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He, in the mean- time, therefore, watching opportunities, continued to devote himself to knowledge. He learned the Mantra Sdstra and studied Astrology, which were recom- mended to him by some one as helps towards success in the world. His natural intelligence, however, made him think for himself. He felt doubtful about their cogency. He also perceived that worldly success ought not to be the only aim or the final goal of man's life. He ruminated on the subject, and then inquir- ed of his preceptor Mr. Anandaji Acb^rya what the highest knowledge was. The latter observed that the Vedilnta Philosophy was considered to impart the high^t knowledge to be desired. On further investigation he found that the Vedanta was theoso- phy, teaching philosophy and religion, and leading step by step to the highest conception of the universe, both subjective and objective, and eventually to the 6 most sublime knowledge of the Highest Self ( Para- mdtrmn ). A little insight into this knowledge turn- ed his heart to higher objects. It also promised him freedom from grief, and blessedness, the highest aim of all. This was the turning point of his inner life. He felt attracted to the study of the Vedanta, and applied himself — heart and soul — ^to it from this time to the last moment of his freedom from bodily ties. The Adhy&tma E^m^yana was the first work on the subject which he transcribed with his own hand (for it had not then been printed) and studied. This prepared his mind to start aright in the life-loving work of self-culture ; and the up-lifting power of the Soul took him to the most sublime knowledge of the Highest Self. His Persian studies were also continued under the supervision of his admirer and friend Mr. Ma- thur4d4sa Bakshi. In 1847 the E^n^ of Porbandar, at the instance of Mr. Anandaji Ach^rya, in whose astrological knowledge he had great faith, invited Mr. Gokulaji to his capital. He went there and waited upon the ii^nd. The effect produced on the parsimonious H^n^ by his prepossessing noble, countenance, winn- ing manners, and bright intelligence, was quite the reverse of what it should have been. The BAn&, re- garded Gokulaji as too good and great for himself, treated him well, but did not assign him any woi’k. He, therefore, returned to J unagadh after a month. While at Porbandar, he first became acquainted with the well-known Vedanta preacher, Mr. Jayakrishna Vy&sa. 7 The celebrated Ved^ntin anchorite, R^ma visited Jun%adh in the following year. His virtues, knowledge, contentment and consequent happiness, as well as his preaching, made a very deep impression on Gokulaji’s mind. He was a genuine follower of the most venerable S'ankara, who has done the greatest good by propagating very successfully the best that is known and thought of the Vedanta in the world with a view to make man better, wiser and happier. The natural bent of Gokulaji’s mind for the high- est and best knowledge received a powerful stimulus from Rama which determined the whole course of his subsequent studies. Next year another anchorite, Paramahansa Sach- chid^nanda, visited Jundgadh on a pilgrimage to the Girnar, Gokulaji eagerly entreated him to initiate him into the Vedanta by regularly teaching him its principles froju a standard work. The Paramahansa taught him the Panchadasi, which forms an intro- ductory text-book of the Vedanta philosophy. This opened a rich store to Gokulaji’s view. Some of the transcendental thoughts were beyond his capacity of exactly and properly understanding at that time. But, as is usual with young beginners, he thought that he understood them all. He, however, soon became aware of his presumption on advancing further in the subject. The same auspicious year introduced him into the Jun%adh State service. The Daftari ( Record- keeper ) of the State, feeling old, was anxious to have a clever assistant. The fame of Gokulaji’s acquire- ments and qualifications had reached his ears, and 8 he recommended him to the then Nav^lb S^heb Hamidkh^nji. Gokulaji was immediately sent for and offered an appointment on a monthly salary of Kories 60 ( about Rs. 15 ). Though this was a very small appointment, he thought it advisable to accept it with thanks, as it was offered uriholicited. He thus got the first step on the ladder and then he continued rapidly to rise from step to step until he reached the stage wherefrom he could descend to help his fellowmen, as well as ascend to the throne of the Highest Self, The following lines are well applicable to his case:- “ Man is his own star, and the soul that can Render an honest and a perfect man, Commands all light, all influence, all fate ; ” In a few months he more than satisfied his superior by his work, and got promotion. The Paramahansa proceeded to Bh4vanagar, whei*e Mr. S^tmaladdsa came in contact with him. The Paramahansa perceived in Mr. S^malad&sa capacities and qualities similar to what he had seen in Goku- laji. He wished, therefore, that they should be united in friendship. At his suggestion Mr. S4mala- d4sa wrote a letter to Gokulaji, and thus commenced a friendship which continued to the end with ever increasing affection and regard. In 1851 Hamidkh^nji died and Nav^b Saheb H. H. Mohabatkh^nji, K.C.S.I. succeeded to the throne. Mr. PrSjgial^la Mathur^^sa was soon appointed tutor to him. He was the first English-knowing native gentleman whom Gokulaji saw. After a few interviews each discerned the other's al>ilities and the advantages to be gained from further contact and they became mutually attached. In 1853, differences arose between the minor Nav4b S^heb’s mother and the able minister Mr. Anantaji. Gokulaji remained faithful to his superior, who was on the mother^s side, though he foresaw the consequences of his so doing. Mr. Anantaji, of course, dismissed him. The mother, however, retained his services on the personal staff of His Highness the Navdb S4heb. This brought Gokulaji in closer friendship with Mr. Pr^naMl. He turned this opportunity to good account, and learned English and Mathematics from Mr. PrinaMl, who observes; — During the daily recess allowed to the Nav^b, Mr. Gokulaji used to study English and Mathematics under me. His capacity for Mathematics ap- peared to me to be marvellous. Only a few minutes were available for teaching him. He required the rules and method but once to be explained to him, and he would work out all the examples correctly. His memory was so retentive that he would repeat each day’s lessons next day with more knowledge of the subject than could be expected. This wonderful feat made me think that he must be a very able man.’' Mr. Pr^nalMa was succeeded in 1855 by Mr. Soma- n&r^lyana, who bears the same testimony to Gokula- ji's wonderful powers and fitness, and adds that “Go- kulajibhai's intelligence and acquirements were so extraordinary, that he could not but predict his rise to the highest position of Divanship in the state.” This prediction was indeed fulfilled, as was also singularly enough another prediction by the 10 same prophet, who foretold that Mr. N^nllbhai Hari- d&sa*s good fortune would lead him to a seat on the bench of the Bombay High Court. In the meantime Gokulaji's reputation reached the ear of the then Political Agent, Col. I^ang, who ordered the Darb^r to reinstate him in the Daftar department as Head Officer. The differences between the Nav^b S^heb’s mother and the minister assumed such a serious turn in 1859, that the British Government, fearing a dis- turbance in the province, appointed as Political Agent, the late Hon’ble Mr. Kinloch Forbes, who was considered to possess the tact, high character, kind disposition aud sympathy which go so far to win the confidence of natives. He came to Jun%adh and settled the dispute amicably by inducing Mr. Anantaji to resign. Mr. Dungarsi Devji was appoint- ed in his place. A happy addition was made this year to the limit- ed number of GokuljPs friends. Though he was related to Mr. Narasinhaprasada on his mother's side, they were politically on opposite sides. Mr. Narasinhaprasdda’s father and Gokulaji's maternal uncle Mr. Hariprasada cemented the union between these two most intelligent and promising youths in Jun^gadh by observing that ‘union is strength,’ and that their mutual relation was such that it behoved them to be united politically also. Thus became attached by mutual regard two of the four future pillars of the Jun^gadh State. During the changes above referred to, Gokulaji Was doing his work quietly but most efficiently. 11 and his industry, ability, honesty and faithfulness were channelling his path like the waterfall. The new Div4n could not continue in harmony with the Nav&b Saheb's mother and the all-influential ChMti Bu. He was asked to resign. The two ladies sought to find out such a person as possessed their confidence, and might also be approved by the Poli- tical Agent, as fit to hold the responsible office of Div4n. After balancing the merits of all persons available, they fixed on Ookulaji, and proposed to appoint him minister. This was quite unexpected and an agreeable surprise to Gokulaji, who complied with their wishes after some hesitation. His nomi- nation was submitted to Col, Barr, the then Political Agent, who forwarded it for the approval of Govern- ment in May 1861, with his remarks, that: — “ The new minister by the Nav^b is Gokulaji Z^l^, hitherto the keeper of the Darb^r records, a name of respectability, whose uncle was also minister in 1830, and with a view to the maintenance of the peace of the T^luka and protection of the general interest, I have reason to be sufficiently well satisfied with Gokulaji’s nomination.