પુસ્તક

In the fit of intense desire for renunciation, I left home one night in 1953 with only a rupee and a quarter in hand. Yes, literally in hand, because I did not have sewn clothes on. And only a rupee and a quarter because I had taken a vow not to touch money after buying a train ticket with it and to go as away as the ticket fare could take me. But how would I buy the ticket? One of my acquaintances was at the ticket window. I was in the guise of sadhu. If I were recognized, people would gather and I might miss the train and consequently my aim too. I had two options before me: either to travel without ticket or to return and wait until the next train arrived.
The second alternative was not palatable to me because I had left home after an intense mental struggle for six months. My belongings were already distributed among friends and relatives. All my accounts were settled. I had informed all my debtors that they need not return my money as I considered all accounts as settled. People suspected that I would probably turn a sadhu. But I did not tell anyone about it, nor did anyone discuss the matter with me directly. (more…)