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The Unknown Pilgrims
enough to do so; yet, according to the accounts of those present at the time, her vigour was scarcely abated. To see her and speak with her, one would never have thought that she had been fasting for such a long time.
The impact of her radiance
Sādhvi Ratnavati did no preaching through word of mouth, her very presence was enough; secing her thus continuing in this state of deep recoffcction, several of those who came to visit felt themselves drawn to dhyāna, certain ones pledged themselves to a life of chastity and others embarked on a fast.
She replied with brcvity, clarity, precision, wisdom and firmness to all those who put questions to her. Her replies made transparently clear her spiritual strength and her serene joy, which were due both to her having gone beyond the range of any contingency and to her certainty of being on the right path. Without letting herself be upset by trisling questions, or becoming impatient, she made short work of any useless or misplaced comments. The radiance of her person was such that the members of the different sampradāyas of the region all considered her as one of theirs.
Even thc sccptics are convinced
The news spread rapidly all over the district. Certain ones showed doubt, even hostility, and there began to be talk of suicide. The civil authorities arrived on the spot and a lady doctor was appointed to study the case at close quarters. However, at the sight of the happy countenance of Sadhvi Ratnavati, most of the sceptics held their peace and certain ones even considered themselves her defenders. The authorities came to the conclusion that it was not for the civil power to meddle in what concerned the Realisation of the atman.
The messages of the acārya
Being unable to come in person to speak with her and guide her, the ācārya, who was receiving regular bulletins through the śrāvakas, sent her several messages, messages that were brief and simple, in which he gave her his moral support for this extraordinary venture,
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