Satsang
with the Diwan of Vansda:
Amin
Zaverbhai Nathabhai (of Virsad), the Diwan of Vansda, was longing
to see Bhagatji. He was inspired by his talks with Yagnapurushdasji.
He wrote some three letters to Acharya Maharaj and Kothari at
Vadtal expressing his honest desire to meet Bhagatji. On receiving
commands from Acharya Maharaj and Kothari, Bhagatji arrived at
Vansda via Bilimora along with three to four devotees. He invited
Vignandasji from Khandesh to join him at Vansda. The Diwan accorded
a hearty welcome to Bhagatji befitting his status and position.
He and his wife attended to Bhagatji day and night.
They were Vedantins so Bhagatji talked in detail about the five
eternal elements-Jiva, Ishwar, Maya, Brahman and Prabrahman with
suitable quotations from Vachanamritam and other scriptures. He
also explained to them the significance of agna and upasana.
One night after completing his routine niyam-chesta. Bhagatji
retired to bed. But then all of a sudden he got up and started
chanting devotional songs. The Diwan and other haribhaktas also
got up. After some time Bhagatji woke up from his trance and addressed
the people sitting around him, "One who wants to realise
God should remember him incessantly. He must always wake up like
this, with the slightest flutter, and start singing in praise
of God. A genuine seeker should fear like a deer and sleep like
a crow. How can we have a sound sleep when we have innate enemies
like our senses? Therefore, in all states while eating, drinking,
sleeping or waking, we should always remember God and singing
his songs. Then only the person can do whatever he desires."
While delving deep into the realms of Brahman and Prabrahman,
Bhagatji often gave practical tips too, "If you want to worship
God and identify yourself with Brahman then you should follow
your religion rigorously. Dharma sustains jnan. Jnan establishes
vivek and kindles vairagya. Vairagya which has resulted from jnan
liberates you from the yoke of vishay (sense gratification) and
intuitively one develops love towards God. One should strictly
follow the eleven commandments and think and act accordingly.
Bhakti is pativrata (faith), it will follow dharma (religion),
and jnan-vairagya (wisdom asceticism) are the two sons; they two
shall follow her." Thus through such wonderful talks, Bhagatji
taught the Diwan to derive pure joy from singing devotional songs.
He made a solemn promise to Diwanji, "At the time of your
death I will come with Maharaj to receive you."
The Maharaja of Vansda and other high officials used to come for
Bhagatji's darshan. They were greatly impressed by Bhagatji's
spiritual powers. The Maharaja received him in his palace.
After giving the immense pleasure of his company to Diwan Saheb,
Bhagatji left Vansda. The Diwan was so much attached to Bhagatji
that his eyes became misty at the time of departing. From Vansda
Bhagatji went to Chansad and then returned to Vadtal. Acharya
Maharaj was pleased to learn about Bhagatji's divine influence
on the people of Vansda. He offered a turban to Bhagatji as a
mark of honour. Then he took Acharya Maharaj's leave and arrived
at Ahmedabad via Nadiad.
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