________________
life in which you burn out karmas, not take on more. You are able to take precautions by being aware of the contents of your mind, of the words you send out, and of your actions. Stop becoming sticky to things and you won't acquire karmas. Learn to live like a lotus, above the mud and water, keeping your face turned toward the sun."
Gurudev began to unearth the volcanic energy hidden within him and to channel it in tune with life. Little by little, he became so sensitive to others' needs and so singlepointedly focused on life, that every atom of his being became animated with reverence for life. People experienced in his presence a profoundly soothing energy. It felt like a healing balm emanating from his being. It was none other than the experience of the qualities of his real Self. In his presence, others were brought into touch with their own Self. He was experiencing what Bhagwan Mahāvir said, when he was about to leave his body,
“Ekkam jāne, sawam jāne — Knowing one, you know
all.”
But there were people who could not conceive of the fact that hidden in them, as in all living beings, the same loving energy existed. They were not aware that in them was an infinite healing power capable of being refined and directed for the evolution of their own consciousness. To them, there was only the mysterious and the unanswerable. So they put the unexplainable phenomena into the only category they knew - the supernatural or the miraculous.
Many people who met Gurudev even in those early years were ready to attribute miraculous powers to him. Several events lent credence to their belief and endeared him to them. One such moment occurred on the last day of Paryushana, the eight days of forgiveness culminating the rainy season retreat. It took place in Dasada in 1948. Gurudev was leading the traditional procession through the town. There was one spot near an old tomb which Jains always avoided whenever they held processions for fear that some evil might strike them. Moreover, a butcher, who was half-crazy and thought to have
177
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
