Pinnacle Of Spirituality

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

Page 82

KIYORORONOODOO
33. An Ardent Devotee
n the summer of Vikram Samvat 1945, two acquaintances of Juthalalbhai, whom Shrimad had recently befriended, had come to Ahmedabad to attend a wedding. As the wedding procession was leaving, these two men of Khambat, Ambalalbhai and Chhotalalbhai went to fetch Juthalalbhai.
Juthabhai had become very close to Shrimad and was studying some letters Shrimad had sent him. His mind was thus focused on spiritual matters and detached from worldly activities. He wanted to tell them something about Shrimad, but did not think it appropriate at such an occasion. However, when they came to fetch him, he could not help himself and spoke a little of some profoundly spiritual matters. They all asked him from whom he had learned such valuable insights. Juthabhai told them about the embodiment of wisdom and detachment, which Shrimad was. He then gave them some of his letters, which they found a treasury of wisdom and insight.
Ambalalbhai, in particular showed a keen interest and asked if it would be possible to meet such a wise and saintly person. He was given Shrimad's address and told to write to him and ask him directly. Ambalalbhai's meeting with Juthalalbhai marked a turning point in his life and he returned to Khambhat with a strong desire to meet Shrimad. He had made copies of Shrimad's letters.
Shrimad's worldly duties meant that he was not able to spend much time on his primary goal of self-realisation, and helping others do the same. Until he had attained a certain spiritual stage, he was reluctant to draw attention to himself. It was only after five or six letters that Shrimad agreed to meet Ambalalbhai. Ambalalbhai went to Mumbai with his friend Tribhovanbhai Manekchand. It is said that the eyes of the true aspirant easily recognize great souls, and as soon as they meet Shrimad, Ambalalbhai and Tribhovanbhai immediately felt great joy.
The twenty-year-old Ambalalbhai became one of Shrimad's closest disciples and served him with great devotion. It was to him that Shrimad wrote the letter entitled : "Who is worthy of Mahavir's message ?" Which outlines the basic qualities that one should possess to tread on the path to Moksha. It was also Ambalalbhai who dutifully stood by Shrimad's side, holding a lamp, at the time of the composition of Shri Atma Siddhi Shastra. Later Ambalalbhai imparted his wisdom by explaining all the verses of Shri Atma Siddhi Shashtra for the benefit of the world at large.
BUOTOCYOYOYOTVOVLOVATO!