From 1945 onward, following the guidance of Kapadia Baba, Ram Surat Kunwar undertook a rigorous spiritual observance during the festival of Navaratri. For all nine days, he subsisted only on water and observed complete silence. He confined himself to a small room in his house, stepping out only for essential needs. Throughout this period, he remained absorbed in contemplation of God, meditating deeply on the teachings of great realized souls across ages.

His wife, Ram Ranjini Devi, supported him with quiet devotion, ensuring that no one disturbed his penance. On the tenth day, Vijayadasami, commemorating the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon, he would break both his fast and his vow of silence. He continued this annual discipline faithfully until his initiation by Papa Ramdas in 1952.

While working at Barauni, Ram Surat Kunwar lived in a modest rented house. His brother-in-law Ramchandra Roy stayed with him and studied at the same school where Ram Surat Kunwar taught. Ramchandra Roy managed the cooking for both. He later recalled that Ram Surat Kunwar was an avid reader, especially of spiritual literature, reading with intense focus and passion.

The Light of Asia, which recounts the life and teachings of Gautama Buddha, left a deep impression on him. He was equally moved by Siddhartha, the celebrated novel by Hermann Hesse, which illuminated the inner struggles of the spiritual journey. In later years, Yogi would recommend this book to many friends, including the author.

He also gifted his wife books such as Ghar Ki Rani (Queen of the House) and Anandha Nikethan (Blissful Home), which emphasized the dignity and moral strength of women in family and society.

During his leisure hours at Barauni, Ram Surat Kunwar immersed himself in the works of India’s spiritual masters, steadily equipping himself with their wisdom. Around this time, he formed a close association with Sri Ramdutt Chowdry of Augan, a nearby village.

Spiritually inclined and a freedom fighter, Ramdutt Chowdry shared a deep friendship with Ram Surat Kunwar. The trust between them was profound—Ram Surat Kunwar often entrusted his extra money to Ramdutt Chowdry, retrieving it whenever needed. Their conversations ranged across shared interests, especially saints and spiritual teachings.

Ramdutt Chowdry later observed that although Ram Surat Kunwar was a grihastha (householder), he lived inwardly like a sadhu. His longing for God was so intense that his life revolved around contemplation, meditation, and discourse on the Supreme.

On weekends, he would sit alone by the river Balan beneath a peepul tree near the Shiva temple at Dahiya, reflecting on the teachings of Buddha and other masters. Through ‘In the Woods of God-Realization’, he encountered the life and message of Swami Ram Tirtha, which brought about a significant inner transformation.

Ramdutt Chowdry, a prosperous farmer and ardent participant in India’s freedom struggle, admired leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru. Along with Ramjivan Rai of Dahiya and Chandrika Thakur of Bhagalpur, they formed a circle of friends who met frequently to discuss spirituality and the nation’s freedom movement.

Their discussions were often spirited. Ramdutt Chowdry argued that young people should actively participate in the freedom struggle rather than merely discuss it. Ram Surat Kunwar countered that violence should be avoided and pointed to the path of Sri Aurobindo, who had withdrawn to Pondicherry for intense spiritual practice. When Ramdutt questioned who would work for the nation if all pursued penance, Ram Surat Kunwar replied that constant remembrance of God would itself empower the freedom movement.

He emphasized swadharma—one’s unique life-mission—as the highest service to both God and nation. If one remained attuned to God, he said, God would take care of the country, and the country would in turn take care of one’s family. For him, union with God was the primary duty; all other responsibilities would be fulfilled mysteriously through divine grace.

Though Ramdutt Chowdry did not accept this philosophy at the time, he later acknowledged Ram Surat Kunwar’s depth of wisdom. When the author met Ramdutt Chowdry in 2003, he described Ram Surat Kunwar as a great mahatma, noting that even in youth he spoke and lived like one.

From 1946 to 1948, Ram Surat Kunwar served at Radhakishen Chameria High School in Barauni. On 1 August 1947, his wife gave birth to a son at Dahiya, whom he named Amitabh, meaning both “sun” and “Buddha.” He loved his children dearly and fulfilled his role as a father with warmth and care. Yet his devotion to family never diverted him from his quest for God.

Whenever he visited Nardara, he sought the company of Kapadia Baba. During those stays, he often spent entire nights in the Baba’s hut by the Ganga, immersed in conversation or shared silence. At times, both would remain silent through the night.

In Kapadia Baba’s presence, Ram Surat Kunwar felt profound joy and ecstasy. He felt truly at home among saints, sadhus, and seekers. Though outwardly a family man, inwardly he lived the life of a renunciate—a sadhu in disguise, steadily moving toward his destined realization.