Rons Bantwal

Daijiworld Media Network - Beltangady

Beltangady, Jan 10: "The direction and destiny of life are shaped by the state of one’s mind. When the essence of dharma is understood and practised through the Ratnatraya — right faith (samyak darshan), right knowledge (samyak jnana) and right conduct (samyak charitra) — it becomes an adornment to both the soul and life, making the attainment of moksha possible,” said His Holiness Jagadguru Swastishri Dr Bhattaraka Charukeerthi Panditacharyavarya Mahaswamiji.

He was delivering the benedictory address after releasing Dharmaprabha, a book compiled and presented by Muniraj Renjala, at the Ratnatraya Jain Tirtha Kshetra at Jainpete in Belthangady on Saturday.

The book was published as Shastradana by Sharmila Narendra in memory of his father, late Prof S Prabhakar, founder Principal of SDM College, Ujire, who passed away recently.

Swamiji recalled that Prof. Prabhakar, a senior scholar, educationist and efficient administrator, had lived as an exemplary Jain householder. “By strictly observing the six essential duties of a Shravaka, and by practising self-study, japa-tapa, discipline and restraint, he upheld the highest values of Jain living,” he said.

Remembering his deep devotion, Swamiji noted that Prof. Prabhakar would render one full day of service with sincerity and faith during the annual Rathotsava at the Thousand-Pillared Basadi in Moodbidri.

As part of the memorial observances, the Panchanamskara Mantra was chanted collectively nine times, praying for the departed soul’s noble passage.

At the Basadi, a 216-Kalasha Abhisheka was performed in the presence of Bhagwan Shri Shantinath Swami, along with special worship to Brahmayaksha Deva. Copies of Dharmaprabha were distributed to devotees as Shastradana.

Those present included Hemavathi V. Heggade of Dharmasthala; D. Harshendra Kumar; Supriya Harshendra Kumar; D. Rajendra Kumar; Dr Neetha Rajendra Kumar; hereditary administrative trustees (Moktesars) of Ratnatraya Tirthakshetra K. Jayavarma Raja Ballal and K. Rajavarma Ballal; SDM Sampath Samrajya Shirthady; Secretary of SDM Educational Institutions Prof. S. Satheeshchandra; author Muniraj Renjala; and Dr Narendra, among others.