Sambodhi 1993 Vol 18

Author(s): J B Shah, N M Kansara
Publisher: L D Indology Ahmedabad

Page 62

Vol. XVIII, '92-'93 legitimate share by these Gurus. At the same time, he also deplores the greedy mentality of the Brahmins who criticize the Vedic religion by flattering, what be calls, the Kșudras, to get even a petty alms. Thus, a scholar like Damodar Samnyāsī does not seem to be above such sectarian approach. However, it was Akho who openly protested against those so called guardians of social morality, religion and scholarship, through his poems written in Gujarati language.
Akho (c. 1591-1656) was a gold-smith by caste. He came to Ahmedabad from a near by village called Jetalpur. Several incidents in his life are said to have made his sensitive mind disillusioned about arificial social relationship. He lost his wife early, and also his sister whom he loved with deep affection. In one incident, ignoring the 'traditional dishonesty' of the gold-smith Akho added his own gold while preparing an ornament for a lady whom he cherished as his sister. The lady could not imagine that Akho, by the very nature of his profession would remain honest and would not mix any other metal in gold. Being, thus, distrustful she got her ornament tested, and to her utter surprise found that it contained gold worth more than its original weight. When Akho learnt about her suspicion he was shocked. He was convinced that there was no place for an honest man in the society, which gave recognition to only rogues. Yet in another incident, he as the head of the royal mint at Ahmedabad, became a victim of the mischief done by some of his caste fellows who charged him for alloying silver with baser metals in minting coins. He was imprisoned on a charge of committing defalcation. However, he was found innocent and set free. Fed up with such deceitful ways of the world he decided to find out the true significance of life."
First he sought refuge in prayer, and performed many rituals, but found no peace. So as a devout follower of the Vallabha sect he went to Gokul in the hope of getting spiritual solace from the Goswami, the head of the Vallabh sect. Being a rich person Akho was accorded warm hospitability by the Goswami. But his spirit revolted against the feasts and festivities of the sect. So he left for other religious places including Mathura and Prayag. Finally he came to Kashi. In Kashi he sat at the feet of many scholars and ascetics; but found them below his expectation. Finally, by chance, he happened to listen the discourse of Samnyāsi, Brahmānanda. In Brahmānanda, Akho discovered his genuine guru. The Swami also found in Akho his true disciple, his not being a dvija. After spending three years under him Akho, now as a pauper, on his way back to Ahmedabad, once again visited Gokul. Gokulnātha, the head-priest, though recognized Akho in his rags, not only refused to receive him but instructed his doorkeeper to drive him out. In Ahmedabad as well as in other places of Gujarat, Akho came in contact with the ascetics of different sects whom he found indulging in worldly ways. Thus, disgusted with the hyprocrisy of the leaders and followers of various sects Akho decided to spend the rest of his life in exposing them, and at the same time, showing people the right way to discover for themselves the true significance of life through his poems.
The collection this poetic compositions in Gujarati include Pañcikarana, Guru-sisya