These appear to be the graphic stages through which Shri Manik was passing. Perceiving the manifestation of the Brahman in the expansive Nature, living in the lap of Nature, being instructed by the forces of Nature, he became one with Nature, one with manifestation, one with the Lord, of whom he himself was a part and parcel.

In his discourse with Prahlad, Shri Dattatreya has described the life of one who has realised the Brahman. “The very best among our Teachers in this world are the bees and pythons. Following their example we have acquired non-attachment and contentment. Strangers may rob the honey which was collected with great effort and pain by the bees yet the bees do not despair. Seeing that, I cultivated from the bees aversion towards all objects. Like the python I remain effortless and contented in mind with whatever I get. If I do not get anything, I lie for many days depending upon my own strength. Some times I eat plenty and sometimes but little, no matter whether it is delicious or tasteless. Some times I partake rich food, some other time I gulp even worthless things. Sometimes I eat food given with respect and sometimes given without any honour. Enjoying what is ordained by destiny and contented in mind, I put on silk or linen, deer skin or rags, bark of the trees or whatever is available at that time. Some times I lie on the ground, sometimes on straw, on leaves, on stones or in ashes. Some times I sleep on soft quilt at the desire of others or on a bed inside a palace. I bathe besmeared with sandal paste, finely dressed, wearing garlands and bedecked in jewels. I drive in chariots, or ride on a horse or on an elephant, while on other occasions I wander stark naked like an evil spirit. I neither revile nor eulogies men of varied natures or having predominance of one or the other of the Gunas. I have told you about my conduct, even though it may appear to you as being against the canons of the Vedas...” (Bhagavat Purana VII.13)

This extensive quotation reminds one of the strange behaviour patterns Shri Manik exhibited throughout these years of his adolescence. If, therefore, people considered him to be an Avatar (incarnation) of Shri Dattatreya, then the future events, as they unfolded, seemed to justify such conclusion.

Even though the family members accepted the strange behaviour of Shri Manik, it nonetheless created anxiety in their minds, especially when he would wander from place to place without notice. He would come and go like the breeze. He was like ‘Aniketa’, one without any settled place of residence. Becoming unattached with everything that was not of Brahman, he lived in the ever-blissful state, delivered, as it were, from the bondage of life. He had become a Jeevanmukta. From that time onward, Shri Manik who was considered a prankster, an irresponsible adolescent boy, was looked at with due respect. An aura enveloped his personality. He seemed to be more and more like the one in whom awareness had illumined the Brahman like the Sun in the firmament.

He preferred to stay in solitude and alone concentrating on the Supreme Self. He went to nearby places such as Manthal and especially to Ambilkunda or Amritkunda. Here nature was luxuriously abundant and along with peace the Grace of the Lord also descended on him. He stayed there in rapture for days on end.

Once a devotee who had come to the Shiva Temple at Ambilkunda, saw this young Sanyasi with his face shining brilliant as the noon Sun. He was curious to know the particulars of this Sanyasi. Since he did not get any response from Shri Manik Prabhu himself, he tried to follow him to see where he lived. With the intention of dissuading him from unnecessary curiosity, Shri Prabhu hid himself in a nearby bush. Even then the curiosity of the person was not satisfied. He started peering through the bush and what he saw in the bush was the face of a growling and ferocious tiger. Frightened to the extreme and to save his life, the person ran towards the village and narrated the strange event. It then became clear to the people that the Sanyasi was none other than Shri Manik Prabhu Maharaj of Kalyan town.

The news spread far and wide. It even reached the parents of Shri Prabhu who were distraught till then. They were overjoyed to know the whereabouts of Shri Prabhu. They came over to Manthal looking for him. But the Divine Will had other plans for this traveller on the path of Truth. Shri Prabhu spoke to them in most compassionate words and spoke those prophetic words which spelt out his mission in life. “With the Grace of Shri Dattatreya I took birth in your family. Your desire for a child was duly fulfilled. I stayed with you as long as it was necessary. Now that I have been initiated in Brahmavidya, wisdom of Brahman, my life is devoted to humanity. I will now have to wander from place to place to spread the message of the Compassionate Datta, Datta-dayaghana, so that the misery of human beings can be alleviated. Therefore, it is futile to grieve for my loss. I will ever be with you. Go back to your home and leave me to fulfil my mission. Whenever and wherever one needs me, I will come. This is certain; this is my promise.”

The parents were at a loss to understand the great significance of his mission or of his promise. Pacifying their confused minds and leaving everything to God’s mercy, they returned to their native place.