Monk and Monarch

Author(s): Vidyavijay
Publisher: Deepchand Banthia

Page 93

morning other Sadhus found the clothes of Suriji soiled by blood and wondered at his power of endurance.
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Suriji always appreciated and respected merits in others. Moreover he was very modest and gave others their dues. He respected his Guru also implicitly. Once he went to another village wherein his Guru was staying, because he received a letter from him saying that he should immediately go to him. Suriji was then about to break his fast of two days; but seeing the letter, he at once started even without meals. In short Suriji was a mine of all virtues.
He also performed spiritual Yogic practices for the good of his soul. Once, when he was in Sirohi, he, as usual, was practicing Yogic concentration just before dawn. Owing to old age and penances, he had become very weak, and so he fell down unconscious. Other Sadhus lifted him up, and he soon came to consciousness. These Sadhus then remonstrated with him that he should give up such hard Yogic practices at that age. But Suriji replied saying that the body was frail and was bound to be perished any day. One should never stop from spiritual activities.
According to poet Rishabhadas, Suriji had performed the following penances:
81 Athams (eighth days), 225 Chhaths (sixth days), 3,600 fasts, 2,000 ambils, and 2,000 nivis. He was in continual concentration for three months to achieve mastery over the 'surimantra.
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He had thus undergone vast and austere penances. Without suffering there is no achievement. Suriji's magnificent achievements were all due to his spiritual powers.
He had composed many books, out of which only some are obtainable now, like "Jambudvipaprajnapti-tika," and "Antarikshaparshvanathastava." He was a great scholar and enjoyed the front rank at the court of Akbar.
After the monsoon of V. S. 1651, which he passed at Una, when he was departing from there, he became very weak and ill, Consequently he had to postpone his departure.