63 E* THE VISION OF GOD
"Don't misunderstand Ramdas. Take it, in the first place,
that he is year best well-wisher. You have been exceedingly
kind and good to him from the time of your contact with him.
You have also suffered a great deal. Ramdas had warned
you that to throw your lot with him would prove a painful
affair. However, it is well you shared with him the discom-
forts and trials of the long journey from Mangalore to
Pandharpur. Experience is a great teacher. Now yon want
Ramdas to remain here for some days so that the sores of
their feet may be healed, while the voice within him bids him
start from here before this very evening, and he has to obey
the voice. Ramdas is not dragging you into another course
of suffering when it is evident that yon are not prepared
for it. Moreover a travel by yourself will do yon much
good. Independent life will grant you increased faith in
God. His constant remembrance will imbtie yon with a
consciousness of strength and security. Yon will thus grow
perfectly fearless in your complete dependence upon Him.
Give up your slavish adherence to Ramdas. Roain about
by yourself. God dwells within yon. Be aware of His
fellowship always."
Eaincharandas1 attachment and love for Ramdas had
reached such a degree that separation from Ramdas meant
for him not an ordinary wrench, with the result that
Ramdas' advice fell flat on him.
"Swamiji," he remonstrated. "I cannot bear to think
of a severance from you. I simply cannot leave yon."
His attitude was firm and unyielding. Time passed.
Ramdas lapsed into a listless mood. The sun had risen high.
Ranicharandas broke the silence.
"Swarniji, shall we go to any one of the annakshetras ?
It is nearing time."
(ii) Why this Lamentation?
Both moved towards the city. Passing through the
streets they came to the noted annakshetra where Ramdas