As directed by Acharya Maharaj, five or six of us sadhus were returning after observing the chaturmas at Satna. We had not beheld Acharya Maharaj for almost a year and a half. We were eager to have his darshan. As we approached Jabalpur, we got to know that Acharya Maharaj was expected there in a short while. Overjoyed, we set out from Jabalpur toward Bargi to welcome him. We soon had the good fortune of having his darshan on the way.
As were proceeding to Jabalpur with him, we informed him of the success of the chaturmas at Satna. We told him that by his grace, we had done all that we were capable of and everything went off very well. The conditions were conducive to spiritual endeavour, good health and study of scriptures. Maharaj heard us patiently and then broke into a laughter. He said, “We all are beneficiaries of the grace of Acharya Gyanasagar Maharaj. It is our duty to dedicate ourselves to the service of Lord Mahaveer's mission and think of universal welfare while striving for our own uplift.” In those moments, one could not help being struck by his reverence, devotion and dedication for his guru. At this point, the other sadhus reminded him that it was the twelfth anniversary of my ordination as a kshullak. At once, he held my hand in his and said with great delight, “Let us go! We have a long way to go on this path of salvation.”
His affectionate touch and ambrosial words overwhelmed me.“ Tears welled up in my eyes. Even to this day, the reminiscence of those intimate moments inspires and supports me.
Jabalpur (January 10, 1992)