Jain Society of Greater Detroit honors Two Young Diksharthis by Sanjay Bhandari

Jain Society of Greater Detroit (JSGD) Sangh had the honor to witness a once-in-a-lifetime historical event in their own temple. USA born Diksharthis Tanya (20 years) and Karan (17 years), and their father Vinitbhai graced the society with his presence (their mother Leenaben couldn't visit USA) during the Diksharthi Bahumaan Ceremony held on Sunday, October 29th.

The grand Bahumaan ceremony began with the Diksharthis entering in a palki on the red carpet accompanied by the youth dancing to welcome them. This was followed by speeches, bhavana, bhakti geet, and swamivatsalya.

This was a very special occasion for the Detroit Sangh because both Tanya and Karan got their early Jain education at JSGD Members of JSGD and various Sanghs around the country came to do Darshan of the Diksharthis.

Scholar Shrenikbhai Gala led the program with his motivating speech and hosting the event. He commended the Diksharthis for embarking on a journey no other young Jains raised in America have taken before. Shrenikbhai profoundly pointed out that if we all so routinely upgrade our bhog items, like cell phones, then we should also place importance on upgrading our yog, just as the Mumukshus have set out to do. He mentioned that seven significant changes in a person’s life for taking Diksha are Vichaar, Aachar, Clothes, Kesh, Name, Place, and Bhav. He said, “Remove I (ego), want (desire) from the sentence I want happiness and you will get happiness within you only.” He revealed very good secrets of a Happy life => No comparison, no competition, and no conflict.

JSGD Chairperson Pritishbhai Shah, President Jayaben Shah, Sharadbhai, Chiragbhai Zaveri, Rishi Zaveri, and many others conveyed their anumodana to both the Diksharthis

Tanya and Karan both excelled in school and even managed to fast-track their education to complete early so that they could take Diksha. Tanya and Karan’s childhood friends from JSGD also shared great memories with them mentioning how selfcontrolled and religious both kids were from an early age The family returned to India in 2015 and settled in Vadodara, Gujarat. In 2017, in the auspicious presence of Acharya RatnasunderSuriji M.S, Tanya and Karan enrolled in Upadhaan tap aradhana. In 2020, they decided to take Diksha under Acharyashriji’s guidance.

Message from Tanya and Karan

Both Tanya and Karan were excited to revisit JSGD after 8 years, having been associated with the society for 10 years, and they shared their experiences and inspirations to take Diksha.

Tanya talked about her intriguing inspiration to take Diksha stemming from the movie Kung Fu Panda, as she drew a lot of meaning from the movie about the value and guidance of a Guru as well as her own Guru being a guiding light in taking the path of Diksha. She shared that a Guru’s heart is full of compassion and under the right guidance, you can achieve anything you set your heart to, just as she has. The Jain Study class at JSGD pathshala also played a key role in her connection to Jainism and the path of pursuing higher spiritual knowledge.

Karan mentioned how grateful he is to all the founders, seniors, and gurus from JSGD for giving a good foundation to both, which enabled them to make this crucial decision in life. He mentioned that he met Acharya Vijay Ratnasundar Surishvar ji Maharaj on the very first day when they moved to India which had helped him take this magical turn to this noble path and his entire life brightened up. Within 2 years, Guru Ji saw the potential in him to take Diksha.

Thanks to Executive team (EC) and Vinitbhai’s JSGD friends for leading, volunteering and organising this mega event.

Both Diksharthis are very thankful to their parents for being so supportive of their decision. Tanya and Karan will take Diksha on January 24, 2024, in Dhulia, Maharashtra, and have cordially invited everyone to come and bless them.

Message from Diksharthis’ Family

Tanya and Karan’s father, Vinitbhai, mentioned very humbly that how as a father he considered all aspects before making such a noble decision and said that he and his family were privileged and honored to be part of this society and this occasion. He invited everyone to attend the Diksha ceremony of his children along with 4 others. It’s great to hear that 40 members of the society have already accepted his invitation. Vinitbhai mentioned the importance of considering all implications before making such a noble but tough decision. He also demonstrated the importance of showing unwavering support if someone wants to take this Sanyam Jeevan (controlled life), as it is a major life decision

Vinitbhai provided insight into the path that led the Diksharthis to their decision. Attending Jain Pathshala, frequently visiting Upashrayas and gaining direct insight into the Sadhu and Saadhavis’ daily lives and listening to Pravachans with intentionality were all instrumental in their to decision to take Diksha.

The Diksharthis’ family was incredibly grateful for all the love, support, and hospitality the JSGD society showed them during their stay, visiting after 8 years since their move to India, and graciously donated $501 and sacred items as a token of appreciation from their family to JSGD. We are incredibly proud of our young Diksharthis for embarking upon this spiritual journey and all JSGD society members wish them all the best in their endeavors.

The livestream recording of the event can be viewed at: https://bit.ly/JSGD-Diksharthi

Sanjay Bhandari is a section editor of the Young Generation section of Jain Digest. He is a co-chairman of JAINA;s Jains Got Talent (JGTP) committee and has served as a judge of JGT competitions during the 2023 JAINA Convention. He has also held various positions at Jain Society of Greater Detroit. He has two master’s degrees MBA and MCA. He works as an Integration Manager at Marathon Petroleum. Sanjay enjoys traveling, music, movies, cricket, singing, socializing, and writing movie reviews on social platforms.