6. An Ideal Life-Partner

Pujya Leelaben is an epitome of Indian womanhood. It is difficult to describe special bond between Leelaben and her divinely chosen husband. A woman completely absorbed in spiritual life, totally devoted to her husband, wedded to the service of society, Leelaben has no worldly aspirations but to love and serve. She may be described as an unassuming, loving, caring, unselfconscious companion of our Muktaraj. One cannot miss the traits of 'Satitva' - chastity combined with serenity on her ever-smiling face. Everyone in satsangmandal addresses her as 'masi' - mother's sister - with love. Though, born with a silver spoon, she sought her wealth in the shortages and the modest income of her husband. She would never lose her heart or breathe a word about the hardship she faced in running her house. Whether in want or sorrow or living in haunted houses Leelaben always stood by her husband with nerve and sinew made of steel. She simply held on with firm faith in her husband. She would speak his speech and think his thoughts. She would never annoy or hurt her husband by speech, thought or action. Even while going to temple or visiting friends or relations, she always sought his permission.

Leelaben was a staunch observer of 'marjadi dharma' - to avoid contact with male devotees of any age. She would never entertain any male visitor if her husband were away from home. However, she never excluded any one from her love and compassion, care and concern and served every one with the heart of a mother. She would serve food to all those who went to her as guest and served them to her satisfaction. Her neat and tidy home would convince even a stranger that there dwelt an Anadimukta; that it was a temple.

Leelaben not only practised the codes of ethical life herself but inspired others, children, young and old women to practice those codes and lead a religious life. From the art of cooking to the art of meditation, Leelaben taught almost every subject with love and devotion. After all she was a wife of a born teacher who taught his devotees the art of living and loving. Muktaraj was often heard saying : ''If we want to establish a hermitage for women, Leelamasi would run it most efficiently. She has all the qualities of a good grihamata-rector.''

Totally immersed in Maharaj, committed to the cause of humanity, following the tenets of satsanga and translating the principles preached by her husband into action, Pujya Leelaben has presented a model of an ideal wife. We, therefore ought to imitate her and demonstrate that it is not difficult to live a life in accordance with the teachings of Shreeji Maharaj without renunciation.