Pinnacle Of Spirituality

Author(s): Kumarpal Desai
Publisher: Raj Saubhag Satsang Mandal

Page 22

3. A Fakir's Prophecy
hrimad's mother Devbai looked after one and all with love, affection and generosity. Traditionally, an Indian bride comes to her new family with her own gold jewellery, often handed down from generation to generation, and of significant sentimental value.
Unfortunately, the family's financial position deteriorated, and Devbai willingly sold all the jewellery to provide for the family. But her nature had not changed and she continued to serve monks and saints as well as all visitors to her home with the same generosity and affection.
Devbai was a model of humility and of service. Her father- and mother-in-law were pleased to see their daughter-in-law's continued support to the family and its traditions in such difficult times.
They blessed her from the bottom of their hearts and had longed to see her bear a son who they knew, would bring light and joy to the family.
As if the gods had answered their prayers, Devbai was blessed with a son whom they named Laxminandan, and who later became known as Shrimad Rajchandra. Shrimad had one elder sister Shivkuvarbai, a younger brother Mansukh and three younger sisters, Zabakbai, Menabai and Jijibai.
Shrimad's father Ravjibhai also kept up the family's custom of the service to others, regardless of caste, creed or colour. He had long served a particular fakir, a Muslim mendicant, who once requested Ravjibhai to visit him early the next morning.
The next day, when Ravjibhai was about to leave, some guests called and he received them warmly, as was his custom with all guests.
When Ravjibhai finally arrived, the fakir addressed him :
“Ravji, you are very late. You will beget two sons - one will be very illustrious and the other will also be good. Both sons will bring glory to the family but the elder will command the respect of all. It is now time for me to leave this place. You too return home. May God bless you."