Remembering forgotten things is like the evening breeze that brushes through the streets of the village; it brings with it new conversations and vibrant interactions, filled with sagacious anecdotes. It is said that every mother and father desires their child to become a valiant and virtuous being, which is why our forefathers and lineage were always referred to as the honorable ones, the pillars of the community.
In every joint family, whenever challenges arose, they faced them together, supporting each other through joys and sorrows. Whenever someone appeared as an inspiring leader, they provided guidance and support, fostering progress. This united family, known as the "Tharadna Barubhujas" or the "Nagarseth Parivar," embodied unity and prosperity, following the principles of righteousness.
Men carried out their responsibilities while women also engaged in their tasks, living harmoniously with the "sahus" or the members of the household. The larger community, despite residing in different places, displayed immense respect for one another, fostering a sense of unity.
Every day, as dawn broke, each member of the family busied themselves with their respective tasks. When the sun set, the household and shop work were completed, and all would gather in the courtyard of the house.
Following a high standard of conduct, the eldest son set an example, which was then emulated by the younger generations, including men and women, who adhered to their own standards of dignity. It was a reflection of our proud Indian values, where the elders held the utmost respect, and their words were considered paramount. Living by these elevated ideals, the family existed in a lifestyle that transcended time.
The name of this family is "Sheth Avachaldas Hiralal Parivar". It was a large and joyful family. Among the sons and daughters, the household was full of happiness. Among them, one son was Sheth Sagthachand and his wife was Shethani Parvati Devi. They were bound by piety and family traditions. Sheth Shethani's married life was fulfilling, and they were known for their virtuous and ideal nature.
During their journey of life, Shethani had a beautiful dream one night. In the dream, she saw the moon shining peacefully, cool, and calm. As she gazed, the moon transitioned from a state of sleep to awakening, all while facing towards her. Then, the moon gradually returned to sleep, and she understood that just as the moon emerged from slumber, she too would give birth to a son who would bring honor and pride to the family.
With the blessings of Lord Mahavir, they visited temples and prayed. Their days of joy were celebrated with enthusiasm, and Shethani even named her son "Haalchand," signifying the beautiful dream she had. Haalchand brought immense happiness and sweetness to the family and the entire village. With time, he grew up, imbibing the family's values, and he excelled in spiritual pursuits.
Eventually, Haalchand's deep-rooted yearning for renunciation led him to renounce the world and embrace an ascetic life under the guidance of revered Pujya Acharya Shree Shantichandra Suri Maharaj. His journey towards spirituality brought him peace and fulfillment, just like the moon's serene radiance.
This narrative reflects the family's legacy of virtue and the profound influence of spirituality on Haalchand's life. It emphasizes the importance of embracing the path of truth, righteousness, and self-control, and how Haalchand's spiritual journey brought light and wisdom to his life, much like the moonlight that guides the way during the darkest nights.
Thanks Giving
This article is written and submitted to The E Today by Pujya Gurudev Shree Mokshsundar Saheb. We thank Gurudev for his blessings, research and analysis and hope to see the awareness about life and peace being spread ahead to larger mass of our citizens. Also, we would like to thank Hiral Shah, the Chief Editor of The E Today for bringing in such wonderful personalities who can guide us on every path of life.