Surat, April 19:  A 12-year-old boy from Surat became a Jain monk on Thursday. Bhavya Shah- the young boy who decided to give up his family to embrace monkhood said that he is happy to take the path of truth. “I am happy to take the path of truth shown by God," Bhavya told ANI. Reports inform that the 12-year-old, who lives in Surat is the son of a diamond merchant.

The young boy's family is celebrating the occasion with great zeal and is happy about his decision of embracing monkhood. This would mean that he will be giving up all elements of a householder life, including emotional attachments to other people, places or things. His family fully backs his decision and is in a celebratory mood.

"I am deserting my mother and father as they taught me that this is the true path. My father and mother would also come on this path one day in future”, he further added. His father, Dipesh Shah, a diamond merchant, said, "Our family is extremely happy as Bhavya will take Diksha."

When asked about is he sad, he said, "No! I am happy. Four years back, my daughter also did the same at the age of 12.' He said Bhavya will take Diksha in the presence of around 400-450 Jain monks and around 7000 people.

The Jain religion is believed to be one of the most ancient religions in the world. It is often associated with Hinduism or seen as a branch of Hinduism. To got back to history, Jain monks renounce all material possessions and rely for food and shelter on the Jain community. These monks not only give up not just material possessions but also all passions or emotions that cause karma. The initiation ceremony features the ritual of kesa-loca - 'pulling out of the hair' - which indicates indifference to the body.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 19, 2018 04:03 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).