Two complete families and an NRI will adopt Jain-monkhood today
In the recent past, we have heard of unlikely stories of Jains taking diksha- young professionals in high-paying careers, students who topped board exams, and sometimes even 12-year-olds. It is not uncommon for more than one member of a family taking diksha together either. But in a rare case, two whole families will adopt monkhood today at Sabarmati in Ahmedabad. Here're their inspiring stories.
Sanjay Shah (53) of Banaskantha, Gujarat, is a diamantaire, daughter Pooja (26) a company secretary, and son Darshil (24) has appeared the CA finals. Their decision of diksha was because of Darshil, who was inspired by his friend adopting monkhood two years ago, Sanjay says. "We told him it would be a tough life, but he had made up his mind," he added.
Eventually, Darshil managed to convince his sister too. "It became clear that materialistic life does not give happiness after a point," Pooja, who had decided to join him in taking diksha, said. "When both our children made up their minds, they inspired us to seek enlightenment," Sanjay said. Now the father, son, daughter and mother Nitaben (49) are taking diksha together.
Things were similar, but easier for Dharmesh Shah (42), a textile trader of Mumbai. Their elder son Pratyush had become a monk four years ago. Over the years, their daughter Maitri (18) was transformed too and wanted to take diksha. Dharmesh and wife Ketu (41) simply followed suit. "I had started winding up my business about two years ago in anticipation of this moment," said a happy Dharmesh.
Apart from them, Heta Shah (30), an NRI MNC employee who returned to Surat four years ago, is also going to become a nun today. "She realized that this is the true path to a happy life after interacting with Jain monks in 2010," her relative Rupesh Shah said. She had decided on diksha after studying Jainism extensively, he added.
