Shrimad Rajchandra And Mahatma Gandhi

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

Page 74

Shrimad Rajchandra's Message
than to know that my dear Shrimad shall dwell in the supreme soul someday. Like iron fetters, even the chains of gold also create attachments and therefore I must control my own affection for you." This episode with Rambaima has been described in a book called 'Shri Rambaima'.
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Shrimad's family celebrated his thirteenth birthday. On his birthday, he visited the temple and Ramdasji Maharaj was elated at seeing the glow of knowledge shining brightly on Shrimad's young face. As Shrimad came closer to Ramdasji, he bowed down in obeisance and touched his feet to express his profound respect for Ramdasji Maharaj. Ramdasji welcomed him and seeing a ceremonial tilak on Shrimad's forehead, he enquired the reason behind it.
Shrimad Rajchandra replied, "My family and well-wishers have celebrated the birthday of this body today. However, there is nothing unique about it, one grows in age as a matter of natural course, and so also one's body is gradually decaying with time. But, Gurudev, a more important thing happened today. When I was getting up from my bed, the ceremonial thread around my neck broke accidentally. Whenever it broke in the past, I used to replace it with a new one however today I do not feel like tying a new thread. A thread around the neck, a mark of vermilion on the forehead and other such sectarian symbols are mere external representations of one's faith in a particular religious sect. Does one need such symbols once one has ascended the path of spirituality?"
Ramdasji replied, "I wouldn't say that myself, however, your soul has already attained a higher level of spirituality. Hence, external signs or marks may not be of any significance to you. You have attained such a high level of spirituality through striving in your previous lives. I am aware that your mind is moving towards