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[A Brief Glimpse into the Life and Sadhana of Acharya-Samrat Shri Pratmaramji Maharaj] Thousands of beings are born every moment and descend upon this earth, taking on human bodies, but not all their birthdays are celebrated. Nor are all viewed with reverence and respect. Honor is bestowed upon those who live not for themselves, but for society. Those who dedicate all their life-force to the upliftment, construction, and welfare of the lives of people. While they remain aware of their own self-welfare, they also pay full attention to the well-being of others. Acharya-Samrat Pujya Shri Atmaramji Maharaj was one of those great souls whose life was always dedicated to the welfare of others. For 78 years of his life, he kept the lamps of non-violence, restraint, and austerity burning. Wherever the river of his life flowed, an extraordinary radiance spread. Even today, his words and writings serve as a beacon for the lives of people. Birth Acharya-Samrat Pujya Shri Pratmaramji Maharaj was born on Bhadon Sudi Dwadashi, Vikram Samvat 1936, in the home of Seth Mansharamji Chopra, a renowned merchant of Raho, Punjab. His mother's name was Parmeshwari Devi. The parents were overjoyed to have a son as beautiful as gold. A virtuous offspring is obtained only by the merit of past lives. Times of Trouble Acharya Shri's childhood was very troubled. The blows of unbearable karma had greatly troubled him. At the tender age of two, his mother passed away. At the age of eight, his father passed away. He had only his grandmother to care for him during his childhood. After two years, she too passed away. Thus, Acharya Dev's childhood was severely afflicted by the intensity of suffering. Karma is very powerful. Who can escape it? The Path of Restraint and Sadhana The loss of his parents and grandmother made Acharya Dev's mind completely detached from the world. The impermanence of the world began to dance before his eyes. As a result, the great path of self-realization and devotion to the Lord became his experience of true, eternal bliss. Finally, at the tender age of eleven, in Vikram Samvat 1651, he was initiated into the fold of the great Gurudev Pujya Shri Swami Shaligramji Maharaj in Banuud.