19 - Divine Couple

Once Muktaraj Mansukh Bapa went to see Bhai*. Bhai was pleased to see Muktaraj. He bowed down to Muktaraj. Mansukh Bapa said, ‘Bhai, today I have come to see you with a proposal.' Bhai was curious, ‘What kind of proposal?' Mansukh Bapa said, ‘A proposal of marriage.' Bhai protested, ‘Bapa, I am not at all willing to enter the Grihasthashram.' Mansukh Bapa said, ‘I know about your ascetism.' Bhai informed, ‘Bapa, I want to follow lifetime celibacy.' Mansukh Bapa said, ‘Bhai, you know God’s will.' Bhai said, ‘I must get a proper person who can support my great vow as well as God’s will.'

Mansukh Bapa said, ‘Bhai, I have found such eligible and virtuous person. You meet her once.' Bhai had no words to deny.

Mansukh Bapa took Bhai to visit the person (prospective bride). Looking at their financial status Bhai thought, ‘How is this going to be possible? ¬ Financially, I am very poor and this family is well to do.' A meeting was arranged for Bhai and Leelabahen. Leelabahen was very simple, honest and straight forward. Bhai noticed these qualities in their first meeting itself. Bhai informed Leelabahen, ‘You are quite rich. You have big house, car etc. My condition is quite opposite. I am very poor. Moreover, it is my aim to follow lifetime celibacy and worship God. Would you be able to adjust in such circumstances?' Leelabahen replied, ‘If you have only one roti, we shall share half each. I would live happily with you under any circumstances. I will also make it an aim to live a life surrendered to God.' Such a beautiful and polite answer satisfied Bhai thoroughly. He felt that Maharaj has sent such Muktatma to accompany him in his lifetime mission of liberating the living beings. Bhai gave his consent to Mansukh Bapa. And such an exceptional engagement took place.

Difficult words:
Ascetism - Denial of sensual pleasures
Exceptional - Unusual, not ordinary

Points to ponder:
- The relationships which have been fixed (decided) by Shreeji Maharaj take place inspite of their incompatible financial status and prosperity.
- Bhai accepted Grihasthashram with the intention that gents as well as ladies can get the benefit of Satsang and service.
- Inspite of being a Grihastha, Bhai and Leelabahen followed celibacy throughout their life and set an example of an ideal life style.

Exercise

Answer the following questions:
1. Mansukh Bapa approached Bhai with what proposal?
2. What was Bhai’s reaction about the proposal?
3. What did Bhai think looking at financial status of Leelabahen?
4. How did Leelabahen answer Bhai’s question?

Fill in the blanks :
1. I have come to you with a _____________.
2. Bapa, I am not willing to enter __________.
3. My _________ condition is very __________.
4. Even if you have only one _____________ we shall share it ____________ each.

Complete the following sentences :
1. If you have only one roti _____________ aim to live a life surrendered to God.
2. He felt that Maharaj has sent_____________ ____________liberating the living beings.