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THE JAINA GAZETTE
peculiar attraction for Gandhiji. Sometimes he would call me burriedly to see some peculiar beauty of the skies before my work at the waterpipe was finished.
BEAUTY OF SKIES. I have rarely geen bim inviting anybody in this way to steal a few moments from the appointed task. Antares and Saturn would appear in due time. The great square of Pegasus would promise the coming of Orion and Serias the Great.
EVENING PRAYERS. At seven, we would begin our evening prayer. During the rains, it was timed at 7-30 p.m., but with the setting of winter, the Ashram changed the time to 7 p. m. We also changed our time so that we have the satisfaction of saying our prayers in company with the Ashram boys and girls, although separated by hundreds of miles. Only those who know the brotherhood of prayer can appreciate the change that we made.
MAIL TIME. After prayers it was time for Gandhiji to write his letters. We are a big family of the Ashram, and even the youngest bird therein must have a little chit from dear Bapu. Some girls love to sign themselves as Bapu's walking stick, because at the Ashram, Gandhiji used to place his hand on their shoulders at the time of evening walk. Their letters are spontaneous confessions too. If a young colt was over rude to his sister he would not be happy as long as be had written it to Bapu.
A newcomer at the Ashram inquires of Bapu why is it that he feels like dozing at the time of prayers, or why is it that a regular spinning does not yet interest him in the least; and Bapu would reply that he has yet to learn to love the poor, that prayer was as much necessary for a human being as food, sleep, and work. A young man recounts his tale of moral lapses, and promises that he would turn a new leaf.
He is not afraid or ashamed of the letter being read by the Shree Sudharmaswami Gyanbhandar-Umara, Surat
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