Laghurajswami Biography

Author(s): Manu Doshi
Publisher: Manu Doshi

Page 31

Laghuräjswämi and other saints. Accordingly the king had sent Lälbhäi to Laghuräjswami with a bag of guineas. Laghuäjswämi had declined to accept it and the same was sent to Ratnaräjshri. That amount was used for setting up 'Siddhapur Räjmandir'.
About twenty years thereafter a monastic had been to Laghuräjswämi at Agäs Ashram. He had earlier been to Ratnaräjshri. He said to Laghurajshri, "The money that the Muslim king of Palanpur had sent to you represented the interest earned on the war bonds purchased by the king. Since interest is unacceptable to Islam, they do not make use of it. It was very good that you did not accept that amount." Laghuräjswämi, of course, was not aware of it, when he declined to accept the amount; it had simply happened as per proverb that everything goes straight by resorting to straightforwardness.
What was in the mind of Laghuräjswämi was that to accept the amount received by virtue of other's effort is inappropriate and constitutes a depressed and dependent state of mind. The impact of wholesome Karma arises after the end of unwholesome one; that occurs like ebb and flow. Whatever has been destined is going to arise; we have not to look for anything. While courteously returning the amount to Ratnarajshri he had also written a letter to him. Ratnaräjshri was pleased thereby.
In a letter of July 1914 Laghurajswsami wrote to Ratnarajshri, "You are compassionate; I would like you to act like a cowboy leading the herd of liberation-worthy people on the right path so that they can resort to the religion of detached Lords.” Ratnräjshri replied, "You are the true religion incarnate; I have noticed your superb state. As such, you have been directing the liberation-worthy people towards the unique right path; whatever you command in that respect for raising our vigor needs to be carried out by us. Highly ascetic Guru, since one needs to have a high capability even to present the unique path of Graceful Lord, how much competency would be required to spread the same? ...Now it is worth taking the vow for staying within the Self while destroying the operative Karma and to move without concern for embodiment."
For the monsoon of 1914 Laghuräjswämi stayed in Kumbhnäth temple at Nadiad. Many liberation-seekers used to come there to see him, to get the benefit of his contact and to practice accordingly. Ratnaräjshri has written in that connection, “Bhagavati Aradhana is now read in the class of males, while Bharateshwar Bähubali Vrutti Bhäshäntar Kathäng in the class of females. Moreover, Chaturlälji has arranged for reading Ätmasiddhishästra in that class.... The Graceful Lord has termed this time as very tough and it is sad to say that the same is being experienced. ... It is worth seeking one's own well being and depart."
Strange is the state of prevailing Karma; miseries come over in series. After losing the crown-like shelter of the Graceful Lord, Laghuräjswämi lost the lifelong companion Devkaranji. The only support that he had thereafter was from Ambälälbhäi. That also was lost. The physical strength went on decreasing with the increase in age. Moreover, he was suffering from hernia, piles and rectal prolapse. He had thus to face many obstacles in observance of external restraints. Because of his tendency to stay away from all sorts of connections he had inclination to move lonely among hills and forests like Chidanandji. It was, however, hard for him to make movement due to arthritis and he had to stay steady in Kumbhanath temple at Nadiäd. There he had not to face the problems from hostile Jains. Moreover, other people being desirous of getting to the path of liberation, he started the above activities as religious duty, but there arose a problem.
On the full-moon day of Shrävan (Mostly in August) Brahmins came there for change of sacred thread. They resented a Jain monk's staying in the temple. Feeling envious, they poisoned the ears of trustees and forced him to vacate the place. Fortunately there were some well-to-do liberation-seekers, who rented the so-called Dhendhä building from Nänäsäheb and the routine set up at Kumbhnäth temple was resumed.
Ratnaräjshri has written in a letter, "Ranchhodbhäi is a pious man; he is practical, speaks well and is judicious. It is worth heeding to his request. The circumstances are not going to remain the same." In another letter he wrote, “My Lord, you are fortunate! On one side the sage of Umardashi and others are ready to be at your service... You are, of course, forgiving and devoid of desires... Your affectionate and compassionate nature becomes instrumental in delaying the arrangements for your staying independently... It occurs in the mind that there would be no alternative but to give up the compassion. It is learnt that the steps are now being taken for improving the school of Khambhät; it is possible that they may insist on your staying there. In that case our efforts for making arrangements for you here may seem susceptible." Aso Vad 1 Samvat 1970 (About October 1914)