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life as early as possible and pursue the goal of selfrealization. His early writings like Mokșa-mālā and Bhāvanā-bodha which he wrote at about 16th year of his life, prove this fact. Mahatma Gandhi came in contact with him when Śrsamad was about 23-24. Gandhi has described him in the following words :
“Whatever he was doing, eating, sitting, sleeping, he was firmly detached in every act. I have never seen him getting attached, attracted or crazy about any affluence of the worldly life. He was very contended in whatever he was offered to eat. His dress was very simple. Sitting on a chair or on the ground made no difference for him.” 21 Gandhiji further says, "He was engrossed in his thoughts even when he would be walking. He had a miracle in his eyes which were very shining. He was never in dejected mood. His voice was so much sweet that one would never be tired of listening to him. His face was always smiling and displayed inner happiness. He had such command over language that he never had to try to find an appropriate word."*
His non-attachment became intense day by day. He never took care of his body, so much so that at the age of 32, he weighed 65 pounds and at 33, he was reduced to 45 pounds. Thus he was reduced to a mere skeleton,
