Darshan, a 21-year-old Jain youth, was dressed in a sherwani - perhaps the last time he would find himself in that dress - as he is taking diksha for initiation as a monk on Thursday. Henceforth, he will live the life of an ascetic.
For Darshan, a 21-year-old Jain youth, it was easy to buy whatever he wanted - an expensive mobile phone or the latest car - as he was born with the proverbial silver spoon in his mouth.
But after spending three years wondering what to do with his life, he opted for the monastic life of a Jain monk.
On Wednesday, he was dressed in a sherwani - perhaps the last time he would find himself in that dress - as he is taking diksha for initiation as a monk on Thursday. Henceforth, he would live the life of an ascetic.
Darshan is the only son of Ketan Shah, a businessman, and Reeta Shah. The couple live of Krishnanagar and they also have a daughter.
Darshan's three-day diksha prasang would start on Thursday at Krishnanagar.
"My father used to tell me about the significance of Diksha ever since I was a child," he said while talking to the media. "He always felt the race for material prosperity should end somewhere so that the journey for peace of soul could start."
He said his father believed that he [Darshan] should follow the path of saiyam (self-control). Darshan revealed that his father had also wanted to take diksha but could not do so because of his mother's opposition.
Darshan said that he used to visit Jain monks during vacations even during childhood. He decided to follow a path of self-control after being inspired by Kirtiprabhsurishwarji, Yashovijaysurishwarji, Muni Chnadrasurishwarji.
Darshan's family members feel that he has set an example for society by deciding to become a monk. "It is possible to find spiritual peace and a meaning in your life by following the path of self-control," said one of his relatives.
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}