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very critical. Eruptions had appeared all over his body, and he moved
about with much difficulty. An ordinary man would have succumbed
under such an ordeal in no time. But Swamiji heaved not a sigh, his
expression was as calm and serene as ever, there being not even the
slightest trace of anguish on his countenance. This was really an
astonishing sight to a man so sensitive and keen- witted as Pandit
Guru Datta and he looked at the Maharishi for hours together in dumb
surprise. This was the first time that he had seen the Great Reformer
in his life time and Swamiji had also not seen him before and was
wholly unaware of his capabilities.14 At this meeting the quick eye of
the Maharishi at once singled him out from the whole host of Aryas as
a man who was fitted to render a lasting service to his people. Guru
Datta too, on the other hand, felt the charm of his character and the
magnetic influence of his life. A close relationship, as it were, was
established between the two souls. Atheism began to melt away at the
sight of the Maharishi, but it was utterly swept off at his death scene.
One or two hours before the last moments, the Maharishi distributed
shawls, &c., among his servants and scribes and when a few minutes
were left in his death, he ordered all men to retire excepting Pandit
Guru Datta. There lay on his death bed the mighty Reformer and
his face, calm and placid, radiated with a heavenly brilliance. He
thought not of the world and world's sorrow. He sang the glory of
his Lord. He felt no horror of death, nay he felt joy as he was going
to join his Divine Father. With the words "God, Thy Will be done,"
on his dying lips, Swami closed his eyes. Pandit Guru Datta saw
all this. He gazed and gazed and then came a
change
over him.
The last relic of atheism perished in his mind. His whole nature
was transformed into something higher and sublimer. All his
doubts were solved and he became quite a new man. He saw that
death had no terror for those who live for TRUTH, that there was
an endless life behind and beyond, that the spirit being immortal,
no earthly considerations should ever over-ride the interests of
dharma,
that death was after all a change from one place to another
and was not feared in the least by those who led a life of devotion
and righteousness. The grand scene worked a wonderful effect on
the mind of Guru Datta and ever afterwards we find him fighting
the cause of theism and
dharma
with all his might. The services he
has rendered to the Arya Samaj are well known to the Aryas, and
his name shines like a brilliant star in the firmament of the Arya
xxx