Laghurajswami Biography

Author(s): Manu Doshi
Publisher: Manu Doshi

Page 30

Poojak Parishah Dai Rahyä, Äp Rahyä Samabhäv, Dhanya Sant Laghuräjji, Laghumän Laghu Bani Säv. Grishmatani Garami Ghani, Gani Hitkäri Ishta, Keri Amrut Fal Bane, Tem Mahätmä Mishta.
(Saint Laghuräjswämi, even while the former worshippers extended hardships, you retained the equanimity by resorting to the utmost humility. The great men become helpful by bearing the hardships, as mango turns into an ambrosial fruit by bearing the acute heat of summer.)
On account of the arthritis Laghuräjswämi wanted to stay lonely in a solitary place. He had informed others accordingly and had not retained any monk with him. Being aware of the hostile elements Ratnaräjshri could not bear the helpless lonely state of Laghuräjswämi. As such, he had written as under in early 1914.
“Lord, it would be better, if you stay independently at a place where there is no hostile Jain nearby." After a week he again wrote, "How could it be helpful to us to remain unaffected after knowing that you have been moving in the acquainted areas while bearing hardships from the people? What else can we say to you, the fulfilled ascetic saint? ... Only those, who exercise control, can be helpful to the restrained ones."
At Nadiad Laghuräjswämi had stayed in the Kumbhnäth temple and one person had remained at his service. Since it was hard for him to move on account of arthritis, Ratnarajshri and other liberation-seekers had thought of making some arrangement for erecting a temporary structure like a mini Ashram, where Laghuräjswämi could stay. In this connection Ratnaräjshri had written to him as under in 1914.
"We have induced revered Mohanlälji to go to Naroda.... The possibility of constructing Ashram needs to be materialized. In order to remove the obstacles that may come in the way of that wholesome project, it is necessary for Mohanlälji or someone else to remain present there." Three months thereafter he had written in another letter, "It is necessary to make temporary arrangements to the extent possible; we can think of the bigger project later on. For the present also they are frequently making excuses.” In a succeeding letter during the same month he had written, "Regarding construction of Sanätan Jain Ashram for the monks Kälidäskäkä has sent a letter that so and so have objected to constructing Ashram there and have flatly declined to give the amount pledged for the purpose... You are straightforward and simpleminded. The selfish people misuse what you say with courtesy; they state that since Laghhuräjswämi does not want Ashram, why do we need to take any trouble for the same? That way they set aside the project and hide their intent in your name. ... Now it is up to you to come to the final decision. Everything else is okay by virtue of the wholesome impact of yours."
In reply Laghuräjswämi wrote during the summer, "You know that we are soft at heart; we do not have difference with you... We are willing to abide by what you do, there is nothing to disagree about. If they say something in our name, what can we do? ... In view of the perverse view of the people it is hard to make out what to do... We believe that everything occurs as destined; we would simply observe the same dispassionately. ... Nothing occurs as we desire and whatever occurs is right... We are looking for wholesome contact and what occurs is unwholesome... We are desirous of your contact, but there arise the obstacles that could have been destined. ... You are aware of all that."
This much description of the Ashram at Narodä has been given to show how Laghuräjswämi had behaved dispassionately without feeling depressed in very tough situations. Shrimad had written in a letter 'Do not feel depressed; do not worry about what is going to happen... do not feel even a bit frightened... That itself is the symbol of attaining supreme devotion; only that can justify our contact.' By virtue of pondering over such words Laghuräjswämi could not be depressed or get overcome by the sense of dependence.
Mohanlälji had been to Umardashi for hand-shaving etc. He had written, "On the day I left Siddhapur, the ruler of Pälanpur had been to see Ratnaräjshri and had very humbly requested him to go to Pälanpur. It is likely that Ratnaräjshri may go there once for satisfying the king's mind."
Thereafter Ratnaräjshri had been there for a couple of months. The king had requested him to pass the monsoon there, but he could not do so on account of adverse climate. As the king asked for being helpful in some respect, Ratnaräjshri had suggested for donating substantial amount for the Ashram to be constructed at Narodä for