Life of Shrimad Rajchandra

Author(s): Manu Doshi
Publisher: Manu Doshi

Page 50

has written only what he had experienced. There is no artificiality. I have not seen that he has written even a single line for impressing others. There had always been some religious book and a diary by his side. He would note in that diary whatever occurred to him, sometimes in prose and sometimes in poetry....
"While eating, sitting, sleeping or doing any other thing, he would invariably be imbibed with detachment. I have never seen him enamored of any worldly achievement.
"I used to see his lifestyle respectfully, but minutely. He was contented with whatever he got for eating. His dress was simple, a shirt, stringed upper garment, headdress and dhoti. I do not remember that they were very neat or ironed. Sitting on the floor or on chair was equal to him. In his shop he usually sat with his back at a cushion.
"His movement was slow and the observer could make out that he remained in thoughts even while walking. He had miraculous eyes; they were very bright, there was no uneasiness and they remained concentrated. He had a round face, thin lips, neither sharp nor flat nose, slim body, medium size, dark complexion and quiet look. There was so much sweetness in his throat that one would not be tired of listening to him. He had a smiling and delightful face; it was imbibed with internal pleasure. He had prefect command over language. I do not recollect any occasion when he might be looking for words to express his thoughts. I have hardly seen him changing words while writing. Still, the reader would not find that any concept is incomplete or construction of a sentence is defective or selection of any word is at fault.
"This description would apply to a restrained man. One cannot be detached by outward show. Detachment is a grace of soul; every one can see that it can be gained by endeavor of several lives. One, who tries to get rid of attachment, makes out how hard it is to be free from that. I have the impression that the state of detachment was innate to him.
"Detachment is the first step on the way to liberation. How can one like the talk of liberation so long as his mind remains attached to any worldly aspect? If one likes it, that would be restricted only to ears. In other words, it would be identical to our liking a musical tune without knowing or making out the meaning. There would be a long way before one can turn to liberation from such an ear-pleasing game. There would be no yearning for liberation without detachment at heart. Shrimad had that intensity of detachment."
Once Shrimad had been for a walk with someone. As they came to the place of cemetery, he asked, "What is this?' As the companion replied, 'Cemetery', Shrimad remarked, 'We see entire Bombay like a cemetery.'
In view of Shrimad's extraordinary capability and his interest in Self-study, one neighbor asked him, 'Since you remain absorbed in religion for the whole day, you might be knowing the future prices.' Shrimad replied, "We have not grown so senseless that we undertake the study of Self for knowing the prices!"
An inhabitant of Kutch named Padamshibhäi asked Shrimad in Bombay, "Sir, I am having a high instinct of fear, what do I do about it?"
Shrimad: "What type of fear in particular?"
Padamashi: "Of death."