CHAPTER XVI
CHITRAKUT
(i) A Bania's Renunciation
RamkinkaT expressed a wish that Ramdas had a compa-
nion to take care of him. Hearing this, a bania, who was
then on. the platform, coming1 forward said:
"I am also proceeding to Chitrakut. I shall be so happy
to keep him company and serve him."
Accordingly, side by side, the bania and Ramdas took
Seats in the train. The train steamed out of the station.
The bania carried a kambal and a lota. He spread the
kambal on the bench and making Ramdas lie on it,
massaged his feet. While doing this service he opened
his mind:
"Maharaj, I am disgusted with worldly life. I too would
lead the life of a sadhxi. I have turned my back on a life
full of cares and sorrows. Consider me as your disciple and
take me under your protection/"
fc"Eam]V* Ramdas replied, "there is nothing wrong with
the world. It is your mind that is obsessed. So long as
your mind is not intensely longing to tear up the veil of
illusion that clouds the Troth within you, mere external
renunciation is of no avail. It will only be a leap out of
the frying pan into the fire. True happiness consists in our
right attitude towards life and the world. Now right
attitude depends on right vision. The vision comes through
the realization of Truth or God. Do not be deceived. Yon
cannot have liberation and peace by simply turning your
back upon the world. Know your mind well. Freedom
and joy are within you. Conquest of lust, wrath and greed
is the path. Don't cling to Eamdas. He is no guru. He can
only show you the path. The effort and struggle are
your own* Be, therefore, the disciple of Truth."
The bania's mind appeared to have been preoccupied.