KOLLUR AND KASARAGOD 13
His legs were so weak that he could hardly walk
without help. He lived alone and still was always
cheerful and contented. His strictures upon worldly life
were sharp and severe. The saint would keep the party
engaged with his lofty discourses till late in the night. He
would never get tired of talking ahout God and His glories.
"Whenever he was alone, he was observed to be busy
writing down in pencil the name "Rani" with which he had
filled up many note-books. Altogether, the stay with the
saint lasted only three days. On the second day they were
joined by a young but "blind sadhu led in and attended on
by an elderly widowed lady. The sadhu appeared to he
about 20 or 22 years old. Owing to two cataract spots on
the pupils he had become stone-blind. Dr.Umanathraowent
up to him and examining his eyes gave him to understand
that a simple operation would restore his sight, and that he
was prepared to do that much for him. The sadhu turned
round and said: "Kind Sir, I would have nothing of what
you say. I am perfectly contented with the lot God has
bestowed on me. What do I care for the external and
perishable sight when the internal has opened? The former
is a snare, and God through His infinite mercy has deprived
me of it so that my inner vision may all the more he pure
and glorious. I am happy and cheerful in the contemplation
of the divine Lord who dwells in the hearts of all. May He
always keep me in tune with Him."
As he spoke thus, his eyes, the light of which had gone
out, were filled with tears and his face shone with a
wonderful lustre.
The three days glided away most blissfully in the
society of these saints. Before leaving the village the party
visited the shrine of Mukambika. They returned to
Kundapur. Stopping with TJmanathrao for a fortnight
more Ramdas left for Mangalore. On the way he halted
for two days atUdipi where he metK. Anandrao, a pure soul
living a retired life engaged in. austerities. Eamdas enjoyed
8*