Laghurajswami Biography

Author(s): Manu Doshi
Publisher: Manu Doshi

Page 16

Velshibhäi has left from here yesterday in order to pass the Paryushan days at the service of Munishri."
Shrimad had asked the liberation-seekers to remain in touch with the monks from time to time. As such, they used to go to the monks whenever convenient and also took the advantage by correspondence.
After passing the monsoon of 1899 at Nadiäd, Lallujiswämi and the monks with him went to Viramgäm. Devkaranji also had been there. All those six monks were passing their time in devotion, contemplation, spiritual talks etc. In due course Mohanlälji and others went to Sänand. That very night Shrimad came to Virangam and saw the monks in Upäshray. All of them first recited the adoration songs of Anandghanji and Devchandji. Thereafter Shrimad explained the adoration song starting with 'Veerjine Charane Lägun, Veerpanun Te Mängun Re' (While falling at the feet of Lord Mahaveer I am seeking the prowess). The next morning Shrimad met them again. Thereafter Shrimad went to Vaväniä, while Lallujiswami and other monks proceeded towards Ahmedabad.
After a few days Shrimad came back to Ahmedabad and stayed at the building of Premäbhäi Sheth. While going to Räjpur temple he informed Lallujiswami and others to reach there. At the temple he first sang the adoration song for Lord Padmaprabhswämi and then going to the white marble idol by the side of the main idol of Lord Pärshwanäth, he said, 'Devkaranji, see, look at the soul.' Thereupon Lallujiswami and others came near the idol. Shrimad then said, “Digambar monks are unclad and hence their idols are kept unclad, Shwetämbar monks put on white cloth and hence their idols are decorated with crown etc.' Then coming out of the temple he said, “Monks, there is no end to the disturbance if you look outside; therefore keep the eyes inward."
From Ahmedabad Shrimad went to Idar and a few days after that Lallujiswami and others went to Narodä. They received a letter from Shrimad that he would be coming to Narodä. Some liberation-seekers from Ahmedabad also had been there. On his arrival Shrimad sent a message to the monks to meet at a certain place of retreat at noon. Accordingly while the monks arrived at the border of Narodä, Shrimad and others were waiting for them.
The ground had been hot with the heat of summer. Noticing, however, that the monks might be feeling heat at their bare feet, Shrimad took off his footwear and started moving steadily towards the banyan tree. The monks were walking fast in order to get shelter under the tree, but Shrimad was walking patiently without caring for heat. The people were talking that he was truly the enlightened person as Devkaranji used to say.
Shrimad took the seat under the banyan tree; then six monks bowed to him and sat in front of him. They saw that Shrimad's feet had been red with heat, but he did not even move his hand over them. Then looking at Devkaranji he said, "Now we want to stay connectionless, we do not like to come in contact with anyone; the soul wants to stay entirely unconnected."
Devkaranji: What would happen to the infinite compassion of the enlightened?
Shrimad: That also has to be ultimately given up. By the way, what is the reason for Sthänakwäsi people disturbing you?
Devkaranji: They cannot bear your picture that we keep with us.
Shrimad: For that very reason we did not ask you to keep our picture with you. Whatever the enlightened being says is always uncontroversial. You have willfully kept our picture; now give it up. We will send you the Digambar book Yogpradeep'; ponder over it repeatedly.
Lallujiswämi passed the monsoon of 1900 in goldsmith inn at Sojiträ. Though he had retained Sthänakwäsi garb after leaving that fold, yet for monsoons he wanted to stay at places where he would not come across the people of that sect. At Sojiträ he happened to meet a Digambar Bhattachärya.
By the time the monsoon was over, Lallujiswämi and others came to know that Shrimad had come to Ahmedabad.