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73. Inner and Outer Stillness
h the month of Posh in the year VS 1956, Shrimad began suffering from an incurable disease. His health was deteriorating day by day. While it was first thought that he suffered from fatigue, it was later diagnosed as chronic intestinal disorder. Dr. Pranjivandas Jagjivandas Mehta and others were treating him with great care and attention. Shrimad constantly reminded them that as a noble person, he did not wish to be treated with medicines which might have been tested on animals.
The disciples who took care of him during this time included Ambalalbhai, Mansukhbhai Devsibhai of Limdi, Mansukhbhai Kiratchand Mehta, Dharshibhai, Sukhlalbhai from Viramgam, Mahasukhram and Motilal Bhavsar. His close relatives were also there.
Shrimad was taken to different places for a change of climate and his mother Devba and his wife Zabakben accompanied him. His health fluctuated considerably, and his body became weaker and weaker.
His mother often asked him how he was feeling. His usual reply was that he was neither happy nor unhappy.
He was then taken to the hills around Dharampur in the month of Chaitra in Vikram Samvat 1956. The political agent of the British Empire had set up a camp there and, as the British ruled India, he enjoyed wide powers. Living a life of great pomp and show, the agent would be entertained very well by local rulers. They would often arrange hunting expeditions for the whole entourage. Unusually, there was no game anywhere in sight. For the duration of Shrimad's stay, no game was caught. It was as if, in the presence of compassion personified, no blood sport could succeed. Even animals are safe in the presence of such great Souls!
Shrimad's host at Dharampur was Ranchhodbhai Modi, a local forestry officer, who enjoyed the saintly company of souls like Shrimad, and he served him well. Despite Ranchhodbhai's warm hospitality and Dr. Pranjivanbhai's treatment, there was no improvement in Shrimad's condition at Dharampur.
During these days, however, Shrimad kept up the study of religious texts, which was reflected in his letters.
One day he wrote : "Both inner and outer tranquility exists."
| SR No. | 032343 |
| Book Title | Pinnacle Of Spirituality |
| Original Sutra Author | N/A |
| Author | Kumarpal Desai |
| Publisher | Raj Saubhag Satsang Mandal |
| Publication Year | 2000 |
| Total Pages | 188 |
| Language | English |
| Classification | Book_English |
| File Size | 42 MB |