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"I have learnt much from the lives of many a person, but it is from the life of Kavishri (the poet i.e. Shrimad) that I have learnt the most.” [A lecture delivered by Gandhiji in Ahmedabad in 1921]
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On one occasion, someone suggested to Gandhiji : "to speak a few words in any language before Shrimad and that Shrimad would recite them back in the same sequence".
This suggestion surprised Gandhiji. Describing himself at that time, he says: "I was young, recently returned from England, and proud of my linguistic abilities. I was also very proud of my English connection, and believed that I was superior to others. With all my knowledge, I first made a list of words in different languages, because I was unlikely to remember them myself! Then I read out all these words. Raichandbhai recited the words back to me in the same sequence, slowly and one after another. I was amazed and dumbfounded. I formed a very high opinion of the phenomenal memory of Kavishri and invied it. This experience can be considered as an excellent contribution in deflating the pride with which I had come back from England."
Of his experience at the first meeting with Shrimad, Gandhiji says:
“The thing that did cast a spell over me was his wide knowledge of the scriptures, his spotless character and his burning passion for self-realisation."
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"Raichandbhai's commercial transactions numbered in hundreds and thousands. He was a connoisseur of pearls and diamonds. No business problem was too difficult for him. But all these things were not the centre around which his life revolved. It was the passion to know himself. The man who, immediately on completing his weighty business transactions, began to write about the hidden things of the spirit. He could evidently not be a businessman at all, but a real seeker of Truth. And I saw him thus absorbed in Godly pursuits in the midst of business, not once or twice, but very often." ["Satya Na Prayog" or the Story of My Experiments with Truth.]
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"I have since met many a religious leaders or teachers. I have tried to meet the heads of various faiths, and I must say that no one else has ever impressed me as much as Raichandbhai."
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"His words had a profound impact on me. I had great regard for his intellect and for his moral uprightness. Deep down within me was the conviction that he would never lead me astray and would always guide me with his innermost thoughts. Therefore in my moments of spiritual crisis, he was my refuge."
[From Gandhiji's 'The Story of My Experiments with Truth']
“While we are worldly souls, Shrimadji was not like us. While we may have to take many births hereafter, for Raichandbhai his present life may be the last. While we perhaps are running away from liberation, Raichandbhai was heading towards it with a tremendous speed. This speaks volumes of Raichandbhai's self effort." [From Gandhiji's Pen-Picture of Shrimad Rajchandra]
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