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54. A Truly Pious Bond
he relationship between Shrimad and Sobhagbhai was unique in nature. Their spiritual bond lasted seven years after their eventful first meeting in Jetpur. Sobhagbhai ran a small shop in a village called Anjar in Kutch and his deteriorating financial circumstances were a cause of serious concern to him. Shrimad would counsel him to face his hardships with fortitude instead of letting the situation bring him down.
Shrimad said: "The difficulties which you are facing are not your enemies..... do not be distressed by these worldly difficulties, for if you face them with equanimity, they can be a source of inner contemplation ....... Try not to let the soul become unsettled. Whatever will be, will be. Even if you do lose your composure, what will be, will be, but the soul will become tainted."
With this kind of guidance, Shrimad was reinforcing his soulmate Sobhagbhai's spiritual resolve. It was from their very first meeting that Sobhagbhai experienced utmost reverence and devotion for Shrimad. He was elated at finding spiritual refuge in Shrimad's presence and guidance.
Sobhagbhai had been suffering from fever for over eight months and during the month of Vaishakh in VS 1953, Shrimad came to Sayla to visit his ailing friend. Shrimad gave him further spiritual guidance.
When Shrimad was leaving back, he set off early in the morning and Sobhagbhai went to see him off. They came to a river and the first rays of the morning Sun could be seen on the horizon. Sobhagbhai turned to Shrimad and declared his devotion : "With the rising sun and this river as my witness, and in presence of this saintly soul, may I, Sobhag vow that I want nothing except your grace !"
We should recognize and devote ourselves to one whose presence in our lives will bring an end to any longing we have had since time immemorial. When Sobhagbhai received the first copy of "Atma Siddhi Shastra," he felt that it was everything he had ever wanted. The extra verse in Atma Siddhi after verse number 127 verifies this:
For Sobhagbhai, Dungarshibhai and other aspirants For their upliftment, the means to happiness has been explained.
