During his academic years Vinubhai gradually started spending more and more time with Yogiji Maharaj. He would often rush to wherever Yogiji Maharaj was travelling. On many occasions, Yogiji Maharaj blessed Vinubhai with immense spiritual joy and also revealed the disciple’s greatness to others. His spiritual bonds with Yogiji Maharaj deepened.

Yogiji Maharaj showered his love and grace on Vinubhai and would also enlighten and inspire Vinubhai with the highest spiritual wisdom. He also moulded his life by instructing him to observe fasts. Sometimes, he told him to fast for two or three consecutive days to test his mental and physical endurance. Yogiji Maharaj also gave him the mantra for realizing ekantik dharma. Vinubhai abided by the guru’s words with alacrity.

Through Yogiji Maharaj’s association Vinubhai’s life became enriched with saintly virtues. As news percolated in Anand that Vinubhai was going to become a sadhu, a wave of discontent and agitation arose among his relatives. Among them was his seniormost relative, Motibhai Bhagwandas Patel, who was also a dedicated and mature devotee.

But, Vinubhai’s father, Manibhai, wished that his son become a sadhu.

One day, Vinubhai was pouring water while Yogiji Maharaj washed his hands by a coconut tree in the compound of Sokhda mandir. At that time, Yogiji Maharaj surprisingly declared, “I will not initiate you as a sadhu because Motikaka has refused. So, get married and go to Africa. You will earn lots of money and fame there.”

On hearing this Vinubhai was alarmed, and humbly beseeched, “Bapa, I want to be a sadhu and please you!”

At home, there were offers for Vinubhai’s marriage and a generous dowry from seventeen families. But Vinubhai was resolute in his goal to never lead a householder’s life.

Once, he told Yogiji Maharaj while he was bathing, “Bapa, I want to become a sadhu and please you.” On seeing his determination, Yogiji Maharaj became immensely pleased and replied, “Oh, you are very firm and determined.” Then, Yogiji Maharaj stalled his bathing ritual by placing the small pot of water aside and embraced Vinubhai, saying, “I, too, am of the same resolve, but I have to side with Motikaka. However, you should tell him explicitly.” With these words, Vinubhai felt calmness and joy pervading his entire being.

Soon thereafter, Motikaka came up to Yogiji Maharaj and spoke vociferously, “In our family, four youths took initiation as sadhus, but none of them have remained so.

Whereas he [Vinubhai] is from a distant place [Jabalpur] and does not have any satsang knowledge – how long will he remain as a sadhu after becoming one? Tell me Swami, am I not his well-wisher?” And then Motikaka took hold of Vinubhai’s arm and spoke sternly, “Come home. A girl and all other comforts of a married life are ready for you.”

However, Vinubhai politely wrested his arm from Motikaka’s grip and boldly replied, “I do not want to get married. I want to become a sadhu!” Motibhai was infuriated by the terse reply and so he struck Vinubhai with his hand, and shouted, “I give you three more days to think about it.”

The taciturn Vinubhai spoke calmly and with a steely resolve, “I don’t need to think any further. My final decision is to become a sadhu.”

Yogiji Maharaj blissfully looked at Vinubhai and confidently said, “Motibhai, he wants to become a sadhu. Therefore, allow him to be one, and bless him.”

Motibhai reluctantly agreed after hearing Yogiji Maharaj’s words and uttered, “Okay, whatever he wishes.” Then, he blessed Vinubhai, “If it is your wish, then become a sadhu. I am happy about it.” Then, Motibhai walked away quietly.

Yogiji Maharaj exclaimed, “Vinubhai! Motibhai had pleased Shastriji Maharaj immensely. On having received his blessings, you will be victorious.”

Vinubhai hurdled over one trial, but there was another major one. His mother, Dahiba, was not happy and willing to allow her beloved son to become a sadhu. But Vinubhai discoursed to her about vairagya and the evanescent nature of the world.

Soon, she realized that her son was destined to worship God and inspire others to do likewise. Finally, she happily agreed to allow her son to fulfil his ardent desire.

Manibhai was not financially sound because of his ailing business. So, other members of the family were not too keen to allow the freshly graduated Vinubhai to join the saffron order. Vinubhai’s sister-in-law told Dr Ramanbhai to convey to Yogiji Maharaj, “Since Vinubhai has graduated with a B.Sc. degree it would be better if he worked for a while to earn money and become a sadhu later on.” As soon as Ramanbhai conveyed her message, Yogiji Maharaj prophesied, “I will make Vinubhai into such a sadhu that through his wish people will gain lakhs of rupees.” Vinubhai thus overcame many trials to become a sadhu. Now that everyone was willing to let him go he waited for the moment to leave home and take diksha.

In 1956, Vinubhai completed his last year at college. He graduated with a B.Sc. degree in Agriculture. After his last exam, instead of going home, Vinubhai rushed off to Gondal to be with Yogiji Maharaj. That was his moment of renunciation. Thereafter, he never went home again. And surprisingly, he did not even go to receive his graduation certificate. It was indeed the climax of Vinubhai’s renunciation. Vinubhai gave up his worldly life with great ease.