Book Title: Comtemporary Jain Legends
Author(s): Atmanandji Maharaj
Publisher: Shrimad Rajchandra Ashram

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Page 30
________________ Some notable events and information touching the life of Pandit Lalan is likely to be useful to a practitioner of religion and yoga. Thirst for knowledge in young age: Mumbai was not over-crowded than one hundred years ago. Shri Lalan used to come a long distance with heavy bundle of books up to the bridge of Masjid Bandar and read books on the public road side in the light of municipal lamp till late at night. He was coming there so regularly. When if he did not go therefore a day or two, the watchmen were worried for him. Thus, even the common men had much sympathy and attachment for him. He learnt the lessons of human love and principles of religion. He tried to implement this learning in his own life and it made him so great and famous. One day a new sepoy came on the bridge in his daily routine duty. He saw the boy Fatehchand studying his books very deeply. He asked, "Brother, where do you stay?" "Sir! I stay at Lalwadi." "Do you come here on foot?" "Yes, I come on foot and go also on foot." "Are you poor?" "No, but I have interest in reading and so I come here for reading in peace". "Brother, do not be afraid. If it is too late, I shall come with you to put you at your home". "No, I am never afraid. I can go home at any time." So much fearlessness! So deep desire for knowledge! So good behavior! And so much peace of mind! He, thus, studied at the public lamppost and he became a lamppost for others. Lalan Saheb was not much attached to worldly things. He was as simple as a child. He was humorous. One day, he left one of his books in a train in America. He atonce talked to the station-master and said that the book does not bear his name but "Sarvesham" i.e. this book belongs to all. The book could be secured very soon and the stationmaster was much-pleased. Be Optimistic: One American woman arranged a party of friends with a view to meets and talk with Lalan Saheb. On one side there was a chair and table for Lalan Saheb and there were inkpot, pen and paper on the table. There was also a costly mattress on the floor for some to seat. Many other chairs were also arranged for sitting. Many friends had come there to hear Lalan Saheb. Before Lalan Saheb could begin with his lecture, somebody's hand struck with the inkpot and the whole inkpot feel on the beautiful and costly carpet. It was spoiled very badly. The American woman had tears in her eyes as her costly mattress was so much spoiled. Lalan Saheb gave his lecture on this event itself. He said, "Friends! The host sister is deeply unhappy, as the costly mattress has been badly spoiled. I am also equally unhappy. But why we should be unhappy? The blot is, in face, less than one-hundredth part of the whole

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