Life of Shrimad Rajchandra

Author(s): Manu Doshi
Publisher: Manu Doshi

Page 56

After coming in close contact with Juthabhäi, when Shrimad came to Ahmedabad, he usually stayed with him. Juthabhäi also stayed with Shrimad at Morbi for about two months. Once he accompanied Shrimad to Bharuch. They also corresponded about the spiritual matters. That time Juthäbhäi was not keeping well because of some disease, but his sense of detachment continued to grow.
Ambäläl Lälchand had come to Ahmedabad along with one or two persons to attend a wedding ceremony. Being of the same age, they used to go to Juthabhäi. They invited the latter to join the bridegroom procession. Having a detached mind, Juthabhai did not like to join it. An idea came to his mind to tell those people about that, but he restrained his mind and simply uttered, 'Why should I prevent them?
Since those people could not make out what he intended to say, they asked him about it. They were impressed by his detachment and were willing to listen to him. Juthabhäi talked highly about Shrimad and showed to them the letters received by him. By reading the same, those people also wished to come in contact with Shrimad. They copied those letters and wrote to Shrimad to visit Khambhät. Though they had been to Ahmedabad for a wedding ceremony, the contact of Juthäbhäi led them towards spiritualism.
During 1889-90 Juthabhäi remained afflicted with disease. Several letters addressed by Shrimad during that time became very helpful in leading him towards the spiritual contemplation. That gave rise to the right perception, which leads to liberation.
Shrimad wrote on 3rd day of Vaishakh V.S. 1946 (in early May 1890): "If my subtle capability to know and make out has not been affected by being involved in this business, if it has remained the same, it seems that Juthabhäi will attain tranquility and leave this ephemeral life on Thursday, the 9th day of Ashäd (sometime in June) at night." Shrimad had written to Chhaganlal Becharlal to convey Juthabhäi about it. The family members of Juthabhai could not make out that he had gained the right perception despite his manifest detachment and objectivity.
On 10th of Ashäd Shrimad wrote: “The subtle capability has been slightly affected by the present involvement. The pious Juthäbhäi passed away on the above date, but during the day instead of night."
In the consolation letter Shrimad has described Juthabhai's internal state, which is worth pondering over by everyone.
"His given name itself was representative of the true nature of body. From spiritual point of view it was the right mode of detachment. His passions were destroyed a great deal; he was very intensely inclined towards detachment and highly despised the worldly life; the sense of devotion always remained predominant in his mind; he had wonderful capability to bear the destined Karma with equanimity; the level of his deluding Karma had almost zeroed down, and the desire for liberation had shone out. The soul of such pious Juthabhäi left the world today; it got away from these companions. He finished his life suddenly, but entirely delightfully.
"Oh! It is hardly amazing that such a religious man remains short-lived at the present time. How can such a pious man continue to live in these times! How can his colleagues be lucky to see such a pious one for a long time? The right perception that can lead to liberation was manifest within him. Repeated obeisance to such pious Juthabhäi!
“The words signaling passing away of such a truth-seeker are terrifying. But the Time does not afford the longer life of such jewels. The Artful goddess did not think it fit that the unique companion of religiously inclined people should survive!