________________
services were engaged as watchmen but some who could not get employment took to thefts and cattle lifting which was taken as a profession by their community. They had their own rules and regulations for conducting this "profession" and they were strictly observed. Nahan Pagi was a very head-strong man belonging to this "profession". He was a notorious decoit, a hunter, a thief and a known alcoholic. People were afraid of him and his companion Popat Pagi.
In the year 1948 Santbal was once camping at Limbdi a town in Saurashtra. After the evening prayer meeting, two tall and robust young men armed with swords got up while the meeting had not still dispersed. They attracted the attention of all. Both of them went near the Saint and in a voice chocked with emotion Nahan said with folded hands "Maharaj, we are tormented by our own sins. Give us a vow not to commit these sins again. We were in search of a true Saint before whom we could acknowledge our misdeeds. Now bless us that we could renounce our present life." All those who were present in the meeting and knew the credentials of these two, were stunned. Santbalji himself was surprised at this sudden development.
He asked them how they knew him. "Know you"? Nahan said, "Who does not know you? Do we not know that for our benefit you are moving bare feet in the blazing heat of the summer in our area. We came to know that you were camping at Limbdi and were likely to leave tomorrow. We, therefore, came running so as not to miss you."
The Saint blessed them saying that only those who are brave can bravely switch over to the path of religion. "Uptil now," he said, "you have used your courage and bravery in accomplishing your decoities and other misdeeds. Now you utilise these activities for the protection of the society and be true human beings." He then offered prayers for peace. Nahan and his companion again
103
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org