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THE WAY OF LIFE
reverence to Acharyashri Narachandrasooriji who was travelling with that society and then affectionately embraced Punad, the leader of the society. The pilgrims pitched their camp on the banks of a lake outside the city. Vasthupal extended an invitation to all the pilgrims to dinner. The invitation was accepted. In the heart of Vasthupal, there was great enthusiasm to serve and adore the Sangha or the Society.
In order to render his service and devotion to the Sangha, he got excellent food prepared. The Chief Minister himself personally came to welcome the members of the society. He washed the feet of every pilgrim and adored his forehead with Tilak. Six hours passed. Then, Tejpal came there and said, "Oh lord, you kindly go and take your food. We will get this work done by others". Vasthupal said, "Brother, I am not at all tired. My enthusiasm is only increasing. I can get this kind of opportunity only on account of the punyas (merits) of countless janmas".
WHAT IS DEVOTION TO THE SANGH ?
Acharyashri Narachandrasooriji came to know that the Chief Minister had not yet taken his food and that he had been still washing the feet of the members of the Sangha. He sent this message to the Chief Minister. "The head of the family should be protected with effort. If he is lost, the family itself will be lost; therefore you must take your food". The Chief Minister sent a polite message to the Gurudev, "Revered Gurudev, to-day my father's aspiration has been fulfilled. My mother's blessings have borne fruit. I am worshipping with absolute felicity the pilgrims going to have a darshan of Paramatma Rishabhadev. I am not at all worried. I am not at all tired".
This virtue is called politeness in prosperity. Vasthupal and Tejpal possessed extraordinary affluence, power, influence and popularity. Yet they were totally devoid of pride. They were always humble. Such humility would certainly be adored. The sangh or society that had come from Nagpur was treated with hospitality. They were given excellent food and were presented with garments. The leader of the Sangha, Punad was
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