Disclaimer: This translation does not guarantee complete accuracy, please confirm with the original page text.
6
I
Remember that the Dharma-Kathānuyoga contains the life stories of those glorious souls who have made their human life successful in every way. Their character is a treasure trove of invaluable teachings for the public. Many individuals have studied their character and practiced it, becoming ideal men like them, and continue to do so. In the practical aspect, a character-based Dharma is considered the main factor in educating the public, because a character-based Dharma is the guide to the path of justice. Keeping this in mind, we present the life of a great sage before our readers. We hope that the readers will surely learn many unique teachings from their life story and try to make their lives successful.
The life story of the great sage that we are about to present is completely modern. Nowadays, people are often retreating from the path of Dharma, and even consider Dharma to be a thorn in the path of their progress. Even in these days of religious revolution, they have proven through their life that the conflicts you are caught in are not real. Dharma alone can provide true peace. Therefore, come towards it, your welfare will be ensured.
You were, Shri 1008 Ganavcchedak Sthavir - पद- विभूषित Shrimad Ganpatiray Ji Maharaj, known by the name Sugrihit. You were born in the city of Pasrur, district Sialkot, on Tuesday, Bhadrapada Krishna Tritiya, Samvat 1906, to Mai Gaurya, the wife of Lala Gurudasmal Shrimal, belonging to the Kashyap Gotra, under the Tripankhiye Gotra. You had four brothers, Nihalchandra, Lalchandra Palamal, and Panjumal, and three sisters, Shrimati Nihaldevi, Palidevi, and Totidevi. Your childhood was spent with great joy. After this, you received education in business matters. Upon reaching adulthood, your marriage ceremony took place in the village of Nunaar in 1624.
After this, you opened a jeweler's shop. Your intellect was very sharp. You examined silver and gold with great skill and keen eyesight. From childhood, you had a special interest in Dharma. This was the reason why you always took special part in every religious festival. You had a natural aversion towards worldly things. You considered worldly pleasures to be a bondage and always tried to break free from this bondage.