to subscribe.

Click to follow Telangana Today Facebook page and Twitter .

---