Pinnacle Of Spirituality

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

Page 88

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36. Spiritual Guru After taking permission from his Guru, Acharya Harakhchandji, Munishri Lalluji took Shrimad upstairs and was so overwhelmed after their first meeting that he prostrated himself at Shrimad's feet, even though he was a monk and fourteen years senior. Despite Shrimad's insistence that he stop, he did so not only once but three times out of profound respect and deep humility.
It so happens that seemingly ordinary events turn out to be extraordinary. The meeting between Munishri Lalluji and Shrimad was one such event. It brought about the transformation of many lives, brought the light of truth to many and freed many souls from the bondage of prejudices.
Munishri Lalluji was a highly respected monk and held significant influence over his followers. He was the only child born to the wealthy businessman Krishnadas Gopalji. At a young age he abandoned all his wealth and took the vows of monkhood. When he was initiated, there were only four monks in the area but the number soon doubled. He attained the status of a chief monk within five years, and the number of monks kept increasing, many attributing the increase to Munishri Lalluji's auspicious arrival. Munishri was also famous for his poetry.
It was a matter of great surprise that such a great monk should so revere a householder. Shrimad asked him what he desired and Munishri responded that he wanted mental firmness with regard to total celibacy and Right vision.
Shrimad asked: "What makes you think that I can satisfy your needs and why do you have such feelings of devotion towards me?"
Munishri replied, "When I first saw you, I had a surge of devotional affection for you. I have a distinct feeling that you were my father in one of my previous lives. I felt a sense of fearlessness. This is why I show you so much reverence."
Shrimad then examined the monk's right big toe. Later he said that Munishri had a rare spiritual legacy from previous lives.
Shrimad then gave a discourse on 'Shree Suyagadang Sutra', explaining the possibility of deep Self-Realisation in present times. He also explained parts of 'Thanang Sutra' and resolved many doubts. Acharya Harakhchandji was also inspired by Shrimad's interpretation, and bowed to Shrimad in reverence.
The Monk's acceptance of a householder as a Guru is an almost unique occurrence in Jain history.
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