Eminent Orator

The recitation of Satsangijivan was sponsored by Harilal Sheth, the grandson of Shivlal Sheth. Four puranis (reciters) were appointed to give the discourses in turn. Yagnapurushdasji's turn was last. All the devotees were immensely pleased to witness the unique style of his discourse, his subtle knowledge of Vachanamrut and the methodology adopted by him in expounding the subject with the authority of other scriptures and support of appropriate illustrations. The next day when someone went to call for the Sheth to attend the discourse, the latter replied, "Please inform me when it is Yagnapurushdasji's turn to recite the katha." The sadhus got envious on hearing this reply. On the last day a question arose as to which of the reciters should be honored first. The Sheth directed in clear words, "He should be honored first whose recitation has been the most satisfactory. Everyone in the assembly has been pleased with Shastri Yagnapurushdasji's recitations. Hence he should be honored first." This augmented the indignation of the sadhus.

With the evil intention of slighting Yagnapurushdasji, Sadhu Raghuvircharandas said, "Today one who has stooped so low as to accept a tailor and a cobbler as his gurus is being honored in this assembly as a very respectable person!'' Hearing this, Yagnapurushdasji roared like a lion, "The right to be a guru does not vest solely in those who wear the saffron. If you are going to discriminate against Pragji Bhakta and Jaga Bhakta, who have been graced by Gunatitanand Swami and who have attained the Brahmic consciousness, merely on the ground of caste, Maharaj will not excuse you." With these words he sat down.

The elderly sadhus rebuked Raghuvircharandas. Harilal Sheth went forward for the pujan (honoring) of Yagnapurushdasji, but the latter courteously declined, and allowed the aged sadhu Haridas Swami to be honored first and himself to be honored last.