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65. Impressions from Previous Lives
hrimad came to Idar in Magshar sud VS 1955 a retreat of solitude. His close relative and intimate friend, Dr Pranjivan Mehta, the Chief Medical Officer, had invited him there, being aware of his preference for secluded spots. Shrimad was particularly drawn to this area as he could recall spiritual experiences he had there in his previous lives.
In his discussions with the Maharaja of Idar, Shrimad had referred to the historical significance of Idar. The comments Shrimad privately made suggest some very significant memories : "The last Tirthankar, Lord Mahavir, who propagated the Jain philosophy in its entirety had walked the soil of Idar along with his main disciples. All but one of his disciples had attained Enlightenment. The one who remained has been reborn in these times and it is likely that through him many souls will benefit spiritually."
This and other similar comments made by Shrimad elsewhere indicate the nature of his relationship with Lord Mahavir in a previous life.
Shrimad, the divine soul, born with insights gained from the supreme True guru, Lord Mahavir, frequently remembered various auspicious events in the lives of Enlightened Ones from that time.
Shrimad's intention was to spend his time in Idar in total anonymity and seclusion. However, he had hardly been there a fortnight when Munishri Lalluji and two other monks arrived and four more were on their way.
Although Shrimad was a gentle and tender soul, he had to be stern and ask the monks to go away. However, touched by their genuine devotion, he relented and allowed them to stay for a few days.
On the third day, as per Shrimad's instructions, the seven Munis gathered under a mango tree. When Shrimad arrived, he noticed Muni Devkaranji who was physically frail, shivering in the bitter cold. Shrimad asked, “Are you feeling cold? Do you want to get rid of the cold ?"
As if he was signaling to get rid of the "cold" of worldly existence, he suddenly got up and walked vigorously up to the top of the hill, ignoring the thorns, bushes and stones in his path, just as he had vigorously scaled spiritual heights in his life, overcoming all obstacles in his way, and so must we !
