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6. Innocent Nature
Thrimad would, with his childhood friends go to the local ponds and the nearby trees to play. In his early autobiography Samuchchya Vayacharya, he relates his childhood and what he experienced during that phase. He states :
"Until the age of seven, I spent my time playing childish games. I do remember that unusual thoughts would enter my mind (without my understanding the nature or meaning of these thoughts). I had a strong desire to win any game I played, as well as to become a mighty king of kings.
"In matters of dress, cleanliness, eating, sleeping and other such activities my mind was never focused on these physical activities." He also recalled that his physique was weak.
"If I had, then, the discriminative understanding which I have now, I would not have such a thirst for Moksha. I very clearly remember my innocent nature."
At the age of seven, Shrimad had a most wonderful experience. The events of the outer world often awaken the inner world so that the past and the present all come together in one single thread. Even the greatest of fires start with a single spark.
Shrimad knew a young man in Vavania called Amichandbhai. Well built, he was very loving and affectionate towards the young Shrimad, who was also fond of him. One day this Amichandbhai was bitten by a snake and he died on the spot.
Being a small town, the news spread fast. The whole town was talking about this unfortunate event. Some were surprised by the sudden death of such a young man in the prime of his life, while others were saddened by the loss of such a loving person. Soon, young Shrimad came to know what had happened. He was quite shocked that someone so warm towards him had passed away.
Always a thoughtful and reflective child, the idea of death gripped Shrimad. In those days, Shrimad would always turn to his beloved grandfather with any questions which troubled him. He would speak of his thoughts, doubts and desires with an openheart. He ran to his grandfather with the question : "What is death ?"
