FOREWORD
I have had the immense privilege of meeting with Dada more than once since my adolescent days, and each time, my love and admiration for him only grows stronger and deeper. A soulful wisdom coupled with disarming humility, an elegant dignity accented with an ever-ready smile, noble words matched by equally noble action all testament to a lifetimes practice of virtues is how I always remember dear Dada JP Vaswani.
It is therefore my honour to be writing this brief message introducing a book on a life so rich in the Spirit, serious seekers know, it can hardly be captured in words, let alone appraised adequately.
A stirring read for devotees and non-devotees alike, this biography by the very talented and sincere Shobha Nihalani traces Dadas blessed journey from his early days as a disciple of that great Sindhi saint, Sadhu TL Vaswani, to his prime as a spiritual leader and a perpetual guiding light to many. The story is told in a most charming manner: through a blend of philosophical teachings and collected anecdotes.
Very interestingly, the narrative proceeds from the vantage point of a fictitious character who is a sceptic, reflecting the questions and concerns of ordinary people. The spiritually inclined (and more so saints) have always had to face doubters and disbelievers, of course, but the story of Dada holds up wonderfully. Readers will certainly find this book insightful on many levels. And in the process, I hope, their own doubts on or about the spiritual path will be quickly cleared up.
English-speaking, erudite, a man who would be science genius, Dada JP Vaswani the spiritual master is every bit an exemplar for our times. May he continue to educate, empower and inspire us, thus I pray.
Swami Swaroopananda
Global Head, Chinmaya Mission
PREFACE
W hile journeying through Dada Jashans life, this book explores many of the core enquiries that religions have historically addressed: daily problems, death, sorrow, the purpose of our existence, the ego and the world that is changing so rapidly.
What do you really WANT? Have you thought about this? Deep down inside, within the core of your being, what is it that you crave?
More often than not, a discontentment burns deep within you, it drives you into a restless state. Its demanding, fervent and gushing with feelings. The mind wants instant answers to appease the mayhem within. It wants to be in a constant happy frame. And when happiness doesnt come, it resorts to quick fixes of sensory gratification. But this doesnt dissolve the disharmony within. The turmoil resumes as soon as the temporary solace fades away. One burns again in fires of unrest. In many attempts, one tries and fails to find a solution to ease the mind. And time goes on, while the yearning continues.
This is called Divine discontent.
However, there is a way to settle this chattering mind. Even at those moments when the ground beneath shakes terribly when theres a loss that alters life believe that theres a way home to the inner self. This is possible only if you truly trust in a journey that will silence the unsettled mind.
There are many paths and they lead to faith. Call it idealistic if you wish, but faith intrinsically reins in the senses, because from faith comes acceptance, then comes gratitude, then awareness of thoughts and then discipline.
But what is faith?
People often say, I have faith, without specifying what they have faith in.
According to Wikipedia: Faith is confidence or trust in a person, thing, deity, or in the doctrines or teachings of a religion or view (e.g. having strong political faith). It can also be belief that is not based on proof. The word faith is often used as a substitute for hope, trust or belief. In religion, faith often involves accepting claims about the character of a deity, nature, or the universe. While some have argued that faith is opposed to reason, proponents of faith argue that the proper domain of faith concerns questions that cannot be settled by evidence.
Evidence is the key word here. Evidence is the interpretation of a situation. Not all interpretations are the same, but all may lead to the same conclusion. Uncertainties are inherent in the world, and no one can give absolute evidence of what will happen in thirty years, or even one year.
But when there is faith, there is reason to believe in an end result, and a direction towards the goal. Faith is the riverbank that keeps water flowing in a certain direction, an undercurrent energizes its progress. Faith is a means to an end a laser focus on a certain path but not an end in itself. So what the mind really needs is to latch onto a faith, an inner power source that offers a continuous stream of positivity.
I am a restless being, here to disprove, or prove, whichever way you want to look at it. I am a pesky entity, a cosmic trooper, I do what I do best: observe, worry and doubt. I excel in the ability to be cynical, especially in this virtue called Faith. In the kingdom of logic, faith has no basis.
So, when I came upon this particular man of faith, I wanted to understand him. I was there with him, constantly hovering, judging his life choices. This obstinate, faith-driven human Jashan P Vaswani has been ignoring my scepticism. I intend to bother him with countless questions and agitate him at the crossroads of his life.
According to TL Vaswani, Seekers often pass through a period of intense anguish. During this evolutionary phase of their spiritual growth, perhaps, they themselves do not know for certain what it is that they are seeking. But seek they do, on the highways and byways of life, for that something that will put an end to their dark night of despair.
ONE
RESILIENCE IS A VIRTUE
T he train chugged noisily out of Karachi station as Dada J placed his meager belongings on the rack above his unreserved seat and proceeded to sit by the window. He was attired in khadi clothes, dressed as an ordinary simpleton. He didnt look anything like the accomplished graduate or lecturer of a prestigious college.
It irked me that such an erudite individual could be so convinced about the uncertain future that he was sure would be his lifes calling. I flitted about while he calmly surveyed his surroundings and smiled benignly at fellow travelers.
Why oh why, Dada J, are you avoiding life? I asked with relentless passion as I hovered around him. You are only twenty-three, you have studied diligently and excelled in school and college. And yet, you are shunning your responsibilities, you are leaving everything behind. Your degrees and efforts are all in vain! I exclaimed.
A Tryst with Destiny
Born on August 2, 1918, into a scholarly family, Dada J (whom I call Dada J) was the third child of Krishnadevi and Pahlajrai. His father was a supervisor at the Hyderabad Training College for Teachers. His mother was a strong woman who treated her daughters and sons equally. Groomed by a family that respected books more than material wealth, Dada J developed a keen mind and sharp intellect. He was ahead of his class in academics and finished primary school in three years instead of the normal five years that most students had to go through.
