What to tell when you are calling Jain monks for food
Answer
When inviting Jain monks for food, speak very respectfully and simply. A common way is:- “Maharaj Saheb, ahar ke liye padhariye.”
- “Bhagwan, if it is suitable, kripaya ahar grahan kijiye.”
- “Khana taiyar hai, aapki kripa ho to padhariye.”
If you are speaking in Gujarati, you can say:
- “Maharaj Saheb, aahar maate padharo.”
- “Aahar taiyar chhe, krupa kari padharo.”
Explanation
In Jain tradition, monks do not come for food in a casual or demanding way. They are invited with:- humility
- respect
- non-forceful words
- awareness that they will accept only if it matches their vow and discipline
The tone should be calm, devotional, and polite.
Spiritual Understanding
Calling a Jain monk for food is not like ordinary hospitality. It is done with reverence, because:- food for monks is part of aahar-vihār discipline
- the donor should remain free from ego and insistence
- the monk decides whether to accept, according to Jain rules
The right attitude is: “I am offering, but I leave the decision to the monk.”