It is late into the night. I wait along with the rest for him to emerge from samayik, so that we may have the opportunity to attend on him. How wondrous is the life of a Jain muni! When he dwells in his self, he attains self-realisation and when he comes out of self-contemplation to be with us, we get to learn how to dissolve our identities in our true self.
Sitting at his feet in the soft light of an earthen lamp, I experience a deep sense of belonging. As if I have come very close to myself. The sweet comfort of the proximity of his feet makes me go soft inside. We may well be engaged in his service, but he is engrossed in himself, oblivious of our ministrations. I marvel at this capacity to transcend the body, while still dwelling in it.
The night turns into day. The morrow is illumined by a gentler, brighter sun. I am due to return today. Before leaving, I touch his feet and his face is lit up by a smile, as if he is asking whether I would really be able to return. What can I say? Wordlessly, I take my leave with the tacit recognition that I would never be able to go elsewhere. His cordiality has filled my heart, just as the luminous rays of the rising sun drench your body and soul, the moment you open the door. I bow to this radiant sun of my soul.
Kundalpur (1976)