Jain Spirit magazine - A non-profit International Quarterly Publication - #18 (2004-2). Photo - Bridgeman Art Library: Jain Head, 6th century AD, Mathura region, India.
On the cold Sunday evening of 21st December 2003, thousands of people from all over the United Kingdom journeyed to the Oshwal Centre in Potters Bar, North of London, to pay their respects to the family of the late Mr. Gulabchand Meghji Shah. This was repeated two days later when his beloved wife and pillar of support Shantaben returned from Palitana. Gulabbhai died unexpectedly, during his pilgrimage to Palitana. His was a soul who had touched the lives of many, young and old, through his exemplary community service and deep love of his faith. Gulabbhai served as President and Chairman of the Religion Committee of the Oshwal Association. He also guided and inspired young Jains and many other groups over many years. Gulabbhai played a crucial role in making Jainism accessible to the Jain diaspora in the West.
Gulabbhai was born in Nairobi but spent over thirty years in London. Around twenty years ago, he rediscovered the spiritual traditions of Jainism. He strove at once to learn and inform others about the Jain tradition, organising events and participating in a range of activities. Jains in India who met him could not believe that such a pious soul lived so far away from the Jain homeland and was able to maintain such a zeal for enlightenment.
For the last fourteen years whilst continuing his community work and devotion to prayer, he would fast on alternate days. This is known as varshitap. He completed 6 and was on his 7th year of varshitap. In the Jain tradition, fasting is an accelerated route to liberation. When one met him, this humble man exuded energy and vitality. His beloved wife Shantaben was a model of constant support and encouragement, never failing him.
Gulabbhai had gone to Palitana with Shantaben for his navanu pilgrimage. This requires the pilgrim to climb the Shatrunjaya Mountain 99 times in less than 60 days.
Jains believe that all the tirthankaras apart from Neminath attained nirvan here. Every devout Jain, therefore, aspires to climb to the summit. The mountain has 3799 steps and the summit is crowned with no fewer than 900 temples. During his time in Palitana, Gulabbhai fasted, eating one meal every three days. This rigorous fast required physical and spiritual courage.
Almost at the end of his pilgrimage, Gulabbhai fell ill and having already climbed the mountain 91 times felt the need to rest. He asked Shantaben to continue her climbing and not break her vow at his expense. Sadly, he died that morning, but it was a painless death. Due to his extreme penance and dedication to liberation, he was put on a Palanquin and taken to the cemetery in the way Jain monks are usually taken after their death. If anyone were to see this from a distance, they would not know that the person has died - it would appear as if an eminent person is being taken on a mission somewhere. This rare method symbolically depicts liberation - he has moved on in life and attained enlightenment for the soul, discarding his body and material existence. At the funeral pyre, the body miraculously ignited itself.
Such a life is itself a precious pilgrimage. It demonstrates the pristine values of self-discipline, commitment, service and compassion. In the busy modern city of London, where everyone is running to go somewhere, achieve something, Gulabbhai's life demonstrated that liberation is indeed possible without hurting others. And it is the quality of the soul that ultimately matters. A person who fasts to such an extent has gone beyond hunger and greed. His life is not ruled by his senses but by his spirit. The goal is clearly in sight, and the pathway and obstacles start to diminish from view. It is as if God is saluting you and welcoming you with open arms.
Gulabbhai leaves behind two daughters, one son and five grandchildren and a large extended close family for all of whom he was a father figure. May his soul rest in eternal peace. Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti.
This piece has been compiled by his younger brother Jitu and his niece Nishma.